It is said that silence is golden, and you have a right to it in the criminal justice system. The right to silence is a legal concept that guarantees anyone the right to remain silent and refrain from answering questions from law enforcement or court officials. It may...
Are you eligible for drug court in Suffolk County?
When you are dependent on a particular substance, your dependency may make you act in ways you otherwise would not. If you live in Suffolk County, New York, and are currently facing a drug-related criminal charge, you may be able to avoid jail time by instead...
Burglary vs. robbery: What is the difference?
Not all forms of theft are created equal. Two theft crime terms that people often use interchangeably but that are actually different are burglary and robbery. Safety.com details the differences between burglary and robbery in depth. It is important that, if you face...
Common drug possession defenses
Drug crime charges pose a deep impact on the future of anyone facing them, but knowing the potential defenses beforehand may help avoid or reduce the fallout. As the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported in 2019, authorities made more than 1.5 million arrests...
What does it mean to plead the Fifth?
As someone who the state accuses of a crime, you are in a relatively precarious position. Your rights are at stake. The government has a large amount of power. However, you have civil rights to offset this. One of those rights comes from the Fifth Amendment to the...
Theft charges for impersonating someone at a bank
The term "theft" encompasses a broad category of offenses. For example, there is a difference between theft, larceny and grand theft. While many identity theft schemes focus on gathering personal information online, these charges also apply to people who attempt to...
How can I make drug treatment work for me?
Many times when you face a drug charge, the court allows you to enter a diversion program where you can seek treatment instead. Getting treatment allows you to not only help yourself avoid criminal charges but also enables you to move past your addiction and recover...
What is the difference between possession and distribution?
If you have a valid prescription for a controlled substance in New York, you may wish to refrain from possessing or carrying a sizable amount of it in public. Carrying too much of a controlled substance, such as in your pocket, purse or vehicle, may lead to a charge...
Can police ever search your phone or computer without a warrant?
When encountering police in New York, it is essential to understand your rights and to plan your response ahead of time. Many useful guides exist online offering advice on how to handle police encounters, but few of these address the growing question of cellphones and...
Career help may be available for nurses with addiction issues
From the high risk of musculoskeletal injuries that may require ongoing pain relief to the fatigue and stress of long, intense hours on the job, nurses are far from immune from developing a chemical dependency. In addition to potential personal and legal consequences,...
