Child custody is an area where New York has an abiding interest. If you and your spouse, or ex-spouse, can’t come to an agreement about custody, the court will hold a trial and evaluate the competing custody petitions. The judge will focus exclusively on the best interest of the child. Typically, for physical custody, you…
Irretrievable Breakdown is New York’s version of no-fault divorce. It is often the simplest and most cost-effective way to attain a divorce, and it doesn’t require your spouse’s approval. To get a divorce in Buffalo on Irretrievable Breakdown grounds, you simply attest under oath that your marriage has broken down irretrievably and that this has…
Depending on your circumstances, you may not have to appear in court at all. For instance, if you and your spouse are able to negotiate a division of your assets and debts and work out a plan for custody and co-parenting any minor children, your divorce process may be handled by your lawyers and you’ll…
Rape in the Third Degree is a class E felony, which is the lowest level of felony charge in New York State. Unlike many sex offenses, it is not considered a violent felony, which may carry additional penalties. A Buffalo citizen convicted of Rape in the Third Degree would, however, have a reportable criminal record.…
Even an experienced Buffalo criminal defense lawyer may find the numerous different sex offenses in the New York State Penal Law difficult to follow. Offenses classified as “rape” require the performance of actual sexual intercourse. Rape in the Third Degree is the lowest level of criminal offense involving sexual intercourse. The reason this charge is…
The good news for young Buffalo drivers charged with this offense is that it is considered a non-criminal charge, meaning that the driver will have no criminal record. It does, however, carry some very serious penalties. If a young driver is only charged with Driving After Having Consumed Alcohol Under The Age Of 21, per…
As Buffalo lawyers practicing in the area of criminal defense, not all of the illegal activities our clients are accused of are necessarily “crimes” as defined by New York State law. Instead, especially when dealing with minors, there are several offenses that are classified as illegal but not actual crimes. Driving After Having Consumed Alcohol…
Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree is a class A misdemeanor, which means it is a crime in New York State. While it is not considered as serious as a felony, a Buffalo resident convicted of this offense would have a reportable criminal record. A conviction also may lead to a sentence of imprisonment at…
New York State generally does not have any criminal offenses that are specifically categorized as “domestic violence” offenses. Instead, an offense may be categorized as “domestic violence” if the victim is a family member or a member of the household where the defendant resides. There are several offenses, however, that New York classifies as “family…
Criminal Defense Lawyer For Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree is a class A misdemeanor, which means it is a crime in New York State and only one level below a felony offense. As a result, a Buffalo resident convicted of…
