Under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, no American citizen can be forced to testify against themselves (what is commonly referred to as the right to remain silent). In practical terms, this means that if someone is forced to give a confession against their will, that confession can be deemed inadmissible in court. But what exactly can make a confession involuntary, legally speaking?
Blog
Five Common Misconceptions About Bankruptcy
For many people suffering from financial distress, bankruptcy often represents a “low point” that they want to avoid at all costs. However, this fear and hesitancy often comes from misconceptions about bankruptcy that are surprisingly common among regular people. Here are five common misconceptions people have about bankruptcy:
Continue reading “Five Common Misconceptions About Bankruptcy”
Five Considerations That Go Into Visitation Rights Decisions
When a couple gets involved in a divorce where one parent receives primary custody of the children, invariably the issue of visitation rights will come up. The decision about granting visitation rights is based principally on what the judge believes is in the best interests of the child. However, what goes into that determination can be somewhat opaque at times. Here are five major considerations that go into visitation rights determinations:
Continue reading “Five Considerations That Go Into Visitation Rights Decisions”
NYS Eviction Moratorium Expires, Creating Fears of Homelessness
New York State’s moratorium on evictions came to an end on Saturday, January 15, expiring after being in place for nearly two years. For landlords, the end of the eviction moratorium marks an end to a policy that forced them to keep non-paying tenants in their apartments for up to a year and a half. For tenants, however, the end of the moratorium potentially marks the beginning of a wave of evictions that will cause homelessness to spike across the state. Continue reading “NYS Eviction Moratorium Expires, Creating Fears of Homelessness”
When Do the Police Have Probable Cause to Conduct a Search?
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that no U.S. citizen can be subject to an unreasonable search or seizure without a warrant backed by probable cause. This fundamental protection is core to protecting the rights of American citizens from potential abuse by law enforcement. But what exactly is “probable cause,” and what happens when police conduct a search or seizure without it? Continue reading “When Do the Police Have Probable Cause to Conduct a Search?”
The Potential Benefits of Bankruptcy Protection
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people across the United States file for bankruptcy, seeking the protection of the bankruptcy court. This “bankruptcy protection” is an essential component of the bankruptcy process, and is crucial for ensuring people going through bankruptcy are able to recover from their financial situations. But what exactly is bankruptcy protection, and how does it help people suffering from extreme financial distress?
Continue reading “The Potential Benefits of Bankruptcy Protection”
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACOD)?
When people talk about the criminal justice system, usually the conversation revolves around three outcomes in criminal cases: taking a plea deal, being convicted at trial, or being acquitted at trial. However, there is one surprisingly common outcome that many people do not talk about, known as an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (also called an ACOD or ACD). But what is an ACOD, and why might it matter to you?
Continue reading “What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACOD)?”
When Does a Judge Choose to Assign Child Support?
In any divorce where one parent is given primary custody of a child, the question of child support will inevitably arise. The decision of a judge to award child support is a major one, which can have significant financial consequences for both spouses. But what exactly is child support, and when does a judge decide that it is appropriate?
Continue reading “When Does a Judge Choose to Assign Child Support?”
What Happens When a Landlord Tries to Evict a Tenant?
In New York, a landlord cannot evict a tenant from their rented space simply because they failed to pay rent. There is an involved legal process that must go forward before someone can be forced out of an apartment or other rented space. But what exactly is this process, and what happens when a landlord attempts to evict a tenant?
Continue reading “What Happens When a Landlord Tries to Evict a Tenant?”
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Broadly speaking, the law divides all crimes into two different categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Most people also know that, generally speaking, misdemeanors are considered as less serious than felonies. But what exactly is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony, and why should it matter to you? Continue reading “What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?”
Send Us An Email