The Law Office of Frank Ciardi
Criminal Defense Legal Blog
Three Strategies for Fighting Traffic Tickets
The time for fighting traffic tickets has never been more pertinent. During coronavirus lockdowns, traffic enforcement plummeted by over 80 percent.[1] Since motorists could almost literally get away with anything unless they caused a fatal accident, they speed...
Parents’ Responsibility for Underage Drinking
Underage drinking has leveled off recently. But it still directly or indirectly contributes to about 4,300 deaths annually in the United States.[1] Children’s still-developing bodies and low weight make it hard to process alcohol. One or two drinks to a 16-year-old is...
Navigating the Criminal Justice System in Monroe County
The modern criminal justice system began taking shape in the mid-1800s. The country was growing rapidly, and criminal courts lacked funding. 1881 Californian Albert McKenzie may have entered the nation’s first voluntary guilty plea.1 Prosecutors alleged that he...
What is a First-Degree Criminal Offense?
Many states use a number (first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree) classification system to divide felonies. But in New York, we like to do things a little differently. So, state law divides felonies into five categories: Classes A to E, A as the worst, and E as...
Top Five Reasons to Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer
Although anti-drug laws existed for decades, Richard Nixon coined the phrase “war on drugs” during a 1971 speech. He called illegal drugs “public enemy number one” and vowed to launch interdiction programs to incarcerate offenders and hopefully eradicate the...
How Does the State Prove Arson in Monroe County?
Once upon a time, most arsons were economic crimes. People generally started fires for the destruction of property reasons. Today, most arsons are political crimes. Many people start fires out of anger or to make a statement. Yet arson charges and laws are essentially...
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The Law Office of Frank Ciardi - Rochester & Buffalo Criminal Defense Attorney