DWI Defense: What do CSI, Easter, and Passover Have to do with it?

A Lawyer's Job is to Bring LIGHT into the Cases He Defends
from blog.ivci.com

Today is Easter Sunday, and after taking my dog for that long walk up to Collegetown gazing down Lake Cayuga I came back home with an interesting thought. Long thoughts on cold days sometimes bring forth creativity.

What do Easter, Passover, and CSI have in common? 
And what does any of this have to do with New York DWI defense?


My wife and I love CSI. The original Vegas version often fascinates us with insightful story lines, great dialogue, and biting humor. But.... there is one glaring thing that bothers me to no end, the CSI team never turns on lights in homes, basements, or pulls up window shades. They are forever relying upon flashlights to investigate crime scenes. Whether for dramatic effect or to increase suspense they refuse to use any electric lighting.

Easter brings the story of the coming of the light of the world, the rising of the Christ. Passover encapsulates the liberation of the Jews from slavery, of bondage, and the darkness of their times.


What we as criminal defense attorneys seek to do is bring "light" into our cases. 

Because light casts out darkness, removes fear, and brings us a more complete picture. The monsters always lurk in dark places. It is common knowledge that Vampires can't handle sun light. Themes of blackness rule scary movies. Light can reveal strengths and weaknesses. The lawyers tools that bring sight, and more importantly insight are: the examination of the evidence, the cross examination of the witnesses, and the facts held up to the light of day. All of this evaluating, weighing, and interpreting demands a strong light.

The Truth is light on a criminal DWI case. 

So many questions I have for the police and for our jury. Was the breath test accurate? If we have no test how do you know intoxication? What does it look like? Can sick or tired or different look like drunk or stoned?

The Light Can Liberate (Free) YOU

So on this day, I am thankful to celebrate the liberation that comes from the light. In our home, my wife a converted Catholic, and me a little Jew from Brooklyn merge our faiths to embrace a unifying principle. We have gratitude as a family that we have the privilege to live in a country where we can practice and believe in whatever religion we decide upon. Today and everyday. let's all be mindful of the light we live in.

Law Offices of Newman and Cyr
Ithaca, NY 14850

fax: 866-381-3122
ph: 607- 229-5184

Reviews and Endorsements of Larry Newman:

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Chosen as a 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI in Upstate New York by Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

I am a co-author of Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York, both 2011 and 2013 editions:

Leading Lawyers on Understanding Today's DWI Environment, Constructing a Defense Strategy, and Counseling Clients (Inside the Minds) New Edition

newman.lawrence@gmail.com