Opinion: Why We Needed Bail Reform
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the writer only. They are not necessarily the views of the law firm or any of its attorneys. Beginning J...
Carfentanil – An Opioid More Dangerous Than Fentanyl
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. The news about the country’s opioid epidemic is not new. Every day, Americans are dying from drug overdoses, with opioids being the biggest culprit. Over the past several y...
Discovery Changes in New York – Repealing New York’s “Blindfold Law”
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Discovery is the process by which a criminal defendant learns about the evidence in the prosecution’s case. This includes reports, witness statements, and physical evidence...
CBD and the Cannabis Plant – What’s Legal, and What’s Not
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. It can relieve anxiety and depression. It helps you sleep. It’s sold in oils, sprays, and even lollipops. CBD, a chemical derived from the cannabis plant, seems to be every...
Did New York’s Bail Reforms Go Too Far?
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. New York’s criminal justice system will soon undergo dramatic changes. As detailed in our two recent blogs, beginning January 1, 2020, there will be many changes. One su...
New York’s ‘Red Flag’ Law: Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Remove Guns
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In August of 2019, New York’s “red flag” law went into effect. The law allows a court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order (“ERPO”). An ERPO prevents those who show si...
Additional ‘Raise the Age’ Changes In Effect As of October 1
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In New York, crimes committed by juvenile offenders account for about 20% of all arrests. Two years ago, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation approving reform known as...
Wrongful Conviction Film Shows Effects of Fabricated Charges
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In August of 2019, the film Brian Banks was released. It portrays the true story of Brian Banks, whose wrongful conviction nearly destroyed his dream of playing in the NFL....
Hate Crimes in New York – What You Need to Know
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Hate crimes are frequently talked about in the news. And in some cases, bias intent coupled with violence has led to serious injuries or even death. Such hate crimes are pu...
Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations Extended by Child Victims Act
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In early 2019, Governor Cuomo signed legislation which extends the statute of limitations for bringing cases against those who commit sexual abuse against children. The cha...
Decriminalization of Marijuana in New York
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In June, the New York legislature passed a bill which decriminalizes many marijuana possession offenses. While not fully legalizing the drug's possession, it shows that New...
Gravity Knives No Longer Illegal In New York
By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. On May 30, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed into law a bill removing criminal sanctions for the possession of gravity knives. This bill brings the state’s laws into line with a...