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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 …

What to Expect at Your Parole Violation Hearing in New York

Parole, or early release from prison, depends on the parolee’s compliance with his or her conditions of parole.  When a New York parolee supposedly violates these conditions — for example, by failing a drug test or failing to report to a parole officer — he or she is entitled to receive notice of the allegations, …

Visiting Hours for Queensboro Correctional Facility

The Queensboro Correctional Facility is a minimum-security prison designed to house male inmates above age 15 who are within 90 days of parole, or early release from prison.  The facility also houses people who have been reincarcerated for parole violations, called “returned parole violators” (RPVs).  This article provides visiting hours and days for inmates at …

How to Send Money to an Inmate in New York City

Correctional facilities contain commissaries, where inmates can purchase small goods such as snacks, beverages, writing supplies, toiletries, clothing, and other items that can help make their stay a little more pleasant and comfortable while awaiting release.  In order to purchase commissary items, inmates must have money.  However, inmates are prohibiting from keeping cash while in …

What Are the Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Queens, New York?

  If you’ve recently visited our legal blog, you may have seen our article about how felonies are classified and penalized under New York’s criminal laws.  In this article, our Queens misdemeanor defense lawyers will shift the focus to misdemeanors, which, while not as serious as felony crimes like rape and murder, are still capable …

How Some Defendants Charged with Drug Crimes in New York City Can Avoid a Jail Sentence

According to NYPD figures, over 17,000 people were arrested for or accused of felony drug crimes in New York City in 2014.  Another 54,000 were accused of or arrested for misdemeanor drug offenses, such as fifth degree marijuana possession or seventh degree possession of a controlled substance.  Recognizing that many drug offenders are better served …

What Are the Criminal Penalties if You Are Convicted of a Felony in Brooklyn, New York?

Like most states, New York separates crimes into two broad categories: misdemeanors and felonies.  Misdemeanors are minor offenses for which jail time is limited to one year maximum, though a conviction will still result in a criminal record.  Felonies, which are much more serious, carry extremely harsh penalties that far exceed the consequences a defendant …