New York Civil Rights And Criminal Law Blog

Police racial profiling is a controversial topic, with both advocates for and against the practice. There is no universally accepted definition of racial profiling, but it does seem to refer to any action taken by law enforcement that disproportionately affects an individual's race. Sometimes, this can result in an individual being stopped or searched in New York City because they are minorities. In other cases, it can be due to more general policing practices targeting one race over another. Here are a few potential signs: 1. Open hostility or hostile questioning Persons being questioned by...

While it won't make up for the many years lost in a New York maximum security prison, the $26 million settlement acknowledges the woeful injustice that was imposed upon two innocent men. When civil rights leader Malcolm X was killed, three men were convicted and sentenced to in 1966. Two of the men denied these charges, while one admitted to his role in the murder. The two defendants maintained their innocence and were, based upon the uncovering of evidence, exonerated of murder charges in 2021. Miscarriages of justice The men's cries of innocence largely fell on deaf ears until a former...

Section 8 is the program administered at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program pays all or some of the rent for low-income people. This is a massive program that landlords rely on for income and tenants need for housing. With so much money on the table, the temptation to commit fraud can strike landlords, administrators or tenants. Bribery, false billing and side payments A property owner or administrator for Section 8 housing holds a position of power over people who are often desperate for housing. Strong competition for limited rental units...

New York federal law enforcement officials take hate crimes seriously. A person who faces charges needs immediate help with their case as hate crimes are considered federal offenses and carry serious consequences. Understanding hate crimes Hate crimes are motivated by bias against a specific group of people who are considered protected. Crimes perpetrated against anyone for certain characteristics or perceived characteristics such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or national origin are not taken lightly. As such, a person who commits a hate crime can face...