On January 31, 2017, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a statewide crackdown on impaired and reckless driving during Super Bowl weekend. New York State police and local law enforcement agencies worked together to enforce underage drinking laws, and increase patrols and security checkpoints to “deter, identify, and arrest impaired drivers,” according to Governor Cuomo’s press office.
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A Look Into New York’s First Case Under New Definition of “Parent”
The New York Times reports that the first case to test New York State’s new definition of parent is underway. On August 30, 2016 the New York Court of Appeals issued a monumental decision regarding the definition of “parent” in relation to visitation and custody determinations. The case of Brooke S.B. v. Elizabeth A. C.C., held that after a party proves “by clear and convincing evidence” that both parties had come to an agreement to conceive and raise a child together, then they will be deemed a “parent” in relation to seeking custody and visitation. Prior to the ruling, New York law held that only an adoptive or biological parent had the ability to seek custody or visitation.
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New York Residents Now Allowed to Sue for Exposure to Contaminants from Superfund Sites
The Albany Times-Union recently reported that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill that gives New York State residents the power to file personal injury claims against polluters, who, they claim, caused them to become ill as a result of being exposed to contaminants from nearby Superfund sites.
2016 Provided for Many Changes in New York State Matrimonial Matters
Over the last two years, New York State has enacted new legislation, forms, and rules aimed at providing more efficient and effective adjudication of matrimonial matters. Parties of matrimonial actions in New York Supreme Courts now have a greater access to legal services and more protection of confidential information. In 2016, the changes accounted for a significant change in the process and the practice of matrimonial law in the state.
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Long Island Limo Driver’s Charges Dismissed After Fatal Crash
A Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice dismissed the charges against the limousine driver involved in a fatal Suffolk County crash last July. Carlos Pino, age 59, was attempting to make a U-turn at an intersection in Cutchogue after picking up his passengers from a nearby winery. Upon attempting to make the U-turn, the limousine was broadsided by a pickup truck that what being operated by a driver under the influence. Four of the passengers Brittney Schulman, Lauren Baruch, Amy Grabina, and Stephanie Belli were killed in the accident, and four others were injured.
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What Should I do if Arrested for a DUI or DWI in New York?
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are serious traffic matter that could result in a criminal record and jail time. If you find yourself under questioning or arrest, consider the following.
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Drunk Driver Arrested in Violation of Leandra’s Law
Riverhead Town Police arrested a woman on charges of violating Leandra’s Law when she was driving drunk with her two children in the car.
Town officers stopped Prudence B. Williams on East Main Street on April 28 at approximately 11:50 p.m. for a vehicle and traffic law infraction. Police found that she was “driving under the influence of alcohol” while her two daughters — a six-year-old and a six-month-old — were in the vehicle with her.
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Deck Collapse Injures Two During Party
Two people were injured when a deck collapsed during a house party in East Setauket. CBS News reported that 400 people — mostly students at Stony Brook University — attended a party at the house to celebrate “move-in day.” It was estimated that as many as 50 people were on the 10-foot-high deck when it collapsed on August 26, 2016, at 11 p.m.
Of the two who were injured, one had a broken leg and the other suffered abrasions. Police were called to the scene after a neighbor complained about the noise and the number of cars parked in front of the house.
Car Crash Occurs at Same Intersection Where Fatal Limousine Accident Took Place
The Suffolk Times reported that three people were hospitalized after their car was rear-ended by another vehicle at the intersection of County Road 48 and Depot Lane in Cutchogue. The site of the crash was also the same place where a fatal limousine accident occurred last year.
According to the article, a 23-year-old man driving a 2005 Nissan was heading westbound on CR 48 on July 31, 2016, at approximately 6PM, when he was hit from behind a 19-year-old driving a 2013 Nissan. Three passengers in the second vehicle suffered minor injuries and were treated at Eastern Long Island Hospital. No charges were filed.
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New York Orders of Protection
An Order of Protection (OP) is a Court Order mandating an individual to either refrain from certain behaviors against specified individuals, or to stay away from the protected party entirely. The purpose of an OP is to protect the alleged victim from harm. Most often OPs are directed in response to incidents of domestic violence. Multiple courts have jurisdiction to issue OPs, and all orders require the restricted individual to surrender any firearms they may have.