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New York Appeals / Appellate Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for New York on
Q: Can traffic court compel testimony after pleading the Fifth in NY?

In a traffic court case for a stop sign ticket, I testified and was initially found guilty. I successfully appealed with a 3-0 decision in my favor. However, at a second trial, the DA suggested that the judge compel me to testify, even after I pleaded the Fifth Amendment, stating it could lead to... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for New York on
Q: Is it legal for attorney to base fee on original judgment after a reduction in NY?

I obtained a $900,000 judgment in a personal injury case, but the appeal court later reduced it to $500,000. My attorney calculated their fee based on the original $900,000 judgment. Is this legal, considering that New York State law doesn’t prohibit such a practice?

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Apr 7, 2025

It's not so much illegal as it is unethical. As my colleague correctly advised (and as is likely set forth in your retainer agreement), the attorney's fee is calculated based upon the actual recovery obtained by the client, not the judgment which is later reduced by an appellate court... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Family Law for New York on
Q: Seeking representation for child support arrears and court judgment issues in NY.

I'm facing a child support issue where my parental rights haven't been surrendered, yet I'm judged to owe over $3,500 in arrears, despite the other parent owing me over $70,000. The court magistrate refused to review my financial statements and made allegations without proper... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

You may be able to qualify for a court-appointed attorney based upon your financial circumstances. You would have had to tell the magistrate before the hearing. It sounds like it is too late for you to do that now. Also, if the judgment was granted against you in 2023, it s too late to appeal it... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Foreclosure and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Foreclosure case: Settle for $100k or wait for appellate court decision?

I have clients whose house has been in foreclosure since 2008. The foreclosure was dismissed twice in supreme court based on the statute of limitations under the FAPA law, and the bank appealed the decision. We're awaiting the appellate court decision, which could take up to 2 years. The loan... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Mar 20, 2025

I would not make any recommendation to a client without first knowing all of the facts, which usually requires a review of the court documents in the case, as well as speaking to the clients.

But, in order decide whether to accept a settlement offer, rather than waiting for a decision on a...
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3 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Can I pursue a civil lawsuit for damages related to a successful 440.20 motion not honored by the court?

I was falsely imprisoned due to constitutional violations and insufficient counsel, and my appeal was filed after conviction without a 30-day notice. I never had a parole final hearing, but records falsely stated I did. My significant concern is the successful 440.20 motion that the lower court did... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Mar 17, 2025

This question cannot possibly be answered unless I review your entire file. I would charge for that by the hour, or I could quote you a flat fee after seeing how big the complete file is when you bring it to my office.

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2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: How can I address the court's failure to honor a 440.20 motion and my Sixth Amendment rights in NY?

I was incarcerated and filed a successful motion under 440.20, but the lower court did not respect the high court's decision, and I was left in jail. I later filed an appeal with new evidence, and the Court of Appeals ruled in my favor, directing the lower court to bring me back down and put... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Mar 17, 2025

In order to answer your question, I would have to review the ENTIRE file for your case, from day one until the present. If you are interested in retaining me for that purpose, please have someone assemble the COMPLETE file and bring it to my office. Once I see how large the file is, I will be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Family Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Challenge of property division after NY divorce, Puerto Rico ignoring statute of limitations?

I divorced in New York 38 years ago on the grounds of mental cruelty, and the divorce documents stated that no discovery was needed regarding property division. I had property in Puerto Rico before marrying, and I bought a new property while married using proceeds from my premarital assets. Now,... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Mar 17, 2025

You said you already appealed to the highest court. So, there is nothing more that I could suggest. In any event, I would have to review your entire file, for the U.S. and for Puerto Rico, including your appeal, before I could understand what exactly happened. If you would like to retain me to do... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Libel & Slander and Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: False abuse claims affect my custody in NY. How to report perjury?

I am going through a messy divorce in New York, where my ex-spouse took our child and made false statements against me in family court, claiming abuse and deprivation of basic rights, which were untrue. I have text messages and social media pictures proving otherwise, but I discovered this evidence... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 13, 2025

I understand how difficult and frustrating this situation must be, especially when you feel that false allegations have negatively impacted your custody arrangement. In New York, false abuse claims can significantly affect custody decisions, and it’s important to address any perjury or defamation... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Seeking to challenge custody order based on ex-wife's fabricated claims in NY divorce case.

In my divorce proceedings, my ex-wife fabricated lies in family court, such as claims of being locked upstairs and deprived of food, despite text messages indicating otherwise. These false claims led to a custody order requiring me to handle all driving responsibilities and a support order that I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Dealing with false claims in a custody case can be incredibly frustrating and unfair. I understand your concern about the custody and support orders based on what you believe were fabrications. Your appellate attorney's assessment suggests you might need to explore additional legal strategies... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: How do I find appellate lawyer probono for my uncle who is locked up in cat county
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 23, 2025

I do not practice in the criminal defense field, but you await a response for a week and it looks like your uncle needs immediate assistance. You really should speak with criminal defense attorneys who are experienced with appeals - please consider reaching out to one without delay. Until you do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: How do I find a pro bono lawyer for an appeal for my uncle who is locked up
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 23, 2025

I think I may have answered this question already - see original response. In that response, I included some excerpts from resources on the Justia website. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: How can I find out the results of an appeal from october?
Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Nov 30, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that you're having difficulty obtaining the results of the appeal from October. Understanding the outcome of a legal matter is important, and I hope the following information helps you find what you're looking for.

Disclaimer: This response is for general...
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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for New York on
Q: Injunction lawyers on civil liberties Jo

On a federal court order

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 18, 2024

You've probably been searching for attorneys on your own already. You could supplement your searches with the tab above, "Find a Lawyer," which lists attorneys by region and area of practice. You could also look into the attorney referral sections of local and state bar associations.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for New York on
Q: Subject Matter Jurisdiction is exclusive to SupremeCourt/(IDV part)order(orig)? Does Fam Court have competence to modify

Original Order of custody & parenting time made by Supreme Court, Integrated Domestic Violence Part. Based of the laws/nys const/rules/FCA & codes I’ve read that govern transfer of proceedings & subject matter jurisdiction, in order to modify the original Order (made by Supreme Court... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Oct 16, 2024

No.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Family Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: If there are missing documents & discrepancies w/“record” file sent from Family Court; what is the remedy to rectify?

(Pro-Se litigant)appeals process of 3 orders from FamCourt; have been approved for consolidation to 1 brief by the Appellate Court 2nd Dept,(hereafter referred to as AD2). Ive been assigned a “case manager” by AD2. By order of the Court I am to perfect my appeals by original record... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Oct 16, 2024

You would have to make a motion in the Family Court to have the Judge "settle" the record to include what you think is missing.

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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Real Estate Law for New York on
Q: Is there a statute of limitations on a void deed to appeal with a Quiet Title Action? Adverse Possession
Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Sep 28, 2024

No statute of limitations to invalidate a forged deed. In other scenarios, there are limitations of time.

Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: My Motion to Dismiss in Nassau County Landlord-Tenant Court was denied, and I want to appeal it.

My Motion to Dismiss in Nassau County Landlord-Tenant Court was dismissed, and I want to appeal it. Can you tell me what forms I need and the procedure? I also need info on getting a stay of my eviction action while the appeal is pending.

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Aug 30, 2024

Dear Great Neck Tenant:

An appeal from Nassau County District Court is at the Appellate Term (9th and 10th Judicial Districts. You will need a form that I cannot discover online. (https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/ad2/appellateterm_forms.shtml

You also need a Request for Appellate...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: I have no money need a lawyer to help pertaining to defective amended indictment. Cpl 200.70 article 40. And cpl 200.50

Sub division 4,6,and 7. My husband is in mohawk correctional. Walsh rmu. We need help.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 3, 2024

A criminal defense attorney should advise here, but your question remains open for almost a week and you mention your husband being held in a correctional facility. This is not my area of practice, but based on the financial situation you describe, look into whether you qualify for a public... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Do I have a civil case against Albany housing authority if they served me improperly showed up to court 10 min late

Summary judgement was given to Albany housing authority after they inflated my rent from $50 to $960 retaliation, breach of warrant of habitability, tenant and fair housing rights and disability rights violated and illegal lockout resulting in my homelessness and loss of all my belongings in which... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2024

Based on your description, it sounds like you may have grounds for a civil case against the Albany Housing Authority. Improper service, showing up late to court, and inflated rent could be significant issues. If the rent increase was retaliatory, and there were violations of habitability, tenant,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law for New York on
Q: can bad representation of counsel be difficult to prove when appealing?

someone who wants to appeal their case claiming their previous legal aid barely tried. how can you possible prove this in the appellate court??? is it a rare win?? what are good points!?

Aubrey Claudius Galloway
Aubrey Claudius Galloway
answered on Jul 12, 2024

Appealing a case on the grounds of ineffective assistance of counsel can be challenging but not impossible. It often requires a thorough understanding of the legal standards and substantial evidence to support the claim. Here’s a detailed approach to proving ineffective assistance of counsel in... View More

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