Michael J. McConnell Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 5, 2025

For a first-time petit larceny charge in New York (especially for a low-value shoplifting case) there are often alternatives to jail and even ways to avoid a permanent criminal record. Many first-time offenders are eligible for an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) or a diversion-type... View More

Dear Queens Tenant:

Other than calling the 311 hotline to report the violation of no hot water, or having your attorney declare a breach of lease and a constructive eviction, and then instantly moving out, there is a Housing Court procedure known as an HP Proceeding for a court order to... View More

We have dealt with cases like these before. § 353-a prohibits "intentionally kills or intentionally causes serious physical injury to a companion animal with aggravated cruelty". Often these cases get dismissed for lack of direct evidence of exactly what happened to the animal. There is... View More

Dear Bronx Tenant:

The New York State eviction process is multi-step. By the time the actual lawsuit is filed (New York City Housing Court cases are electronically filed before papers can be served on the tenant), the tenant would already have received multiple sets of papers. For instance,... View More

Your question straddles a large spread of categories. New York criminal defense attorneys would have the best insight here - they deal with the Rules of Evidence for criminal matters on a daily basis. The rules can be picayune, nuanced, and context-specific in terms of admissibility.... View More

Lyaman F. Khashmati Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 27, 2025

Yes, old text messages and photos can be used as evidence in court if they are related to the case and can be proven to come from you, but they have to meet specific rules like being relevant and authentic. Even if someone tries to use things from years ago, you can fight back with your own proof,... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 20, 2025

I am sorry that you are going through this painful situation. Being denied time or contact with your child despite a court order can be emotionally overwhelming and frustrating. It is understandable that you want to know what to expect after filing a contempt motion in New York Family Court.... View More

Yes — he will be told about the contempt case before court. In New York, the court will issue a notice or summons for him to appear, and he must be served with the paperwork that explains your claims.

At the hearing, the judge will look at whether he knowingly disobeyed the custody order... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 20, 2025

I am very sorry to hear about your nephew’s situation. Being jailed because of false accusations and losing custody of a child can be devastating, especially when there are concerns about the child’s safety. It is understandable that your nephew feels helpless without legal representation, but... View More

Sorry to hear what you're going through. As my colleague correctly advised, if you had a lawsuit which settled, enter judgment against the defendant for the settlement amount, along with costs and disbursements. Unless otherwise ordered by the court or agreed to by the parties, under New York... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 20, 2025

I am sorry that you are going through this very difficult situation. It sounds both stressful and unfair to be deprived of your personal belongings while also dealing with the restrictions of a temporary restraining order. In New York, you do have legal options to seek the return of your property,... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 17, 2025

I am very sorry that you experienced such a frightening situation. Feeling unsafe and traumatized after someone aggressively approached your vehicle is understandable, and it is important that you take steps to protect yourself both emotionally and legally.

In New York, the fact that there... View More

Lyaman F. Khashmati Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 12, 2025

Thank you for sharing your experience—it’s understandable to feel shaken after such an incident, and your concerns are valid. Keeping your well-being at the forefront is crucial, and you’ve already taken smart steps by planning to file a police report and reaching out for therapy support.... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 22, 2025

I understand how frustrating and concerning this situation must be, especially after discovering that the product you purchased was counterfeit and caused you harm. Counterfeit health products can pose serious risks, and you are right to consider taking legal action against the supplier. In New... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 22, 2025

I understand how frustrating it must be to wait years for an inheritance that was promised to you, especially when you have made multiple attempts to contact the executor and the court without success. Situations like this are unfortunately not uncommon, but New York law provides options to protect... View More

I'm so sorry for your loss. With regard to holding the driver of the pickup truck accountable, best to hire an experienced personal injury / wrongful death attorney. You can find many excellent attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage. Although it may appear that many... View More

Should you ignore the card? That's an individual decision. There are countless class action lawsuits out there, ranging from chemical exposure to data breaches. Some people throw the postcards out, feeling it isn't worth participating in lawsuits that sometimes yield a $5 award after... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 24, 2025

I am sorry you are going through this frustrating situation. It is difficult when there are questions about a deceased parent’s true intentions and concerns that someone may be withholding important estate documents. In New York, there are specific rules and procedures that address how wills and... View More

I'm not certain what other related causes of action or claims your matter involves, but as a GENERAL premise in civil litigation, the manner in which a case is dismissed can have a bearing on the claimant's subsequent rights. Dismissed "with prejudice" usually means the end of... View More

Stephen Bilkis Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 22, 2025

I understand how stressful it can be to manage teenagers’ busy schedules while also trying to respect an existing custody order. It is especially difficult when your children themselves are asking for a change, but the other parent refuses to cooperate.

In New York, custody and visitation... View More