Traffic violations defense in Nanuet, NY works to reduce penalties, minimize insurance impacts, and defend against citations including Palisades Parkway tickets.

Criminal defense in Clarkstown, NY offers full-service representation for domestic violence, drug offenses, and weapon charges with personalized attention and advocacy.

Weapon offense defense in Airmont, NY challenges search legality, utilizes first-time offender programs, and protects your rights throughout the legal process.

Larceny defense in Haverstraw, NY builds strategies around ownership, consent, and mental state to minimize the impact of theft charges on your future opportunities.

DWI defense in Spring Valley, NY challenges breath test accuracy, reviews legal protocols, and provides representation for first-time and repeat offenders effectively.

Personal injury representation in New City, NY for auto accidents, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse cases with over 20 years of legal experience.

Bail is the payment (typically cash) that is given to the court in exchange for the release of a defendant (while they await their trial or next court date); by paying bail, a defendant agrees to return to court or risk losing their money and freedom. Judges set the amount of bail to be paid, and they can decide to deny bail if a defendant has prior felony convictions. While cash bail is the most commonly used and known type of bail, there are nine forms of bail (New York Criminal Procedure § 520.10); these methods of posting bail include: Cash Credit card Insurance company bail bond Non-monetary conditions of release Partially secured surety bond Secured appearance bond Secured surety bond Unsecured appearance bond Unsecured surety bond In 2019, legislation was passed that eliminated bail being set for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses. Under this legislation, judges are required to consider people’s ability to pay bail, and if they set bail, they must offer at least three ways to post the bail (instead of just 2). Because of bail reform, many New Yorkers have been able to await their hearings without having to go to jail when they could not afford to pay bail. Changes Adopted in Governor Hochul’s Budget Last week, Governor Hochul signed her $220 billion budget that includes changes to public safety laws, bail reform laws, and other legislation. Included in this budget deal are new policies that impact the bail reforms of 2019 and more. Amongst the changes that have been approved, judges must consider more factors when setting bail, including: The defendant’s history of gun use or possession Any previous violations concerning orders of protection Whether the defendant allegedly caused serious harm to another person(s) according to the charges being levied Additionally, new reporting requirements concerning bail determinations and their relation to the prosecutor’s recommendation will be instituted. Other criminal justice changes include (but are not limited to): Hate crimes that are not currently considered arrestable offenses will become arrestable offenses if the alleged offender is 18 years of age or older. Prosecutors will be given more grace, and cases will not be automatically dismissed if prosecutors (in good faith) fail to make certain evidentiary disclosures during the discovery process. Additional funding will be given to district attorneys to help their offices deploy enough staff to collect evidence from police records and body camera footage. Judges are permitted to set bail for the three felony gun offenses that were not bail-eligible. The “Raise the Age loophole,” which gives Family Courts jurisdiction over cases in which 16- and 17-year-old defendants are charged with offenses and not arraigned until they turn 18 years of age. Kendra’s Law will be extended through 2027 and will have significant amendments made to the law. As a condition of pretrial release, judges will be able to require mental health evaluations. Get Help At The Law Office of Jonathan B. Ripps, we stay up to date on the news and new legislation. If you have questions about how the rollback on the bail reforms may affect you or a loved one or need high-quality representation (during your arraignment, bail hearing, or throughout your case), our team is equipped to help you. To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, contact our team online.

Whether you have been arrested or contacted by law enforcement officials who are conducting a criminal investigation, any interaction with police can be frightening, stressful, and emotionally overwhelming. It can be difficult to maintain a clear head and you may be tempted to do anything to get yourself out of the situation, especially if that means telling officers and investigators what they want to hear. No matter what the circumstances may be, the best thing to do is remain silent until you are represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney. However, we are going to explain what you should do if you are arrested or called by the police for an investigation. What to Do After an Arrest If a police officer sees you commit an alleged crime or has probable cause to believe that you have committed a criminal offense, you will be arrested and taken into custody. It’s wise to know the phone numbers of your family members and your lawyer to ensure you reach out to the right parties once you have an opportunity to make a phone call. The following are several steps you should take after you are arrested: Do not say anything – Say you wish to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer any questions asked by law enforcement officials or sign anything. While they may want to hear your side of the story, remember that anything you say can be used against you in court, specifically after they read you your Miranda rights. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you have the right to have legal counsel appointed by the court. Do not resist arrest – Resisting arrest can only make matters worse, even if you believe the arrest is unfair. Additionally, evading an arrest is also a criminal charge. Make a phone call – You have the right to make a phone call once you are in custody. The police are prohibited from listening to a phone call with your lawyer. However, they can listen to a call made to your loved ones or anyone else. Obtain legal assistance – Do not make any decisions about your case until you first talk with a private lawyer or public defender. Your attorney will review your case, determine all your available legal options, and help you obtain the most favorable result in court. What to Do If the Police Want to Talk If you are contacted by police at home or work seeking answers to a few questions, this often means they have some kind of evidence or proof that you have allegedly committed a crime. Unfortunately, many people decide to voluntarily engage in questioning with law enforcement officials in order to “clear the air” or prove their innocence. You should never walk into a police station without an attorney. Although law enforcement officials may have enough evidence to make an arrest, you may inadvertently admit facts that can prove guilt, accidentally lie, or even be misunderstood because something you say is taken the wrong way. However, it is not uncommon for officers to come to your home or workplace and even be intimidating and threatening whenever they reach out. You must understand that they are doing so because they do not have enough to file criminal charges against you. Remember, you are never obligated to speak with the police. Clearly say, “I do not wish to speak with you without my lawyer present.” Your attorney can speak to law enforcement officials on your behalf and be your intermediary, so they will not keep calling you. Therefore, the police can no longer directly bother you. If you end up getting charged with a crime, your lawyer can protect your rights and freedom throughout the legal process. If you have been arrested in Rockland County, NY, call the Law Office of Jonathan B. Ripps or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

If you were charged with a crime, you should not hesitate to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your future. The sooner you seek legal counsel, the more time your attorney will have to build a strong defense. Moreover, hiring a lawyer soon after your arrest will give you a better chance of obtaining a more reasonable bond amount and, in some cases, less severe travel restrictions. The Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Although it is always beneficial to hire a criminal defense attorney at any point during your case, hiring one early on will give your lawyer the necessary time to prepare and develop the best strategy for your case. Here are some reasons why you should not wait to hire a lawyer after being charged with a crime: They know how the judicial system works: The inner workings of the legal system are complex, even for those who deal with it every day. An experienced criminal defense attorney will have the knowledge and insight necessary to help you navigate the obstacles and complications you may face throughout your case, so your legal rights are protected. They developed relationships with prosecutors: It might sound counterintuitive, but it is important for defense attorneys to develop close relationships with their counterparts. When you hire an experienced attorney who is familiar with the prosecutor on your case, you may have a better shot at a favorable plea deal or a more affordable bond. They have handled legal matters like yours: When you hire a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience, the chances are high that they have handled cases similar to yours and are prepared to defend you. They can help you save money: Hiring a lawyer might not sound like a way to save money, but the fact is that not hiring one can ultimately cost you more. Convictions for serious crimes can result in massive fines, incarceration, and difficulty finding employment in the future. Speak to an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney as Soon as Possible! At The Law Office of Jonathan B. Ripps, our criminal defense attorney is committed to representing those who are facing criminal charges. Whether you are facing a DUI or larceny charges, you can feel confident in our ability to help you. Reach out to our law office to day to schedule a free initial consultation with our attorney to get started on building your defense.