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In criminal law, mental health can be used as a defense in certain circumstances. In the United States, there are two primary scenarios in which a defendant can use mental health as a defense: when they are not considered competent to stand trial or when they are unable to understand their actions and the consequences of those actions due to an underlying mental disorder.

There are different versions of how a New York DUI is charged. One is driving while impaired (DWI), another is driving while ability impaired (DWAI), and another is aggravated DWI, each with its own set of penalties. The consequences, however, can be far-reaching beyond just any fines or driver's license suspensions. It’s important to fight the charge and keep those consequences in the rear-view mirror, so you can move on with your life.

In New York, domestic terrorism – committing a terrorist or dangerous act against fellow citizens – is a serious offense that is often punished severely.

A conviction can have life-altering consequences. In addition to fines and potential incarceration, a conviction on your criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life, creating significant barriers to finding a job or housing.

Money. It’s inevitably one of the main reasons defendants avoid hiring an attorney. The truth is yes, attorneys are expensive, but not having one can cost you far more money, time, and trouble in the long run.

Any conviction for a sex-related crime requires registration as a sex offender. For those convicted of any sex-related crime involving a minor, “pedophile” is a label that they may never be able to shed.

You don’t have to be convicted of a crime to have a criminal record. At least for a while, arrests without charges and charges without convictions also appear; so do acquittals.

If you’re facing a charge of custodial interference—or parental kidnapping—you might be feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re facing criminal charges, you need to be aware of all the possible penalties. For most charges, judges are given sentencing options that can include alternatives to jail. However, it can require a skilled criminal defense attorney to argue on your behalf for reduced or alternative sentencing.

In 2020, New York State Police arrested 676 people for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) during active anti-DWI sobriety checks, according to the New York State Highway Safety Annual Report. If you or a loved one has recently been charged with your first DWI, you probably have many questions about what happens next while navigating the stressful legal situation.