The legal prohibition of gravity knives is one of the most vexing crimes in New York state law. First, many people get arrested for this crime without having any idea that their knife is illegal, and this is very understandable given that “gravity knives” were for so long so readily available throughout New York state…
Continue reading ›The New York Times recently featured an article concerning the prevalence of pain pill distribution rings throughout the United States. New York is no exception to this general trend. In fact, there have been several reports of illegal prescription drug rings in Staten Island and Manhattan, often times involving large distribution rings and physicians who…
Continue reading ›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…
Continue reading ›Many people who are arrested for and accused of DWI in New York need to be able to use their car to get to work on a daily basis. Unfortunately for those people, New York law generally requires the immediate suspension of an arrestee’s driver’s license which lasts until the end of the prosecution, at…
Continue reading ›The world’s oldest profession is still illegal in New York. What many people do not realize, however, is that prostitutes, pimps (or madams), and johns can all be arrested and convicted under New York state law without any sexual conduct taking place or any money exchanging hands. The state laws concerning prostitution in New York…
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 ›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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