Westchester New York Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Texts That Steal Your Information – “Smishing” is the Latest Scam

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. When you’re awaiting a package, you may sign up for delivery updates. With some couriers, these updates can come via text message, also known as short message service (SMS)...

Nitazenes – “Frankenstein” Drug is Sweeping Across America

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. When it comes to illegal drugs, there’s always something new on the market. Whether its tranq or kratom, people looking to use drugs will find they have many choices. But n...

The STOP CSAM Act – Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation Online

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. From 2012 to 2022, the number of reports concerning child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (“NCMEC”) CyberTipline increased...

“Rape is Rape”: New Rape Laws Coming to New York

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In January, the Governor signed new legislation, which updates the definition of rape under New York State law. Pursuant to the new rape laws, penetration will no longer be...

Suspicious Activity Reports – When Banks Act Like Cops

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Follow the money. In today’s world, one way to uncover criminal activity is to trace financial transactions. Under the federal Bank Secrecy Act, financial institutions are...

The Equality Model – New Prostitution Laws May Be Coming to the US

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In most places in the US, prostitution and patronizing a sex worker are crimes that can carry serious penalties, including jail and prison. Back in 2021, we posted a blog a...

Cyber Kidnapping Is a Growing Crime Trend Across the Country

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Under the law, kidnapping is taking a person and holding them captive against their will. In New York, kidnapping is a very serious offense. But now, this type of offense h...

Kratom: The New Herbal Drug That May Be Dangerous

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Kratom is an herbal substance that has been around for many, many years - since the 1800s. More recently, it has become a popular drug for various reasons, including for re...

Self Defense – Using a Justification Defense in NY Court

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. If someone attempts to hurt you, you have a right to protect yourself. However, the use of force in response to another’s illegal use of force is not unqualified. Under New...

Counterfeit Goods Can Lead to State and Federal Charges

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. One may hear the stories – if you go down to Canal Street in New York City, you can find designer goods for cheap prices. However, most New Yorkers know that many of those...

New York’s Clean Slate Act Has Been Signed into Law

PLEASE NOTE: Our office has received a number of calls regarding the Clean Slate Act. The law is not yet in effect. While the Clean Slate Act has been signed into law, it will not go into effect until...

Understanding the Mental Health Courts in NYS

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In recognition that some of those involved in the criminal legal system have specific needs, New York has several problem-solving courts. These courts provide special servi...