On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Criminal Ddefense
The trial against the NYPD in regards to its use of stop-and-frisk is nearing its end, with a ruling still to come. The several weeks of parties trying to prove or disprove the unethical use of the law enforcement tactic has revolved around racial tensions and the question of whether police are using racial profiling when determining whom to stop and frisk.
New York Daily News reports that in closing, defense attorneys for the city addressed how plaintiffs haven't proven that racial bias has fueled the NYPD's reliance on stop-and-frisk techniques. Numbers, however, suggest that African-Americans and Latinos are more likely to be targets of the tactic.
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Sex Crimes
It isn't news that not just New York but many states take sex crimes extremely seriously. When the alleged offenses involve children, it can be nearly impossible for a person to move on with his life after a conviction, even after he has met the terms of his sentence.
An out-of-state matter brings to light the extent to which some communities will go to make sure that convicted sex offenders have a hard time transitioning into society. How could a person feel normal or respected if he has a red sign warning anyone who passes by his house that the person who resides in it is a "sexual predator?"
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Drug Crimes
Not all drugs are created equal. Not only that, but not all drug users are created equal. There is responsible, legal handling of prescription drugs, and good things can come from such responsible drug reliance. Those points make it important for the public to thoroughly consider changes to drug laws in the country.
New York recently enacted a new drug law in the state in regards to a popular prescription drug. Hydrocodone is a pain killer that many rely on in order to get through medically difficult times. Reported addiction and abuse of the drug has inspired New York lawmakers to pass a law that now classifies hydrocodone as a Schedule II controlled substance.
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Criminal Ddefense
New York takes a strong stance against violent crimes. The state has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. It also has laws regarding "hate crimes." A couple that claims they were victims of a New York assault worry that the attack stemmed from more than violent tendencies. They suspect it came from a place of homophobia.
When that suspicion comes into play in a criminal case in New York, there is more to it than an increased concern about tolerance in the community. The suspects who are arrested and charged with the alleged assault will face an extra level of scrutiny. Their crime would include the further classification of "hate crime."
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in White Collar Crimes
About a month ago, we posted a blog about how public officials in the state of New York have a history of getting arrested for fraud and variou other types of white collar crimes. Recent weeks demonstrate that history repeats itself, with several lawmakers being charged with criminal offenses. There is now another public official to add to the list of recently charged.
New York Daily News reports that Brooklyn state Sen. John Sampson turned himself into authorities this morning. After being the target of federal authorities' investigation, he apparently felt it was time to address the allegations against him head-on. He is accused of embezzlement and offenses connected to attempted cover-ups of his alleged criminal actions.
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Drug Crimes
The "war on drugs" now includes the war on synthetic drugs, though the details behind the battle have been in flux and ever-changing. The inconsistency regarding synthetic drug laws have a New York man fighting to avoid prison time. He is one of the first few defendants to face federal court for the sale of products such as bath salts.
While operating a store out of state, the defendant was also selling what, according to him, he thought were legal chemical products online. For a while, consumers were able to legally purchase what are now classified as scheduled controlled substances. The defendant claims he thought he was within the law when he made a reported $65,000 of bath salt sales.
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in DWI Defense
A 21-year-old went from being a top prospect for the New York Yankees to being the suspect in a drunk driving investigation. It could be a worrisome situation, since the Yankees won't even take a player unwilling to cut his hair short enough.
Last week, Mason Williams was pulled over in Florida because authorities allege that he was speeding. The traffic stop became a DUI investigation, an investigation that didn't end favorably for the young outfielder. He has been charged with DUI, despite breath tests that indicated he wasn't legally impaired.
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Drug Crimes
Earlier this week, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that his office was indicting 11 New York residents on allegations that they had participated in a nationwide drug trafficking ring based in Syracuse.
The 11 defendants have been charged with a total of 69 criminal counts, including sale of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy. Authorities allege that the traffickers obtained cocaine and heroin in Puerto Rico, Arizona and New York City and then sold it in Syracuse and Watertown.
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Criminal Defense
An important matter is up for the U.S. Supreme Court to decide that will have a far-reaching impact on the processes of police and criminal trials. Specifically, the court is looking at a decades-old case as the basis for deciding whether it is okay for a court to see guilt in the fact that a criminal suspect doesn't answer a question during an investigation.
The Fifth Amendment is a popular one, even to the layman. Any TV program about police and the courts will teach someone that he "has the right to remain silent." That is where the dispute in this now nationally important case stems from. The suspects silence was, according to his argument, treated like a crime rather than as a right.
On behalf of Larkin, Axelrod, Ingrassia & Tetenbaum, LLP posted in Criminal Defense
For anyone who followed pop culture during the 1990s, they might readily recognize the name Coolio. He was a hit rapper at the time due to his song "Gangsta's Paradise." Since then, Coolio (Artis Ivey) has had other songs, though they never met the success of his first big hit. He's also appeared on reality TV.
Now, the rapper's name is in the news for a reason beyond TV or music. The New York Daily News reports that he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence related to an incident involving the mother of at least one of his kids. Descriptions of the alleged incident paint a picture of the dramas that not only lead to assault but also false reports of violence.
