Syracuse Criminal Law Blog

Witness, subject, target or person of interest: What’s the difference?

August 19, 2022

You’ve found yourself caught up in a federal investigation of some sort – and you’re trying to figure out just how much trouble you’re really in. One clue may be how the authorities describe you. What exactly is the difference between a witness, a subject, a target and a person of interest? Witnesses Being described as a “witness” means you’re in the least vulnerable position – but don’t make the

New York cracks down on ghost guns, implementing new gun laws

August 9, 2022

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the dangers of “ghost guns” from the president down to local law enforcement agencies. Ghost guns are called that because they have no serial numbers – making them nearly impossible to trace back to an owner if they’re used in a crime – as they often are. These firearms are often referred to as “homemade” or “personally manufactured,” even though they more likely

What are the 2 times the police can stop you and give you a DWI?

August 2, 2022

If you ever face criminal charges, it is crucial to remember there is always a chance to fight them, regardless of how shut and closed your case might appear. A charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) is no exception. One option is to contest why the police stopped you. The police can give you a DUI in one of two situations: At an official sobriety checkpoint New York allows these.

How can you contest an eyewitness account?

August 1, 2022

If an eyewitness account played a significant role in you facing criminal charges, it is important to remember you still have a chance to contest their account – usually, in court. People often assume that if someone is willing to swear in front of a judge that they saw you doing something, then they must be telling the truth. However, this is not always the case. Even if it were,

Can you refuse to open the door to the police?

July 29, 2022

If you hear a knocking at your door and look out to see the police there, what you do next is crucial. Many people who wrongly thought they had to open the door have ended up facing criminal charges they could perhaps have avoided by leaving the door shut. Police officers know that many people do not understand their rights, so they may try to persuade or pressure people into

Is fighting a DWI charge worth the investment?

July 28, 2022

Accusations that someone committed a driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense can mean big expenses for the criminal defendant. Retaining an attorney and paying for timing court is not cheap, and there are a surprisingly large number of defendants who would rather just plead guilty to a DWI than try to fight back and protect their previously pristine driving records. These drivers might look at the standard fines assigned for first,

College-aged students could make criminal mistakes

June 23, 2022

When you send your child away to college, you expect them to stay on the right side of the law. You don’t expect them to get caught doing drugs or driving drunk. Still, many people who go to college are still minors, and the majority won’t be able to legally drink until they’ve been at school for a few years. It is possible for them to use this newfound independence

You don’t need to drive poorly to get arrested for a New York DWI

May 4, 2022

You never know when you might encounter a New York police officer engaged in traffic enforcement. Sometimes they lie in wait outside of popular clubs and restaurants or just down the street from a major venue when there is a concert. Other times, you will simply cross paths with an officer driving around looking for traffic infractions. An officer might pull you over because your behavior at the wheel makes

Federal versus state drug crimes: What are the differences?

April 29, 2022

If you’re accused of a drug crime, it’s important for you to find out if you’re facing state or federal charges. There are some differences in how these cases are handled at the state or federal level. Differences, such as variances in the length of time you could be imprisoned or the fines associated with the charges, could have varied implications for your case. Whether you’re accused of state or

Dealing with the social impact of a DWI

March 1, 2022

Although many people would like to assume that the impact of a DWI ends once you pay fines or complete a sentence, the reality is that there are many ways in which a DWI could affect you even after you’ve resolved it. Socially, you may run into problems that you weren’t expecting. For example, if you are a doctor, word of your DWI could spread among your patients. You may