Westchester New York Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Pappalardo Firm Successful in SORA Modification Petition in Westchester

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. On October 23, Pappalardo & Pappalardo was successful in having the SORA sex offender risk level modified for client J.M. J.M. has been dutifully registering for more t...

Not Guilty Verdict in Trial of DWAI Issued at Check Point

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. The attorneys at Pappalardo & Pappalardo secured a not guilty verdict after trial for client A.H., who had been charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (...

The Basics of Handling a New York Criminal Appeal

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. As a follow-up to our recent post about the basics of New York's criminal justice system, here we'll provide a brief overview of what happens when you appeal a criminal con...

How to Lower Your SORA Sex Offender Registration Level

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. When a person convicted of a sex offense is sentenced, or when that person is released from prison, there will be a hearing to determine his or her level of registration pu...

The Basics of the New York Criminal Justice System

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. If you’re being investigated for a crime, or even if you’ve already been arrested, you may have some questions about how the criminal justice system in New York works. Unde...

When Your License Gets Suspended for Non-Driving Violations

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Many of us need to drive to get to work, take care of our children, or attend school. However, there is no absolute right to drive in the state of New York - it is consider...

Kendra’s Law – Getting Mental Health Treatment for Those Leaving Prison

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Not everyone with a serious mental illness needs to be committed to a psychiatric facility. In fact, many (if not most) people with serious mental illness can function well...

New York’s Governor Signs Bill Creating Nation’s First Commission to Investigate Prosecutorial Misconduct

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. On August 21, 2018, New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation establishing the State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct. The Commission will be the first of its...

Court of Appeals Rules There’s No “Actual Innocence” Claim For Those Who Plead Guilty

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Most cases in the criminal justice system are resolved by guilty pleas rather than trials. Usually, it is to the benefit of both the prosecution and the defendant to resolv...

Asset Forfeiture in New York: How Law Enforcement Can Take Your Personal and Real Property

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. You may have seen the billboards in and around New York City – if you’re arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, the NYPD says it will take your car. Can this be true? Yes,...

Sex Offender Registration Laws Are Outdated and Need Changing for Child Pornography Offenses

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In New York, persons convicted of certain sexual offenses are required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, also referred to as "SORA" or "Megan's Law." The...

Use of Jailhouse Informants and Recorded Calls in Criminal Prosecutions

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. When you get arrested, you may want to talk to anyone who will listen about your case and your experience with the criminal justice system. However, if you’re in custody, e...