The New York Court of Appeals addressed the validity of a shock incarceration waiver in People v. Santos, a case involving a negotiated plea agreement and the accused’s attempt to challenge part of the sentencing terms. The ruling clarifies how waivers related to alternative incarceration programs factor into plea agreements and whether they constitute a…

The New York Court of Appeals addressed the legal sufficiency of evidence in burglary convictions, ruling in People v Williams that the jury’s verdict was supported by a valid line of reasoning and permissible inferences. This case highlights how courts evaluate burglary charges, particularly when intent is inferred from circumstantial evidence, surveillance footage, and witness…

A bill recently introduced in the New York legislature would allow misdemeanor charges for anyone who wears a mask with the intent to harass, threaten, or intimidate others.  Proponents of the new law seek to make it easier to identify those who intend to commit intimidation, threaten, or harass others. Critics ask whether such a…

If you have been arrested in New York, one of the first things you will face is the question of bail. Understanding how bail works in the state and the impact of recent reforms on your case is crucial to protecting your freedom. Bail is a financial arrangement under which a defendant can be released…