Criminal Law 101

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges in New York carry serious and lasting consequences. When someone pleads guilty or is convicted, the impact goes far beyond fines or jail time.

When it comes to criminal defense law, few areas are as potentially life-altering as drug charges. Whether you're facing drug possession or drug trafficking allegations, the consequences can be severe, but the way these charges are handled can differ dramatically.

When facing the serious issue of drug-related crimes, individuals may feel overwhelmed and unsure of their rights. At the Law Office of Michael D. Litman, PLLC, we understand the challenges that come with such situations and are committed to providing guidance and support.

Have you recently been charged with theft? Theft crimes can have serious consequences, but not all theft charges are treated equally under the law. In New York, the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony theft charge hinges on several key factors.

In New York, prior drug possession charges can have a significant influence on any subsequent criminal cases. These previous convictions can alter the way courts approach new charges, affecting sentencing, the defense strategy, and even the outcome of a case.

When a person is arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New York, one of the most critical pieces of evidence in the prosecution’s case is the result of the breath test.

Criminal possession of a forged instrument is a legal charge that falls under the broader category of forgery and fraud offenses. It involves knowingly possessing or using a forged item, typically with the intent to deceive or defraud others.

The New York Zero Tolerance Law is a specific regulation aimed at reducing underage drinking and driving. Designed to keep roads safer, it imposes strict penalties on drivers under the age of 21 found with even minimal amounts of alcohol in their system. This law represents a no-nonsense approach to underage drinking and driving, hence the term "zero tolerance."

When it comes to homicide cases, the terms "murder" and "manslaughter" are often used interchangeably by those outside the legal profession. However, in New York law, these crimes are distinctly categorized with unique characteristics and consequences. Whether you’re a legal advice seeker or a New York resident, it's important to understand these differences.

Though many states use DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) interchangeably, New York doesn't use the term DUI. Instead, the state prefers to use DWI and DWAI to categorize and penalize impaired driving.