Category Archives: Criminal Defense

Can Halloween Pranks Lead to Criminal Charges in New York? What Buffalo Residents Should Know

Broken jack-o-lantern on residential porch steps at dusk with distant police lights

Yes. A Halloween prank can lead to criminal charges in New York if it includes property damage, unlawful entry, threatening conduct, injury, or a public disturbance that satisfies a criminal statute. Possible charges include criminal mischief, trespass, menacing, assault, and disorderly conduct. The charge depends on what happened, the evidence, and the legal requirements of […]

What Happens If You Are Charged With Vandalism on Halloween in New York?

Broken fence outside a New York home on Halloween night, with police lights in the distance.

SUMMARY A Halloween prank involving damaged property can lead to a criminal charge in New York. What many people call vandalism is commonly prosecuted as criminal mischief. The level of the charge can depend on intent, the value of the property damage, and how the damage allegedly occurred. Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law represents […]

Can You Be Charged With a Crime for Threatening Someone in New York?

An attorney speaks with a client during a private consultation about a New York threat allegation.

Yes. You can be charged with a crime for threatening someone in New York, but the charge depends on what was said or done, how the threat was communicated, whether physical conduct or a weapon was involved, and whether the conduct created the type of fear required by a particular statute. New York does not […]

Leaving the Scene After a Parking Lot Accident in New York: When a Minor Crash Becomes a Criminal Charge

Leaving the Scene After a Parking Lot Accident in New York: When a Minor Crash Becomes a Criminal Charge

Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law, in Buffalo, NY, has represented numerous clients facing legal complications after leaving minor parking lot accidents. Even a low-speed collision in a supermarket or office parking lot can escalate to criminal charges under New York law if the driver fails to stop and follow statutory requirements. Understanding how local […]

How a Misdemeanor Charge During the Holidays Can Impact Your Future Plans

How a Misdemeanor Charge During the Holidays Can Impact Your Future Plans

The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, festive celebrations, and well-deserved time off from work. For many, it’s a time of joy and relaxation. However, for some, the holidays can bring about unexpected and potentially life-changing consequences—especially if they find themselves facing a misdemeanor charge. Though misdemeanors are typically considered less severe than […]

Got a Court Date Around Thanksgiving? Here’s How to Prepare with Travel in Mind

Got a Court Date Around Thanksgiving? Here's How to Prepare with Travel in Mind

The holiday season brings a mix of joy, travel, and challenges. If you have a court date scheduled during Thanksgiving, juggling the demands of your legal responsibilities and your travel plans can be stressful. Whether you’re facing a traffic ticket, DUI charge, or criminal defense case, the approach to navigating your court date while managing […]

Court Date Coming Up? What to Wear, Bring, and Know Before You Step Inside

Court Date Coming Up? What to Wear, Bring, and Know Before You Step Inside

A court date is an event that most people don’t look forward to, but proper preparation can make it less stressful. Whether it’s for a traffic violation, DUI charge, or criminal case, understanding the proper attire, what to bring, and the general courtroom expectations can make all the difference in how you handle your day […]

Top 5 Criminal Charges We See During Halloween Weekend in Buffalo

Top 5 Criminal Charges We See During Halloween Weekend in Buffalo

Halloween weekend in Buffalo is an exciting time filled with costumes, parties, and celebrations. While the holiday brings plenty of fun, it also brings an increase in criminal activity. Many law enforcement agencies report a surge in specific types of criminal charges during Halloween weekend. Understanding these charges and knowing how to avoid them is […]

Why First-Time Offenders Shouldn’t Face the Court Alone

Why First-Time Offenders Shouldn't Face the Court Alone

Facing criminal charges for the first time can be a frightening and confusing experience. Whether you are dealing with a traffic ticket, DUI charge, or a more serious criminal offense, navigating the legal system without the support of an experienced attorney can be overwhelming. Many people assume that because it’s their first offense, they will […]

Summer Court Backlogs in Erie County: How It Affects Your Case

Summer Court Backlogs in Erie County: How It Affects Your Case

For anyone involved in legal proceedings in Erie County, the summer months often bring delays that can disrupt the timely resolution of cases. Whether you’re dealing with a traffic ticket, DUI charge, or criminal case, the summer backlog in the court system can significantly affect how quickly your case progresses. Understanding why these delays happen […]