Federal criminal cases don’t work the same way state criminal cases do. Target letters are a part of the federal criminal case process that is typically unfamiliar to most people. A target letter comes from the federal prosecutor. It lets you know that you’re a suspect in a federal criminal investigation. If you’re receiving a…

Recently, the federal government charged fourteen members of the New York gang known as the Double Nine Grim Reapers with RICO offenses, in addition to narcotics and firearms offenses. But what is a RICO charge? RICO stands for “racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations.” The term comes from the 1970 RICO Act. This act allows both…

People often speak of probation and parole as if they’re interchangeable, but they are two different things.  Serving probation is a sentence generally used as an alternative to jail time. There are also instances where probation and jail time are part of a sentence. Probation typically lasts one to three years.  Parole is a conditional…

Part of being a responsible gun owner is keeping careful track of your firearms and securing them properly. Most gun owners do exactly that, but even the most careful and conscientious firearms enthusiast can occasionally fall victim to theft. It is absolutely vital that you take the appropriate next steps if you are the victim…

Pretrial release is essential for defendants facing charges. Pretrial release allows defendants to contribute to their legal defense in ways that are impossible from behind bars.  Pretrial release works differently at the federal level than at the state level. The conditions of pretrial release are set by 18 U.S.C. §3142.  Here’s what you need to…

You may think that your conversations on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other messenger services are completely private. However, law enforcement can serve any messenger service with a search warrant to get those messages.  Most messenger apps are no more secure than email or SMS messages are in terms of keeping your conversations out of the hands…

Criminal mischief refers to crimes that are a) non-violent in nature and b) related to the intentional destruction of property that belongs to another person. It covers crimes such as graffiti and vandalism. In all cases, the damage must be intentional, or the result of recklessness. You cannot be charged with criminal mischief simply because…

Recently, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York State Division of Human Rights will be launching a statewide Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, charged with leading public education and outreach efforts.  The unit is supposed to provide support in communities where hate crimes have occurred. Thus, we decided it was a good time to talk…

For the most part, the Fourth Amendment protects New Yorkers against unreasonable searches and seizures. Yet there are times when a police officer may conduct a warrantless search. If the officer’s search does not fit within the narrowly defined exceptions allowed by law, your defense attorney may be able to suppress any information obtained.  Exception…