Syracuse Criminal Law Blog

College is an exciting and overwhelming time for young adults. It is an experience that provides students with many opportunities for discovery and exploration. For many young adults, it is the first foray into adulthood. With this newfound independence and freedom, experimentation with drugs may take place.  It is no surprise that college is a time during which many young adults use, misuse and abuse drugs and alcohol. This behavior can

Few things can ruin an otherwise fun night on the town faster than flashing lights in your rearview mirror. If officers suspect you are over New York’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration, 0.08 percent, they may ask you to take a roadside breathalyzer test. If the test confirms officers’ suspicions, you may find yourself in a jail cell.  Like all machines, breathalyzer tests are not perfect. If you think

A college student record follows the student for the term of his or her academic career. In some cases, it may also have an effect on the student’s career opportunities. As such, it is important for students to be aware of what is on their records. A disciplinary hearing can definitely raise some concerns in regard to a student record. There are a few key things to understand. School regulations Different

Whether you are 16 or 66, interacting with law enforcement officials can be extraordinarily intimidating. If officers think you have committed a crime, a stop can be downright scary. Still, how you behave when officers pull you over may influence the criminal consequences you face.  The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. In most cases, officers must obtain a warrant before they search your property,

An unexpected incident involving expired breathalyzers and the Philadelphia Police Department caused instant concern about the outcome of hundreds of drunk driving cases. An alert attorney brought the matter to light. Could this kind of problem happen in Syracuse? Out of date In the summer of 2016, a private attorney informed the Philadelphia Police Department that the breathalyzers they were using to check blood alcohol content levels were outdated. Police

Drunk driving happens all across the nation, but some areas have higher rates than others. As a whole, New York is doing well compared to the rest of the country. A 2017 report from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reveals that the state ranks low in fatalities from driving while intoxicated. However, upon closer look, the rates for Central New York are high.  The county with the most DWI fatalities and

A person arrested for DWI can expect serious consequences. In New York, most people will contend with some jail time or a large fine even for a first offense. Recently, New York State Police arrested a 63-year old woman for causing a car accident while intoxicated.  Numerous consequences can occur as a result of a DWI conviction. Even after paying the fine, you may still feel the ramifications of your actions

You are probably well aware that using illegal drugs may cause health complications and legal repercussions. However, you may not fully understand the seriousness of the issue. One of the best ways to open your eyes to the deeper problems of substance abuse is knowing some trends and statistics.  There is a wide variety of research data on drug usage. The National Institute on Drug Abuse collects findings to help educate the public on

Perhaps you are a student at Syracuse University. You were driving home after a party, went through a stop sign and a law enforcement officer pulled you over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. What happens now in terms of penalties? Will the DMV add points to your record? The outcome of the traffic stop depends on a number of factors. Your level of impairment Alcohol affects everyone differently. Your

Checkpoints are legal in the state of New York. While some people believe these checkpoints infringe on drivers’ rights, courts have sided with the police in saying they are a necessary deterrent to prevent people from driving while intoxicated. They become far more prevalent during the holidays when people are more likely to drink and drive.  It is vital for drivers to remain professional when going through one of these checkpoints.