Ithaca Cortland Lawyer The Privileged

I have this new disease called CRS (can't remember stuff). Maybe it is brought on by maturity. No really, when getting older you may get wiser, but your memory for some things just ain't there. I write things down. It is said, a short pencil is better than a long memory.

But there are "certain" specific moments in my education (and life) that I can remember as if they happened yesterday. I have had a handful of inspired teachers. People so enthusiastic about their subject matter that they were infectious.

One such person was Dr. Joseph Janse. He was the president of the National College of Chiropractic (now the National University of Health Sciences) in Lombard, Illinois. A man of great understanding and wisdom. He shared his love for and of the body whenever and wherever he spoke. He said and I paraphrase, "you are one of a few lucky people, one who will be able to see and know the beauty of
G-d's greatest miracle."

The Privileged

He was speaking of our privilege to take courses in the subject of Gross Anatomy. We had over a year of anatomy labs (spanning hundreds of hours) in which we had the privilege to dissect donated bodies. We took our time, layer by layer, organ by organ, to discover and uncover all the wonders of this miraculous machine. Physiology courses helped us to understand how the body would function but anatomy was the core of how things were arranged, organized, and designed. Dr. Janse said, "you cannot deny the existence of a power greater than yourselves after seeing the intricacy of this brilliant design." This was certainly no chaotic universe and G-d exists.

I have had one other teacher give me goose bumps along the same trajectory. It was in law school. Another inspired professor said it was a privilege to see how our government and laws was organized. How our system of checks and balances was designed by enlightened minds inspired by G-d. Once again the word,  privileged, and once again I felt blessed and fortunate. The more I studied the law, the more things would make sense. Things fit together and there was a reason behind so many seemingly unrelated areas.

I really believe that we who practice (law and the health sciences), and have had the peek behind the proverbial curtain so to speak are truly privileged. Knowing what we know, sharing what we know, and helping others with and through that insight is truly the greatest of gifts.

Dr. Lawrence Newman

Attorney and Counselor at Law

Doctor of Chiropractic

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://www.ithacainjurylawyer.com

Ithaca Lawyer-Chiropractor The Wonders of Electricity & Healing

Most people never stop their day, and marvel at just how miraculously their bodies function. They call them EEGs, EKGs, and EMGs for a reason. The big “E” is for electrical. We run on this electrical current. Electricity is manufactured in the brain via chemical reactions. This wonderful current conducts, and controls our body’s functions. Crudely speaking we are a mass configuration of various pumps. Pumping organs on the inside (heart, lungs, liver, etc.) and outside (skeletal muscles).

We have two types of systems: one is called the sympathetic and the other the para-sympathetic. One speeds things up, and one slows things down. When they functioning in a normal, healthy, and balanced rhythm these are a beautiful symphony to behold. I have been privileged in two wonderful professions: Chiropractic and Law. Seeing the inside workings of the body, and the inside working of the legal system have revealed to me an organization beyond the surface chaos.

How Injuries Affect Flow

The body functions best as a dynamic mass of movement. Stagnant pools harbor death and disease. Much the same way static (stopping) blocks to an otherwise constantly moving and pulsating self healing system create the build up of toxins. What many serious injuries to the body do is primarily disrupt electrical currents. An accident creates damages to a organ which then trigger an inflammatory response (swelling, blood) which then can cause a block, a compression, and/or a slowing of normal flow. Flow of electrical current is slowed or stopped completely by a fracture, displacement, dislocation, rip, tear, or impact to an area.  The consequences of this disruption in the tissues are that the body cannot remove toxins or move blood successfully. Further blocking down the line causes a domino effect, remember all systems are interdependent upon one another, and this leads to further disease.

Feedback Loops

Electricity is also part and parcel of a feedback loop. Destruction of body tissue leads to a communication breakdown. The organ cannot relay what it needs or requires to the brain. Supplies never arrive or arrive late to a sick or damaged area. A divorced muscle or internal organ will eventually whither and die.

Documentation of Injuries

Diagnosis is the discovery of causation. Getting to the root cause of a problem is the only hope of applying appropriate and proper treatment to an injury. Electrical studies after an accident are a key to not only objectively documenting the effects of an injury upon the body but more importantly uncovering the source of disturbance to nerve flow. Determining the level of function post accident (event) is crucial to treatment.

Measuring how the brain and peripheral nerves are functioning after an accident can yield a definite diagnosis. During the course of treatment re-testing can then determine whether or not the treatment is effective (working favorably).  If it is not working to assist the body’s healing, then new measures (more invasive or aggressive) like surgical intervention can be considered.

Dr. Lawrence Newman

Attorney and Counselor at Law

Doctor of Chiropractic

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

Larry Newman, Attorney and Counselor at Law is there really a difference?

Some lawyers use the designations: Attorney and Counselor at law. Whether it appears on their business cards, stationery, or a sign is there really a difference between the terms? Is it merely just a matter of semantics? Is there really a separate and distinct division between the two things?

As a younger man I was a Chiropractor. In Florida, I was called a Chiropractic Physician. Our Board was the Board of Chiropractic Medicine (kinda like jumbo shrimp). Some would dispute the use of those terms. Some might even dispute the use of the title doctor. By the way, doctor merely means teacher. I am proud of my chiropractic (holistic) background, and my humble academic education.

I believe that the bulk of true learning, and real education does not take place in schools. Life is the great teacher if you allow it to be. I have learned a great deal about many important things outside of school. I am an avid reader, seminar/conference goer, world traveler, seeker of experiences, and curious george. 

My greatest lessons came at the hands of a fate. I learned about loss when I buried my father at age 17. I learned about compassion for those without voice at the hands of a stutter that left me speechless for years. I have been a witness to senseless suicide, and marveled at the miracle of unconditional love. Fatherhood and husbandhood have taught me because I have allowed them to. My wife and four kids have taught me humbleness, gratitude, and the honor of service to things unseen.

With the passing of a great many years my skin and demeanor has thickened, I say under my breath, “thank G-d.” I am not rattled by name calling or basing who and what I am on a title or a term. Who or what I may be can be decided by the people I feel privileged to serve. I am much more to them than any professional designation.  I’ve been called so many things good and bad by the full gamut of humanity over the course of 26 years. No one has ever called me anything worse than I have called myself (in my own head).

The “Attorney at Law”

In my belief, lawyer (attorney at law) means someone versed in, and able to apply the law. Using a great many skill sets (within a specific area or areas) they hopefully can file motions, write briefs, argue law, cross exam witnesses, make opening statements, deliver closing arguments, and pick a jury. But all too often a lawyer will choose to fight a protracted war when more sensible remedies may be at hand.

The “Counselor at Law”

Counseling people as an attorney may or may not be something that all lawyers can perform successfully. Counseling requires communication that is more than legal. It is an art and science to explain, to enlighten, to guide, and to inspire clients.

Going Beyond the Sidelines

I believe that clients need to be participants, and not merely spectators. They need to understand their options. They need to make not just choices and decisions with their lawyer’s guidance but make informed choices and informed decisions.

Speaking the language of the client means more than their native tongue. It means getting to know what is important to them (their values). How do they place their values along a hierarchy (a scale) of least to most important? What matters most to them may not be what I may assume it to be. It also means understanding their end range (long term) goals.

Counseling Clients

Injured clients need a medical advocate. Sometimes they need someone to interpret and balance their health care providers. Clients may require assistance in weighing the long-term risks of surgery, rehabilitation, potential disabilities, temporary and permanent impairment, and the myriad of life altering decisions.

Criminal defense clients need to know all the collateral effects to their situation. What about their long term plans to pursue a professional license, a position of employment, or an opportunity in another state or country? What hurdles will they need to surmount? What can be done now or in the immediate future to help them with that?

Personal counseling could take the form of providing resources, giving direction, and creative thinking. The attorney as counselor dynamic integrates multiple aspects of a person’s life. There are legal issues at play with the competing social (family) issues with hard to avoid financial issues with logistical (practical) planning. A counselor will assist a client best by not giving all the answers (making choices) but by asking them the right questions. Leading a client is the real goal. To lead a client to their best choices means forsaking all else by placing their needs and desires first.

I have had cases that I wanted to fight. These were matters I felt strongly about. These were situations where I could taste blood. I wanted so badly to drag it out, to knock them down, and to win at all costs. I wanted these lawsuits, and to take them to court. But they were not in my clients best interests. They were for me but not for them.  I have since grown up. There is a new and better version of myself, the 2.0 Larry Newman. I can now recognize when this demon emerges. The counselor places it all in perspective, reverts back to square one, “what is in the best interests of my client?” That must always be the primary question. Patients are afterall NOT a disease or a condition. The real doctor must treat the patient. Clients are NOT their legal cases, they are people with problems. Some may require a lawyer (to handle their case) but many more have problems that require a counselor at law. 

Dr. Lawrence Newman

Attorney and Counselor at Law

Doctor of Chiropractic

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

 http://www.ithacainjurylawyer.com

Ithaca Lawyer "Can Future Employers Hold Stuff Against You?"

Getting a professional license or a job these days is hard enough. What if you have a past? What if you have had some errors in judgment? Employers cannot discriminate against you with or without criminal convictions.

The controlling sections of NYS law are under New York Correction Law - Article 23-A - § 752 &  §  753. Unfair Discrimination Against Persons Previously Convicted of One or More Criminal Offenses Prohibited.

NYS “encourages” employers and license granters to employ and license those previously convicted of crimes. It is not cut and dried. They must apply the factors set out below to assess your past and what you desire to do in the future.

First caveat, you are only obligated to tell of crimes. Criminal convictions are only those that are either misdemeanor or felony level offenses. This does not pertain to violations. They may be called offenses, you may have been convicted of them, but they are NOT crimes under NYS law. Therefore, a disorderly conduct conviction (a violation), or a DWAI (driving while ability impaired) also a violation, are NOT criminal convictions and should not have to be revealed or held against you by a future employer.

Second caveat, be sure to hold on to proof of your rehabilitation. This includes drug/alcohol evaluations, screenings, completion of any and all treatment, meetings, etc.  If you have any criminal convictions this proof is vital to your allaying the fears of employers or licensing boards. Also have copies of all of your past Court documents: including arrest report, dates of crimes, Courts, and final “outcome” documents (called certificates of disposition).

§  752.  Unfair discrimination against persons previously convicted of

  one or more criminal offenses prohibited. No application for any license

  or employment, and no employment or license held by  an  individual,  to

  which  the provisions of this article are applicable, shall be denied or

  acted  upon  adversely  by  reason  of  the  individual's  having   been

  previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses, or by reason of a

  finding  of  lack  of  "good moral character" when such finding is based

  upon the fact that the individual has previously been convicted  of  one

  or more criminal offenses, unless:

    (1) there is a direct relationship between one or more of the previous

  criminal  offenses and the specific license or employment sought or held

  by the individual; or

    (2) the issuance or continuation of the license  or  the  granting  or

  continuation  of  the  employment  would involve an unreasonable risk to

  property or to the safety or welfare  of  specific  individuals  or  the

  general public.

Any future employer or licensing body (board) must give consideration to the factors below even if you have had prior criminal convictions. How you present yourself and your past in the best light is both art and science. 

1. Be sure to be as complete as possible;

2. Your documentation of everything is vital to their decision;

3. Where are you currently?

Takeaway: Explain your past behavior, present yourself as stable now, and allay their future fears.

§  753.  Factors  to  be  considered  concerning  a  previous criminal

  conviction; presumption.  1.  In  making  a  determination  pursuant  to

  section  seven  hundred  fifty-two of this chapter, the public agency or

  private employer shall consider the following factors:

    (a) The public policy of this state, as  expressed  in  this  act,  to

  encourage  the  licensure and employment of persons previously convicted

  of one or more criminal offenses.

    (b) The specific duties and responsibilities  necessarily  related  to

  the license or employment sought or held by the person.

    (c)  The  bearing,  if any, the criminal offense or offenses for which

  the person was previously convicted will have on his fitness or  ability

  to perform one or more such duties or responsibilities.

    (d)  The  time  which has elapsed since the occurrence of the criminal

  offense or offenses.

    (e) The age of the person at the time of occurrence  of  the  criminal

  offense or offenses.

    (f) The seriousness of the offense or offenses.

    (g) Any information produced by the person, or produced on his behalf,

  in regard to his rehabilitation and good conduct.

    (h)  The  legitimate interest of the public agency or private employer

  in  protecting  property,  and  the  safety  and  welfare  of   specific

  individuals or the general public.

    2.  In  making  a  determination  pursuant  to  section  seven hundred

  fifty-two of this chapter, the public agency or private  employer  shall

  also  give consideration to a certificate of relief from disabilities or

  a certificate of good conduct issued to the applicant, which certificate

  shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or

  offenses specified therein.

Lawrence Newman, D.C., Esq.

Doctor of Chiropractic

Attorney at Law

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://www.ithacainjurylawyer.com

Ithaca Lawyer Will the Truth Set You Free?

I listen to people's stories every day. Some stories sound better than others. Some are the truth, and some of course, are versions of the truth. But If you believe it, is it really a lie? Kinda like, if the tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it fall does it make a sound?

Well, I prefer the truth. I prefer to know the best and worst parts of people's situations. How can I defend against what I don't know about? It's impossible to help those that tell me BS.

The Truth in Criminal Cases

If you hit a tree, a pole, a guardrail, or narrowly missed a house that's important for your attorney to know. If your driving was less than stellar (all over the road) then the speeding ticket or stop sign ticket was a police "gift" of sorts. I realize that quite often people's memories are faulty. They just don't remember stuff or the effects of drugs have rendered their recollection blank.

Making up history is always a problem. I had a kid that swore ( I hate when people do that) that he downed 8 beers in 15 minutes. His BAC (blood alcohol concentration) was a .22. He had left his dorm to ride into town for some pizza. He said he did not drink anything till he got to the pizza place. The police arrested him as he was leaving the pizza place. He couldn't have been D (W) I because the drinking came after the driving.

What he didn't know that I later found out was that after he hit the "second" mailbox the homeowner's called the police. They (the homeowners) had followed him into town. They watched him drive, and then waited for him outside the pizza place. When the DA handed me their statements I was floored.

This story sounded fishy (or smelled bad) at the onset but I give people every "reasonable" doubt. Could he have played a "drinking game" at the pizza place? yes, but 3:00pm, not likely. Drinking 8 beers in 15 minutes, again possible, but not likely. This was his defense. Not one I would have liked bringing to a jury. I always give weight to the evidence, and my client's story. Proof is always proof though, and the DA had those witnesses.

The Truth in a Personal Injury Case

If someone is injured in a car or truck accident their past medical/accident history is always a question. Are they a blank slate? Do they have priors? Did they make prior claims for any injuries? If they don't tell me or their doctors it will hurt their cases in the long run. Nowadays insurance companies will discover all of your past claims, problems, lawsuits, and crimes.

Honesty is the best policy. Your credibility (or lack of) with a judge, jury, insurance company, or defense lawyer can either help you or hurt you. Sincere, honest, and consistent people make the best claimants. Asking for, demanding, and requesting the maximum money damages for your pain and suffering requires a pair of clean hands. Going in dirty is not going to bring you the best result.

Lawrence Newman, D.C., Esq.

Doctor of Chiropractic

Attorney at Law

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://www.ithacainjurylawyer.com

Ithaca Attorney How to Pick the Right Lawyer: Of Catalytic Converters and Sons and Daughters

I am at that point in my life (50), settled (or saddled) with routines and with children in college. We have four kids, 22, 20, 17, and 15, two and two I like to say. One about to graduate in April, and then another set to go off this June.

When I get a phone call unfortunately it not, "hi dad how are you?" More like, "I got a problem," this is what is going on, can you help me NOW! We love our kids, don't always like them but love them yes.

Just last week, right before heading back out to night court I got a call from my son. Issues with his car. Sputtering and running dangerously. He was pretty freaked out.

Take a Deep Breath Fathers and Mothers

First thing always, calm down, you gotta get it checked out. Get the problem diagnosed. He was talking and coming from a place of "desperation." Saying "I Gotta do this" or "I have to do that" language confuses the brain. This is why I don't like any professionals using fear to manipulate people. People are already in fear and uncertainty with their problems, why add to it?


FIRST RULE: Never (EVER) act from a desperate (have to) place. 

Desperate acts are not well thought through. Desperate is acting from fear. Desperate is hopeless.  


SECOND RULE: Follow an organized plan of action:

1. Discover (uncover) the issue or issues (causes). What are you facing? You can't deal with unknowns. 

First problem for me (as the Dad), he was over a thousand miles away. I know mechanics I can trust locally. His car needed to be checked by someone trustworthy in his area. First, he brought the car to a guy his friend knows. Puts me on the phone, the guy tells me it needs a catalytic converter and oxygen sensors ,,, "how much?" $1,250.00.

Does it Feel Right? Does it Sound Right? Intuition plus knowledge = WISDOM

The guy just doesn't sound right on multiple levels. He doesn't break anything down, doesn't explain much, doesn't go over options, and almost seems bothered by me questioning him. Ah, the value of good communication.

2. Go online. Do some research. Investigate. Reviews. Background.


I went online, the catalytic converter for his car cost about $90 to $130 retail. Then I phone a mechanic friend, he tells me these converters don't usually get replaced. Knowing the answers is not as important as knowing what to ask,and who to ask.  Always seek to ask the right questions of the right people.

3. Find a professional. One that can evaluate the problem, explain the problem, and provide a solution (s). 


How do you find a good mechanic in Ft. Myers, Florida or anyplace else for that matter?

I called local parts stores, and asked them for someone reputable. I called two Advanced Auto Parts stores, and they gave me the names of two local mechanics. My son got the car re-checked, bottom line, car gets fixed appropriately for $350.

I would have had no issue if the car needed a transmission, converter, engine, or whatever. I only wanted the issues addressed quickly and properly.

Been there Done that!

I have hired a great many professionals over the years. I didn't always have the resource of the internet because it did not exist. Hell, I graduated college before computers, can you say "DEWEY Decimal." I have been through mechanics who have had me come back over and over. They fixed and replaced just about everything under the hood, and still my car was overheating.

KEY TAKEAWAY: VET People

Whether it is a mechanic, a doctor, a lawyer, or anyone else people should be checked out before you hire them. As my son learned this past week not everyone is looking out for you, not everyone is going to give you a fair shake, and not everyone is going to be honest.

see my blog post on the how to here:

Ithaca Lawyer Why You Should Vet Your Next Doctor, Lawyer, CPA, Plumber, etc.

http://ithacadwi.blogspot.com/2013/07/why-you-should-vet-your-next.html

Lawrence Newman, D.C., Esq.
Doctor of Chiropractic
Attorney at Law

504 North Aurora Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184
http://www.ithacainjurylawyer.com

Ithaca Lawyer Wins the DWI Refusal Case By Beginning with the Letter "D"

http://www.IthacaDWI.com


Round One: Trusting NYS Motorists vs. Leery New England Motorists

The New York DWI refusal (no breath or blood BAC test) case is unique. First off, NYS is not traditionally (historically) a refusal state. We have about a 7% refusal average as compared to New Hampshire (the Live Free or Die State) with about a 90% refusal rate. Why is this? The people of New England (Massachusetts as well) mistrust the breath test or any government (police) test for that matter. New Hampshire also has NO mandatory car insurance, NO mandatory motorcycle helmets, and NO jury trials for first time DWIs.

How does a NY lawyer know these things? Well hang out at enough national DWI/DUI seminars, breath test certifications, blood seminars, field sobriety programs, etc. and you meet people from all over the country. You compare notes, and exchange ideas.

Round Two: What I learned from the New Hampshire DWI defense lawyers (refusal)

Remember they try alot of DUI refusals...

If you have a good "D" in a refusal case you are half-way home. The "D" in DWI is the driving. In DWIs the police have to first stop a car for PC (probable cause), ie. a valid reason.

If the reason is an equipment violation (broken lights, muffler, registration) = NO Bad (drunk) driving
If the reason is speeding = Maybe fast driving (a violation) but NOT necessarily drunk driving

Then we have a drunk driving case with no drunk driving.
BTW Drunk driving is usually the swerving, failure to stay in lane, wide turns, narrow turns, all over the road type of driving people think of when they think of DWI/DUI

If this is a Refusal case with NO BAC (blood alcohol concentration) and then we have eliminated the "D"then what we have left is #3:

1. NO BAD DRIVING
2. NO PROOF OF BAC (NO Sample of blood or breath)
3. What is the Proof of Intoxication?

Now we have left the government (the DA) to prove their WHAT (the "I" of intoxication) with only the police officer's opinion.

This opinion based on highly subjective field testing (walk and turn, one leg stand, Eye test) and/or
opinions on what they smelled, heard, and saw.

What "drunk" behavior did they observe? What good behavior did they observe?

Was it all "intoxicated" behavior? Was it a DWI?
Or was it "impaired" behavior? Was it a DWAI (driving while your ability is impaired)?

Round Three: The Refusal DWI Success or Failure is Always a Matter of Degree

Now we are at the crux, the crossroads of the DWI refusal case, it is all a matter of DEGREE.
What is the real difference (s) between an impaired person and an intoxicated person?
Where does highly impaired then become intoxication?
Ultimately, Where is this DWI/DWAI threshold?

NYS says it is when the motorist is IN-capable of mental and physical operation of a car as a reasonably prudent (careful) person.  

These NYS refusal DWI cases can be highly defensible. If they have the proper elements in place then success can be a matter of focus and attention to detail.

Dr. Lawrence A. (Larry) Newman

Doctor of Chiropractic

Attorney & Counselor at Law

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://www.IthacaDWI.com

Why New York DWIs are Like Real Estate? Location, Location, Location

When I get a DWI phone call in Ithaca, my first question before any others is, "Where?" "Donde?" "Dove?" In any language it is "the" question. As they say the definite article.

Shakespeare may say "to be or not to be?" That is the question. Not in my world.

I say: Where were you arrested? That is the primary question.

Why is Location Everything in Real Estate?


The value of your home or any piece of land is dependent upon where it is located. Some areas of the country and the state are worth more than others. People have placed a value on what something is worth in any given place and time.

Why is Location Important in Personal Injury Law and DWI Defense Law?

Likewise, the outcome of any PI (personal injury) case or DWI case is going to be dependent upon the FORUM. The forum means where the case can be brought with accidents and injury claims.

Where can the lawsuit be filed? What Court? Where will (or can) the case be tried to a Judge or a Jury.

The Leverage of Location

I remember when I practiced in Philadelphia using the city as "my leverage" with insurance company adjusters. They would call, and offer me bupkis (crap) on an injury case, and I would counter, "fine, but a Philadelphia Jury is going give a lot more than that." I knew my forum, I knew that my Jury would come from the gritty streets of a large city where they did not like big insurance companies. They had no qualms about handing over the cash.

If I could bring a lawsuit in Philly, I did. I knew case value depended upon shopping my forum. Attorneys do this all over the country. They see if they can bring a case to a certain (specific) local. Where they can be successful. In the other direction, sometimes they can eliminate a Court or County as unfair to a case that has been highly publicized and tried in the media.

"Forum" in the world of DWI Defense.


They Call it "Justice Most Local" 


Think about the New York State numbers:

In 57 NYS Counties there are over 1,250 City, Town, and Villages Courts with 1,800 Judges hearing misdemeanor DWI cases. 70% of these Judges are Non-lawyers. I practice in about 7 counties (8 in the Summer), handling well over a hundred different courts. New York State is truly unique in this regard. Some of these Courts are beautiful and modernized while others are in the back of make shift buildings and maintenance facilities where I might conference with a client next to a snow blower and salt.

1. We need to be aware of the specific court we are in. How does that specific Judge handle the range of DWIs? It is not just DWI cases in general. How is he/she different with a property damage case, people damage case, a high BAC case, or a refusal case. How do they feel about probation or jail? How do they handle evaluations?

2. All the same things must be known about the District Attorney's Office. Not only about their general office policies but what about how that specific ADA (Assistant District Attorney) decides (negotiates/tries/bargains) cases.

The Value of People (Location) Knowledge

The range of potential sentencing options, conditions, and punishments is overwhelming. There is legal knowledge (education), and then there is the power (resource) of knowing the landscape. That's why knowing where you are, and who you are going to deal with is vitally important.

An example: I recently got a phone call on a Manhattan DWI (btw, I'm not going to NYC anytime soon for a DWI) so I referred it to a friend. He told me that they (the Manhattan Judges) do the DWI suppression hearings "right before" the DWI trials. I guess this facilitates settlement and pleas. This is NOT a common practice upstate. If I didn't know this I would be at a great disadvantage in NYC.

What you don't Know can hurt YOU!
BUT What your lawyer don't know can kill (you know I'm kidding) YOU!

Make sure you and the person you hire to represent you (anytime and anyplace) knows where they are. Knowing not just the people but how they behave in different (crucial/important) situations brings certainty and decreased fear to your proceedings.

Watch my YouTube video on the Number One Mistake Many People Make After a DWI Arrest:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBVXB0p97Sk&list=UUBwBPLfPQYrF6MC3STcNOsw&index=1&feature=plcp


I am a member of the NCDD (National College of DUI Defense), and a co-author of Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York, 2011 ed.: Leading Lawyers on Understanding Today's DWI Environment, Constructing a Defense Strategy, and Counseling Clients (Inside the Minds) New Edition

http://west.thomson.com/productdetail/180677/41015444/productdetail.aspx

To learn more about how DWI and personal injury cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational materials: blog, website http://www.ithacadwi.com, and YouTube library.

If you have legal questions, I urge you to pick up the phone and call me since I can answer your legal questions at 607-229-5184 or by e-mail at newman.lawrence@gmail.com. I welcome your call.

Criminal Defense Attorney Larry Newman
504 North Aurora Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

Sticks & Stones Can Break Your Bones But There Are Far Worse Things Than Fractures

Remember that little sing song from childhood about "sticks and stones?" Well my updated version is really a teacher of sorts of a different lesson. Bone breaks are bad, no question about it. Fractures can hurt, and when they are open or the bones are fragmented they are a mess to heal properly.

1. It's all about Blood Flow.

Bone and muscle tissues have rich blood supplies. Blood is necessary to allow healing. More blood flow = higher, better, and faster ability to recover. The body is self healing. After a break, doctors can put the pieces (bones) back together (this is called a reduction) BUT the body must mend the bones back together.

2. The Body works one way: Inflammation and then Repair.

Parts of the body that have experienced trauma will swell. They become inflamed. This is not happenstance.

The body seeks to do three things:

1. Immobilize (stop further injury) the injured area: This protection of the area is through spasming (contracting) muscles (a natural splinting of sorts).

2. Bring blood flow to begin healing by removing dead/diseased tissue.

3. Bring in WBCs (white blood cells) to ward off infection and begin repair.

One of the main reasons people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or any of the other auto immune diseases have issues with healing is because of #3. Their WBCs (particularly neutrophils) do not function properly to aid healing and recovery.

Bone Fractures Are Not The Worst Thing That Can Happen

Ligaments and cartilage support joints. They hold bones together but they have a poor blood supply. After an accident doctors seek first to discover breaks but far worse are all the problems that can occur aside from broken bones. Accompanying any break can be: 

1. Dislocations of bones (displaced bones will not heal properly if at all)

They also can cause decreased ROMs (range of motion) in the joints. Permanent impairment of nerve function is also a possibility.

2. Infections (both in the joint, and in the bone itself), this is called osteomyelitis.

These may require long term rounds of IV (intravenous) antibiotics to heal.

3. Compromise (pressure) to nerves and blood vessels (potentially Compartment Syndrome)

Anything blocking blood flow can cause permanent losses to the fingers, hands, and the extremities.

4. Ligament tears

Ligaments connect bone to bone. They are avascular structures (poor blood supply). They heal very slowly.

5. Tendon ruptures (attach muscles to bones). Chronic tendonitis can affect your ability to move.

6. Post-surgical complications from open interventions

A thorough evaluation is a must after any traumatic impact. A bone fracture may be the least of your problems.

Dr. Lawrence Newman

Doctor of Chiropractic

Attorney at Law

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

http://IthacaInjuryLawyer.com

Legal and Medical DISCLAIMER

Remember the hiring of an attorney is a serious matter. Check out anyone you hire before hiring them. I do not win all my cases. No one wins all their cases. This blog is not legal or medical advice nor should it be a substitute for legal or medical advice. Consult with an attorney concerning any questions you may have. In addition, consult with a doctor for any and all of your medical or accident related issues.

How Do We Prove Injury to Nerves Following an Accident?

Well it is said, "the proof is in the pudding," well in NYS injury law, "the proof is always in the testing."
Remember in a Civil Action, the one going forward, the plaintiff, the one who demands damages, the one who wants financial compensation, and is filing a claim is the one who must prove their case. In a criminal case it is the opposite, the government (the prosecutor) has the burden of proof, and must move their case forward. In that situation they are seeking something (jail/punishment/restitution) and so they have the obligation of proof. Kinda like a football game, the one with the ball, who wants to score, has to move it down the field. You can't score if you are always playing defense.

YOU have to Play Offense in Accident and Injury Cases

In any accident case we must prove two main things:

1. That the defendant (s) are liable, at fault for the injuries and,
2. That these are the damages incurred as a result of the negligence of the defendant (s).

Proving one without the other is a recipe for disaster. They go hand in hand, they come yolked as a pair.

Why Nerve Damages are Serious

In many personal injury cases the more serious of conditions involve your nerves, and neurological system. The nerves basically control everything, so nerve damage creates a body disconnect. With nerve injury the brain can no longer can communicate with the body. Neural communication controls blood flow to damaged areas and their ability to fully heal. This loss of control and regulation of function can lead to a domino of bad effects. Ultimately, long term nerve injuries can become permanent. Loss of body function, and the resulting disabilities that go with those are the true human losses from an accident. Pain and suffering is more than physical. It encompasses the mental and emotional depression of not being able to move like you used to.

How do we prove your nerve damages?

Two major tests (Nerve Conduction Studies) can demonstrate and prove your nerve damages:

1. The EMG (electro-myography): This test measures the ability of (within) the muscles to contract. The brain is an electrical generator which runs the system. Anything blocking the electrical current can lead to issues in different parts of the body. Nerves travel to external muscles, skin, and internal organs. Blocks to nerve flow because of pressure on nerves leads to diseased organs. Muscles are organs, just like your kidneys and liver.

How is the test performed?

This is an invasive test. Some doctors like to say it is non-invasive but come on, they "place" (insert) electrodes into the muscles. Then the muscle is measured at rest, and at different points (phases) of contraction.

Are they (the muscles) getting the necessary brain (electrical) impulses? 
Are these impulses being blocked? 

Conditions such as nerve compression from carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical or lumbar disc herniation, radiculitis (nerve root), or an entrapment syndrome due to accident trauma can show a positive test result.

2. The NCV (nerve conduction velocity): This is a test that measures the speed and power at which your nerves are conducting impulses.

How is this test performed?

Electrodes are placed on your skin at different locations. The doctors will seek to test the nerves that run closest to skin.

The main question: Are your nerves conducting (communicating) impulses at a normal speed and strength?

Pressure on nerves can cause three things:

-slowing of impulses
-complete blocking of impulses
-decreased intensity of impulses (weak signals)

Weak signals or conduction is a measure of what is called amplitude.
Speed of conduction is a measure of velocity.

Do you need more than one test?

From a doctor standpoint these tests may need to be run more than once. They can monitor your progress (healing and recovery or lack thereof). Muscles that are wasting (shrinking), called atrophy or tissues of the body being neurally blocked require immediate treatment and care. The tests can also definitively rule out different conditions, and pinpoint causation. Nerve tests are a necessary part of care.

BUT, the true purpose of nerve testing is more than diagnostic to an attorney, and to your potential case.

Having these tests performed documents objectively what is going on inside of you. They demonstrate the damages from the accident. They place a quantity of damages along a time line (your chronology).

The Story of the Painter

I once represented a painter with a car accident carpal tunnel syndrome. He was a passenger in the back seat. He put up his hands (on the seat) to brace from the crash. His hands and wrist went back damaging his median nerve.

Over time the nerve testing (performed three times) showed atrophy of the muscles in his hand. Because of the nature of his employment (mostly a cash business) we could not prove the full degree of his wage loss damages. He kept poor records.

What we could prove was the actual physical damages to his median nerve, and the clear progression of his injury. He was going from bad to worse based upon the ongoing nerve testing.

Because of these nerve tests, and without surgery we were able to settle his claim against the driver that rear ended the car. Testing to link all levels and degrees of damages is just that important.

For in that end it not what you say but what you can prove that will make the difference.

Dr. Lawrence Newman
Doctor of Chiropractic
Attorney at Law

504 North Aurora Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

newman.lawrence@gmail.com
http://IthacaInjuryLawyer.com

Legal and Medical DISCLAIMER

Remember the hiring of an attorney is a serious matter. Check out anyone you hire before hiring them. I do not win all my cases. No one wins all their cases. This blog is not legal or medical advice nor should it be a substitute for legal or medical advice. Consult with an attorney concerning any questions you may have. In addition, consult with a doctor for any and all of your medical or accident related issues.

The Aggravators & Mitigators in NYS Criminal Law

My mother used to say (more like scream) "stop aggravating me." Aggravation is something children naturally do to parents, husbands to wives, and occasionally lawyers to well everyone (it's in our job description). It's important in any case to know "the factors" that could aggravate (increase) or mitigate (decrease) the potential charges/degrees/levels/punishments.

Some prosecutors and judges give little to no weight to some while other prosecutors and judges may consider them significant. Like anything else, it is human nature to have an opinion.

THE POWER OF THE FACTORS

These factors can be discussed during plea negotiations, at pre-trial conferences, and prior to sentencing. I witnessed and I have said (and shown) the right things (the factors) at the right time and in the right place. This communication of the factors has made a difference in someone's life. I have provided judges, prosecutors, and probation officers "the reasons why" something is or is not deserved/fair/just/equitable. Some have listened and read, some have glossed over or not cared at all.

The art of law is not just knowing WHAT to say, but more importantly WHEN to say it, and HOW to demonstrate or communicate it.

THE FACTORS: 

1. Past history, prior offenses, and conduct: Your past always has a value. If it has baggage, why are you different now? If you are ready to change, what actions have you taken recently to demonstrate this?
If you have no past mistakes, errors, violations, and tickets then that must be proven.

2. Evaluation for drugs, alcohol, and mental health: Do you have any issues? Are they being addressed (dealt with)? If you have no issues, can you prove it?

3. Treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy: Are you in or on a program? Are you dealing with the underlying problems (the cause) that brought you in front of the Court with these charges? Felony DWIs usually indicate a longstanding problem and many judges will look more favorably upon you if you show early and assertive proactivity.

4. Weight of drugs, blood/breath/urine test results: Was you BAC (blood alcohol concentration) number high (double the legal limit)? Or aggravated (.18 or more)? Were there other drugs in your system? If pot or other drugs were discovered, how much? Personal use amounts or saleable amounts?

5. Attitude, demeanor, and cooperation (or lack thereof): Post stop, arrest, and booking how did you interact with the police? Respectful? Remember that's why they are called MIS-demeanors, because most people acted with a bad demeanor. Respectfulness is rewarded in the long run.

6. Was there any violence? Some crimes can be committed with or without violence. Felony (multiple) DWIs are considered Crimes of Violence. That is why someone can be deported for a Felony DWI. All the things you didn't do that were good need to be pointed out.

7. Was there any recklessness? Speeds in excess of 90MPH on the highway or 60MPH on side streets can be classified as reckless driving. Driving with an excess number of passengers or on the sidewalk can also elevate a non-crime violation to the crime of reckless.

8. Your age: Under 21 DWIs are looked at more harshly. If you are 50 with a DWI you will be treated differently.

9. Was there an accident? Did it involve property damage? Was this paid for (restitution)? Was there anyone hurt (personal injuries)?

10. Employment and Education. What do you do? Are you stable? Are you being productive? What is your future?

I believe that the best representation comes from knowing your client. Only by knowing what led them to where they are, and knowing the incident that brought them to you can you bring them full circle. Knowing them as a person, their background, and their hopes and dreams can go along way to a more favorable outcome.

Lawrence Newman, D.C., Esq.

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://www.ithacaDWI.com

http://www.ithacainjurylawyer.com

The "Quid Pro Quo" of New York No Fault Car Accidents

The Quid Pro Quo of New York No-Fault Law

I remember from the movie Silence of the Lambs when Hannibal Lecter (the serial killer) whispers to  Clarice (the Federal Agent), “quid pro quo, quid pro quo” you have to give me something, and then I’ll give you something. In other words, nothing is for nothing, there is always a trade off of sorts. Anyone that has been around long enough learns that life is always a two way street. 

YOUR'E COVERED BUT...

So, if you’re injured in a car or truck accident in the Finger Lakes area, whether it be Ithaca, Cortland, or Binghamton. If you own a vehicle that is insured, you are covered under New York’s PIP/ No-Fault law. That's all well and good, but collecting for pain and suffering (damages) is NOT automatic. There is a big trade off of sorts. Some may even call it a deal with the devil. 

Automobile No-Fault law (and how it works) is strange and difficult for many people to understand.  This is the down and dirty of how it works.  

In the 1970s, the New York legislature, we all know what they were doing in the 1960s before they became politicians, decided to revamp the law.  They had this wonderful idea that anybody (and everybody) involved in a car accident should be get medical care and payment for their lost wages.  

NOTHING FOR NOTHING

NOW... the BIG TRADE-OFF for getting their medical bills and lost wages paid, these accident victims had to give up their right to receive money for PAIN & SUFFERING (human losses) unless they proved certain (specific) things.  Thus, we have the QUID-PRO-QUO – THIS FOR THAT. 

New York says that a person injured in a motor vehicle accident can receive medical care but for that they are giving up their right to receive money for pain & suffering unless they meet certain criteria. 

ARE YOUR INJURIES SERIOUS?

The certain criteria allowing an injury victim to receive pain & suffering money is called the “SERIOUS INJURY” threshold.   Many in NYS call it the Break or Bruise law. IF You have a break your'e in (you collect) BUT IF you got a bruise (you don't collect). In order to meet the SERIOUS INJURY threshold, the injured person has to show (to prove) one of the following:

1. ·      A personal injury that results in death;
2. ·      Dismemberment;
3. ·      A significant disfigurement;
4. ·      A fracture;
5. ·      The loss of a fetus;
6. ·      Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system;
7. ·      Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member;
8. ·      Significant limitation of use of a body function or system; or
9. ·      A medically determined injury or impairment of a non- permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than ninety days during the one hundred eighty days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment.

The optimistic motive of the legislature in the 1970s has developed into a complicated personal injury system.  New York personal injury cases can be confusing and are unfortunately wrought with many pitfalls for the injured.  If you have any questions about your car or truck accident, this is what I do, and I can answer your questions.

Lawrence (Larry) Newman, D.C., Esq.

Doctor of Chiropractic

Attorney at Law

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://ithacainjurylawyer.com

The Value of a New York Personal Injury Case: Complete Compensation through Credibility

It's funny how certain things can push my buttons. I recently decided to learn some Italian, and was in search of materials. I have studied Spanish in prior times and years with a wide range of books, CDs, and programs. My familiarity with language acquisition was both an asset and a liability. I know what it takes to gain mastery of anything, especially a foreign tongue.

As they say, "ignorance is bliss," well anything worth learning takes work and effort. The truth is, I spent many hours working on my Spanish to gain even a small modicum of proficiency.

With that in mind I went searching online for Italian resources. When I saw the number of websites, sales pitches, and various offerings it was staggering. I have an eye and mind for picking things apart.

One program was called, Learning Italian Like Crazy. http://www.learningitalianlikecrazy.com
It appeared interesting, so I read their materials.

These are the first problems I saw:

1. It starts with a picture of a fairly young woman (could she be more than 30 or 35 years old), Giovanna, who states that she has been a "linguist" for 20 years, and teaching for the same period of time professionally and at the University level. The advertisement gives the impression that this is "her" course, ie. that she developed it. She even gives the Guarantee. She invites you (in the materials) to get a coffee with her in Naples, Italy.

2. Inconsistency one, the people in back of this course, see "about us" on their website are "men."
Founded by Patrick Johnson in 2004, then Joel Contreras (president and chief executive officer) joins in 2005, and they are based in NYC, NY. No mention of "Giovanni" at all being involved in the course development. Does she have a last name? None mentioned. Naples, Italy?

Compare this to a Spanish course I took called, Spanish Power.

http://www.bilingualamerica.com/learn-spanish/spanish-power-overview/

I spent mucho dinero with their many programs, and it was all worth it. It is an incredible course and resource. They are upfront about everything. The founder is from Puerto Rico, and his materials are excellent.

3. Inconsistency two, they offer the Italian Foreign Service Institute Materials as a bonus gift.

From their materials:

I don’t know how long they are going to let me offer it, but it is safe to say that if you are reading these words, it is still available Free.

I have a problem because these materials along with many other foreign service language programs are all in the Public Domain for FREE. You don't need anyone to offer them to you or gift them to you. Public domain means that they are free to use and share, the copyright period has ended. Does she mean the federal government (they) giving her permission to offer these materials?

My disclaimer: I believe that they may have a fantastic language program. What they offer on their site appears to be well organized. The various topics are inclusive and in all the relevant areas of language learning. Grammar is very important and it appears they offer a strong foundation in the verb tenses and conjugations. They may be the best thing since sliced bread (an old reference to great things) but they are not being genuine in my opinion on their site or offerings. Again, I can't get beyond these types of things. This is purely my opinion.

I think the majority of people have issues with just about anything, if they find a "chink" in the armor, so to speak. If you are not being upfront about one thing, well they think to themselves, what else?

What does all this have to do with personal injury law. I believe that Credibility is everything in injury law.

People want real. Juries are people. They want consistent. They want the truth, warts and all. Half the truth is not the truth. Feeding me, telling me that this is yours, or that this is steak when it's a hamburger is never going to "help" you win me over. If you have injuries from an accident? they will need to be proven. They will need to be shown, documented, and demonstrated.

The Four C's: Compensation = Completely Communicated Consistent Credibility


Compensation in any PI case is related to the "seriousness" of your injuries. The impact of those injuries upon your life needs to be completely communicated. There has to be Credibility in your story, in your injuries, and in the true damages to you as a person. This consistency of links, from accident to injuries, to diagnosis to treatment to impact must all align. This is not something to be taken lightly.

I believe the big win is in showing it all to a jury. As they say, people will make an informed decision, with both sides revealed. This allows people to make a truly fair, just, and complete decision based in reality.

This credibility applies not just to those offering foreign language programs online but to those with personal injury cases as well.

Lawrence Newman, D.C., Esq.
504 North Aurora Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://ithacainjurylawyer.com

Broome County Court, Binghamton, NY: A Lesson in Efficiency

Last week I went down to Binghamton for a felony case. This case actually began across the street from the county Court in the Binghamton City Court as a misdemeanor.

These Courts are all located on Hawley Street. This is a very convenient and efficient little area of Broome County. There is a big parking garage right across the street from the Federal Court building (the DMV does hearings here). The County Court building (the new annex for felonies), and the City Court are all within a block of one another.

Broome County Office Building & Binghamton City Court

This is the Annex to County Court (felonies on 3rd floor)

George Harvey Building next to the Annex & Across from Parking Garage

The way that it works in N.Y.S. is that "any and all" offenses have to start (to begin) at the local level first. This is usually a city, village, or town court. They begin by an arraignment (initial appearance) there.

New York State has three levels of offenses:

1. Violations: These are NOT crimes.

2. Misdemeanors: These are Crimes. Punishable up to one year in jail.

Town, City, and Village Courts can have trials and take action on Violations and Misdemeanors, NOT felonies.

3. Felonies: These are more serious Crimes. Punishable by more than one year in jail. These have to take place at County Court.

After a case begins, a felony can be brought (to the County Court) one of two ways:

-either they will bring the matter before a Grand Jury (23 people) to demonstrate Probable Cause to bring the felony charge. This has to happen within six months of arraignment at the local level.

or

-the case can be negotiated and then by a written agreement to proceed by SCI (superior court information), this is a negotiated plea agreement by the parties (the DA and you).

The SCI is the way most felony cases are resolved. The SCI saves the DA and the Courts work. In return the negotiation is for something both sides can live with. The risks of a felony trial are all too real. Felonies present the exposure of long term incarceration. This always has to be placed in perspective to the charges, the evidence, and the potential defenses to the prosecution's case.

For practical reasons the Annex does not open till 9:15am (to save NYS money). There is a nice little breakfast and lunch spot in the lower level of the Broome County Office Building.

Broome County (annex) Courthouse (Felony cases)
Hawley Street

George Harvey Justice Buiding (3rd floor, Binghamton City Court and Broome DA as well)
45 Hawley Street

Broome County Office Building (4th floor)
60 Hawley Street
location of DMV Administrative DWI Refusal License Hearings

Lawrence Newman, D.C., Esq.
504 North Aurora Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

http://www.ithacaDWI.com
http://www.ithacainjurylawyer.com

Owego Village Court is Cold

This morning I had an initial appearance in Owego Village Court. I drive down route 96 from Ithaca. Owego sits between Elmira to the West and Binghamton to the East.

This Court, Village, and Town is old. Circa 1787, 224 years is something.

Located at 90 Temple Street, Downtown Owego, right off the main drag into town. It is a grand old building. The police station and the Court are in the same building but on different floors.

 There is currently a large dumpster in front that I kept out of the pictures.

You enter to the Courthouse (room upstairs) through the Police Station entrance.

This was my first time down there since last year's big flood. This water damage affected thousands of people, businesses, and state offices. The water in my basement up in Ithaca was a small issue compared to the magnitude of their flooding. These folks (from Tioga county to Broome county) had major destruction on their hands. When I drove through downtown Owego after the water receded it looked like a war zone.

There was so much property up on the sidewalks, and with most businesses shut down it was a sad sight. Well apparently, the Owego Village Court, and Police station don't have any heat or cooling. Thank G-d there was a space heater in the front of the Court room. It was in the 30s outside but it felt colder inside. I guess we expect our inner spaces to be comfortable. When I went in the little private room to speak with the ADA it was downright freezing (no heater).

I like downtown Owego, it will revive and make a comeback. All the architecture here is very quaint.

The Owego Village Court is NOT the Owego Town Court. They are located in different places, buildings, and locations. Village is in Owego, Town is in Apalachin. Unlike the village/town of Candor, not too far up the road which houses both their village and town courts in the same courthouse/building.
This is common in upstate New York, village and town courts close by one another. One it comes to phone calls, faxes, mailings, letters, correspondences, be aware of this!

Owego Village Court
90 Temple Street
Owego, NY

The Owego Town Court on Route 434 (a few miles outside of town) next to the State Trooper barracks. That is Apalachin, New York, 13732. They patrol all along highway 17/86.

BTW great Italian restaurant down the road from the Town Court is Bud's restaurant. All fresh, bring cash (no checks, credit cards, etc.). Not for those on a diet. Pizza and cheesy pastas. Bud's is dinner only.

Also a bit further down is my old favorite diner the Blue Dolphin, also on 434.

Lawrence Newman, D.C., Esq.
504 North Aurora Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184
http://Ithacadwi.com
http://IthacaInjuryLawyer.com

Ithaca, New York DMV & Why I Love You?

Somedays I curse the place, and somedays I bless the place, that's Ithaca. We are voted one of the safest and nicest places to live, and I have to agree. Great Ithaca Journal article:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20111216/BUSINESS/112160341/Ithaca-tops-insurance-company-s-most-secure-places-survey?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

One thing that is nice is our local DMV (department of motor vehicles), right off route 13 (Elmira Road), and 3rd street, across from the Bowling Alley (we have one). Although, I heard Cornell has it's own, Bowling Alley Not DMV. I'm going over this morning to pick up a driving record. So nice to say, so relaxed, so confident knowing it won't be a nightmare to retrieve a government document or do business with a branch of NYS.

If you have ever been in a "big city" DMV then you will come to appreciate this one. You can literally walk in and walk out on most days. Absolutely amazing. Contrast this to South Florida or Brooklyn where the lines stretch on and on (you need appointments for everything), and still stand for hours.

The people who work here are by and large NICE! Pleasant and helpful. They have always answered my questions patiently, and I have a lot of them with the business I am in involving cars, trucks, and driving records/histories (criminal defense and personal injury law).

The office is in a little shopping center with a gas station, a Play it Again Sports, my old Vet, and a few other businesses:

I send my clients here to change licenses, and I come here to get driver's abstracts (records), still a bargain at $10.
Parking is no problem here, and they do road tests right in front of the shopping center as well. The driving inspectors I think are pretty nice, after all my kids passed the road tests, just kidding.

Tompkins County DMV Official Address

301 Third St. Ithaca NY 14850

Hours of Service:  Everyday   8:30 to 4:30 

Monday :       8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday :      8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday : 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday :     8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Friday :          8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

NO WEEKENDS HERE

CLOSED ON Saturdays and Sundays

Tompkins County DMV Contact Information

Phone #: (607) 273-7187

DMV Office Holidays

New Year's Day 

Martin Luther King 

Washington's Birthday 

Memorial Day 

Independence Day 

Labor Day 

Columbus Day 

Veterans Day 

Thanksgiving Day 

Christmas Day 

They "may" also close for other holidays including Election Day and the days after Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Always check and call in advance to verify the hours they are OPEN.

Law Offices of Lawrence Newman

504 North Aurora Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-229-5184

IthacaInjuryLawyer.com
IthacaDWI.com

Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Newman was born in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Newman obtained his Bachelor’s degree in human biology in 1984, and his Doctorate in Chiropractic in 1986. Dr. Newman maintained an active chiropractic practice treating thousands of people with personal injuries from 1986 to 1995 in Palm Beach County, FL. He then attended law school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He went on to practice trial law in NY, NJ, PA, and FL representing the rights of those who have been seriously injured.

Dr. Newman is a trial attorney who has handled cases ranging from medical malpractice to product liability in numerous state Courts. He brings an intimate understanding of medical issues, forensics, injury, and disease to the practice of law. This background allows him to fully understand the nature and extent of his clients’ injuries.

Education:

·      National College of Chiropractic (B.S./D.C. 1984/1986)

·      Nova Southeastern University School of Law (J.D., 1997)

Bar Admissions:  

·      Florida Bar

·      Pennsylvania Bar

·      New Jersey Bar

·      New York Bar

·      US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Chiropractic Licensure:

·      Florida (inactive)