When should I talk to police?

balduf-lawyer-talk-to-policeMany of our clients do not expect to be arrested or have a run in with the law.  In times like this many people want to tell “their side of the story” in an attempt to get the police to understand and release them.  It’s understandable, however ill advised.  The police are not there to help you and in many instances will coax you into talking so you can set the record straight.  Understand this, the police are not there to help you.  The job of the police is to get a confession during your interview, even if that means they must lie to you.  Additionally, they will often tell you that they cannot help you once you have contacted an attorney. It is not in your best interest to talk to police at any time without legal counsel.

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CRIMINAL CHARGES CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

criminal-charges-change-lifeCriminal charges can change your life.  Being convicted of felonies, misdemeanors, drug or weapons charges can change your entire life.  In addition to possible jail time, there are lifetime ramifications of a criminal conviction.  The ability to get or keep a job, carry certain types of firearms, and hold certain types of professional licenses are all affected by a criminal history.

The decisions made in your criminal case now will impact the rest of your life. Make sure you call someone with EXPERIENCE to advise you properly and protect your rights.

William Balduf, Esq. understands what you are facing. With extensive experience with criminal law, he has proven time and time again that we have what it takes to handle even the most complex of cases. He know what is on the line and we know how important it is that we tenaciously defend it. For this reason, should you choose to work with William Balduf, Esq. you will be able to breathe easier knowing that we will take your case seriously. William Balduf, Esq. provides superior legal services unmatched by any competitor, without the cost of a large firm.

Regardless of the exact circumstances that you are facing, if you seek legal representation from William Balduf, Esq. he will immediately launch into action. No matter whether you are looking to get the charges dismissed, if you are hoping to at least get the penalties lowered or if you are preparing a case to go to trial, he will apply the same level of high-quality preparation and care. Call now 315 474-5533 or email williambalduf@gmail.com. Make an Apppointment

See also:

Should I Take A Breathalyzer Test?

Legal Tactics for Child Abuse Charges

child-abuse-chargesFor all criminal matters and particularly  child abuse charges the best way to handle them is to anticipate the arguments and proof and try to address them in advance, or at least be prepared at trial.  The following are some common tactics and suggestions for ways of handling sex abuse cases:

Before trial the following can possibly be done to help defend child  abuse cases and charges:

  1. The defendant’s statement indicates he was the subject of sex abuse as a  child:  Investigators routinely elicit this information from defendants, perhaps in an effort to seem sympathetic during the interrogation,  but more likely, to attempt to get that information before a jury, which is likely to believe that someone who has been abused in the past will be an abuser.  The U.S. Government Accountability Office surveyed studies and concluded that there was no conclusive evidence that those abused as children would become abusers as adults.  http://www.gao.gov/products/GGD-96-178.  If you have this inflammatory information in the interrogation, a motion can be made in limine to keep it out.  If it’s deemed relevant a Frye Hearing can be requested arguing that if the science does not support this, the evidence should not come in.  An additional agreement here is that even if it does, it’s probative value is outweighed by its prejudicial effect.
  2. The claim that the child’s school performance deteriorated after the alleged abuse:  This is often given antecdotally by relatives.  But again, there is a study that supports a conclusion that there is no correlation between childhood sexual abuse and poor school performance.
  3. A motion could also be made here to preclude the use of any testimony of declining performance by the child, or ask for a Frye Hearing.
  4. CSAAS as witnesses. A motion can be made to preclude them as a witness/expert.
  5. Youthful indiscretions. Particular attention should be made as to whether the prosecution will try to highlight the many children with many mothers. This can possibly be limited by citing People v. Presha  83 AD3d 1406.

Contact William Balduf, Esq. and let his 30 years of experience work for you.  Serving Syracuse and Oswego, New York.

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SHOULD I TALK TO POLICE?

What will hiring a lawyer cost me?

What do lawyers charge?lawyer-cost

 

What will hiring a lawyer cost me?  This is often the first question that people ask when the first question that should be addressed is:  Which lawyer  has tried cases to successful jury and non-jury verdicts?  If the District Attorney handling your matter believes that your lawyer doesn’t like to conduct jury trials you may not get the offers that would best resolve your situation.  The District Attorney’s office may not consider your specific circumstances in the same manner as when represented by an attorney who will take your matter to a trial if necessary.  Not having a trial experienced attorney will decrease your chances of a positive result.  I have successfully negotiated and successfully tried/litigated cases and that matters!

Of course the question still remains:  What will a lawyer cost you?  Don’t be fooled into thinking that the amount of the legal fees directly corresponds to the level of service and experience you will be getting.

Do you have to shell out a lot of money for legal services? Does it have to cost a fortune?

NO.  When it comes to the  cost for an attorney pay a fair price.  You choose.  Don’t trust words, trust actions.

 

Pay a reasonable price.  Do not look for the cheapest fee.  Do not be talked into the most expensive.  Fair and just representation starts with a fair and just legal fee.  We pride ourselves in offering great legal services for people who need them and that means not overcharging them just because we can.  Call us for a free consultation.

Contact William Balduf, Esq. and let his 30 years of experience work for you.  Serving Syracuse and Oswego, New York.

See related articles:

Do I really need a lawyer for a speeding ticket?

What is Drug Court and Could it Help Me?

 

drug-courtWhat is Syracuse Drug Court and is it right for me?

I am often asked if I think Syracuse Drug Court is a good idea. My answer is that I think drug court is a great idea for certain clients. Syracuse Community Treatment Court  (SCTC) commonly known as Drug Court oversees delivery of comprehensive addiction treatment services under judicial supervision, thereby reducing drug dependency and recidivism in the nonviolent offender and returning him/her to the community as a productive citizen.

The Syracuse Drug Court is supervised by Chief Judge of the Syracuse City Court Hon. James H. Cecile. The judge takes an active interest in all aspects of participants’ lives and supervises their treatment for substance abuse, as well as their receipt of support services. Services include treatment, assistance with education, vocational training, housing, employment and counseling.

Defendants are required to appear regularly before the court for supervision, and emergency hearings for non compliant participants and those in danger of relapse are handled on a case-by-case basis. Treatment and community resource agencies will report to the judge each time before a defendant appears in court. Sanctions for non-compliant behavior can include an increase in court appearances and drug testing, a change in level or modality of treatment, and incarceration.

Drug Court looks to assist the whole person not just through substance abuse treatment but also education, and job training as well.

Eligible defendants must:

  1. Be charged with a non-violent felony or misdemeanor in the County of Onondaga;
  2. Be determined by the SCTC to be in need of treatment for a substance abuse/ addiction problems;
  3. Have no prior convictions for violent felony offenses.

Typically, if a person is successful, misdemeanor charges are dismissed. Successful participants who are facing felony charges will have their charges reduced to the underlying misdemeanor and receive a 1 year conditional discharge.

See also:

What will hiring a lawyer cost me?

Do I really need a lawyer for a speeding ticket?

This is a question frequently asked.  Isn’t just easier and more cost effectivelawyer-for-speeding-ticket to mail the speeding ticket in, pay the fine and go on with my life?  I was just speeding after all.  I’m not exactly a criminal!  At first glance that may be so, but the reality is that one may find that having a lawyer to handle their traffic tickets may actually save them more money and time than the fees cost them.

Your time has a certain value to it. Often when hiring an attorney, a client may not even have to appear personally in court.  Your lawyer can appear for you, negotiate for reductions or dismissals, and speak with the DA on your behalf.   If you do need to appear in court, those with an attorney have their cases called first, saving you from a long wait in the courtroom.  If you have ever spent several hours in traffic court, you surely will appreciate that!

Often times, with the reduction of the charges comes reduced fines.  In addition in New York State, the number of points against your drivers’ license may cause increased auto insurance premiums.  The money you spend for a lawyer to defend you regarding your traffic matter is well worth the investment when you consider time, fines and cheaper insurance rates.

Call us at 315 474-5533 or contact us online.  Reasonable rates. Serving Onondaga, Oswego and Madison Counties.

See also:

DWI-Traffic Offenses

Should I Take A Breathalyzer Test?

Should I Take A Breathalyzer Test?

should-i-take-a-breathalyzerDo I have to take a breathalyzer test if the police ask me to? Most folks know that they have a right to refuse this test, and that is true. Many people are under the impression that refusing a breathalyzer test if they have been pulled over is a good move. In many cases this is NOT a good move.  This is why you need to get good and experienced advice.

Lets clarify something first.  There are two breath tests you will likely be subjected to if suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol.  The first test is the roadside test.  The second is the test done at the police station after being arrested.

The first roadside test should only be administered by the police if there are other indicators of DWI – such as a valid traffic stop, followed by possible odor, and standard field sobriety tests.  THIS ROADSIDE TEST IS NOT ADMISSIBLE AT TRIAL.  Should you take it?  Most likely the answer is yes. Regardless of the result, it will most likely not affect your case.

If you are arrested and brought down to the station for booking, you should be asked to blow into a calibrated machine.  This test is admissible and will be used to produce the actual amount of alcohol in your blood.  Should you take this test?  It depends.  How much have you drank (if anything)?  When did you take your last drink?  Have you been convicted or plead to any previous DUI or DWI charges?  These are some of the factors that come into play when making a decision.

You should know that refusing to take a breathalyzer test may result in an administrative suspension of your license by the NYS DMV for one year. This administrative suspension will prevent you from obtaining a hardship license while your case is pending in court and may result in an additional suspension of your license by the DMV beyond any suspension imposed by the court. You must think very carefully before refusing a breathalyzer test.

If you have refused a breathalyzer test, or been charged with DWI, don’t wait to get good advice. Contact William Balduf, Esq. and let his 30 years of experience work for you.  Serving Syracuse and Oswego, New York.

See also:

DWI-Traffic Charges

What will hiring a lawyer cost me?