Facing criminal charges can pose serious problems for anyone: jail, fines, probation, employment difficulties. But criminal charges mean additional problems for one group: those who are not U.S. citizens. While this area of the law is quite complicated, in addition to the ordinary penalties, a criminal conviction in many instances can bring serious consequences for […]
The Criminal & College Discipline Blog
An attorneys blog about criminal law and procedure, college discipline, Title IX and cases of Interest
Article: When pranks become crimes
Planning to commit a crime? Maybe it’s not a good idea to tape it. Here’s a useful tip if you might be planning to tape yourself threatening strangers with what appears to be a real handgun: think twice before you post those tapes on Instagram. That’s a lesson learned the hard way by Daron Stinson, […]
Article: You Don’t Have to Be a Gang Member to Be Charged with “Gang Assault”
What is meant by “Gang Assault” in New York State? Sometimes, a legal term means exactly what you think it does. In other cases, not so much. So you may very well be surprised to learn that in New York, you can be charged for either of two felonies known as “gang assault,” even if […]
Article: Nassau County Tests Putting Cameras on Cops and in Police Vehicles
Bodycams and Dashcams are coming to the Nassau County Police Department Several months ago, the Nassau County Police Department started a pilot program for video cameras installed on the dashboards of police vehicles and body cameras on police officers. After the experiment ends, the county will decide whether to expand use of one or both […]
Article: Here’s How a Grand Jury Works
How a Grand Jury Works in New York State “The People’s Panel” The institution of the grand jury has a significant place in the criminal justice system. Sometimes known as the “people’s panel,” the grand jury is empowered to determine whether there is probable cause to indict individuals on serious criminal charges. Both the constitution […]
Article: Your Right to Remain Silent: How, When and Why You Should Always Use It
“I am invoking my fifth amendment right to remain silent.” We have all seen suspects on police and legal procedurals assert these rights. And we all assume the same thing. The bad guy doesn’t want to incriminate himself. From this, many people have jumped to the common but erroneous conclusion that anyone who asserts the […]
Article: When Is A Youth Still A Youth Under Criminal Law?
Franklin Reyes, an 18-year-old charged with manslaughter, is seeking youthful offender status. If granted, this would mean a lesser sentence for Reyes. Learn more about youthful offender status and how it applies to this case. The case of defendant Franklin Reyes is typical of what can happen when a young man or woman in the […]
Article: Cell Phone Violations Now Bring Five Points on a New York Driver’s License
The Empire State was the first in the nation to make behind-the-wheel use of a cell phone without a hands-free device a traffic infraction. Since 2001, it has been illegal for drivers in New York State to use hand-held cell phones while on the road. But for a very long time, the only enforcement tools […]