Blog

What is a Class E Felony in New York City?

If you are reading these words because you or a family member has been charged with a Class E felony in New York City, it is important that you contact a criminal defense attorney for help.  The penalties for a Class E felony can be extremely harsh, and in addition, a conviction will result in...

Is Consent a Defense to Statutory Rape in New York?

Every day in New York City, teenagers and young adults who have clean records find themselves entangled in serious criminal charges related to statutory rape.  Unlike most other rape charges, where the victim is forced or assaulted into compliance with the offender, statutory rape often involves couples who had no idea they were violating the...

What Legal Defenses Can Get DWI Charges Dropped in New York?

Being charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a nerve-wracking experience, and with good reason.  Penalties for intoxicated driving in New York can be extremely severe, not only in terms of the fines, jail time, and license suspension, but also the effects upon your reputation, employability, and your ability to take advantage of different opportunities...

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...

Are Passengers Allowed to Bring Guns into JFK Airport?

Airport security is tight in a post-9/11 world, and with the holiday season just around the bend, security measures are bound to get even stricter.  If you’re flying out of JFK for the holidays, and you’re planning on bringing a firearm, you should know about New York City’s laws for traveling with guns – because...

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...