Questions Answered by Mark A. Siesel
Q: How will having no "priors" on my records affect my sentencing on a felony now?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
If you have no prior felonies on your record, or none within the last ten years, you are eligible for the lowest range of sentencing when the presiding judge sentences you.
If you have no prior felonies on your record, or none within the last ten years, you are eligible for the lowest range of sentencing when the presiding judge sentences you.
Q: How do I calculate the time from a previous felony conviction for purposes of sentencing on a new case?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
The time from your last felony conviction begins to run on the date that you are released from prison on the previous conviction.
The time from your last felony conviction begins to run on the date that you are released from prison on the previous conviction.
Q: What level felony is criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree is an A-11 felony.
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree is an A-11 felony.
Q: Is there any chance that I can plea bargain my DWAI to a non-drinking infraction?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
No, there is no possibility of a non-alcohol plea bargain for any alcohol infraction or crime.
No, there is no possibility of a non-alcohol plea bargain for any alcohol infraction or crime.
Q: I am 19 years old and I just was found guilty of a DWAI. How long will I lose my license for?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Since you are under the age of 21, the license revocation for a DWAI is a minimum of one year. For adults, there is a 90 day license suspension on a first time DWAI.
Since you are under the age of 21, the license revocation for a DWAI is a minimum of one year. For adults, there is a 90 day license suspension on a first time DWAI.
Q: What proof is there that I completed the Drinking Driver Program and who receives it?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
A "Notice of Completion" will be sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles when you successfully complete the program. The DMV will then determine if you are eligible to be reinstated or not. For example, if there was a refusal to take a chemical test, you would have to wait a full year before being eligible to obtain your full license back (assuming this was first time refusal).
A "Notice of Completion" will be sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles when you successfully complete the program. The DMV will then determine if you are eligible to be reinstated or not. For example, if there was a refusal to take a chemical test, you would have to wait a full year before being eligible to obtain your full license back (assuming this was first time refusal).
Q: How long is the Drinking Driver Program that the Judge ordered me to take?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
The class is 7 weeks, and each session lasts approximately two to three hours. Total classroom time is 16 hours to complete the program.
The class is 7 weeks, and each session lasts approximately two to three hours. Total classroom time is 16 hours to complete the program.
Q: E: field sobriety test. What happens when the subject has congenital horizontal nystagmus?-and doesn't drink at all?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
The officer who asked you to do the HGN should have questioned you about any illnesses, medications, you were taken or conditions which would make it impossible for you to comply with the three parts of the HGN test. He could have performed the other two standardized FST's (walk and turn and one legged stand) and the results of these could be admissible if the HGN is precluded. This can be used as a partial defense in your DWI case, but obviously must be considered along with the other...
The officer who asked you to do the HGN should have questioned you about any illnesses, medications, you were taken or conditions which would make it impossible for you to comply with the three parts of the HGN test. He could have performed the other two standardized FST's (walk and turn and one legged stand) and the results of these could be admissible if the HGN is precluded. This can be used as a partial defense in your DWI case, but obviously must be considered along with the other...
Q: Was just convicted of a 3d degree Criminal mischief. What is the most jail time I can be sentenced to by the judge?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Criminal mischief in the 3rd degree is an E felony. The maximum sentence on an E felony is 4 years.
Criminal mischief in the 3rd degree is an E felony. The maximum sentence on an E felony is 4 years.
Q: I was just charged with criminal sale of marijuana in the first degree. Is that a felony?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Yes, Criminal sale of marijuana in the first degree is a Class C felony under Section 221.55 of the New York State Penal Law.
Yes, Criminal sale of marijuana in the first degree is a Class C felony under Section 221.55 of the New York State Penal Law.
Q: Can a case be sped up if the plaintiff finds out that she is very ill? The trial calendar in my county is congested.
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Yes. A motion can be made to the Court for a "special preference." The motion woudl include a report from the plaintiff's treating doctor about the bad diagnosis and plaintiff's limited life expectancy and the motion will be granted.
Yes. A motion can be made to the Court for a "special preference." The motion woudl include a report from the plaintiff's treating doctor about the bad diagnosis and plaintiff's limited life expectancy and the motion will be granted.
Q: What happens if one of the parties in a personal injury case dies?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
If one of the parties dies, a representative of that party's estate must be appointed to replace the party. The Representative could be a spouse, another family member, or if the person died without a will, the public administrator of the county where the case is pending can be appointed on motion by one of the parties.
If one of the parties dies, a representative of that party's estate must be appointed to replace the party. The Representative could be a spouse, another family member, or if the person died without a will, the public administrator of the county where the case is pending can be appointed on motion by one of the parties.
Q: My 5 year old son was injured in a car accident. If we bring a claim, can it be settled out of Court?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Although the case can be settled, it must be done in Court under the supervision of a judge, who must approve the settlement and issue what is known as an "Infant Compromise Order." The judge will review the settlement, see your child, review the medical reports, and decide whether the settlement is in the best interests of the child and provided adequate compensation for your son's injuries.
Although the case can be settled, it must be done in Court under the supervision of a judge, who must approve the settlement and issue what is known as an "Infant Compromise Order." The judge will review the settlement, see your child, review the medical reports, and decide whether the settlement is in the best interests of the child and provided adequate compensation for your son's injuries.
Q: If I go to trial on my speeding ticket, can they bring up previous speeding tickets I have gotten?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Good question. The answer is no, they cannot, as the Vehicle & Traffic Law does not permit the introduction into evidence of prior moving violations to prove that you committed this one.
Good question. The answer is no, they cannot, as the Vehicle & Traffic Law does not permit the introduction into evidence of prior moving violations to prove that you committed this one.
Q: I want to start a lawsuit against the MTA Bus Company. How long do I have?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
Pursuant to the Pubic Authorities Law, the case must be commenced within one year of the date of the accident, after giving the MTA Bus Company a thirty day opportunity to resolve the case. Note that this is less time to start a case than is permitted to start a lawsuit against a municipality under the General Municipal Law.
Pursuant to the Pubic Authorities Law, the case must be commenced within one year of the date of the accident, after giving the MTA Bus Company a thirty day opportunity to resolve the case. Note that this is less time to start a case than is permitted to start a lawsuit against a municipality under the General Municipal Law.
Q: I posted a cash bond but I lost my receipt. Can I still get my money back without it. I live in New York.
Mark A. Siesel's answer
You need to make a request to the judge on your case that he exonerate your bail and explain to the judge the circumstances of losing your receipt. The judge can order that the clerk r return the money to you.
You need to make a request to the judge on your case that he exonerate your bail and explain to the judge the circumstances of losing your receipt. The judge can order that the clerk r return the money to you.
Q: Who would I contact about a compliant regarding Experian - the consumer reporting agency?
Mark A. Siesel's answer
You might try contacting the New York State Attorney General's Office. Either they could advise you or they may be able to direct you to another agency that could be of help.
You might try contacting the New York State Attorney General's Office. Either they could advise you or they may be able to direct you to another agency that could be of help.
Q: Do you know where can i find a pleading form for tortious interference with a contract
Mark A. Siesel's answer
At any law library, (sometimes Supreme Courts have libraries open to the public) you can find form books. Books such as Bender's, West or McKinney's have books called "forms of pleading", and if you look up the section under torts, you should find a form for tortious interference with contract.
At any law library, (sometimes Supreme Courts have libraries open to the public) you can find form books. Books such as Bender's, West or McKinney's have books called "forms of pleading", and if you look up the section under torts, you should find a form for tortious interference with contract.
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