James Bagarozzo was a Buffalo parking meter mechanic found guilty of stealing over $210,000 from parking meters over a period of 8 years. A judge recently sentenced Mr. Bagarozzo to 2 1/2 years in prison for his crime. WGRZ Channel 2 reported on James Bagarozzo's case and interviewed me for analysis on the details and appropriateness of his sentencing. Click above to watch a video of my analysis.
The family of Alix Rice, the teenager hit and killed by Dr. James Corasanti two years ago, has settled a lawsuit against Transit Valley Country Club. James Corasanti was at a martini golf event at the country club before he hit Alix Rice. Local NBC News affiliate WGRZ Channel 2 interviewed me to provide analysis on what may have lead to the confidential settlement and what impact the settlement may have on the civil suit the family of Alix Rice is pursuing against James Corasanti. Click on the video above to watch WGRZ's report as well as my analysis on the settlement between the family of Alix Rice and Transit Valley Country Club.
In the wake of the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial, "Stand Your Ground" laws have been propelled in to the spotlight of national discourse. There are twenty-two states that currently have a "Stand Your Ground" law in place. U.S. News & World report recently invited me to participate in a Google Hangout interview to discuss "Stand Your Ground" laws, the impact they have on the meaning of self-defense, inaccuracies in the media's reporting of "Stand Your Ground" in the George Zimmerman trial, and much more. Click here to watch the video above to watch my discussion with Simon Owens of U.S. News & World Report. http://youtu.be/bKnI-3YJqlw
The trial of George Zimmerman, charged with murder in the death of teenager Trayvon Martin, has dominated national headlines. This weekend was no exception as the jury in the case reached a verdict of "not guilty," generating further media analysis and debate. Local ABC News affiliate WKBW Channel 7 interviewed me as their "legal expert" to provide analysis on the verdict and explain the State of Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law. Click here to watch a report on the George Zimmerman verdict, including my analysis.
Once closing arguments were completed in the trial of George Zimmerman, local NBC News affiliate WGRZ Channel 2 asked me to provide analysis of the case. Click on the video above to watch my assessment of how attorneys for both the prosecution and defense developed their case. You will also note that anchor Scott Levin asks for my prediction of the jury's verdict, which ultimately proved to be accurate.
Local activist Robert Schulz's is leading a group opposed to the New York SAFE Act, the state's new controversial gun control law. Last week, a mid-level appellate court in Albany refused to reverse the trial courts denial of a preliminary injunction which would prevent the enactment and enforcement of the SAFE Act. On behalf of himself and 1000 plaintiffs, Mr. Schulz argued that the rapid passage of the Safe Act violated the state constitution. Schulz’ suit alleges Governor Cuomo's "necessity" justification for waiving the 3 day waiting period for passing legislation is improper. NBC news affiliate WGRZ Channel 2 had me in-studio to provide analysis on the recent court decision on the prospect of this matter going before higher courts in New York State as well as the United States Supreme Court. Click on the video above to hear my commentary and learn more about the SAFE Act opposition.
Local media has recently reported on the pertinent connection one of my clients has to a story of national prominence. My client, Ross C. Miller, operates the website bearcreekwoodcrafts.com with his wife. The couple sell an assortment of artistic creations as well as gardening products through their website. Castor beans are among the items they have sold in the past. As you will learn from the article linked below, while castor beans can be used to grow decorative plants or make castor oil - the beans can also be used to create the poison known as ricin. Click on the video above from WGRZ Channel 2 or click here to go to the The Buffalo News article, which details all the interesting twists that lead Mr. Miller to discover some of the castor beans he sold may have been used in an alleged attempt to poison the President of the United States. ...
Read MoreThe New York Civil Liberties Union recently published a report that analyzes federal crime reporting data and concludes that there are "stark racial disparities in low-level marijuana arrests in counties across New York State." I sat down with Claudine Ewing of NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV to discuss the startling report. You can watch our conversation by clicking on the video above.
The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch.com is a financial information website that provides business news, stock market data, and personal financial advice. The site recently published an insightful article entitled "10 things your neighbors won’t tell you." Included in this useful list of things to beware of when dealing with neighbors is "I will use your Wi-Fi — and might get you arrested." The article points out the vulnerable state you put yourself in if your wi-fi internet connection is not password protected. I provide commentary for the article on some of the risks and consequences of not having a protected wi-fi connection. I have represented multiple clients wrongly accused of a serious crime due to a neighbor's use of their wi-fi connection. To read the details of my commentary on protecting your wi-fi connection as well as the other 9 "things your neighbors won't tell you" - click here. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-your-neighbors-wont-tell-you-2013-03-15?pagenumber=2
Click above to watch a report on WGRZ Channel 2 regarding a legal challenge to New York State's new gun law, the SAFE Act. Opponents of the law are challenging the constitutionality of the SAFE Act due to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's use of "message of necessity" to expedite the passing of the law. The video above includes my commentary on the constitutionality of the law.