Syracuse Criminal Law Blog

What are the social consequences of a DWI conviction?

May 12, 2023

Being convicted of a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge can result in significant social consequences. These social consequences can affect an individual’s personal relationships, reputation, professional interests and overall social standing. It is partially for these reasons that someone who is facing impaired driving charges should strongly consider seeking legal guidance. Pleading guilty turns consequences into an inevitability instead of a possibility. Stigma and reputational concerns A DWI conviction can

Do you have to submit to field sobriety testing?

May 7, 2023

Field sobriety testing is a common tool used by law enforcement officers to determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, these tests are not always accurate, and drivers should be cautious about agreeing to them because they generally only serve as a method for an officer to establish probable cause for an arrest. The odds of field sobriety testing clearing you of any suspicion,

What are the penalties for drug possession charges in New York?

April 24, 2023

The possession of illicit drugs and controlled substances without a valid prescription is illegal in New York. People who are facing these charges will risk penalties based on the type of drug in question, the amount of the drug allegedly in their possession and any aggravating factors that may apply to their case. If you have been charged with unlawful drug possession, understanding the penalties you’ll risk in the event

The long-term consequences of a felony on your life

April 21, 2023

Felonies are the most serious crimes, often resulting in harsh legal penalties. However, the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence and steep fines are not the only consequences you need to be worried about if you face felony charges. A conviction can adversely affect your life long after serving your sentence in various ways. Below are some of them. It may not be easy to secure employment and housing A

There are many different reasons for a traffic stop

April 8, 2023

In the vast majority of situations, the police need to have a reason to pull over a car. They cannot make a random stop. That would be a violation of the driver’s rights. For instance, a police officer may be tempted to drive around in a local bar district after 2:00 A.M., searching for drunk drivers. But that officer still cannot randomly pull over any vehicle that they see and

Why you should not drive with a suspended or revoked license after a DWI

March 28, 2023

If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, your driving license may be suspended or revoked. This is in addition to other penalties, including a fine and a jail term. When your license is suspended or revoked, you should not drive. Here is what can happen if you are caught driving without a valid license. You could face severe penalties If you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked

Can you challenge the breathalyzer test result?

March 14, 2023

If you are pulled over for a drunk driving investigation, New York’s implied consent law requires that you submit to a chemical test to ascertain your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. This is also known as a breathalyzer test. If you refuse the test, you could face a fine as well as the suspension of your driver’s license for at least 12 months. Contrary to what most people believe, however,

Understanding obstruction of justice

March 14, 2023

When you hear the term “obstruction of justice,” you may think of a well-orchestrated conspiracy to cover up a crime. In fact, this form of wrongdoing can be as simple as lying to authorities, asking, coercing or bribing someone else to lie for you or anything else that hampers the government in the investigation of a crime. Obstruction of justice is a federal crime, but the same type of offense,

When is lying online a crime?

February 28, 2023

Most everyone who’s ever used a dating app has misrepresented themselves to some degree. They might use a particularly strong filter to take their photos or shave a few years off their age, for example. Some people go much further, and with the intent of doing something illegal. So when can misrepresenting yourself online get you charged with a crime? It often involves pretending to be a person – real

Felony vs. misdemeanor charges in New York

February 18, 2023

Most states, New York among them, divide criminal charges into two broad groups: felonies and misdemeanors. What does that mean for you when you’re facing charges? Well, if you’re charged with a misdemeanor, you cannot face more than 364 days in jail (and generally will face much less) if you’re convicted. If you’re charged with a felony, however, you’re looking at least one year in jail and the potential for