Syracuse Criminal Law Blog

What To Do After a DWI in New York State

August 25, 2026

Being arrested for a DWI in New York can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you are driving home, and the next you are in handcuffs facing a criminal charge. You may face a court date, license suspension, and consequences associated with a permanent criminal record. Attorney George F. Hildebrandt has more than 40 years of experience defending drivers throughout New York against these charges. Acting

What Happens After a Failed Breathalyzer Test?

August 25, 2026

What Happens After a Failed Breathalyzer Test? In New York, a failed breathalyzer test can lead to DWI charges, license suspension, and other penalties, but the result does not automatically prove guilt. Police must follow required testing procedures, and problems with the traffic stop, testing process, or device may affect the evidence. A Syracuse DWI attorney can review the facts of your case and identify possible defenses. Contact George F.

The history of New York’s drug laws

June 10, 2025

There are many individuals who face uncertainty after being arrested for a drug crime in New York. The penalties that the state has in place have consistently led to very serious consequences for those who are ultimately convicted of some of the more significant offenses. The laws concerning drug crimes have repeatedly been the subject of much debate within New York over the past five decades. It is important that individuals understand

Recent events highlight Molly’s many perils

June 10, 2025

The popular street drug “Molly” has been back in the headlines again recently after first entering the mainstream media last year. The drug, a synthetic stimulant related to Ecstasy, was first popularized in New York and is now becoming increasingly common in other parts of the country. Unfortunately, though widely regarded as a relatively “safe” drug, these stories hint at just how much havoc it can wreak in the lives of those

Police Targeting Prescription Drug Crimes in New York

June 10, 2025

State and federal governments have recently started enacting new laws in an effort to reduce the amount of crime associated with prescription drug abuse. In many of these situations, an individual becomes addicted to a painkiller or other legal drug, and takes drastic measures in order to continue to have access to the drug. A recent federal law increases the penalties for those convicted of prescription drug crimes. This includes pharmacists

New York Increasing Penalties for Repeat DWI Offenders

June 10, 2025

New York has long had some of the toughest drunk-driving laws in the country. Each year, the legislature seemingly passes new laws that make penalties even more severe. Many states model their DWI laws on those in place in New York. Prosecutors take these crimes very seriously, and many who are facing charges have no idea what can happen to them if they are convicted. Recently, the state has made

Modern business practices targeted for money laundering

June 10, 2025

Modern business sometimes use unusual modes of operation such as alternative currency exchanges which can present the risk of money laundering charges. Federal law enforcement officials know the best way to find suspected criminals is to follow the money. In cases of money laundering, they follow the trail back to where the money came from, which is sometimes a virtual place. Online currency exchanges of bitcoins, and exchanges such as

Man released 10 years after making false confession to NY double murder

June 10, 2025

A man has been freed 10 years after a false confession that he may have made due to incapacity and fear, which are common factors in false confessions. To many people in Syracuse, the idea of confessing to a crime despite being innocent may seem incomprehensible. However, false confessions are not uncommon; the Innocence Project reports that self-incriminating admissions, guilty pleas and false confessions were factors in about 30 percent

Lesser charge of assault was appropriate where man was intoxicated

June 10, 2025

When you are charged with a crime such as assault, the difference between first-degree assault, a felony, and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, can have a significant effect on the penalties involved. Each defined element of a crime is crucial to determining what level of offense can be established, and if some element of the crime cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, a lesser sentence may result. The case of People v.

Leandra’s Law imposes stronger penalties on DWI offenders

June 10, 2025

In 2013, revisions made to Leandra’s Law strengthened the penalties given to all convicted DWI offenders in New York. People who are convicted of driving while intoxicated in New York will be required to use an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they wish to drive. The passing of Leandra’s Law in 2009 made it mandatory for even first-time offenders to use the devices. In 2013, updates were made to Leandra’s Law,