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Crime, law and justice
Human Trafficking Task Force Releases First Annual Report
A New York State task force today released a series of recommendations aimed at further strengthening what is already the nation's most comprehensive approach to the scourge of human trafficking.
Tompkins County Bar Owner Arrested for Fraud
The owner of a Tompkins County bar was arrested Thursday after authorities discovered she employed five people off the books, including a bouncer injured when he tried to escort a patron out of the bar.
New York State Bar Association Creates Special Committee on Solo and Small Firm Practice
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NYSBA Hails Approval of Student Loan Forgiveness Legislation
New York State Bar Association President Bernice K. Leber (Arent Fox LLP) today praised Congress and the President for their approval of student loan forgiveness legislation designed to assist law school graduates who commit to working in public ...
Onondaga County Man Charged With Workers’ Comp Fraud
A 73-year-old Onondaga County man was arrested Thursday for improperly taking $27,089 in workers' compensation benefits while employed as a bus driver in Rome, the New York State Insurance Department reported.
State Bar's LYC Program Announces Distinguished Service and Attorney/Justice Award Winners
The New York State Bar Association's Law, Youth and Citizenship Program today announced the recipients of its annual awards honoring excellence in law-related and civic education. Hon. James C. Hudson of Southold (Acting Suffolk County Supreme Cou...
Two Delaware County Residents Accused of Insurance Fraud
Two Delaware County residents whose home was destroyed in a March 2007 fire were arrested Monday on charges that they forged receipts in an unsuccessful attempt to obtain an additional $30,400 as part of their insurance settlement.
Delaware County Man Charged With No-fault Fraud
A 44-year-old self-employed logger and stone cutter in Delaware County was arrested Friday for insurance fraud for accepting $20,000 in no-fault insurance benefits after claiming he was disabled and unable to work as the result of an automobile ac...
Supervisor Ran Consulting Business on State Time
New York State Inspector General Joseph Fisch announced today that he is referring the case of Larry Ritter to the Albany County District Attorney for possible prosecution of fraud, larceny and official misconduct after finding that that Ritter wa...
Four Arrested For Dumping Car in Lake in Insurance Scam
An Erie County woman and three people who helped her dispose of her SUV by "making the vehicle disappear" into Lake Erie so she could collect on insurance now face charges of insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, the New York S...
Retirees Win $3.6 Million Judgement Against Westchester County
Retirees Win $3.6 million judgement against county WHITE PLAINS — CSEA, New York’s leading union, has won a $3.6 million class action lawsuit against Westchester County on behalf of 1,600 retired union members. The union filed a suit...
New York State Bar Association Renews Call for the Adoption of a Federal Shield Law
With legislation that would afford legal protections to journalists blocked today in the United States Senate, New York State Bar Association President Bernice K. Leber (Arent Fox, LLP) expressed disappointment at today's actions and called for th...
Albany Woman Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud
An Albany woman who removed personal belongings from her home the day before fire damaged the dwelling pleaded guilty on July 21 to insurance fraud and falsifying business records for attempting to obtain a $38,000 payment under her renter's insur...
Insurance Fraud Guilty Plea Leads to Drug Rehab Sentencing
A Schoharie County couple was sentenced to a drug rehabilitation program on Wednesday for filing a bogus $20,000 insurance claim that unraveled because police had already discovered the car they reported stolen next to footprints leading to the co...
BROOKLYN USED-CAR DEALER INDICTED ON FELONY TAX CHARGES
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna today announced that a Brooklyn used-car dealer, Akpan Akpabio, who operates a dealership at 1676 East New York Ave., failed to pay sales taxes on any sale since he ope...
Defenders Association Holds 41st Annual Meeting in Saratoga
On Monday night, July 21, 2008, Martin Tankleff's keynote speech at the New York State Defenders Association's annual conference awards banquet brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation. On Tuesday, those attending the ...
Contractor for Major Clothing Lines Cited for More Than $5 Million In Unpaid Wages
New York State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith announced today that the Department of Labor found extensive labor law violations committed by Jin Shun Incorporated, a garment contractor located at 47-51 33rd Street in Long Island City, on the...
Contractor for Major Clothing Lines to be Cited for Millions of Dollars for Operating an Illegal Sweatshop
State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith will announce findings of extensive labor law violations committed by a garment contractor that produces apparel for several major clothing lines. The company, located in Queens, New York, cheated hundre...
Contractor for Major Clothing Lines to be Cited for Millions of Dollars for Operating an Illegal Sweatshop
State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith will announce findings of extensive labor law violations committed by a garment contractor that produces apparel for several major clothing lines. The company, located in Queens, New York, cheated hundred...
Labor Department Continues Crackdown On Unemployment Iinsurance Fraud in the Capital Region and North Country
Joined by state and local officials at an event in Albany, State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith announced that 33 individuals in the Capital Region and North Country were arrested and charged with multiple felonies for attempting to defraud ...
Banking Superintendent Neiman Takes Action Against V&V Check Cashing In Connection With DA's Indictments
New York Superintendent of Banks, Richard H. Neiman, today issued an order pursuant to Section 39 of the New York Banking Law against V&V Check Cashing Corp. (V&V) to ensure that V&V operates in a safe and sound manner in accordance wi...
Media Advisory: Labor Department, District Attorneys To Hold Press Conference In Albany
State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith, Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Denise E. O'Donnell and district attorneys from the Capital Region and North Country will hold a press conference in Albany on Monday, July 21, to annou...
Nassau County Crime Press Conference Thursday Postponed
The press conference scheduled for tomorrow, July 17, on Nassau County crime has been postponed. You will be alerted when the event is rescheduled.
PSC Approves $63M Long Island City Settlement
The New York State Public Service Commission today approved a settlement, with modifications, in regards to the July 2006 Queens power outage in Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.'s (Con Edison) Long Island City electric system. The pro...
Labor Department, Hudson Valley Officials To Hold Press Conference
State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith will be in White Plains on Tuesday to announce that 49 individuals in the Hudson Valley region have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies for attempting to defraud New York State's Unemployment...
Carl F. Ruoff and Nathan B. Davis Joins Firm
ALBANY, NY (July, 2008)(8:00)(EST) - Hoffman Warnick LLC, an intellectual property law firm based in Albany, NY, is proud to announce the appointment of Carl F. Ruoff as a Senior Associate and Nathan B. Davis as Patent Technical Specialist.
Four Pizzeria Owners in Western New York Face Felony Sales Tax Charges
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna announced today that four pizzeria owners in Erie and Niagara Counties have been arrested in separate cases for filing false sales tax returns that underreported their ...
Patent Indices Hit Long Time Highs
Hoffman Warnick LLC, an intellectual property law firm based in Albany, NY, has released the Tech Valley Patent Index for Second Quarter 2008. The "Patent Index" includes data for: the Capital Region (Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Rensselaer ...
Richard Rifkin Joins New York State Bar Association Staff
Attorney Richard Rifkin of Delmar was recently named to the newly-created position of special counsel to the New York State Bar Association. Rifkin, who most recently served as special counsel to Governor David Paterson and former Governor Eliot S...
State Bar Association Provides Funding to Public Service Lawyers
The New York State Bar Association announced today that its Student Loan Assistance for the Public Interest ("SLAPI") program will be providing two new grants this year of up to $4,000 each to public service law attorneys. Public service attorneys...
DMV Worker Docked Time for Driver Records Abuse
New York State Inspector General Joseph Fisch announced Tuesday that Jennifer Berry, a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employee, improperly accessed driver's license information to use as "evidence" in a legal dispute. After accessing the...
New York State Bar Association Launches Task Force On State Courthouses
New York State Bar Association President Bernice K. Leber (Arent Fox, LLP) today announced that a new Task Force has begun work and will prepare a series of recommendations on how to make courthouses in New York more user-friendly for clients, law...
National War Powers Commission Recommends
NOTE: William & Mary Interim President W. Taylor Reveley, III, who served served as co-director of the National War Powers Commission, is one of the country's top scholars on this subject. As co-director, Revely helped put the commission toget...
Seat Belt Compliance At All-TIme High
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) David J. Swarts today announced that the seat belt compliance rate for New York has reached an all-time high. This year's statewide usage ...
State Bar Association Seeks Nominations For 2008 Denison Ray Awards
The New York State Bar Association is seeking nominations for the 2008 Denison Ray Awards. The award, named in memory of Denison Ray, a career legal activist who led legal services programs in New York and other states, is intended to recognize th...
DEC Arrests Two on Timber Theft Charge
Two Washington County residents were recently arrested on charges involving the theft of timber valued at approximately $32,000, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced.
Columbia Law School Student Receives Kelley Drye & Warren Scholarship From The New York Bar Foundation
John B. Quigley, a student at Columbia Law School, has been chosen as the recipient of the Kelley Drye & Warren LLP Scholarship administered by The New York Bar Foundation. The $10,000 award is available to second-year students attending Colum...
Free Video On The Divorce Process Available From NYSBA and New York State Unified Court System
The New York State Bar Association and the New York State Unified Court System today announced that a video explaining the basics of the divorce process in New York is available on both the Association and Court Web sites for anyone to view free o...
Restaurant Owner Arrested On Felony Tax Charges
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna announced today that the owner of a defunct Allegany County restaurant has been arrested on felony tax charges.
Banking Department Notifies Public of Fraudulent E-Mails Claiming to be from Their Agency
The New York State Banking Department today notified the public of fraudulent e-mails that are being sent out, falsely claiming to be from one of its divisions.
New York State Bar Association Advocates for Fair Treatment of Detainees
At its annual summer meeting in Cooperstown, the New York State Bar Association passed a resolution that supports the United States Supreme Court decision in Boumediene v. Bush, which held that those who have been designated "enemy combatants" and...
Pennsylvania Woman Arrested For Grand Larceny
A Lawrenceville, Pa., woman was arrested Thursday for grand larceny for collecting $10,700 in workers' compensation benefits while she was employed at a Corning hotel.
DMV Employee Charged With Multiple Counts of Misconduct
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in conjunction with the State Police, Inspector General's Office and Albany County District Attorney's Office today announced the arrest of a DMV employee who is being charged with multiple counts of miscondu...
Haupaugge Attorney Receives New York State Bar Association's 2008 Root/Stimson Award
The New York State Bar Association announced today that Charles C. Russo of Haupaugge (Russo, Karl, Widmaier & Cordano PLLC) is the recipient of the 2008 Root/Stimson Award, which honors a lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to ...
Tax Agents Nab Five Men In Western New York For Possession Of 15,000 Cartons Of Unstamped Cigarettes
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna today announced that five out-of-state men were recently arrested in two separate cases for possessing about 15,000 cartons of illegal cigarettes.
Teacher Arrested For Fraudulently Collecting Benefits
A 57-year-old Utica woman will be arraigned June 25 on charges that she fraudulently collected $52,983 in workers' compensation benefits while working as an elementary school reading teacher for the Utica City School District.
Colonie Trucking Firm Charged with Workers' Comp Fraud
Eagle River Inc., a Colonie-based trucking company, has been charged with underreporting its payroll by $2.2 million, costing the New York State Insurance Fund $300,981 in lost workers' compensation premiums.
NOW-NYS Denounces So-Called Fathers Rights Day of Action
The National Organization for Women and women's rights supporters will hold a press conference on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 10:00 am. The location is the press room which is now located near the Convention Center at the Empire State Plaza.
Funeral Director Arrested For Filing False Insurance Claim
The operator of an Albany County funeral home was charged June 3 with insurance fraud and falsifying business records in connection with an unsuccessful attempt to obtain a $6,130 insurance payment.
Statement From the New York State Bar Association On Judicial Compensation
Today State Supreme Court Justice Edward Lehner ordered the Governor, Senate and Assembly to raise the pay of New York’s judges. In response to this news, New York State Bar Association President Bernice K. Leber (Arent Fox LLP) issued the ...
NYS Department of Labor Cites Building Owner and Two Employers in NYC Scaffold Collapse
State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith announced today that the department has cited two New York City employers and one building owner for health and safety violations that contributed to the death of one window washer and serious injury to a...
Tax Department Cigarette Operation Nets 27 On Federal Gun, Trafficking and Conspiracy Charges
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna today announced the federal indictment of 27 illegal cigarette traffickers who laundered money, sold millions of counterfeit tax stamps and purchased large quantities o...
Two Southern Tier Auto Dealers Plead to Felony Charges
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna today announced that two auto dealers in Broome and Tioga Counties recently pleaded guilty to grand larceny charges in separate cases for stealing about $150,000 in sta...
State Employees Arrested for Breaching Confidential Child Abuse Register
The New York State Inspector General announced the arrest of three employees accused of illegally accessing confidential child abuse files to get information for personal use.
Statement from State Bar President Bernice K. Leber on Governor Paterson's Directive on Same-Sex Marriage
In response to Governor Paterson’s directive that orders state agencies to honor same-sex marriages performed in other states, New York State Bar Association President Bernice K. Leber (Arent Fox LLP) issued the following statement.
State Bar Association Creates Blue Ribbon Task Force to Study Proliferation of Wrongful Convictions
Noting that the number of criminal convictions overturned in New York State is undermining public confidence in our justice system, the new President of the New York State Bar Association Bernice Leber (Arent Fox, LLP) today announced the creation...
Inspector General Finds Property Abuse at State DOT
State employees used New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) equipment to cut a private driveway, erect holiday lights and haul poolside patio bricks, according to a report on equipment abuse released today by the New York State Inspecto...
Webb Named Member
Hoffman Warnick LLC (HW), an intellectual property law firm based in Albany, NY, is proud to announce that Hunter E. Webb has been named a Member of the firm. Mr. Webb’s practice primarily focuses on patent prosecution and protection, and i...
State Bar Association Sponsors Program To Educate Students On Civic Participation
The New York State Bar Association’s Law, Youth & Citizenship program will sponsor the We the People: Project Citizen Showcase on June 4 at the Empire State Plaza, North Concourse, Albany, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is offered to...
Joint Effort by State Agencies to Fight Food Stamp Fraud
Commissioners David A. Hansell, of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), and Denise O’Donnell, of the State Division of Criminal Justice Services, today announced that the State is stepping up efforts to combat Food...
Bernice K. Leber Begins Presidency Of Nation’s Largest Voluntary State Bar Association
Bernice K. Leber of New York City, a partner in the firm of Arent Fox LLP, has ascended to the office of President of the 74,000-member New York State Bar Association, the nation’s largest voluntary state bar. Leber is the Association’...
Illegal Clam Dealer Snagged by State DEC
A Manhattan-based seafood vendor has been arrested on criminal charges involving the alleged unlawful sale of foreign, contaminated shellfish, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced. Shi-Ben Zheng, the ow...
South Carolina Takes Aim at Reducing Number of Children in Foster Care
SOUTH CAROLINA TAKES AIM AT REDUCING NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
Thruway Authority, State Police Troop T Honor Fallen Troop T Members During Annual Memorial Day Service
The New York State Thruway Authority and State Police Troop T today held a Memorial Service to honor the Members of Troop T who have died in the line of duty. The service was held at 10 a.m. at Thruway Headquarters, located at 200 Southern Bouleva...
New Committee Created on LGBT People and the Law to Promote Greater Equality
New York State Bar Association President Kathryn Grant Madigan (Levene Gouldin & Thompson LLP) today announced that the Association has formed a new committee on LGBT People and the Law that will promote equality in the legal profession for le...
State Typist Swipes $2,450 Check After Spotting Typo
A State Division of Human Rights employee was arrested after she admitted cashing a $2,450 check made out to the agency in an erroneous overpayment of a $24.50 fee, the New York State Inspector General announced Tuesday.
Jefferson, Lewis, and Sullivan Counties Found Unable To Meet National Standards For Providing Public Defense
Sullivan, Lewis, and Jefferson counties all fall short when measured against the American Bar Association's Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System, according to a set of report cards prepared by the Washington D.C. National Legal Aid a...
Editorial Boards Join Call For Creating Independent Public Defense Commission
Editorial boards around the state have been joining the call for Governor Paterson and state legislators to support creation of an Independent Public Defense Commission (IPDC) to begin the takeover of the state’s underfunded, poor-performing...
State Parks Welcomes 36 Park Police Academy Graduates
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash and Director of Law Enforcement Richard O’Donnell today announced the graduation of 36 recruits from the 9th Session of the New York State Park Police Academy.
Agencies Remind Drivers, Passenger to Buckle Up
Commissioner David J. Swarts of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee along with Chief of Staff David Kelly of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) an...
Gigantic Red Ribbon Unveiled In State Capitol To Honor Drug-Free New York Teens
A massive red ribbon, signed by more than 5,000 students, was displayed today in the State Capitol's historic "Million Dollar Staircase" in recognition of the teens' pledge to stay drug and alcohol free.
Media Advisory
WHAT: Buckle Up New York; Click It or Ticket Press Conference Kick Off of Enforcement Mobilization, May 19 – June 1, 2008
Bar Association's Business Law Section Makes $20,000 Gift to Help Those Struggling With Foreclosures
The New York Bar Foundation has received a gift of $20,000 from the Business Law Section of the New York State Bar Association to provide grants to nonprofit organizations for programs that assist consumers facing financial hardship due to actual ...
Commissioner Reminds Farmers To Only Sell To Licensed Dealers
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today reminded producers of farm products to only sell to licensed farm product dealers and to promptly report to the Department any dealer who does not pay for farm products. This reminder h...
110 Organizations Endorse Independent Public Defense Commission, Including Innocence Project and NAACP
CAMPAIGN TO OVERHAUL STATE’S FAILED PUBLIC DEFENSE SYSTEM PRESSES LEGISLATURE, GOVERNOR TO EMBRACE EQUAL JUSTICE FOR THOSE UNABLE TO AFFORD PRIVATE LAWYERS
Committee on Animals and the Law Announces New Program to Ensure Care for Pets of Hospitalized Patients
The New York State Bar Association’s Special Committee on Animals and the Law announced today a new voluntary program that ensures the pets of hospitalized patients will be given proper care while the patient focuses on his or her health an...
State Youth Aide Arrested in Disability Fraud
The Office of the New York State Inspector General announced the arrest today of a state Office of Children and Family Services employee in connection with a Workers’ Compensation scam that netted him nearly $6,000.
New York State Bar Hosts Free Legal Seminars Across The State To Assist The Elderly
To assist New Yorkers with the task of getting their legal documents current and in order, the New York State Bar Association's Elder Law Section is focusing its 2008 Mitchell Rabbino Decision Making Day programs on helping elderly New Yorkers ans...
State Bar Presents Forum on Race and Education "A Rehearing of Brown v. Board of Education"
The State Bar Association, in conjunction with Albany Law School, Government Law Center, New York State United Teachers, and the Capital District Black and Hispanic Bar Association, will present “A Rehearing of Brown v Board of EducationR...
New York State Bar Association Celebrates Law Day
New York State Bar Association President Kathryn Grant Madigan (Levene Gouldin & Thompson LLP) today urged the legal community to reevaluate its role in ensuring that the state’s most vulnerable citizens – the poor, the frail elder...