Syracuse Criminal Law Blog

Drunk driving penalties in New York

Knowing the laws in New York that govern driving while intoxicated is important for any person who may face a DWI or related offense. During the holiday season, much press is given to concerns about drinking and driving in New York. Holiday time, however, is not the only time that drivers should be aware of the risks associated with an arrest for charges related to driving while intoxicated, as these laws

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Drunk Driving and New York State Law: Charges and Penalties

Penalties for a DWI in New York are harsh, but defenses are available. If an enforcement officer pulls you over under suspicion of drunk driving, the officer may require a field sobriety test. This could include reciting the alphabet, walking a straight line or submitting to a breath-screening with an Alco-Sensor device. If you fail, you may be asked to submit to a chemical test of your breath by what is

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Club drug Molly can lead to tragic accidents and harsh criminal penalties

A dangerous synthetic drug called Molly can lead to serious health consequences and harsh penalties. Charges of possession need to be taken seriously. The popular club drug Molly is gaining attention from news outlets across the country. Most recently, the drug was allegedly connected to the death of concert goers at several music festivals. A recent report by USA Today dove into the issue, noting concert goers compare the spike

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Can you be charged for hindering a criminal suspect’s apprehension?

It is possible to receive misdemeanor or felony charges for helping someone accused of a crime avoid being located or arrested by authorities. Is it possible to face criminal charges for preventing law enforcement from locating or arresting someone suspected of a crime? This is known as hindering prosecution, which can come with serious misdemeanor or felony charges in New York. A high-profile story that has recently made national headlines provides an

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Budding New York pot proposal goes up in smoke, but may rise from ashes

In early June, New York governor Andrew Cuomo put forth a novel proposition: decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in public throughout the state. Being caught in public with 25 grams or less of pot is currently a class B misdemeanor in New York, punishable by up to 90 days in jail. Individuals convicted of publicly possessing a small amount of marijuana also face a permanent mark on

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A closer look at New York’s impaired driving laws

It is common knowledge that driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law, but relatively few drivers have more than a basic understanding of what this really means. Because drunk driving laws vary significantly from one state to the next – and because ignorance of the law is no defense for those facing criminal charges – it is important for New York drivers to familiarize themselves with the

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What is embezzlement?

Business owners often have to entrust others with the money and assets of the business. This type of trust is typically given to managers and executives, but it can also extend to cashiers and others. Embezzlement occurs when one of those individuals entrusted with money or assets uses those for their benefit instead of for the benefit of the company.  One of the most important components of embezzlement is that

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Felony convictions can come with collateral consequences

People who are facing a felony conviction often wonder what type of sentence they’ll face. They often focus on things the court will impose, such as incarceration or probation. What they may not realize is that there are other things that they may have to deal with.  Collateral consequences are penalties that aren’t part of the formal sentence. These can impact nearly every area of a person’s life. Understanding these

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What impact does a DWI conviction have on professional licensing?

A driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge is a serious criminal matter. Anyone accused of drunk or drugged driving in New York could serve a jail sentence. They may be subject to significant financial penalties. They could also lose their driver’s license. As if those penalties weren’t significant enough, the accused driver could also be at risk of professional consequences. Some employers have zero-tolerance policies for criminal convictions during employment. Other

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Reasons drivers might be pulled over for a New York traffic stop

Driving in the Empire State requires attentiveness and adherence to pertinent traffic regulations. Drivers can stay on the right side of the law when they understand the reasons law enforcement officers may initiate a traffic stop. Some stops result from minor infractions, while others may escalate into more serious situations. Being aware of these common reasons for enforcement action can help drivers remain compliant and avoid unnecessary run-ins with law

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