New York Criminal Defense Legal Questions

Want a good answer? Ask a thorough question starting with "Who, What, When, How, Will I or Do I".
Then, add details. This will help you get a quicker and better answer.
Question field is required
Explanation field is required
A valid US zip code is required Validating the Zip Code.
Question type field is required
Question type field is required
1
Ask a Question

2
Details

3
Submit
1
Ask a Question

2
Submit
Fullname is required
A valid email address is required.
Receive a follow-up from lawyers after your question is answered
A valid phone number is required
Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. (Required field)
to
Invalid Time

*Required fields

Question
Description
By submitting your question, you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for use of the site. Do not include any personal information including name, email or other identifying details in your question or question details. An attorney-client relationship is not being established and you are not a prospective client of any attorney who responds to your question. No question, answer, or discussion of any kind facilitated on this site is confidential or legal advice. Questions answered are randomly selected based on general consumer interest and not all are addressed. Questions may display online and be archived by Martindale-Hubbell.
323 legal questions have been posted about criminal law by real users in New York. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include theft, weapons charges, and death penalty. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
New York Criminal Defense Questions & Legal Answers - Page 9
Do you have any New York Criminal Defense questions page 9 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 323 previously answered New York Criminal Defense questions.

Recent Legal Answers

If I am 16 years old and I got caught shoplifting $90 worth of pants, what do I expect in court?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I handle cases like this all the time. There are ways to get the case dismissed and sealed so it will not harm you. Hire a good criminal defense lawyer.
I handle cases like this all the time. There are ways to get the case dismissed and sealed so it will not harm you. Hire a good criminal defense... Read More

Was there probable cause to stop me?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I think you have a good suppression issue but not necessarily a slam dunk. The DA will hang his/her hat on the fact that you came back. I would want to know how much time elapsed between your leaving and returning. I suggest you hire a good criminal defense lawyer.
I think you have a good suppression issue but not necessarily a slam dunk. The DA will hang his/her hat on the fact that you came back. I would want... Read More

Would the court allow me another adjournment or force me to go to my already scheduled date without an attorney?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by John J. Carney (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You should go to court and get a public defender if you are indigent and if you qualify. That depends on your age and parent's income. If you want to retain counsel go to court and ask for time to retain a lawyer. You will get an ACD dismissal in most courts with a good lawyer.
You should go to court and get a public defender if you are indigent and if you qualify. That depends on your age and parent's income. If you want to... Read More

What charges could a person press for a 1 time prank call with no excessive calling?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Andrew Tyler Velonis (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
In NY this would be "aggravated harassment".
In NY this would be "aggravated harassment".

What are my chances for getting an ACD or immediate dismissal for a disorderly conduct charge?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by John J. Carney (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You handled the situation very badly at every turn. First of all, tints are illegal and the shop will not tell you that. Second, you must have two plates on the car. That is the law and you knew it so not having time is just an excuse not a defense. You would have gotten a few tickets and that would have ended the matter, and maybe he would have just given you a warning until you opened your mouth and showed disrespect by implying that he was doing something wrong. To give him an old cliche like 'why don't you go after real criminals' is not going to gain you any points and will infuriate most officers. You need to read a book called The Bachelors Bible. It is a book about how to get what you want in life with communication skills, people skills, and techniques of social science and psychology that work well in many cases to help you to control and manipulate others as opposed to having them control and manipulate you. Retain a good lawyer to get you an ACD dismissal and you will not have a record. Never throw gasoline on a fire and remember you will get more flies with honey than with vinegar (although I could never figure out why you would want flies in the first place).... Read More
You handled the situation very badly at every turn. First of all, tints are illegal and the shop will not tell you that. Second, you must have two... Read More

How long does it take to be picked up from county jail and taken to another state for larceny of a building?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Victor Knapp (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Not enough facts to answer. It depends on whether extradition proceedings have started, if there was a waiver, if the other state wants him, etc.
Not enough facts to answer. It depends on whether extradition proceedings have started, if there was a waiver, if the other state wants him, etc.

What will my penalty be for breaking into a house I used to lease?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Victor Knapp (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The penalty for Burglary 2nd degree, if convicted, is a jail sentence of anywhere between 3.5 to 15 years Your potential defenses: Lack of intent to commit a crime and/or lack of intent based on intoxication.
The penalty for Burglary 2nd degree, if convicted, is a jail sentence of anywhere between 3.5 to 15 years Your potential defenses: Lack of intent to... Read More

What are my chances of going to jail if I was charged with pl155.25?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I often get cases like this dismissed. Hire a good criminal defense lawyer.
I often get cases like this dismissed. Hire a good criminal defense lawyer.

Just with her word of mouth and a piece of paper from a landscaper, does she have a case on grass damage or will it be dismissed?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The DA has a case. I suggest that you hire a good criminal defense lawyer.
The DA has a case. I suggest that you hire a good criminal defense lawyer.

Will I get jail time for criminal mischief 4th degree and two counts of harassment?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I do not believe you are going to get jail. I suggest that you hire a criminal defense lawyer. Dismissal may be achievable.
I do not believe you are going to get jail. I suggest that you hire a criminal defense lawyer. Dismissal may be achievable.

What are my best options if I am charged with 3 felonies?

Answered 11 years and 10 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I think he should hire a good criminal defense lawyer.
I think he should hire a good criminal defense lawyer.

How can I expunge a domestic violence from 7 years ago?

Answered 11 years and 10 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
New York does not expunge.
New York does not expunge.

What am I facing for a bench warrant from 12 years ago?

Answered 11 years and 10 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
I recently got a dismissal in a similar case without the client having to appear in court. It is always better to have a lawyer. You have some legal arguments for dismissal.
I recently got a dismissal in a similar case without the client having to appear in court. It is always better to have a lawyer. You have some... Read More

Will I be taken to jail if I call 911 as a prank and hang up?

Answered 11 years and 10 months ago by John J. Carney (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You might be arrested. You also might be the reason someone dies because you tied up the operator and police with your immature prank.
You might be arrested. You also might be the reason someone dies because you tied up the operator and police with your immature prank.

Can I sue if my vice principal has threatened to strangle me with my tie?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by John J. Carney (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Your principal is making a joke. You do not have the right to sue everyone who says or does something that you do not like. He has a right if free speech. We cannot become so P C that we lose the ability to speak to each other or in public as that chills our precious right to free speech that is guaranteed to us as Americans.... Read More
Your principal is making a joke. You do not have the right to sue everyone who says or does something that you do not like. He has a right if free... Read More

Can I sue if my vice principal has threatened to strangle me with my tie?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Alisa Sondak (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
It sounds like the principle,has committed assault - assault when someone causes you to be in fear of bodily harm. Unfortunately in the Astarte of New York, the police do not like to make arrests if the assault is not also accompanied with battery, meaning the principle has to physically assault you in order to have the police get involved. In terms of a Tort action for personal injury, in New York in order to sue you need to have sustained physical injury.... Read More
It sounds like the principle,has committed assault - assault when someone causes you to be in fear of bodily harm. Unfortunately in the Astarte of... Read More

Does the officer have to tell me why they are pulling me over once I have asked why?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Alisa Sondak (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The police can stop you and request that you produce your ID - they are NOT obligated to tell you the reason for you being stopped. This is because the police need to have the freedom to be able to stop individuals while in the process of conducting investigations, undercover work, and other covert operations. Moreover, an officer might be in the process of apprehending a dangerous criminal and for the safety of the officer, disclosing the fact that the person stopped is under a suspicion of a serious crime, might put that officer's life in danger. For these reasons as well as the safety of the police - they do not need to identify the reason for the stop.... Read More
The police can stop you and request that you produce your ID - they are NOT obligated to tell you the reason for you being stopped. This is because... Read More

Can I press charges on my husband for paying bills from my checking account without permission?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Alisa Sondak (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
This depends on if he is an authorized signatory on our account or is joined account holder. Also if you signed the checks as well as past pattern. In all likelihood if he is authorized and the checks are singed by you then you will not be able to bring criminal charges, but you might have recourse via civil litigation.... Read More
This depends on if he is an authorized signatory on our account or is joined account holder. Also if you signed the checks as well as past pattern.... Read More

Will this shoplifting charge be on my record because I'm still a minor?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Do not plead guilty. The Judge will not simply dismiss the case but there are ways to get the case dismissed. The store is entitled to seek the $500 civil demand regardless of whether they got the property back. However, I advise my clients not to pay and I write a letter to the store or its lawyer and direct them not to contact my client. That prevents them from contacting you anymore. The police do not have to read you Miranda unless you are in custody and being interrogated. The failure to read Miranda when required results in suppression of statements, not dismissal of the case.... Read More
You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Do not plead guilty. The Judge will not simply dismiss the case but there are ways to get the case... Read More

Will this shoplifting charge be on my record because I'm still a minor?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Irwin G. Klein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
Even though you are only 17 years old and will most likely be given a break by the court and district attorney (if this is your first arrest) you are still charged with a class "A" misdemeanor which is a criminal offense. You should have a criminal defense attorney who can answer all of your questions and advise you of all of your options.... Read More
Even though you are only 17 years old and will most likely be given a break by the court and district attorney (if this is your first arrest) you are... Read More

What is the maximum time spent in jail for having a warrant for a paid ticket?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Alisa Sondak (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
There are two types of warrants, one is called a bench warrant, meaning that the party failed to appear at a hearing, and the other one is just a warrant when there simply was a warrant for an arrest - the amount of incarceration will depend on the underlying criminal charges and the original bail terms if any. The party will have to appear before a judge for the new bail terms to be set. After these new bail terms are satisfied, the party should be released. In NYC, the process is lengthy in terms of waiting for all the court paperwork to be completed before a party is finally released from custody.... Read More
There are two types of warrants, one is called a bench warrant, meaning that the party failed to appear at a hearing, and the other one is just a... Read More

What is the most honest way to answer employment questions if I received an ACD (misdemeanor drug possession) in 14 years ago, age 25?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by John J. Carney (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
You can say no to those questions as it is a "nullity" and you are supposed to be placed back to the position that you were in before the arrest
You can say no to those questions as it is a "nullity" and you are supposed to be placed back to the position that you were in before the arrest
You need to be honest and disclose but you can explain that this was many years ago!
You need to be honest and disclose but you can explain that this was many years ago!

Can an officer refuse to tell me why I was pulled over?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Eric E Rothstein (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
The police don't have to tell you why they stopped you. That is what the ticket and/or arraignment in court is for. ?You made an error in judgment by failing to comply with the Police Officer. I suggest that you hire a good criminal defense lawyer.
The police don't have to tell you why they stopped you. That is what the ticket and/or arraignment in court is for. ?You made an error in judgment by... Read More

What can my friend legally do if she accidentally mixes up the meal orders in a hotel?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Alisa Sondak (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Criminal Defense
This is a personal injury case and is not a criminal matter. The woman who mixed up a guest's breakfast can be sued together with the Hotel because the Hotel is vicariously liable for its employees. The damages here are easy to prove, the eggs are worth $1,000.000. The hotel and the woman need a defense attorney to try and settle this matter out of the court as soon as possible.... Read More
This is a personal injury case and is not a criminal matter. The woman who mixed up a guest's breakfast can be sued together with the Hotel because... Read More