Saturday, November 30, 2013

Where Does Criminal Law Come From? Driving with a Cat



I am amazed sometimes that people will look up the law on a given topic, and then start to lawyer their own cases. Is it really just that simple? Well in some respects it can be but in so many others it is most definitely not. I have even seen other attorneys fall into this same trap. The trap of thinking, "well I'll just look up," "I'll just see what it says about this and that."

Where Does Criminal Law Come From?

Law is written by the legislature. It is enacted (put into legal ease), and then it is applied (by law enforcement), and then it is interpreted by the Courts. So let's take those one at a time:

Enacting law comes with a purpose behind it. The men and women entrusted to this process seek to avoid or minimize harms. After all law exists to allow us to live together peacefully or at least socially. This is not always the case but it is the optimistic goal. We as attorneys will often look to "legislative intent."

We will research to discover what were the legislature's intention in writing a specific law. This may be found in committee notes or in many paragraphs of overly verbose political jargon. Regardless, they had a purpose or should have had a purpose behind what they created. If the purpose behind the law was to prevent a specific harm or to affect a specific group or had an underlying agenda then this must be considered by lawyers, the Courts, and by the Judges who shall ultimately apply it to people.

Application of law is found in it's history of enforcement. How have the police, and the prosecutors used this law to charge and prosecute crime? Has it been enforced fairly? Has it been enforced evenly? Has it not been enforced at all? Some states, like New Jersey have a death penalty that has never been applied. A law without use, is it really a law at all?

Interpretation of the law is probably it's most controversial, complicated, analyzed, and argued area. Attorneys, and Judges will pick the law apart bit by bit to dissect it layer by layer. Judges in states like New York look to case law (law that has been on the books for hundreds of years) to make their decisions.

Legal cases are no more or less than stories. Stories about people that have had run ins with the law and have tested it. Testing and challenging the law may uncover weak areas. Maybe the law has words or terms in need of updating to the current times or current social norms? Maybe the time has come to abandon old definitions or old interpretations. Maybe there is a new shade of grey in a particular area.

Holly crap Tabby, People do love their cats.


Bringing us to DRIVING WITH A CAT, my new made up New York City law. The way things are going in NYC these days nothing surprises me. Mayor Bloomberg wants to legislate and enforce laws about the size of soda, the purchase of cigarettes, and you name it so ,,,

You can no longer drive a car with a cat in it. It will now be an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail, and up to three years probation supervision to drive with a feline inside your car.

To properly defend those charged with this new crime we would have to know a few things about this new law:

1. Why did the legislature enact this new cat law? Was it to avoid the harm that cats might cause with distracted driving? Then I guess a sleeping cat might not be a bad thing (unless it was extremely cute whilst sleeping). Was it to avoid a cat from getting inside the steering wheel? Then maybe fatter or larger cats might not be an issue. Would a cat in a box or a bag be a call for concern and prosecution?

2. How should law enforcement or how have they charged this new crime? Did they smell the odor of a cat, and proceed to look for one in the cars? Would that be probable cause to further investigate this new crime? Did the Trooper see cat nip or cat treats, and assume that there must be a cat on board? Were you wearing an I love cats shirt, was that enough for the Deputy to then go look for a cat in your car?

3. How have the Courts held up the Driving with a Cat (car) law? Has it only been applied to small kittens? Has it only been applied to those with randy cats that move and jump around a lot in cars? Would a sleepy, listless, and tired cat be a cause for concern? Has it only been applied to ugly cats historically?

In cat after cat case what has stood out? Is driving defined as a "moving" car? Or has driving been defined as any intent to drive with a cat? Would walking to or from your car with a cat in hand count?
If you had more than one cat could you be charged with multiple counts of this new law?

LAW is more than Words in a Statute

So law is often more than what the legal statute says, law is more than what the ticket says you did, and law is often much more than what you see on your favorite TV shows. Law comes from someplace, and then is set in motion. Understanding that birth, and development is a kin with understanding the life and psychology of a person. I believe that criminal lawyers that go on that archeological dig of sorts are richly rewarded because they can use that knowledge and understanding to best defend their clients.

Always consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.

Originally, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My father was a NYS corrections officer, and my mother a waitress. I now live in Ithaca, NY with my wife (of 25 years), and four kids. I have a B.S. in Human Biology, Doctorates in Law and Chiropractic, and a Post Graduate in Acupuncture. I practiced as a Chiropractic Physician in Florida from 1986 to 1995. I graduated law school in 1997, and went on to practice trial law in FL, NY, NJ, and PA. I love practicing criminal defense and injury law within the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Over 90% of the cases that I take on are New York DWI defense cases. I am certified as a breath tester by the Department of Transportation, the guidelines of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I am certified in Field Sobriety Tests, and an active member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). My online materials include over 470 blog posts, dozens of articles, and over 450 informative videos on my youtube channel.

I have co-authored Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York, in both 2011 and 2013. These are West Thomson legal manuals on New York State DWI defense, and focus on the best practices for other lawyers handling a New York DWI case. Included in Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York are materials I provide clients, such as my fee agreement and ways to avoid misdemeanor probation. I was selected by Super Lawyers as a Upstate New York 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI Defense based on my experience, contributions, and professional standing.

http://www.ithacadwi.com

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

607-229-5184

Monday, November 25, 2013

You are a Snowflake: The Mythos of Presumption: Breath - Blood Alcohol Ratios

Challenging Presumptions is Demanding
from private person.com


Word play fascinates me, after all is there really a difference between assuming and presuming anything? Apparently in our day to day usage, NO, but legally we do have PRESUMPTIONS under the law. A Presumption is considered by the grammar police to be more founded or based on evidence or proof. Police have you walk imaginary (pretend) lines so wouldn't it be fitting to have them test your breath for alcohol using machines that presume as well?

Legal Presumptions

One presumption that works for you is the Presumption of Innocence, you are presumed innocent unless proven guilty (and guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at that). In other words, you start out under the law with a clean slate.

One presumption that works against us is the Presumption of Breath - Blood Alcohol Ratio. This has been set by the government at 2100:1. Every state in this country uses the same number on their breathalyzer machines. What that means is that the breath alcohol machine that takes your breath (that you blow into) and that will calculate your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) will use this average ratio. The measurement algorithm set in the device is going to use 2100 as a multiplier to arrive at your blood alcohol concentration.

You must remember that the device that measures your breath alcohol takes a very small sample. This is  a fraction of your total body/blood alcohol. It is expelled breath alcohol at a given point in time. How much alcohol your body is actually eliminating, the rate of your elimination, and the true concentration of the elimination is a guess. It may be an educated guess, but a guess nevertheless.

Some of my clients have swore that they only had a few beers. I have calculated their real BACs based upon all of their remembered timelines, consumptions, and time of testing. Sometimes their police BACs just don't match the facts. Truth and presumption don't always align.

Remember YOU are a special snowflake!
from abduzeedo.com

Assumptions

The breath machine assumes that your breath is 34 degrees.
The breath machine assumes that you are in the elimination phase of alcohol metabolism.
The breath machine assumes you are an average person (whatever that means).

No one is the same (hence my snowflake reference) but everyone is treated as if they are when it comes to breath alcohol testing. No person has the same metabolism as another, no person is 34 degrees all day every day, no person is static (metabolizes drugs the same way every day). We are all different and we are all dynamic. On any given day based on a number of things our bodies may deal with a drug (any drug) differently. Our bodies detoxify at different rates and times based upon our time clock, our food intake, and our general level of health.

This very fact can mean that a person with a .11 BAC may really be a .07 BAC or more or less (who really knows). Couple to this that your BAC may have been rising or falling from the time of your driving to the time of testing, and we have other issues to consider.

I have a computer program that can calculate someone's real BAC at the time of driving or at least a close average range based on a number of specific criteria. If they can give me the facts I can extrapolate the real numbers. I have used this program to either create a defense or call horseshit on a story.


Always consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.

Originally, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My father was a NYS corrections officer, and my mother a waitress. I now live in Ithaca, NY with my wife (of 25 years), and four kids. I have a B.S. in Human Biology, Doctorates in Law and Chiropractic, and a Post Graduate in Acupuncture. I practiced as a Chiropractic Physician in Florida from 1986 to 1995. I graduated law school in 1997, and went on to practice trial law in FL, NY, NJ, and PA. I love practicing criminal defense and injury law within the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Over 90% of the cases that I take on are New York DWI defense cases. I am certified as a breath tester by the Department of Transportation, the guidelines of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I am certified in Field Sobriety Tests, and an active member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). My online materials include over 450 blog posts, dozens of articles, and over 440 informative videos on my youtube channel.

I have co-authored Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York, in both 2011 and 2013. These are West Thomson legal manuals on New York State DWI defense, and focus on the best practices for other lawyers handling a New York DWI case. Included in Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York are materials I provide clients, such as my fee agreement and ways to avoid misdemeanor probation. I was selected by Super Lawyers as a Upstate New York 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI Defense based on my experience, contributions, and professional standing.

http://www.ithacadwi.com

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

607-229-5184







Monday, November 11, 2013

Cortland Lawyer Understanding Revocable DWI Sentences: The CD and Probation

Probation Departments have a Tough Job
Monitoring and Supervising Thousands of People
from co.jefferson.ny.us


I get calls from people asking what is this thing called a CD (conditional discharge)? What does it mean? Nobody (my attorney included) explained it to me.


So to begin there are TWO main types DWI revocable sentences:

The CD (one year) and Probation (two or three years). They can be more similar than you think.

Note: Most judges will sentence to the old standard of three years. Probation is also called "community supervision." Probation is always monitored in the county of your residence NOT the county of the DWI occurrence.

Final Court Dispositions

Sentencing is the final disposition of your DWI case. The last day you will hopefully need to appear (physically) in Court. Although some judges like progress updates, these can usually be faxed or mailed to the Court.

The Court's final sentencing SHOULD clearly state how things are to be disposed of in the future by you for the Court. Should is a big word because in busy Courts (like in the City) or with busy lawyers (like legal aid or public defenders), you may not fully understand what is expected of you. I believe that your lawyer SHOULD give you a final summary of what is expected (what you still owe) of you. This can be in the form of a closing letter. Many lawyers give you nothing (as to a closing document).

Are you to just owe something to the Court directly for a CD or owe something to County Probation? Owe "as in" have an outstanding obligation or a duty that must be satisfied. The entire DWI sentence will have a list of things that need to be completed by you. Each condition will have terms (timelines, due dates). If not completed by this or that date or time, you are then delinquent!

Common DWI CD and Probation Obligations

1. Court fines and NYS surcharges;
2. VIP (victim impact panel) attendance;
3. DDP (7 week DMV drinking driver program);
4. Drug/Alcohol OASAS Evaluation;
5. Ignition Interlock Device installation and monthly checks;
6. Treatment and/or rehabilitation for drugs and/or alcohol;
7. Counseling for mental problems;
8. Commit NO new crimes, NO new arrests for anything!

RE-vocable Sentences are Cancelable 

Both the sentence of probation, and of a Conditional Discharge can be revoked by the Court. The sentence given by the Judge can be cancelled by the Court at a later date. This is usually due to a Delinquency. Delinquencies are usually in the form of unmet or incomplete obligations. If you did not do something at all, or complete something fully, then the Court can bring you back (command you) into court for a re-sentencing on the plead to charge. If the Court discovers you were re-arrested, you can also be brought back to Court.

When the delinquency is during probation it is usually called a Violation of Probation (VOP). Remember that both Violations or a delinquency only require a very low level of proof. It is far less than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard of proof required for criminal charges.

CDs and Probation are in lieu of a sentence in jail. 
Jail = Punishment

There is always the possibility of a jail sentence after a violation or delinquency of a revocable sentence. Jail is to punish and to deter future bad behavior. This is because CDs and Probation are intended as Rehabilitative sentences. These are NOT supposed to be Punishment focused sentences.

Conditional Discharges and Probation are Supposed to be Therapeutic and Rehabilitative

In Letterlough 86 N.Y.2d 259 the Court of Appeals reversed defendant's DWI conviction because of the UNLAWFUL condition that the Court imposed which required a scarlet letter license plate that stated "convicted of DWI." The Court stated that Probation (and CDs) must not be designed with the primary purpose of punishment or deterrence. Conditions of Probation (and CDs) are supposed to be fundamentally rehabilitative.

CD or Probation Conditions are to be made based upon the following criteria:

1. reasonably related to rehabilitation of this specific person;
2. individually tailored in relation to the offense;
3. reasonably necessary to ensure this person lead a law abiding life.

What is required to Start a Delinquency (Violation) Action Against YOU?

This is under CPL (criminal procedure law) 410.70:

1. Someone must claim that the delinquency or violation occurred during the CD or Probation time period;
2. Reasonable cause to believe (civil proof standard) you did violate;
3. A written declaration of delinquency;
4. A decision on a probation officer (or ADA's) request within 72 hours;
5. Prompt, reasonable, and appropriate action to make you come to Court.

What are "My" Potential Defenses to a DWI Delinquency?

1. Is there reasonable cause that you really violated?
Ignition Interlocks are not infallible. Relapse is common among those with addiction.

2. Was this infraction (violation/delinquency) intentional?
Did you miss a payment or treatment because of financial or family or medical reasons?

3. Did you have to drive a Vehicle without a device for some higher purpose?
I had a client who drove a work truck a short distance, and received an AUO. This also lead to a probation violation. The Court and probation forgave based upon his excellent history and the purpose for the driving in this instance.

Who can Send a Notice of Delinquency or Violation? 

The ADA (assistant district attorney) can file a notice of delinquency;
The Probation officer can also file a violation;
The Court (judge) can file a notice of delinquency.

All of them or none of them can decide to violate you. Sometimes a person on probation will violate multiple times but NOT be violated by their officer. Sometimes one big mess up can trigger it. I have seen the gamut over the years.

Main Factors that Determine Whether You Will Be Violated (declared delinquent):

1. Your history with the Court post sentencing;
2. Your history with Probation post sentencing;
More time, more completion of tasks, more progress (good history) less chance of being violated.
3. Your relationship with probation and the Court (judge);
Have you been honest? Have you been trying to complete and comply? Have you been an annoying and fighting every step of the way?
4. Was your original case and charges very serious (accident/injuries)?
5. Were you given a chance (opportunity) by the Court and Prosecutor at rehabilitation?
6. Who is your probation officer?
7. Who was the Judge on your case?

This is both for a CD or Probation.


Always consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.

Originally, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My father was a NYS corrections officer, and my mother a waitress. I now live in Ithaca, NY with my wife (of 25 years), and four kids. I have a B.S. in Human Biology, Doctorates in Law and Chiropractic, and a Post Graduate in Acupuncture. I practiced as a Chiropractic Physician in Florida from 1986 to 1995. I graduated law school in 1997, and went on to practice trial law in FL, NY, NJ, and PA. I love practicing criminal defense and injury law within the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Over 90% of the cases that I take on are New York DWI defense cases. I am certified as a breath tester by the Department of Transportation, the guidelines of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I am certified in Field Sobriety Tests, and an active member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). My online materials include over 450 blog posts, dozens of articles, and over 440 informative videos on my youtube channel.

I have co-authored Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York, in both 2011 and 2013. These are West Thomson legal manuals on New York State DWI defense, and focus on the best practices for other lawyers handling a New York DWI case. Included in Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York are materials I provide clients, such as my fee agreement and ways to avoid misdemeanor probation. I was selected by Super Lawyers as a Upstate New York 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI Defense based on my experience, contributions, and professional standing.

http://www.ithacadwi.com

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

607-229-5184


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Ithaca Cortland Lawyer Asks When Can You Violate a Conditional Discharge but NOT Be Violated?

New York Conditional Discharges Always have
Terms and Conditions

from askatoddler.com


New York law can be confusing at times, even for lawyers. We have some customs and procedures that vary from one county to the next. Having more certainty I'd like to think is a good thing but we can't always have it.

In this blog post I want to help make sense of the world of Court CD conditions, terms, and obligations and what happens or may happen if we VIOLATE them.

Violating Your Conditional Discharge 

The one year CD or conditional discharge is the most common sentencing option in the vast majority of New York lower local Courts (town, village, and city). It can have a wide range of conditions, deadlines for those conditions, and accompanying open ended collateral obligations to those conditions, wow! Open ended anything scares me.

So if the Court states at sentencing, "you must have a drug/alcohol evaluation by an OASAS evaluator and you must follow through and complete all treatment recommended by that evaluator" that is a mouthful and that may involve many months or a year of rehabilitation (all at your cost and expense).

Or if the Court states at sentencing, "you must have a mental health evaluation and either submit documentation of your progress (continued treatment) and/or completion over the next year."

Or if the Court states at sentencing, "you must complete 100 hours of recognized community service at a non-profit organization."

Or if the Court states at sentencing, "you must remain free of any use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs for the next year." Over the years the only way I've seen this enforced or violated is with public intoxication (disorderly conduct) type charges after a CD.

The ONE Main Condition of Every CD

The Court will always have one main condition in every CD sentencing, "you are to be arrest free over the next year or else this sentencing for this plead to offense (charge or charges) can be re-opened (re-visited).

What happens if YOU Violate? What happens if you don't follow up or follow through on the conditions? What happens if you only complete part of the conditions or none of them?

If and when the DA discovers the violation, it could be a letter from the drug/alcohol treatment center to the Court and the DA that you are AWOL or MIA. Then the DA will have to file a Notice of Delinquency with the Court. This will state the condition stated during and as part of sentencing and Why you are now in violation of that condition.

Sometimes your violation involves new charges or in another county or another state. It is up to the discretion of the ADA to decide whether to proceed with violating you or not to violate you.

Sometimes your violation will have the Court bring you back without the DA first. This is so the Judge can perhaps forestall a full violation by having you get into compliance. Maybe go back into treatment, or catch up with your obligations, or produce proof of a good reason to allow you more time or another chance.

Violations of CDs need to be handled, they should never be ignored.


Always consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.

Originally, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My father was a NYS corrections officer, and my mother a waitress. I now live in Ithaca, NY with my wife (of 25 years), and four kids. I have a B.S. in Human Biology, Doctorates in Law and Chiropractic, and a Post Graduate in Acupuncture. I practiced as a Chiropractic Physician in Florida from 1986 to 1995. I graduated law school in 1997, and went on to practice trial law in FL, NY, NJ, and PA. I love practicing criminal defense and injury law within the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Over 90% of the cases that I take on are New York DWI defense cases. I am certified as a breath tester by the Department of Transportation, the guidelines of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I am certified in Field Sobriety Tests, and an active member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). My online materials include over 450 blog posts, dozens of articles, and over 440 informative videos on my youtube channel.

I have co-authored Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York, in both 2011 and 2013. These are West Thomson legal manuals on New York State DWI defense, and focus on the best practices for other lawyers handling a New York DWI case. Included in Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York are materials I provide clients, such as my fee agreement and ways to avoid misdemeanor probation. I was selected by Super Lawyers as a Upstate New York 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI Defense based on my experience, contributions, and professional standing.

http://www.ithacadwi.com

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

607-229-5184

Arrested for a DWI? Do I Have to Tell My Boss/Job About it?



Delivery Driver with a NYS DWI is a deadly combo
from ondeck.biz


As an Upstate DWI Lawyer I get this question a lot, Should I tell my boss about my DWI arrest?
OR Do I Have to Tell My Boss about It?

The fast answer is, No,,,

Unless you have to drive for your job and deliver goods and/or services. Because for the first 30 days after your initial appearance you will have your full driving privileges suspended (called the suspension pending prosecution for .08 or more).

For those with jobs that require driving for the job, as in delivering or visiting/consulting with clients/customers you are not going to be able to drive for those reasons. The hardship license privilege to be awarded by the judge will strictly be for TO and FROM a job or job site NOT FOR work purposes. So if you are a plumber or an electrician or a salesperson or a social worker or an accountant or account representative or a delivery driver of any type you can not do your job. You can not visit with multiple clients or deliver goods or services door to door so to speak.

After the first 30 days you can apply at the NYS DMV for your conditional license. This will then give you the ability to drive for your job and consult and sell and drive a delivery truck.

So back to the original question, if you are one of those people who need a license to go "door to door" it is likely that you are going to have to tell your boss. Some companies will change your job for the first 30 days, some will give you inside work, and some will just lay you off (temporarily or forever).

A Potential DWI Alternative License Solution

There is one other thing that may be able to be able to be done by an attorney. If you can get into the DWI case early enough, before the suspension pending prosecution by the Court/Judge, before the initial appearance then maybe there is another solution.

The World of Many, Many Ifs

If you can be proactive, 
if he can get all the Court/DMV paperwork together,
if he can reach an agreement that is agreeable and fair based upon your situation and the facts,
then maybe your DWI charges could all be sorted between your attorney, the DA (District Attorney), and the Court to resolve your case completely at the initial appearance.

Remember this is not the best way to proceed with every DWI case. Every situation must be looked at completely as to the specific facts and the potential criminal defenses to the charges. But for some people this is a way to save their jobs, to save their ability to drive, and to bring much needed relief to a tense situation quickly.


The 9 Most FAQ About NY DWI, here:


The New York Up State DWI Survival Guide, here:


Winning The NYS DWI Refusal Case, here:


Always consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.

Originally, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My father was a NYS corrections officer, and my mother a waitress. I now live in Ithaca, NY with my wife (of 25 years), and four kids. I have a B.S. in Human Biology, Doctorates in Law and Chiropractic, and a Post Graduate in Acupuncture. I practiced as a Chiropractic Physician in Florida from 1986 to 1995. I graduated law school in 1997, and went on to practice trial law in FL, NY, NJ, and PA. I love practicing criminal defense and injury law within the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.

Over 90% of the cases that I take on are New York DWI defense cases. I am certified as a breath tester by the Department of Transportation, the guidelines of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I am certified in Field Sobriety Tests, and an active member of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). My online materials include over 450 blog posts, dozens of articles, and over 440 informative videos on my youtube channel.

I have co-authored Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York, in both 2011 and 2013. These are West Thomson legal manuals on New York State DWI defense, and focus on the best practices for other lawyers handling a New York DWI case. Included in Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York are materials I provide clients, such as my fee agreement and ways to avoid misdemeanor probation. I was selected by Super Lawyers as a Upstate New York 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI Defense based on my experience, contributions, and professional standing.

http://www.ithacadwi.com

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

607-229-5184