Can a shoplifter be charged with robbery?

I have seen many instances where a individual committing a minor shoplifting offense gets charged with robbery. This usually arises when a store security officer or other store employee attempts to stop the shoplifter and gets hurt in the process. The shoplifter sometimes panics and shoves the employee out of the way. If the employee …

Can a passenger get charged with allowing an intoxicated person drive their car?

I am licensed to practice law in New York as well as Tennessee. In Tennessee you can get charged for allowing an intoxicated person to drive if you are in the vehicle with them. In New York that is not the law yet.  However New York does make it a criminal offense to facilitate aggravated …

Is it illegal to drink and drive on a lawn mower?

The answer is yes if you are on a public road. For instance, you cut your grass and drink a few beers. You then decide to be a nice neighbor and drive down the street to cut you neighbor’s lawn. If you get pulled over on your street, you are subject to the same drinking …

If I am pulled over by the police, what information do I have to answer?

Often times police will attempt to engage you in conversation to gauge whether or not you are under the influence of alcohol.  The truth is that you are only required by law to provide biographical information (name, address, date of birth, etc.).  Beyond that, you have a right to decline to answer questions. Keep in …

Should I hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket

The answer is absolutely.  If you go to court without an attorney, you will likely receive several points on your driving record. This will result in higher insurance premiums and possibly getting dropped by your insurance company. If the prosecutor allows you to avoid points by going to driving school, you will spend hours of …

Man, driving wrong way on Route 33, faces charges of DWI

A 27-year-old Buffalo man was captured on DWI charges, Sunday. After reportedly leaving the scene of an accident. Brandon Torrence of Buffalo was driving the incorrect route on the Kensington Expressway. When he struck another vehicle at about 2:15 a.m., police said. Torrence kept driving, however was halted later on Fillmore Avenue, police said. The …