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Questions Answered by Michael J Stachowski
4 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: Can THEY put me in jail ?

I have five children and a husband.. and last week my husband put a restriction order against me I didn't know that..my older daughter and son They testified against me along with my husband..My daughter is 15 years old and she hates me because I don't want her drug addict... View More

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 1, 2024

Given the circumstances and your clean record it is unlikely that you will face Jail. Hire a good criminal lawyer. This case seems to cry out for what in New York is an ACD Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal. It may require a mental health assessment but a Good criminal Lawyer can guide... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for New York on
Q: My husband was charged with conspiracy with the intent to distribute large amounts of cocaine and fentanyl last oct

(2023) he was released on pre-trial but in Feb he was picked up for failure to report he's been there since it's now almost Dec 2024 no court date was told to him by lawyer and no offer's have been made yet

what is going on

It's a federal case

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 2, 2024

I have worked on many Federal Drug conspiracy cases They often take 3 or more years to get to trial. Often the delay is intentional on the part of the Government especially with detained defendants. This is done in order to get defendants to proffer and assist in prosecuting those most... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: In NYS, do I have to continue paying my ex-wife maintenance payments if she moves in with another guy?
Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Nov 14, 2024

Yes!, unless your separation -Property settlement agreement contains a paragraph terminating alimony/maintenance upon continuous cohabitation with an unrelated male. There is another but more costly route a motion in Supreme court to cancel alimony/maintenance based on holding out as the spouse of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New York on
Q: can your wife take your children and establish residency in another state if you do not want your kids to live there?

What recourse do you have to ensure you still have access to your children?

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Sep 27, 2024

Dependent on the state. In New York the case of Tropea v Tropea requires judicial intervention The standard for relocation is the “ best interests of the child”’ She cannot remove the child on a whim. Like she wants to go to Florida because she wants to enjoy sunshine. There must be a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Can judge issue bench warrant, jail, order pre trial probation then recuse for conflict of interest 1 month later
Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Apr 28, 2024

This fact pattern is somewhat strange , however the judge in question has the authority to issue a Bench Warrant when a defendant fails to appear for a court appearance. He can revoke recognizance bail or cash/ bond bail and impose release under supervision of the probation department as a form... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: If charged with first-degree manslaughter, do I have a right to speedy trial?
Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Mar 18, 2024

You always have a right to a speedy trial. However you should not rush a manslaughter trial because it needs proper investigation. Your case should be properly prepared for trial. All your witnesses need to be identified and the testimony prepared and ready for trial. A quick resolution is always... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: Fighting for paternity. Mother of .my child had another man sign the birth certificate

She had another man who is in no way possible the father of my child sign the birth certificate. I've filed for custody but im not sure what to expect. She's also married to someone else.

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

With the facts as you state them, you need blood tests as a threshold . You must first prove you are the father. A DNA test of mother, father, and child will reveal positively your Paternity of the Child. Once the paternity is established you have standing to petition for Custody. You will have... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for New York on
Q: If child support isn’t court ordered , does it have to be paid ?

My kids dad and I have a separation agreement he has to pay 2,600 but it says once it’s approved by the judge … so he doesn’t have to pay child support till then ? Bc he was and now he isn’t . So can I take him for back child support? Or no because he isn’t forced to pay till the divorce... View More

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Jan 15, 2024

That is not true once the agreement is signed the obligation for child support is in effect. His obligation commenced when he entered into the agreement. You can go to Family court to enforce it it is not an executory agreement as he suggests requiring an incorporation into a Divorce decree to be... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Child Support for New York on
Q: following the exaction of this agreement means?

Husband shall pay to the Wife the sum of $2,600.00 per month as and for basic child support which shall be made by certified funds on or before the first day of each month following the exaction of this agreement. So that means if this takes months ..he doesn’t have to pay child support till this... View More

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Jan 15, 2024

The answer is simple. Your agreement states child support payable first month after execution of the agreement. Therefore child support is payable and is accruing. You will have to go to court to enforce it. You should get a lawyer. He may also be responsible for fees. Consult a lawyer

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for New York on
Q: I need to ask the Support Magistrate who made my child support order a question adout my case.

I need to ask the Support Magistrate who made my child support order a question adout my case is there a order to show cause form for that?

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 16, 2023

This is not normally possible. The support Magistrate as a quasi judicial officer cannot be contacted by one side. You would have to petition the support wing of Family court in writing for a clarification of any ambiguity in his order. In other words ask the question in your petition on notice to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New York on
Q: Is it a violation of custody order if one parent purposely excludes the other parents info on therapy info forms?

Custody order states: BOTH parents share joint legal custody, one parent has residential custody. BOTH parties are entitled to access to the child’s medical, educational records and information, both parties are able to attend any medical/educational/religious/extra curricular activities for the... View More

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 16, 2023

This is a direct violation of the Support order. The seminal case Braiman v Braiman suggests Joint custody cannot lie where the parties cannot share joint decision making such doctors therapy mental health decisions . Her behavior can be grounds for exchange of custody. It’s clear she refuses to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: Hi my name is glory-now we want to get divorce after 17 years.can I get the alimony? And the pension? Thank you!!
Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 15, 2024

The pension in New York is governed by the Majauskas formula the months of the marriage over the months of employment x 1/2. Maintainance or alimony is governed by a statute analyzing both incomes and producing a a result. Get a good divorce lawyer and these beneficial legal rights will be... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: I got an email from google saying information related to my account has been subpoenaed by the FBI

I recently reported someone to the FBI and today my google account got subpoenaed by them and a federal court , I’m unsure on what it means

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Jun 24, 2024

It means Both the FBI ans the DOJ want to see your google account. I'd advise you to retain a lawyer familiar with Federal procedures.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: I was arrested for Petit Larceny, 155.25. This is first offense. Walmart said I stole 108.00 worth.

I was given an appearance court date of December 15th. Should I plead quilty and what can they do?

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 3, 2022

No you should not. You should plead not guilty and get a criminal lawyer. It is a crime In most first offense shoplifting cases an experienced criminal defense lawyer can obtain a non criminal resolution. Contact a lawyer now he can be at arraignment and walk you through the process. I have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Small Claims for New York on
Q: My divorce attorney who I fired because he never reached a settlement is now over a year later wants $8000.

I never received the first certified letter allowing me to file for arbitration - had collection agency now threatening court.

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Jul 5, 2022

File a grievance he has to bill every 60 days under the milonas rules Call the bar association and ask for arbitration. Read your retainer agreement it should say he will bill every 60 days if it does and he didn’t you have a defense. In your grievance mention he took you to collections without... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: Hi - If I have residency FL but own property with husband in MA and now live in NY as he abandoned me - where divorce?

He is a German/US citizen and receives pension and SS both countries and has left me with no money, car, support, etc.

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Jul 11, 2021

This is both a conflict of laws and jurisdictional question. You must look at residency. Florida seems to be the obvious. For New York you must have residency for more than one year. It’s residency in a jurisdiction which give rise to jurisdiction over the marriage. In New York you have... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for New York on
Q: What would the charge be for flicking a knife out during an argument with someone. There was no physical contact.
Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Apr 18, 2021

The likely charge would be felony level Menacing. Threatening a person with a deadly weapon. If it was used it would be assault first or second. In any event it is serious

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Securities Law for New York on
Q: Can i carry a 4" blade pocket knife in public if i have a felony in New York State?
Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 28, 2020

Section 265.01 prohibits gravity knives and switchblades or any knife intended to be used against another. It does not fro hi it Foldable knives or pocket knives. There is no specific prohibition of a felon in possession. That is limited to guns of any type possessed by a felon which is prohibited... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New York on
Q: what can i do if my ex is denying me my requested vacation time with my children according to our custody agreement?

i want to respond to my ex & tell him i don't think he can deny me the vacation time I requested w/out having some prev scheduled conflict per our custody agreement but he thinks he has the right to tell me no. who can help me interpret custody agreement? i hope to get answer soon as the... View More

Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Dec 5, 2020

He cannot deny you if its in the agreement. however Christmas schedules spelled out in the agreement may trump the vacation access. A lawyer would have to read the exact language of the custody access agreement to give an absolute answer. That being said if you have primary custody and there is no... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: How long after I file for divorce using a lawyer, will my spouse get served ?
Michael J Stachowski
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answered on Oct 9, 2020

From the time of filing to the time of service can be days. Process servers are very good and find the defendants quickly

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