Legal Analysis: Judge Grants “Youthful Offender Status” During Sentencing in Triple Fatal Crash Case
A 19-year-old Western New Yorker was recently granted "youthful offender status" during sentencing in a case that involved a triple fatal car crash. The defendant, who was 18 at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving. It is up to the discretion of the judge in the case whether the defendant would be granted "youthful offender status." The families of the victims in this case, as well as the District Attorney, opposed "youthful offender status" being granted in this case. Attorney Barry Covert sat down for an in-studio interview with WIVB anchors Jordan Norkus and Dave Greber, to provide legal analysis on the sentencing in this case. During their interview, Barry Covert discussed several topics regarding this case, including: What is "youthful offender status" in a New York State felony case? What factors does a judge consider when granting youthful offender status? How long will the guilty...
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City of Buffalo officials have been at odds with a property owner over the fate of a Cobblestone District building. The owner of the property sought permission to demolish the building, while preservation advocates pursued legal action to block the demolition. In the most recent legal development, an Erie County Court Judge reversed a previous court decision that would have allowed the owner to tear down the property. The Cobblestone District property that was the subject of this dispute recently suffered a fire. With the fire causing substantial damage to the property; how will the legal dispute between the building owner and preservation advocates move forward? Attorney Barry Covert spoke with reporter Kelly Dudzik to provide legal analysis for WGRZ's ongoing coverage of this story. How does the fire complicate an appeal to the judges' latest ruling in this case? In the aftermath of the fire, what new parties will have a...
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Former president Donald Trump was found guilty, by a New York jury, on thirty-four felony counts in a hush-money case. Attorney Barry Covert appeared in-studio to discuss the guilty verdict with WGRZ anchors Scott Levin and Maryalice Demler. Over the course of a lengthy segment, Mr. Covert provided legal analysis on the case and addressed several topics including: -How quickly the jury reached a verdict in this case; -Next steps in the process, including: Trump's probation interview, post trial motions, sentencing, and potential appeal; and -If political viewpoints can be used as an issue by Trump's defense attorneys on appeal. Click the video below to watch WGRZ's coverage of the Donald Trump guilty verdict, include legal analysis by Barry Covert. https://www.youtube.com/embed/B5TG_QRHrJY?si=oIl-3fJPuPdQXxTq
After two days of deliberation, a New York jury found former president Donald Trump guilty on thirty-four felony counts. This was the verdict reached in Trump's hush-money trial. Media from around the globe addressed many questions that emerged, immediately following the announcement of the jury verdict. Attorney Barry Covert spoke with WIVB News 4 to provide legal analysis on the case. Mr. Covert was asked to address a number of questions, including: -What is the historical significance of the prosecution of a former president? -How does this case change the landscape for prosecuting politicians? -Is it likely that Donald Trump will serve time in prison for this conviction? -What are the possibilities of the guilty verdict being appealed? -Can Donald Trump still run for president after he was found guilty of a felony charge? Click the video below to watch WIVB's full report, including legal analysis from attorney Barry Covert. https://www.youtube.com/embed/pA0Rlfoe0c4?si=lH6gaArqgH1qqg6v
President Joe Biden recently signed a bill into law, that could ban the social media platform TikTok, from use in the United States. Lawmakers have national security concerns due to the Chinese ownership of TikTok. The new law requires TikTok's current owners to divest their ownership over the next 9 months. If Chinese owners do not divest their ownership, the new law could lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok in the United States. In an in-studio interview, attorney Barry Covert spoke with WGRZ anchor Maryalice Demler, to provide legal analysis on the new TikTok law. Click the video below to watch their full conversation, which includes:-analysis of the new TikTok law;-national security concerns TikTok poses to the United States;-the chance of litigation that will challenge the law;-the projected timing of the potential TikTok ban in the U.S.; and-what will come next as a result of this law. https://www.youtube.com/embed/GxjAPz3mK5k?si=JU8rRxOH5GZK9iNY
Attorney Barry Covert was recently a guest on Bill O'Reilly's No Spin News. Mr. Covert provided legal analysis on the latest developments in the Hunter Biden case, concerns the judge in the case raised regarding Hunter Biden's plea deal, and what may happen next in the case. Click here to watch Barry Covert's full conversation with Bill O'Reilly.
Should a Nashville school shooter’s manifesto be made public? A Tennessee judge is allowing families from the school to weigh in on if it should be released. Barry Covert spoke with Stephanie Pagones to provide legal analysis on the judge's actions for The New York Post. Click here to read the New York Post's full story.
After a 13-day manhunt, a fugitive from Jamestown was captured in South Carolina. The suspect committed felonies in 3 states. Barry Covert spoke with WGRZ 2 On Your Side reporter, Andy Paden, to provide legal analysis on the potential prison time the suspect faces. Click here to watch WGRZ's full report, including legal analysis from Barry Covert.
Is it possible to assemble an impartial jury in the pending case against former President Donald Trump? How will the case put pressure on the court? Attorney Barry Covert spoke with WIVB News 4 Buffalo's Tara Lynch to provide legal analysis on the case. Click here to watch WIVB's full report, including legal analysis from Barry Covert.
Now that former President Donald Trump has been indicted; what will the next steps be for the prosecutors and defense attorneys in this case? Barry Covert provided legal analysis for WIVB News 4 Buffalo Wake Up anchors Abby Fridmann and Chris Horvatits. Click here to watch WIVB Wake Up's full interview with Barry Covert.