According to multiple news sources, NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty on Thursday (January 13) in his highly publicized case involving an underage prostitute. Although he was initially charged with the felonies of Rape in the Third Degree (Penal Law Section 130.25[2]) and Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree (Penal Law Section…
Continue reading ›The possession of cystal meth – a highly addictive drug derived from a substance called methamphetamine – is illegal in New York. Under the New York Penal Law, crystal meth/methamphetamine is classified as a controlled substance under Schedule II(d) of the Public Health Law. See Penal Law Section 220.00(5); see also Public Health Law Section…
Continue reading ›According to the New York Daily News, a male model named Renato Seabra is suspected of having murdered his lover, famous Portugese activist Carlos Castro, during a dispute in a Times Square Hotel. We have no idea what Seabra’s defense or explanation will be in this matter, or whether he will ultimately even be charged.…
Continue reading ›Most commonly, a person is guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, Penal Law Section 125.25, when he intentionally causes the death of another person. (There are other ways that one can be guilty of this charge as well, but this is by far the most common.) A person acts “intentionally” in homicide cases when…
Continue reading ›The possession of ecstasy is illegal in New York. Under the New York Penal Law, ecstasy (also known as “MDMA” or methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine) is classified as a hallucinogenic substance under Schedule I(d) of the Public Health Law. See Penal Law Section 220.00(10); see also Public Health Law Section 3306, Schedule I(d)(25-26). Even the simple private possession…
Continue reading ›On June 14, 2004, night club owner Neville Wells struck with his vehicle and and killed 37-year-old Judith Gubernikoff on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. A grand jury charged him with one count of murder in the second degree and assault in the first degree (both under depraved indifference theories), and one count each of vehicular…
Continue reading ›While it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, a “loaded” firearm is not a loaded firearm according to New York’s Penal Law. In common parlance, when one speaks of a loaded firearm, one thinks of a gun with bullets actually in it, such that the wielder need do nothing more than prep the gun by cocking the…
Continue reading ›The New York Penal Law makes it a misdemeanor to carry a variety of sharp weapons, such as gravity knives and switchblades. But even knives that you might not consider to be dangerous weapons can get you in trouble with the police. If you are found carrying a knife prohibited by the New York City…
Continue reading ›Q: In what cases do criminal courts issue orders of protection? A: Criminal Procedure Law Sections 530.12 and 530.13 authorize criminal courts to issue orders of protection when a criminal action is pending involving a complaint charging any crime or violation between family members, or for “good cause,” or upon a conviction in a case…
Continue reading ›The following is a simplistic chart explaining the license suspension consequences of a person’s refusing to submit to a blood or breath test upon being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of alcohol (DWAI) in New York. It is not legal advice. If you have been arrested for or charged…
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