New York Civil Rights And Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense

5 Common Types of Cyber Crime

You likely are aware of what cybercrime means in general. Did you know there are different types of cybercrimes? They fall under individual, property, and government categories, and are increasingly common in New York. Botnets Networks from compromised computers that remote hackers externally control are called botnets. These hackers take control and will often attack other computers in the network or send spam. Botnets may act as malware to perform harmful tasks. DDoS Attacks This attack is used to disable the availability of an online service and make the network malfunction as it...

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How drugs can complicate DWI charges

Driving while intoxicated, or DWI charges in New York, typically refer to getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. However, DWI can also refer to many substances that can impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle. Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription drugs, can result in DWI charges. Measuring drug impairment While all 50 states have a definitive standard for DWI charges when alcohol is involved, that is not so when it comes to drugs. Various drugs have different effects on cognition while also staying in the body for varying...

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The signs of racial profiling in New York

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...

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Justice delayed is not justice denied

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...

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Tax avoidance versus tax evasion: Is there a difference?

New York residents may not know that tax avoidance is legal and tax evasion is illegal. Whether you pay taxes as an individual or a business owner, the Internal Revenue Code permits you to avoid paying some taxes by following specific practices. For instance, the tax code allows companies deductions to mitigate the cost of operating a business. You as an individual are also permitted to set up 401(k) plans for employees so that you can delay paying taxes until a future date. Tax avoidance loopholes exist to help lower your taxes Although IRS rules are complex and easily misinterpreted, it is...

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Who commits different types of Section 8 fraud

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...

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What are hate crimes, and how are they punished?

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...

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Juvenile incarceration and Raise-the-Age: What to know

The issue of juvenile justice is one of the most difficult that courts have to face. They have to decide how to punish individuals who are not held responsible for their actions in a wide variety of situations. In the state of New York, legislation has changed the operations of juvenile incarceration in recent years. As a result of the Raise-the-Age legislation in New York, New York, a certain class of older juvenile offenders will be able to take advantage of the juvenile justice system. This new approach to teenagers will hopefully reduce the abuses and horrific statistics associated with...

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What is telemarketing fraud, and how is it committed?

New Yorkers who are accused of telemarketing fraud should immediately seek assistance. It’s important to know how this crime is committed. What is telemarketing fraud? Telemarketing fraud is a crime that occurs through the phone as a way to deceive a victim into believing they can gain something by paying money. It’s carried out when the criminal manages to get the victim to provide their most sensitive information such as their financial information or Social Security number. What are some common telemarketing scams? One of the most common recent telemarketing scams involves a phone call...

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What are your rights pertaining to illegal strip searches?

Everyone in New York deserves to be treated with respect. This is even true for individuals who are arrested on charges regardless of their innocence. However, illegal strip searches are a huge violation of people’s civil rights. What is a strip search? A strip search is a common practice in law enforcement. It involves making a prisoner or suspect strip so that a prison guard, jail administrator or other law enforcement officer can search them for illegal contraband. However, in some cases, complete nudity for a strip search isn’t necessary. Searches can be strictly visual, but sometimes,...

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