prosecutor Archives - Pappalardo & Pappalardo LLP

Crimes on New York’s Native American Reservations

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In New York, there are nine Native American reservations located throughout the state. While located in within the boundary of the state, the land is governed by the tribal...

Parents Can Face Criminal Charges for Their Teen’s House Party

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. When teenagers get together at parties, they may get involved with drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana. In some cases, it can even progress into illegal drug use. But whe...

Murder as a Crime of Terrorism Under New York’s Penal Law

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. In the early morning of December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed by a masked assailant while walking on a street near a hotel in midto...

“Pink Cocaine” is the New Threat on Drug Market

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. It’s a drug that goes by many names – tuci or tusi, tucibi, cocaina rosada. Whatever you call it, pink cocaine has hit the US drug market. In New York and California, the d...

Jury Nullification: When Jurors Don’t Follow the Law

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Imagine you’re sitting as a juror in the case of Jean Valjean. The prosecution has charged him with stealing bread. After hearing from the shop owner who saw him steal the...

“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...

Qualified Immunity – When Public Officials Are Sued

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Those who have been wronged by the state or its officials have the right to hold government officials accountable through civil lawsuits. Yet through case law, courts have...

Use of Ballistics Evidence in Court Called Into Question

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. When a firearm is used in a crime, bullets and fragments can be left at the scene. For investigators, this can be a source of potentially identifying evidence. But can poli...

Actually Innocent: How Common Are Wrongful Convictions?

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. Blackstone’s ratio is taught in many criminal law classes. Written by English jurist William Blackstone, the idea is that it is better that ten guilty persons go free than...

NYC Says It Is “Cracking Down” on Retail Theft

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. You’ve probably read about it in the news – in recent years, there’s been a reported increase retail theft in New York. According to some, the increase can be attributed to...

Opinion: New Report on Discovery Reform is Just Propaganda

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. Last week,...

What Makes a Competent Witness in a Criminal Prosecution?

By Jill K. Sanders, Esq. When a person is on trial for a crime, the only evidence the jury can consider is competent evidence. This is evidence which is admissible, material, and relevant. When it...

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