New York takes drug possession very seriously. If the police arrest you with controlled substances on your person, you risk jail time even for possession in the seventh degree. According to New York law, a controlled substance is any substance listed as a Schedule I,...
Law Office of Michael A. Schillinger, Esq. Legal Blog
Can one DWI ruin my child’s future?
You have worked hard for years to ensure your children have a better life. You raised them to be responsible and respect their elders. You made sure they always completed their homework and kept good grades. Your kids are on a path to college. Then one day, you...
What Happens at an Arraignment?
When someone is arrested, they’re either transported to Court for the arraignment, or are issued a Desk Appearance Ticket or Summons and have to return to be arraigned on a later date. Either way, this can be a terrifying experience – not knowing if you’ll be allowed to go home afterwards, not knowing what to expect from your lawyer or the Court, and quite frankly simply not knowing what is going to happen at that arraignment. It also doesn’t help that once you’re standing in that courtroom, much of what you’re going to hear is the prosecutor and the defense attorney going back and forth citing sections of the criminal procedure law that simply sound like numbers. If you have a good attorney, he/she will explain everything to you beforehand, but what happens when your lawyer doesn’t explain what an arraignment is to you?
Can you own an assault weapon in New York?
It is crucial for gun owners to fully understand the laws where they live. For example, gun owners in New York must know what constitutes an assault weapon. While these weapons are not banned according to state laws, they do require special attention from gun owners...
Going over aggravated DUI charges
If a law enforcement official pulls you over and you fail a sobriety test, you could face many different hardships. Aside from the stress and anxiety that often come with drunk driving charges, many people struggle due to losing their driving privileges, paying steep...
What are the most abused controlled substances in New York?
Controlled substances are drugs that can be highly addictive and dangerous if used incorrectly. Some are prescription medications available on a limited basis to treat certain medical conditions, while others have no acceptable uses. An epidemic of opioid use across...
Intimate relationships and domestic violence allegations
Whether you recently broke up with a long-term partner and they falsely accuse you of domestic violence or your current partner is threatening to take action after a fight, it is important to review various issues regarding domestic violence. For starters, you should...
Criminal trespassing and its special circumstances
Several New York statutes focus on the protection of private property. If you face trespass charges, the prosecutor must prove that you not only entered the property of another individual but that you did it purposefully. However, if he cannot show intent, you might...
Will a DWI affect your nursing career?
Having a DWI conviction on record is a serious deal. Not only can it impact your ability to seek higher education, but it can impact your chances of finding work in the future. As someone currently employed, you are not safe, either. A DWI can and often does impact...
Sex offender registry modification
Committing a sex crime in New York may result in a court order to register as a sex offender. People who refuse to comply or neglect to update their registry information as required can face serious legal consequences. Over time, registrants may wish to modify their...