New York Criminal Lawyer Blawg

Criminal Defense Attorneys

As Westchester County, New York criminal defense attorneys our office works in the surrounding counties of Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Dutchess Counties as criminal defense lawyers. We will also appear in the courts of the Bronx and New York City. A common question the office receives involves the criminal defense of entrapment. This should provide a brief understanding of the criminal defense of entrapment in New York State.

Entrapment

Entrapment is a criminal defense in New York used by criminal defense attorneys at trial or during plea bargain negotiations. The defense of entrapment is established where the defendant engaged in criminal conduct after being induced or encouraged to do so by law enforcement who was trying to obtain evidence against that defendant.

This is most common in drug cases both possession and sale of a controlled substance.

The methods used by law enforcement must have been such as to create a substantial risk that the crime would have been committed by a person NOT otherwise disposed to commit the crime.

Pursuant to New York Penal Law section 40.05 inducement or encouragement to commit the crime means "active inducement or encouragement". Conduct by police officers merely affording an opportunity to commit the crime is not entrapment.

Burden of Proof

In order to prove entrapment the burden of proof is on the defendant and pursuant to the penal law section 40.05 must be shown by a preponderance of the evidence. The defendant's state of mind and the police conduct are all relevant to prove entrapment.

Dangers of the Entrapment Defense

The primary danger of the entrapment defense is that the defendant must admit the they committed the crime and then argue that although they committed the crime they were not disposed to commit the crime with out active inducement or encouragement from law enforcement.

Criminal Defense Attorney Defense Preparation

In order to prepare a defense such as entrapment where the accused has to prove the defense the criminal defense attorney needs to thoroughly prepare before alleging the defense. This includes interviewing the accused, witnesses and reviewing the prosecutions file.

The top criminal defense attorneys in New York will not put forth a defense of entrapment unless there is a strong possibility for success since the defense itself does involve the accused admitting to the crime. Since each case is different special care must be taken with each case.

Criminal Possession and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance is a wide area of the law in New York State. Counties such as Westchester County, Rockland, Orange and Putnam have special task forces devoted to the investigation and arrest on various types of drug related charges. Aggressively defending a criminal drug charge in New York State is very important because the penalties are very severe.

To better understand the drug laws in New York State this Blog will review to types of charges that are most common in New York. Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (CPCS) is a crime. The only misdemeanor level crime is that of CPCS in the 7th degree. The remainder of the levels of this crime are all felonies.

In order to prove the crime of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in any degree the government needs to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the person charged knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance.

A Controlled Substance is any substance prohibited by law such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin etc.

Possess means to have physical possession or otherwise exercise dominion or control over the controlled substance.

A person knowingly possesses a controlled substance when that person is aware that he or she is in possession of the controlled substance.

Unlawfully means that the person had no legal right to possess that controlled substance.

In order to be found guilt of this charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance all the aforementioned elements must be proven.

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in all degrees are felonies.

In order to prove Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (CSCS) the same elements listed above but includes the additional element of "Sell" must be proven "beyond a reasonable doubt".

Sell is defined as to sell, exchange, give or dispose of to another. Sell also includes an offer or agreement to sell even of a sale does not occur, provided that, at the time of the offer or agreement, the person has the intent and ability to make the sale.

The Defense of CPCS and CSCS

To defend these charges the top drug criminal defense attorneys will set to attack each element of the charge. Possession, Intent and knowledge are all common areas to defend these charges. Further, the various suppression issues are attacked (search and seizure) the laboratory reports used and any speedy trial delays.

The top criminal defense attorneys will hold the government to their burden of proof to either have the case dismissed or negotiate a favorable plea bargain.

If you or a loved on has been charged with any drug related crime contact the law firm of Riebling, Proto & Sachs for a free consultation.

The crime of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) falls under the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. In defending a DWI charge in New York State the best criminal defense lawyers will explain to their clients what proof is necessary for a conviction. The criminal defense of a DWI charge in New York State usually focuses on what proof the District Attorney has against the accused. In Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess and Orange Counties the criminal defense attorney has an early opportunity to review the proof.

The Charge of DWI

There are several charges under the DWI laws in New York State. Those charges include DWI based upon a BAC reading of .08 or greater (VTL 1192.2), DWI per se based upon the officers observations (VTL1192.3), Aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 or above (VTL 1192 (2-a)(a)), DWI with a child in the car (VTL 1192 (2-a)(b)) or even DWAI by drugs (VTL 1192.4). These charges can be either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the accused history and/or facts of the case.

Understanding the BAC .08 DWI charge (VTL 1192.2)

To understand DWI in New York State it is best to review the pattern jury instructions that a judge must follow to find an accused guilty of the charge. The top DWI lawyers or litigation attorneys in general know that these instructions are the most important aspect of any case.

The pattern jury instructions are also helpful for a non-attorney to clearly understand the issues since they were written for non-attorneys to clearly understand the charge in a jury trial situation. Even if there is no jury these instructions will be used for the judge to determine guilt.

DWI Defense Strategy

Prior to trial, the jury instructions must be consulted by the DWI attorney to determine if the government can prove the charges against an accused. All proof by the government must be "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt".

DWI - Misdemeanor/Felony BAC above .08 Jury Instructions

"Under our law, no person shall operate a motor vehicle while such person has a .08 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood as shown by a chemical analysis of such person's blood, breath, urine or saliva"

This is what the government needs to prove. The instructions further define the crime as follows:

"Motor Vehicle means every vehicle operated or driven upon a public highway (private road open to motor vehicle traffic or a parking lot) which is propelled by any power other than muscular power"

"Operate a motor vehicle when such person is sitting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle for the purpose of placing the vehicle in motion and when the motor vehicle is moving or even if it is not moving the engine is running"

BAC test "In this case the device used to measure blood alcohol content was ____. That device device is a generally accepted instrument for determining blood alcohol content". "You must consider the qualifications and reliability of the person who gave the test , the lapse of time between the operation of the motor vehicle and the giving of the test, whether the device used was in good working order at the time the test was administrated and whether the test was properly given."

When charged with any type of DWI crime it is essential to know the elements of the crimes (as noted above) and the proper defenses. An aggressive strategy is usually the best criminal defense.

Under New York Law all robberies are classified as felonies. The prosecution takes robbery cases seriously because of the violent nature of the crime. When one is charged with robbery it is important to have a criminal defense attorney defend the case as soon as possible.

In Westchester County, Putnam, Rockland or Dutchess counties often family members are the first to hear of an arrest or investigation for Robbery. It is at that point a consultation with a criminal defense attorney to defend the robbery charge is necessary.

Classes of Robbery in New York State

Robbery under Penal Law section 160.00 is defined as forcible stealing. A person forcibly steals property and commits robbery when in the course of committing a larceny uses or threatens the immediate use of physical force.

Robbery in the third degree is a class "D" felony and is charged when a person forcibly steals property.

Robbery in the second degree is a class "C" felony and includes forcibly stealing property AND is aided by another, physical injury is caused, a firearm is displayed or carjacking takes place. Robbery in the second degree is usually the most common type of robbery charged.

Robbery in the first degree is a class "B" felony and included forcibly stealing property AND there is serious injury to the nonparticipant, use of a deadly weapon, uses or threatens to use a dangerous instrument, displays a firearm.

Defense of a Robbery Arrest in New York State

The defense of a robbery charge is very complex. Often there are multiple co-defendants and/or weapons used and/or various injuries. The first step in the defense is to determine what exactly happened. The second step is to investigate what statements any of the participants made to the police. Third, the criminal defense attorney should challenge any identifications made of the accused. This is the foundation of the defense of any robbery charge in New York State.

Legal Consultation for Robbery Charge

The most important aspect to the defense of a robbery case is to speak with your lawyer early AND often. An accused will need to speak with their criminal defense attorney on several occasions until a legal defense strategy can be determined. Lawyer contact is very important.

Punishment for a Robbery Conviction

There is a wide range of sentences for a person charged with robbery but because all robbery charges are felonies State prison can be a consequence. The best criminal defense attorneys will clearly explain the various sentences which may or may not include State prison.

New York law has very strict Burglary laws. It is important for the criminal defense lawyer to understand the meaning of the crime and recognize potential defenses.

The facts are extremely important as counties in New York State treat burglary seriously. A charge of burglary in Westchester County, Putnam, Rockland and Orange County is vigorously prosecuted and the criminal defense attorney needs to be aggressive in the defense.

Burglary

Burglary in the Third degree -- A person must knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime therein. A Class "D" Felony.

Burglary in the second degree -- Includes the elements of burglary in the third degree and involves an explosive or deadly weapon, causes physical injury to another person, displays a dangerous instrument or displays a firearm. A Class "C" Felony

Burglary in the first degree - Includes burglary in the second degree but the burglary occurs in a dwelling. A dwelling is a building which is usually occupied by a person lodging therein at night. A class "B" Felony

The defense of a burglary case is very fact specific but also the prosecution must prove the accused "knowingly" enters or remain unlawfully with the "intent" to commit a crime therein. These can be difficult elements for the prosecution to prove and the top criminal defense attorneys need to review the facts of the case to determine the weaknesses for the prosecution.

If you have any questions about the crime of burglary or the defense contact a criminal defense lawyer to explain the law and the options regarding how the case will proceed.

In New York State criminal defense law the criminal defense attorney needs to understand all areas of the Larceny Laws. Larceny falls under Article 155 of the New York State Penal Law and is broken down into several areas. This blog can not review every aspect of the New York State Larceny Laws but will provide a basic understanding. For an in depth review of the laws you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Larceny

Under PL 155.05 larceny is defined "A person steals property and commits larceny when, with intent to deprive another of property or to appropriate the same to himself or to a third person, he wrongfully takes, obtains or withholds such property from an owner thereof".

Larceny can include larceny by trick, embezzlement, false pretenses, issuing a bad check, false promise, extortion or even larceny over lost property. The prosecution will use one theory or several to convict a person under the larceny statute. The top criminal defense attorneys need to investigate the charge and potential prosecution theory or legal strategies to defend the case.

Types of Larceny

In determining the proper charge the police or District Attorney's Office will review the entire case but usually the charge will directly relate to the amount of money or value of property stolen and/or the method of theft.

Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree -- Value of property over $1,000.00 or the property is a credit card, debit card, public record, secret scientific material, obtained by extortion etc. Grand larceny in the fourth degree is an "E" felony.

Grand Larceny in the Third Degree -- Value of property over $3,0000.00 or involves theft of an ATM machine or its contents. Grand larceny in the third degree is a "D" felony.

Grand Larceny in the Second Degree -- Value of property over $50,000.00 this is a "C" felony.

Grand Larceny in the First Degree -- Value of property over one million dollars. This is a "B" felony.

Petit Larceny -- "A person is guilty of petit larceny when he steals property". This is a class "A" misdemeanor. Petit larceny usually encompasses shoplifting types of crimes.

If you are charged with any type of Larceny crime it is very important to contact a criminal defense attorney as the prosecution needs to supply necessary paperwork in a timely manner to prove the crime and all defenses need to be investigated early.

The Criminal Charge and Defense

Under New York criminal law the criminal defense attorney has the right to file a written motion to dismiss any criminal charges. The motion can also contain a demand for other relief for the accused but the main goal of the motion is a dismissal of the case.

Recently in Dutchess county in the Town of Kent a motorist was charged with DWI and in Westchester County a motorist was charged with DWI in Mount Vernon. A motion to dismiss can be made in any court for these types of cases or for other offenses such as a drug charge, sex offense, white collar crime. The top criminal defense attorneys prepare for the motion to dismiss as soon as possible.

The Omnibus Motion

The Omnibus Motion is a motion that must be filed within 45 days of the accused's arraignment. The Omnibus Motion is a motion to dismiss and for all other relief the accused is seeking. The Omnibus Motion usually includes the following:

1. Dismissal of the case
2. Motion for Discovery
3. Hearings on Statements made by the accused
4. Identification evidence of the accused
5. Suppression of evidence
6. Review of Grand Jury minutes
7. Suppression of the accused's bad acts and prior convictions
8. Sever the charges
9. Server co-defendants
10. Change of venue

The examples above are the primary examples in a criminal defense motion.

Sufficiency of the Motion

The criminal defense attorney must be careful to be sure the Omnibus Motion is sufficient. The motion usually consists of a statement of facts by the attorney and a memorandum of law by the attorney but equally important is a sworn statement by the accused regarding the case and the issues to be resolved. The criminal defense attorney will interview the client and write the statement for the client's signature.

The statement is important because it will be a first hand sworn accounting of what took place. For example in a drug case the accused has first hand information on the police's actions.

The Judge's Decision

The judge will usually issue a written decision on each issue raised in the defense attorney's motion to dismiss including dismissal of the entire case. This decision will provide information about how the case will proceed.

Drug Arrests

Recently there has been several drug related arrests in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties. These arrests were the result of long term investigations or by specialized street crimes units of the local police departments.

On November 10, 2011, 12 people were arrested for selling drugs in Rockland County. The basis of the arrests was a six month grand jury investigation for the sale of heroin, prescription drugs and cocaine. These raids produce large sweeping arrests of multiple people.

Also, in Putnam County a three month investigation led to the arrest of a Dutchess County man for felony sale of cocaine and MDMA. The felony charges included criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Westchester County has its own task forces that result in sweeping drug arrests. In Greenbugh, White Plains, Yonkers or Mount Vernon multiple drug arrests are the focus of the police activity.

When these arrests are made it is important to contact a top criminal defense attorney since the defense needs to begin soon after the arrest and is often complex.

The Defense of the Multiple Person Drug Arrest.

There are several main issues for the criminal defense attorney when attacking the prosecutions case they include:

1. Bail applications to immediately have the accused released from jail. Usually the local justice courts will set high bail amounts and make it difficult to obtain release. Those bail amounts should be appealed.

2. Review statements by the accused or co-defendants. NO ONE SHOULD EVER make any statements to the police unless they are asking for a lawyer.

3. A detailed interview of the client needs to be obtained. The best criminal defense lawyers will get every single detail to help prepare the case.

4. The defense lawyer needs to get a copy of the lab report as soon as possible. The lab report will identify the drug and include weight. Weight governs if the charge is a felony or a misdemeanor.

5. Should a felony hearing be requested? This decision is on an individual case by case basis. In requesting a felony hearing the attorney needs to determine if it will have the client released from jail, provide valuable discovery or result in a dismissal or reduction of the charge.

6. The criminal defense attorney needs to know if any of the co-defendant's have made statements to the police and what impact that has had on the client.

7. Lastly, the criminal defense lawyer needs to defend drug charges by attacking the prosecutions case, meeting with the client and preparing the case. It is shocking how many attorneys never speak with their client, visit them at the jail or discuss legal strategy. The top criminal defense attorney always involves the client in their case.

Drug Raids & Sealed Indictments

The police and prosecution have several methods to arrest people for drug possession and sale. It is important to defend the case aggressively to determine if the police have acted properly and have sufficient information to arrest

Why does it take so long to investigate drug cases?

The simple answer is that usually the police can't tell if there is drug activity and spend an enormousness amount of time watching people they suspect. This should be the focus of any attack on the prosecutions case since probable cause is always an issue in these types of case.

Attorney Stephen Riebling

In early 2011, Stephen Riebling, Esq. successfully defended Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. during a three week jury trial in New York County Supreme Court. As a trial attorney Mr. Riebling also practices in the areas of criminal defense, divorce and family law.

Due to Mr. Riebling's successful defense of power tool companies Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. hired the law firm of Riebling, Proto & Sachs, LLP in White Plains, New York to defend this action.

Nature of Plaintiff's Claims

On November 15, 2003 the Plaintiff an attorney in his 40s, amputated his left hand while he was operating a sliding miter saw at his Long Island home. The plaintiff sued Milwaukee Tool Corp. alleging that the company was negligent in the design of the saw and failed to provide proper warnings for the saw's use.

The plaintiff claimed that his left hand slid off the saw's pistol grip and into the path of the saw's blade. Plaintiff further claimed that the saw's slide lock malfunctioned and because the pistol grip was an open grip rather than a closed grip there was an increased likelihood of injury. The plaintiff further argued that there were improper warnings regarding the use of the saw.

Milwaukee Electric Tool Defense

Attorney Stephen Riebling defended the plaintiff's allegations by arguing that the saw was in fact properly designed and that its pistol grip, slide lock and warning labels were proper. Mr. Riebling focused on the plaintiff failure to properly use the saw. During the preparation of the case for trial Mr. Riebling discovered various inconsistencies with the plaintiff's claims of how the accident took place and further argued to the jury that the plaintiff's version of events was inaccurate.

Plaintiff's Demand and Result

The plaintiff sought 7.5 million dollars in damages from the New York County Jury. The jury deliberated for 90 minutes and returned a defense verdict finding that the saw was not defectively designed.

Westchester County Family Court -- Custody Trial

Attorney David Sachs was able to obtain sole legal and physical custody, for his client, after a trial conducted over several days in the White Plains Family Court, Westchester County. Mr. Sachs represented the mother who filed a Family Court Petition to modify a previous custody Order of the Westchester County Family Court. The mother wanted sole physical and legal custody of the child.

The mother (Petitioner) testified that she and the father had an embittered relationship, the the father had threatened her and the father had been arrested twice for violating an existing Order of Protection.

Joint Custody Law

The Court found the law for joint custody demands that decisions regarding the welfare of the child be a reasoned determination of the parents and is premised on the notion that the parents are capable of and can engage in cooperative and civil communication Matter of Yetter v Jones, 706 NYS2d 782.

Also, the Court found that an existing custody arrangement established by agreement should be modified only upon a showing that there has been a change of cicumstances that makes modification "necessary to ensure the continued best intrest of the children" Eschbach v Eschbach, 56 NY2d 167. The Westchetser County Family Court also found that where the record has demonstrated that the parties' relationship is so acrimonious that it essentially precludes joint decision making an award of sole custody is appropriate and in the best intrests of the child. Matter of O'Connell v McDermott, 915 NYS2d 143. Lastly, the Westchester County Family Court found that joint custody is inappropriate where the parties are antagonistic towards each other and have demonstrated an inability to cooperate on matters concerning the child.

The Custody Trial

At trial it was clear the parties could not effectively engage in any form of joint decision making with respect to the child. The father's behavior was marked by repeated complaints to CPS, verbal insults and accusations. The mother stated even routine conversations regarding the child devolved into accusations regarding the parties previous relationship and the mother's lack of parental competence.

Custody Decision

Attorney David Sachs was able to show at trial that the father was responsible for the parties lack of cooperation and argued successfully to the judge that joint custody was inappropriate. The judge then awarded sole physical and legal custody to the mother.

Child Care Expenses

In New York State the Family Court as part of a basic child support Order can also set certain add on expenses. One of those expenses is for child care costs such as daycare.

Recently, in the Westchester County Family Court, David Sachs, Esq. successfully had the mother's (custodial parent) violation petition for arrears due for child care expenses dismissed. The mother was claiming that she incurred various child care expenses and that the father (noncustodial parent) refused to pay those expenses. Attorney Davis Sachs argued several points as to why the expenses were not appropriate but when lawyer David Sachs caught the mother lying on the witness stand the Support Magistrate in the Westchetser County Family Court dismissed the case.

In this case, the mother claimed to have child care expenses while she was at work and need to pay a relative to care for the child. The mother provided to the Westchester County Family Court a calendar which outlined all the the days that she was required to work and needed child care. Attorney Davis Sachs decided to subpoena the mother's work records from her employer setting forth the days the mother actually worked.

Based upon the evidence in the Westchester County Family Court the mother was billing the father for child care expenses on dates she claimed she worked when the employment records showed she was actually out sick.

The Westchester County Family Court called the mother's claim for child care expenses to be a blatant misrepresentation and found the mother less than credible.

Legal Strategy

Here Attorney David Sachs knew that in order to defeat the mother's claims for child care expenses it was necessary to subpoena her employment records. When the mother testified in contrast to the actual employment records her credibility for child care expenses was destroyed.

Search and Seizure

As criminal defense attorneys in White Plains, New York our office is fortunate to practice criminal law in Westchester, Orange and the surrounding counties. Doing so there is a wide practice by police departments and courts regarding search and seizure and suppression. This criminal law blog provides a basic update on new search and seizure laws in New York.

One of the most important aspects of criminal defense law is moving to suppressing illegally obtained evidence from an accused. If an accused 4th Amendment rights were violated suppression will result and in many instances the prosecutions entire case will fail.

The top criminal defense attorneys in New York will review any case in which evidence is seized for potential suppression. This includes weapons, drugs, urine or blood samples or any other evidence of a crime.

Search and Seizure comes in many different forms. A search of a person, car, house, office, business, bags or even garbage. It is important to know the search and seizure law in New York as it pertains to each of the above examples as every factual situation is different. Below are some examples of recent search and seizure case law in New York.

Automobiles

In People v Omowale, 83 AD3d 614, the Court held that evidence should have been suppressed when the defendant was arrested in 2007 after officers approached him for double parking, where the defnedant did not offer the driver's license of another person to the police as his own or impersonate anyone. While it is likely the defendant considered passing off the license he was holding as his, holding it in his hand did not constitute a punishabkle attempt to commit criminal impersonation.

Search of Backpack

In People v Evans, 922 NYS2d 403 it was held that the court shouyld not have denyed a criminal defense motion to supress beacuse there was no proff of exigent circumstances that would justify the warrantless search of the defendant's closed backpack. There was no emergency circumstances where the defendant and two others were arrested for smoking marijuana in plain view and they were all in handcuffs and surrounded by police officers and a 12 foot high fence when the officers decided to search the backpack. There was no evidence that the officers feared for thier safetyduring the arrest of that the defendantor his freienbds acted in an aggressive or hostile manner nor did the officer's think there was any contraband in the backpack. Lastly, there was no evidence that the defendant could have gottent o the backpack to destroy evidence.

Search of Abandoned Objects

In People v Harris, 83 AD3d 1220, the court held that when the defendant deposited trash in the closed dumpster of a private apartment complex where he lived for removal by a private hauling company rather than putting it on the street for removal by a public garbage department there is no distinction between the two. There is no expectation of privacy in trash left in a public space for removal by a third party. Trash disposed of in a communal place where others can access it with the understanding that it will be removed by a third party is deemed abandoned.

Search Warrants

In People v Gavazzi, 921 NYS2d 742 the court found a search warrant to be invalid where on the warrant the wrong court was listed, it ws illegibly signed and contained no other information by the issuing court it failed to comply with the requirements of the Penal Law.

In the criminal defense if seized property the criminal defense attorney need to review all of the surrounding facts and if necessary prepare a suppression motion. The fine details of the case are very import to the court in determining suppression.

The Criminal Courts

In New York State the criminal court system can be very confusing. Often New York residents charged with a crime and out of state criminal defendants and/or their family's are confused over the process and the court system in general. Every criminal defense attorney needs to know the entire criminal court system in New York and even the extension of various offenses in the New York Family Court. This is a review of those courts.

Superior and Local Courts

The New York State Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) defines Superior Courts (County and Supreme Court) and Local Criminal Courts (New York City Criminal Court, City Courts, District Courts (Long Island), Town Courts and Village Courts).

Superior Courts hear felony cases and Local Courts hear misdemeanor cases. Where one is arrested and for what crime dictates the Court.

The Local Court

A defendant charged with misdemeanors only will start and stay in the local criminal court. A defendant charged with only felonies can start in a Local Court but must be prosecuted in a Superior Court. If there are multiple charges including at least one felony all the charges must be heard in the Superior Court.

For example, a DWI arrest in the Town of Bedford, New York will be prosecuted in the local Town of Bedford Justice Court. If the DWI charge is not a felony the entire case will be heard in the Bedford Justice Court. If the DWI charge is a felony the initial proceedings will start in the Bedford Court but must be prosecuted in the Superior Court. If the felony charge is reduced to a misdemeanor the case will stay or be returned to the Bedford Court.

Another example, the Westchester local City courts include, White Plains City Court, Yonkers City Court, Mount Vernon City Court, Rye City Court, New Rochelle City Court and Peekskill City Court.

Local Town Courts include Mount Pleasant, Rye, Somers, Mount Kisco, Greenburgh, Ossining, Bedford.

The Village Courts include, North Castle (Armonk), New Castle (Chappaqua), Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Elmsford, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Bronxville, Scarsdale, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook, Croton on Hudson, Hastings on Hudson, Tuckahoe, Cortlandt, Pelham

The Superior Courts

Superior Courts hear Felony cases in Supreme or County Court. At times a Superior Court judge may assume the role of a Local Court judge to accomplish some procedural aspect of a case but the important point to remember is that felonies are heard in Superior Courts.

Felony Cases

In New York City felonies are usually immediately indicted by a Grand Jury so that they will be heard exclusively in the Superior Court. Outside of New York City most felonies are not immediately indicted and proceed in the local criminal court by Felony Complaint as opposed to Indictment.

For example, a defendant is charged in the City of Yonkers with a drug possession felony charge. The defendant will be arraigned in the Yonkers City Court, bail can usually be set and the defendant is entitled to a Felony Hearing to determine if the charge is supported by reasonable cause. Unless the felony is reduced to a misdemeanor the case will eventually be heard in Superior Court. If the defendant is indicted the case is transferred to Superior Court.

Specialized Courts

In New York State, depending on the County, a case may be transferred to a Specialized Superior Court even if the charges are misdemeanors. These specialized courts include Domestic Violence Courts, DWI Courts and Drug Courts. Not every County has the same Specialized Courts nor does every local court transfer cases to these Specialized Courts. This is something that needs to be reviewed on a case by case basis with a Criminal Defense Attorney.

Criminal Court and Family Court

In matters involving offenses committed against a family member the complainant can proceed in both the Family Court and the Criminal Courts in New York State. The complainant can also proceed in just one of these courts.

Having matters in both of these Courts can be complex. It can raise many issues involving various legal strategies and can impact on various custody and/or visitation rights. The top criminal defense lawyers will know the interplay between these two courts.

For example, a Family Offense Petition filed in the Putnam County Family Court can also be prosecuted in the local Putnam county criminal court. The charge will be the same usually with the exact set of factual circumstances. For example, criminal mischief (damaging the property of another) or Harassment. Issues involving statements, double jeopardy or testimony in Court can impact how these cases are resolved.

The New York State Criminal Courts is can be confusing because there are many different types of courts, Counties and procedures vary. A good understanding of the process and the courts will will help in making any decision for yourself or a loved one much easier. Always consult with a criminal defense attorney.

Law Enforcement

In New York State there are several law enforcement agencies that investigate criminal activity. These include the New York State Police, County Police, local (city, town or village) police departments, MTA Police, District Attorney Investigators and the Department of Environmental Protection. Those officers are recruited from a variety of places and undergo similar training. If one finds themselves subject of ANY law enforcement investigation they must immediately contact a criminal defense attorney.

Criminal Defense

The pre-arrest criminal defense is very important, however some criminal defense attorneys will not take clients who are under investigation and will tell the person "call me when your arrested." This is bad advice. A criminal defense attorney can provide help at any stage of the pre-arrest investigation. The earlier the criminal defense attorney can get involved the more effective the defense can be to help the client.

Pre-arrest the criminal defense attorney can contact the law enforcement agency, the District Attorney's Office and most importantly keep in close contact with the client regarding any arrest or investigation. Having a criminal defense attorney for advice often puts client's at ease by knowing they have someone to help during a stressful time.

What to do if you are under police investigation

DO NOT talk to any law enforcement without first speaking with a criminal defense attorney. The best criminal defense attorneys will tell you that is the golden rule in criminal defense.

Contray to popular belief, the police do not need to read a suspect their Miranda warnings, under certain circumstances, before questioning. Miranda warnings are usually only required during a custodial interrogation.

Law enforcement are free to lie to a suspect during questioning. The police may comment "We have the other guy, he told us what happened so you can too" or "your fingerprints are all over the weapon". This is designed to get the suspect to make a statement.

Also, the investigators will use comforting language such as "we are here to help you" or "we are going to ask you questions that we already have answers to, so its OK to be honest" Good Cop/Bad Cop is also a common practice.

The most common way that an investigator will convince a person to speak to them is by saying "we don't want to arrest you but if you don't talk to us and explain what happened we are going to arrest you" or "if you tell us what happened I can call the judge and you can go home or I'll call the DA and have them drop the case". This is all designed to have the suspect make a statement.

Again, follow the golden rule and never speak with law enforcement without speaking with a criminal defense attorney first.

DWI Defense in New York

In any New York State DWI defense it is important to know the different BAC levels and how they are applied under the New York DWI laws. In Westchester, Orange, Putnam and Rockland Counties, DUI arrests include those with BAC levels below .08%. An arrest in New York with a BAC level under .08% will result in the charge of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). The best criminal defense will attack the BAC levels.

How are BAC levels below .08% defined?

The DWI laws in New York identify a BAC level of.05% as evidence that the driver is NOT impaired. A BAC level of .07% is evidence of impairment. Of course, a .08% results in the charge of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). The BAC level is the prosecutor's main tool in determining plea policies and strategy for trial. Therefore, in the New York DWI defense it is important to know the BAC amount and any possible margin of error (usually +/- .01%) to formulate the proper defense.

What is Divided Attention?

Police officers in any DWI or DWAI case are trained to look for certain cues to determine, without a BAC reading, if the motorist is intoxicated or impaired. The police are always looking for these cues. Divided Attention is the basis of these cues.

Divided Attention is the concept that is a motorist is impaired or intoxicated they can't do two things at the same time and instead will focus on the more important task while ignoring the least important task. The logic is that driving a car requires a motorist to do several things at the same time and alcohol or drugs prevents a motorist for doing those tasks. The prosecution will focus there case on divided attention therefore it becomes a DWI defense issue.

The Field Sobriety Tests (FST) (One Leg Stand, Walk & Turn) used by officers test divided attention. In the DWI defense it is important to realize that those tests usually can't be preformed even in the best of conditions. Even the police department's own manuals instruct the officers that the tests are only about 68% accurate yet they are used as the primary test for divided attention.

Cross Examination of the Police Officer

The DWI criminal defense attorney will attack the police officer by challenging the FST and the concept of divided attention. An officer will undoubtedly testify about the test and that the failure of the test was evidence of a loss of motor skills. To attack this testimony a simple strategy is to focus on what the motorist was able to do that never made it into a police report or was testified to at trial. For example, opening the window to speak with the officer is usually done without error. The cross examination would include:

1. You asked him to lower the window?
2. He responded to your request immediately and moved his hand towards the button?
3. You were watching his hands for officer safety?
4. His movements were normal?
5. His finger went to the button and lowered the window?
6. Without any evidence of loss of motor skills?

This is just one simple example of how to attack divided attention.

In any DWI defense it is important to attack the officer's findings and establish that the motorist's ability to drive was not impaired. The BAC level is only part of the evidence against an accused and with low level BAC readings attacking the concept of divided attention is the best DWI defense.