Category Archives: Criminal Law

Can Car Passengers Drink Alcohol in New York City?

Everyone knows you can be arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), or, as many other states call it, driving under the influence (DUI).  But what about drinking in a vehicle when you aren’t the person who’s driving the car?  Our Queens DWI lawyers examine New York’s “open container” laws – and the potential consequences of …

4-Year Prison Sentence for Man Convicted of Assault Weapons Possession in Queens

Arverne, Queens resident Charles Williams, 23, was sentenced on Monday, December 5 to four years in prison for possession of two assault weapons.  Williams, who was convicted in November, told investigators he purchased the weapons online.  Our Queens weapons crimes lawyers examine why Williams was charged and convicted, and explain what types of firearms are …

Gun, Drug Charges Dropped Against Brooklyn Hip Hop Artist Desiigner

Several gun- and drug-related charges against Brooklyn-based rapper Sidney Selby, known by his stage name “Desiigner,” were dropped in September after a criminal investigation failed to turn up evidence.  Our Brooklyn drug possession lawyers examine the events that led to Desiigner’s arrest – and the penalties he (and other defendants) might have faced if convicted.

NYPD Officer Charged with Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide in Brooklyn DWI Death of MIT Student

Earlier this month, former NYPD officer Nicholas Batka was charged with vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and other serious offenses in connection with the death of MIT student Andrew Esquivel.  Three others were non-fatally but severely injured when Batka’s vehicle mounted the curb where Esquivel was standing at the time of the accident.  Our Brooklyn …

Queens Man Charged with Sex Trafficking in Brooklyn, Faces Mandatory Minimum Sentence

A Queens man has been charged with sex trafficking of underage girls, an extremely serious felony offense under NY Penal Law § 230.34.  If convicted, the defendant may face a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.  Our Queens sex crime defense lawyers explain New York City’s sex trafficking statute, and discuss …

Judge Sets Bail at $50K for Man Charged with Assault in Brooklyn Hit and Run

State laws require drivers to stop and render assistance after causing an accident which results in injury to another person.  Failure to do this is a serious crime called “leaving the scene of an accident,” better known as hit 威而鋼 and run.  A Brooklyn man who fled the scene of an accident which injured a …

Woman Who Released Crickets and Worms on Brooklyn Subway Charged with Reckless Endangerment, Other Misdemeanors

Last month, a passenger on the D Train in Brooklyn recorded footage of a woman releasing hundreds of live crickets and worms into the crowded subway car, causing pandemonium onboard.  Video of the bizarre incident quickly went viral.  Some viewers found the stunt funny, but for the NYPD, the incident was no laughing matter.  The …

New York Drug and DUI Penalties Infographic

New York enforces harsh criminal penalties for DWI (driving while intoxicated), DWAI (driving while ability impaired), breathalyzer test refusals, and other offenses related to driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  If you or one of your family members was charged with DUI in Queens, Manhattan, or Brooklyn, you should consult with an …

Is it Legal to Smoke Marijuana in Public in New York City?

Our Manhattan drug possession attorneys have watched marijuana laws become more relaxed over the past decade.  Many states have legalized medical marijuana for a variety of health conditions.  Some, including New York, have decriminalized recreational use; and a few, like Colorado and Washington, have legalized recreational use altogether.  While cannabis laws have certainly loosened, there …