Analysis of George Zimmerman Verdict and “Stand Your Ground” Law

July 15, 2013  |  CRIMINAL, IN THE NEWS  |  Share

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.

Predicting Outcome of George Zimmerman Trial Before Verdict Was Announced

July 15, 2013  |  CRIMINAL, IN THE NEWS  |  Share

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.

Appeals Court Shoots Down Opposition to New York State Gun Control Law

July 11, 2013  |  APPEALS, CONSTITUTIONAL, IN THE NEWS  |  Share

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.

The Case of an Alleged Assassination Attempt, an Elvis Impersonator, and Mail-order Beans

July 10, 2013  |  CRIMINAL, IN THE NEWS, INTERNET CRIME  |  Share

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. ...

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Racial Disparities in Marijuana Arrests

June 10, 2013  |  IN THE NEWS  |  Share

The 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.

Things Your Neighbors Won’t Tell You: “I will use your Wi-Fi — and might get you arrested.”

March 19, 2013  |  IN THE NEWS, INTERNET CRIME  |  Share

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    

New York State Gun Law To Be Challenged

March 4, 2013  |  IN THE NEWS  |  Share

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.

Unusual New York State Laws

February 26, 2013  |  IN THE NEWS  |  Share

Click on the video above to see my commentary on WKBW Channel 7's report on "Wacky" New York State Laws.  The report provides insight on some obscure laws that are still on the books in New York State that you may find useful and certainly will find interesting.

Law Enforcement Seeks More Access to Text Messages

December 5, 2012  |  IN THE NEWS  |  Share

Click the video above to watch WGRZ Channel 2's report on law enforcement agencies' efforts to gain greater access to individuals' text messages.  They report includes my commentary on potential problems with law enforcement agencies pressuring cell phone companies to keep text message data for extended periods of time.

Corasanti Censured and Reprimanded by State Health Department

August 9, 2012  |  IN THE NEWS, PROFESSIONAL LICENSING DEFENSE  |  Share

I recently provided analysis for WKBW Channel 7 on the state Board for Professional Medical Misconduct's ruling regarding Dr. James Corasanti.  The doctor was censured and reprimanded by New York State following a recent drunk driving conviction. You can watch my complete analysis of the state Board for Professional Medical Misconduct's ruling by clicking on the video above courtesy of WKBW.