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Questions Answered by Stephen Bilkis
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for New York on
Q: Should I go to probation if a police officer tells me to, after being arrested at 17? (NY)

I am 17 years old and live in New York State. I was arrested for criminal trespass and conspiracy, and I have not been to court yet for this matter. A police officer has told me to go to probation. Should I comply with this order, even though I haven't received any court instructions yet?

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I understand that this situation must be stressful, and it’s important to approach it carefully, especially since you are under 18 and facing criminal charges. In New York, there are specific procedures and rights for individuals, especially minors, who are involved in criminal matters, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: How to represent myself in an assault case with no witnesses?

I am representing myself in an assault case involving multiple people, where I was attacked after coming out of a party. I have identified one person who I am taking to court, but I don't have any witnesses. What strategies might work in my favor, and what should I avoid during the trial?

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I understand how challenging it can be to represent yourself in a legal case, especially when it involves an assault and no witnesses to support your side. While it's always advisable to have legal representation, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of presenting a strong... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Meaning of "motion disposed granted" in gun charge case.

What does it mean when a motion filed by the prosecution related to a gun charge before trial in a criminal case is "disposed and granted"? I'm trying to understand its implications on the case.

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I understand that navigating the legal process can be confusing, especially when it comes to terminology that’s unfamiliar. When you hear the term "motion disposed and granted" in your gun charge case, it’s referring to a decision made by the court regarding a motion filed by the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: How much time do I have to file a civil rights case after a Fourth Amendment violation?

I believe my Fourth Amendment rights were violated on October 4, 2024, when public safety officers beat me, refused to give me water, and scarred my face. I'm currently involved in a criminal case related to dumpster diving, which is being handled by a public defender. I haven't taken any... View More

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the mistreatment you experienced, and I can understand how distressing it must be to feel that your rights were violated in such a serious way. In New York, the legal timeframe for filing a civil rights lawsuit related to a Fourth Amendment violation, such as excessive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: Concern about consequences after shoplifting incident at Home Depot.

I was caught shoplifting at Home Depot a month ago, but no police were called. They took a copy of my photo ID and said the item would cost me 3 times its worth and to expect something in the mail, but I haven't received anything yet. I'm concerned because I've visited that location... View More

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I understand your concern about the shoplifting incident, and it’s important to approach this situation carefully. In New York, shoplifting, also known as larceny or petit larceny, is a criminal offense that can have significant consequences. However, the specific details of your case, such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can I admit I lied in a police report about my father hitting my brother as a minor?

I was a minor when my father forced me to lie to the police about an incident where he hit my brother, who was 23 at the time. I lied on the police report, but now that the court case has ended and I've been kicked out of my father's house, I want to admit that I lied and tell the truth.... View More

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’ve experienced. In New York, the decision to come forward and admit that you lied in a police report is significant, and there are several factors to consider when deciding how to proceed.

First, it's important to understand that...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Why request a 30-day seal if the case was dismissed with prejudice?

I had a charge of criminal possession of a loaded firearm in Kings Supreme Court, which was dismissed due to the 30/30 rule with prejudice. The district attorney requested a 30-day seal. Why would they request this seal if the case was already dismissed with prejudice?

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I understand your confusion about why a 30-day seal would be requested after your case was dismissed with prejudice. It’s important to clarify the concepts involved and the purpose of such a request.

First, let's break down the terms involved:

Dismissed with prejudice: When a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Assault on NY college campus 6 months ago: legal options now?

I was assaulted in my dorm on my college campus in New York about six months ago. I wasn't ready to report it immediately, but I did write about the incident in my diary and told a few people, including a counselor who facilitated a room change. I've attended counseling sessions since... View More

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answered on Mar 12, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the assault you experienced. In New York, you still have legal options to pursue a case, even though six months have passed since the incident. However, the legal process can be complex, and there are a few things you should consider moving forward.

First, it’s...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Can they charge my felon husband for a gun found during a drug search?

My husband, who has a prior felony, was served with a search warrant for drugs, which was the only item listed on the warrant. While he was downstairs, they found a gun upstairs and did not allow him to stay upstairs during the search. Can they legally charge him for the gun?

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

In New York, the circumstances surrounding the search and the discovery of the gun in your husband's case are important to understand, especially since he has a prior felony conviction. Generally, if a person has been convicted of a felony, they are prohibited from possessing firearms under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Explanation needed for court ruling in criminal case regarding judgment in absentia and objections.

I filed a criminal case against someone for seizing money by force. The court has now ruled to consider the objection submitted by a person of Pakistan nationality and treat the judgment in absentia as if it had not been issued, obliging the person to pay court fees. This ruling was made on... View More

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

In your case, it appears that the court has issued a ruling regarding a judgment in absentia, which means a judgment was made without the presence of the defendant in court. When a defendant is absent from court, a judgment can still be rendered if they have been properly notified of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Maximum punishment for DWI with three prior convictions in New York?

I was charged with a DWI in New York and have three prior DWI convictions, all from more than ten years ago within the state. What is the maximum punishment I might face for this recent charge?

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

In New York, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is taken very seriously, especially when the individual has prior DWI convictions. Since you have three prior DWI convictions, your recent charge will likely be classified as a felony under New York State law, specifically as a Class D felony charge for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Libel & Slander for New York on
Q: Assault by neighbor's ex, injuries, seeking legal advice for compensation in NY.

On November 17, 2024, I was assaulted by my neighbor's ex-husband on the property I was renting. The incident was captured on camera. During the assault, my son was injured. We were both taken to the hospital, and I sustained a shoulder injury. I have reported the incident to the police, and... View More

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the distressing situation you’ve experienced. In New York, there are several legal options you can pursue to seek compensation for your injuries, emotional distress, and medical bills after the assault. Since there are open arrest warrants for the individual, criminal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Public Benefits and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: How to resolve medical and insurance issues with NYC CARE and Medicaid?

I have NYC CARE and emergency Medicaid based on legal advice. My primary doctor tells me to go to the emergency room for my symptoms, but the emergency room directs me back to the primary doctor. This cycle has been ongoing since 2019, and I'm dealing with a pseudomeningocele that prevents me... View More

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the challenging situation you're facing. It sounds like you're dealing with significant medical issues and difficulties navigating the healthcare system. In New York, there are several steps you can take to address the cycle between your primary doctor and the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: What legal steps can I take after being assaulted in NY?

I was assaulted by someone named Taliza yesterday, and I suffered injuries. I reported it to the police, and they have already spoken to her. What legal steps can I take next to ensure my safety and address the assault?

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the assault and the injuries you've sustained. In New York, there are several legal steps you can take to address the assault and ensure your safety moving forward.

Follow Up with Law Enforcement: Since you’ve already reported the assault to the police and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: How to reclaim a vehicle transferred without authorization?

My deceased mother left me as the proxy for her estate after I obtained legal documentation from the court. However, her boyfriend transferred the vehicle title to himself, likely by accessing her documents in her apartment. There was no will left by my mother. When I confronted him, he drove off.... View More

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re dealing with. In New York, you have legal options to reclaim the vehicle that was transferred without your authorization, especially given your role as the proxy for your mother’s estate. Since there was no will left by your mother, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can I sue my dentist for dosing off during anesthesia injection?

I want to know if I can sue my dentist for dosing off twice while injecting me with local anesthesia, the most recent incident occurring last month. I'm concerned about the implications of his behavior and any potential harm it might cause.

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about your concerns regarding your dental treatment. In New York, if a dentist’s actions—such as dosing off during a procedure—result in harm or potential harm, you may have a valid claim for medical malpractice. However, whether you can successfully sue depends on several... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Brain surgery complications and avoidance by surgeon, potential case inquiry.

In 2019, I had emergency surgery to remove a brain bleed, which led to complications. Now, I'm bedridden and compromised, yet the surgeon responsible is not mentioned in my reports and has been avoiding my attempts to seek follow-up care. The surgeon's office has repeatedly made excuses,... View More

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the complications you're facing and the lack of follow-up care. It’s important to address any concerns related to your post-surgery treatment, especially when complications arise after a serious procedure like brain surgery.

In New York, you may have...
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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Dental office 4 years: incomplete surgery, gum issues, and undisclosed bone loss.

I have been visiting a dental office for the past 4 years, and I had periodontal surgery about 2 years ago; however, not all teeth were operated on. My bottom incisors are now shaking, and one has swollen gums with pus underneath. I reported gum separation to the dentist at a follow-up two weeks... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you’ve been experiencing with your dental treatment. It’s understandable to feel concerned, especially when there are ongoing problems with your gums and teeth, and when important information, like bone loss, was not disclosed to you earlier.

In...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: How can I press stalking charges against neighbors with video evidence?

I have been dealing with a stalking issue involving Jackie Lynn Jenkins and Mr. Joseph since 2014. They currently live next to me at 169-03 89 Ave, Jamaica, Queens, NY 11432. I have video evidence showing a woman with a mysterious device, and I've involved law enforcement, including the 103rd... View More

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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I’m sorry to hear about the distress you’re experiencing. Stalking is a serious matter, and it’s good that you’ve involved law enforcement to address the situation. In New York, stalking involves intentionally following or engaging in a course of conduct that causes the victim to fear for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Legal consequences of assault with illegal firearm in NY.

My husband is currently in detention awaiting his third hearing. He assaulted me with an illegal 15-gauge rifle while he was drunk, resulting in an injury to my jaw. I reported the incident to the police, and now I've invoked my right not to appear in court or testify. However, the district... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 11, 2025

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult and distressing situation you’re facing. In New York, assault with an illegal firearm, especially under the circumstances you described, can have serious legal consequences.

Based on the details you provided, your husband is facing several...
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