Articles Posted in Summonses

Last week, New York City banned smoking in all city parks. Legally speaking, they accomplished this by amending the New York City administrative code section 17-503, entitled Prohibition of smoking. This section, by the way, is the same one that bans smoking in bars, the subway, retail stores, and several other indoor and outdoor locations.…

The next time you are thinking about riding your bicycle on the sidewalk – think twice (or at least make sure there aren’t any police officers around)! Indeed, you might be surprised to learn that it is illegal in New York City to ride your bicycle on the sidewalk, but it is. Specifically, it is…

Many recent arrestees facing criminal charges are confused about how the court system will ultimately resolve their cases, or, put differently, what will happen to them. They may also have serious questions about how much time it will take and other general questions concerning the overall process. Generally speaking, a misdemeanor case can take anywhere…

This post will provide the basics on the oft-cited provisions of the New York City Administrative Code dealing with the possession of open containers of alcohol on the streets of New York City. Simply put, it is illegal to possess open containers of alcohol in public places in New York City. Found in the “Public…

The New York Criminal Procedure Law sets forth a mechanism by which certain records relating to cases resulting in convictions of violations, such as Disorderly Conduct, PL 240.20, or traffic infractions, such as Unlicensed Driving, VTL 509, are either returned to the person, destroyed, or sealed. CPL 160.55. As always, this entry meant to be…

People who are arrested may initially be confused when it comes to the difference between a crime and a violation (or infraction) in New York State. Generally speaking, a conviction of a crime carries with it a permanent criminal record whereas a violation (or infraction) disposition does not. This entry will point to some statutory…