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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.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than six million car accidents happen annually in the United States. Whether you have been involved in a minor fender bender or a serious crash involving multiple vehicles, you might be too shocked, energized with adrenaline, and angry at the at-fault driver(s) to think clearly. There are certain steps you must take immediately after the accident to not only protect your health and ensure everyone is safe, but to also protect your right to file an accident claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. No matter who is at fault, these steps will help you make the claims or legal process easier. If you have been involved in a car accident, you must take the following eight steps after the crash: Check for injuries – Your first priority is to make sure you and everyone involved in the collision is safe. If someone needs immediate medical assistance, then call 911 to request an ambulance on the scene. Get to safety – If you can, move to the side of the road or sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard on the road, move your vehicle to a safe location, but do not leave the scene. Call the police – If anyone involved in the accident suffered an injury or died, New York law requires you to notify law enforcement officials and file an accident report with the DMV. If anyone incurred more than $1,000 in property damage as a result of the collision, you must only file a report with the DMV within 10 days after the accident. Failure to file a report can lead to driver’s license suspension. Collect information from all parties involved – You must obtain the other driver’s vehicle information (e.g., make, model, year, color, license plate number, and vehicle identification number) and insurance information (e.g., policy number and insurer’s phone number). If the police arrive, write down the officer’s name, badge number, and contact information. If there are any witnesses, ask if they are willing to provide you with their contact information, as well as their observations of the crash. Document the scene – Use your smartphone’s camera to take photos or videos of the accident. Ensure you capture the exterior and interior damage of all vehicles involved, as well as the entire scene of the accident, including road and weather conditions, streets signs and traffic lights, and the surrounding area. You can also use your voice memo features to describe in full detail what happened. Do not admit fault – Since you may not know the full story immediately after the collision, it is wise to avoid apologizing at all costs. Saying “I’m sorry” could be misconstrued as an admission of fault, which can be held against you in the claims process or in civil court. Call your insurance company – You can start the claims process by contacting your insurer. Only provide the insurance agent with basic information about the accident and do not go into too much detail. Contact an attorney – Unlike your insurance carrier, your lawyer is required to protect your rights and best interests. He/she can thoroughly examine your case, determine your available legal options, and help you maximize your entitled award or settlement. If you have been injured in an auto accident 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. We have more than two decades of experience in personal injury law!

Hello all – as we celebrate another birthday for America, please be mindful of others on the road. Having fun with libations is absolutely fine….just be careful how you get to and from. And, watch for those on the road that are not using prudent judgment. Seatbelts are a must! There is nothing worse than hurting yourself or even worse, hurting others on such a special day. If you find yourself wrapped up with legal issues, please call my office so we can help guide you and navigate you through the very difficult and complicated process of the legal system. You should know that getting charged with an alcohol-related offense while driving will result in your driving privileges being suspended. However, it’s possible to preserve your license for work purposes. Not being able to travel for work can have a devastating impact. We can help protect your ability to keep working. Let us help you with your situation, we have seen it all. Jonathan Ripps appears in all of the area courts, Rockland, Orange, and Westchester Counties. He is a leading DWI, DWAI, and DWAI-Drugs defense attorney. He can help you tackle any crime that you may find yourself involved with. Call Jonathan Ripps, located in Rockland County, NY at 845-709-6644 for any legal needs or questions. Our consultations are FREE! Have a safe Holiday! 

Hello All! Please be mindful this weekend. There is nothing wrong with knocking down a few beers or cocktails this holiday weekend. BUT, if you do, let someone else who isn’t participating in spirits drive you! Or Uber! Or a cab! Or your 17 year-old kid that is just down the road! Wishing you all a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! https://www.lohud.com/story/news/crime/2016/06/30/dwi-crack-down-fourth-of-july-rockland/86547888/ Jonathan Ripps is a former Assistant District Attorney with a criminal law practice in Rockland County, New York. Jonathan appears in all courts in Rockland, Orange and Westchester County. Call Jonathan today for a FREE consultation. (845) 209-0223. Jonathan is available 24/7. Jonathan appears regularly in Ramapo, Clarkstown, Stony Point, Orangetown, Haverstraw and all Justice and County Courts.

Please be mindful when partaking in adult beverages this week and over weekend. New York law enforcement will be on the lookout for those who are drinking and driving. If you find yourself in a bind, please call us, we are here to help you. HAVE A SAFE WEEKEND!  Call Rockland County attorney Jonathan Ripps today for help. We appear in all Rockland Courts for DWI, DWAI, DWAI-Drugs, and all other criminal offenses. Call (845) 209-0223 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Jonathan is an experienced former Assistant District Attorney.

Looks like the East Ramapo School District is being investigated for the potential diversion and misappropriation of federal funding. https://abc7ny.com/news/federal-raids-in-rockland-county-in-probe-of-education-spending-by-yeshivas/1248716/

Sunday night’s 60 minutes had a very interesting segment(s) concerning young kids, yes, kids, becoming confidential informants, behind their parents’ backs. I know arguments can be made supporting this practice, and arguments can be made against it. I have assisted many younger people in these types of situations, even one as young as 16. Please share this with your teens, especially the ones who attend school far way. Obviously, the best rule of thumb is to not have any involvement with marijuana and other drugs. This is still something you should watch. It happens, everywhere, including your own backyard. If you would like to speak with Rockland County lawyer, Jonathan Ripps, call today for a FREE consultation. Former Assistant District Attorney.