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| Not "Just" But it Can Help Greatly |
One of the wonderful things about working in a college community like Ithaca, NY is the diversity of people I have the opportunity to interact with and help. In any one week I have clients from China, Russia, Nigeria, India, and Nebraska. Sometimes it can prove challenging to explain the laws, and more importantly their application here in Upstate Central New York.
Many people are under the mistaken impression that knowing the New York laws is most important thing. But is it?
Interpretation and Application of the Law is More Important than the Law
I have many bright and intelligent people over the years tell me that they can read the law, and know their rights. So much of what we do as DWI defense attorneys comes down to interpretation and application of cases. This case law is dynamic, and it's ability to affect outcomes ever changing.
In fact the Village and Town Courts, especially in the smaller venues have their own way of proceeding. There is the unspoken, "that's the way we do it around here," law.
How des a Judge take cases or how does a District Attorney view different charges can vary by county and by area. I often tell clients never to compare their case or situation with a friend from another state, county, or from 5 years ago. Kinda like comparing an apple with an orange, yes they are both in the fruit family but the differences end there.
We Got History: The Value of "Real" Historical Knowledge
Sometimes you are paying a lawyer for more than their legal experience and legal skills. In fact you are paying them for the dozens and/or hundreds of interactions they have had in that jurisdiction over the years. As they say (and they KNOW)
Criminal defense: It's NOT what you know but WHO you KNOW
How important and valuable is Knowing how the Judge in a particular court decides cases?
How important and valuable is Knowing how the assistant District Attorney in that court plea bargains cases?
Knowing the players in the game is perhaps an overlooked advantage.
As people like to say about people they KNOW, WE GOT HISTORY TOGETHER!
The DWI Laws are Ever Changing as is The World
The widest revamp of the current DWI laws occurred in 2006, and then again in 2010. The legislature created new crimes, new penalties, and new applications of the law. They abound like a minefield, and I seriously question the sanity of those that try to dabble in this area. Mastery is more than a word to me, it Implies a desire to continually learn, evolve, and grow with your practice.
This is 2014, and last year I took my daughter to have four teeth removed, and it was not by a Generalist Dentist, I took my wife back and forth five times to Syracuse because a Lasik eye surgeon came highly recommended, and I sought out the services of a real estate attorney when I had an issue in that area. We are living in the age of highly specialized knowledge, training, and experience.
In fact, living beneath Cornell University and Ithaca College exposes me to more and more people moving in the direction of sub-specialties and sub-sub-specialities. The world is becoming filled with people who study the depths of their fields. They may be obtaining a Phd in Physics but their true understanding is of Sub Atomic Particle Accelerators.
I want my counselors to be expert, and focused in their respective fields. I love practicing criminal defense law, especially drunk driving defense, because it allows me the ability to grow and learn within a well defined niche. Afterall, how many fields can you practice within where as you age (and are losing your fight with gravity) you can still improve as a professional based not only on experience but on a life's wisdom?
Always consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.
newman.lawrence@gmail.com
607-229-5184
Reviews of Larry Newman:
Chosen as a 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI in Upstate New York by Super Lawyers
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