If you have ever watched a law enforcement-based program on TV, like Law and Order or NCIS, chances are you’ve heard of the Miranda warning, and Miranda rights. You may even be able to recite them from memory. But why is it so important for police officers to tell suspects their Miranda rights, and what happens if an arresting officer fails to do so? Continue reading “What is the Miranda Warning?”
Blog
Explaining the NY Marijuana Decriminalization Law
When a New York State law decriminalizing marijuana went into effect in August, many people wondered what it would mean for ordinary people. There was also concern as to what decriminalization would mean for people arrested for marijuana violations previously. Well, here’s a basic rundown of what you need to know about this new law, and its implications for the general public. Continue reading “Explaining the NY Marijuana Decriminalization Law”
How Are Red-Light Cameras Legal?
Everyone has seen, or at least heard, of red-light cameras, which are an increasingly common part of traffic law enforcement. There’s even a decent chance that you’ve been caught by a red-light camera yourself and had to pay a fine as a result. But why are red-light cameras so common, and how are they legal in the first place? Continue reading “How Are Red-Light Cameras Legal?”
Lost Wages Following a Car Accident
If you were injured in a car accident and had to miss work as a result, you may be able to recover for any losses sustained. Under New York State law, a person may be able to recover for lost income and any other missed income opportunities as a result. Continue reading “Lost Wages Following a Car Accident”
Five Things to Watch Out for Before You Close On Real Estate
Buying a new property is always a big deal. Whether you’re looking for a new home, or you want a place for your business, getting the right piece of real estate can be essential to your future success and happiness. But before you close on that nice new dream house or that ideal spot at a busy intersection, there are a few things you’ll want to check for, just to be sure. Continue reading “Five Things to Watch Out for Before You Close On Real Estate”
Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions
It doesn’t take a genius to know that if you are convicted of a crime, or plead to having committed a crime, you’ll be punished with jail or prison time, probation, fines, or some combination of the above. However, there’s more to crime and punishment than just that, and if you’re not careful, you can find yourself suffering from the collateral consequences of your punishment without realizing it. Continue reading “Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions”
Personal Injury Settlement
When you are injured due to the negligence of another, you are entitled to compensation for your damages. With that being said, getting the compensation you deserve may be a long drawn out process. Following the initial event leading to your damages, you may be offered a settlement to avoid litigation. Knowing when and how to properly accept a personal injury settlement is the key to receiving the full compensation you deserve. Continue reading “Personal Injury Settlement”
The Expectation of Privacy
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution says that a citizen cannot be the subject of an unreasonable search or seizure without a warrant backed by probable cause. But in the Supreme Court case Katz v. U.S., the Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment applies only in cases where a person has a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” And it’s not always obvious when you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, at least by the court’s standards. Continue reading “The Expectation of Privacy”
Independent Medical Exam Following a Motor Vehicle Accident
Following a motor vehicle accident, it is important that you receive treatment for your injuries. But even though you are being treated by your chosen doctors, there is a chance that the insurance company will send you a letter scheduling you for an Independent Medical Exam, or IME, with the insurance company’s doctor. Also referred to as “Defense Medical Exams,” or DMEs, these exams are the insurance company’s opportunity to review your injuries to determine if coverage is still medically necessary. Continue reading “Independent Medical Exam Following a Motor Vehicle Accident”
New York Implements Installation of Cameras on School Buses
Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law that will allow schools in New York State to install cameras on the stop arms of school buses. The cameras are intended to automatically record anyone who passes a school bus illegally. Continue reading “New York Implements Installation of Cameras on School Buses”