Blog
What Minors Should Know About DWI Charges in New York
Drinking and driving gets handled a little differently in New York when the defendant is a minor. A minor defendant isn’t just running up against DWI laws. They’re running up against Zero Tolerance Laws, as well. The New York Zero Tolerance Law sets a legal BAC limit of just 0.02% for drivers under the age…
Can You Get a DUI While Parked in New York?
New York is beginning the gradual reopening process after our weeks of social distancing. We’re not all going out at once yet or anything, but sooner or later it’s conceivable that some people will be back in bars. So it’s a good time to talk about a portion of New York DUI/DWI laws that you…
Are You Committing Credit Card Fraud?
We’re all stuck inside more, which means most of us are making purchases on credit cards. This means it’s a good idea to make sure you’re doing it legally. Many of us have bad credit card habits that could, under the wrong circumstances, create vulnerability to fraud charges. Avoid these 5 problematic behaviors to keep…
What Are the Penalties for Violating the PAUSE Act?
COVID-19 has prompted Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign the PAUSE act, which stands for “Policies Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone.” It has essentially shut the state down, including businesses here in Sullivan and Orange Counties. According to the order, businesses that haven’t been deemed essential must keep 100% of their workforce at home. If a…
How Local Courts Are Responding to COVID-19
Covid-19 is disrupting everything, and that includes both traffic and criminal court. In fact, inmates, police officers, attorneys and others have tested positive for the disease across the state and nation because courts are always so crowded. Closures and delays have been the result. Many city offices aren’t operating at all, and those that are…
What is a Pretext Stop?
The line between a legal stop and an illegal stop is a fine one. Police must have either witnessed a violation of the law or have probable cause to stop a vehicle in order to do so. Sometimes police officers aren’t really that interested in the traffic violation. They may suspect a drug violation, for…
What You Need to Know About Bail Reform
New York’s bail reform laws have been a hot topic in the news. It’s been a highly divisive, hotly contested subject. The law eliminates bail for most misdemeanor crimes and for some non-violent felony crimes. The law was enacted because many defendants were sitting in jail for months awaiting trial, despite their right to a…
Can You Get a DUI For Legal Drug Use?
Many of us take drugs every day without thinking twice about them, both prescription drugs and over-the-counter-drugs. We take them for pain, to help us sleep, and to alleviate the symptoms of various illnesses. It’s common to forget many of these drugs can make you drowsy. Unfortunately, their legality won’t be an issue if you…
Getting Misdemeanor Charges Dismissed in Orange County, NY
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor crime in Orange County, you’re not alone. Many normal people make mistakes which can disrupt their life. For some, these will be the first charges they ever face. While many defendants imagine their case will go all the way to trial, this is rarely the case. Many also…
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Traffic Tickets?
No, and ignoring traffic tickets can get you into a lot of trouble. Attempting to “wait out” your ticket can also really hurt you, because it limits your options. When you get a ticket, you get a court date. If you choose to pay the ticket, you don’t have to go to court, but you…
Speak To Scott Now