Insights

How to Report Identity Theft?

Using another person’s identity without permission is a serious criminal act in New York, legally known as the unauthorized use of personal identifying information, which is commonly referred to as identity theft. This offense is distinct from fraud and forgery, yet often involves those crimes, as the primary act is the illegal use of another person's identifying details, such as account numbers or biometric data, for illicit purposes or to cause harm. The severe crime of identity theft is properly addressed under state law with appropriate penalties to deter those who would exploit personal information.

Parental Assault Law

Assault on parents or direct ascendants in Washington D.C. is treated as a serious and aggravated offense under local criminal law. The legal framework reflects a societal emphasis on protecting vulnerable individuals, including elderly parents and dependent guardians, by establishing specific statutes. When a person intentionally harms their parent, penalties for Parental Assault Law violations exceed those for standard assault due to the gravity of the familial betrayal and trust violation. This specific Parental Assault Law is designed to provide heightened legal protection for immediate family members.

Understanding Perjury Sentencing

In the State of New York, providing perjury and false testimony under oath during an official proceeding is a serious felony offense, profoundly undermining the judicial process. When such testimony occurs during a criminal proceeding and is material to the outcome, it may be charged as Aggravated Perjury, carrying severe penalties. Although the law does not explicitly require intent to harm the defendant, the legal consequences for perjury sentencing are severe due to the profound disruption of justice that perjury and false testimony introduces. This article outlines the statutory basis, distinctions from ordinary perjury, punishment ranges, and strategic defenses against charges of providing false testimony, focusing specifically on perjury sentencing implications.

Posthumous Reputation Injury

In New York, damaging the reputation of a deceased individual through the publication of false information can trigger complex civil and criminal consequences. Although U.S. law generally does not recognize defamation of the dead in the same manner as defamation of the living, certain forms of harm “particularly those tied to falsehoods or posthumous reputation injury affecting living parties” may still incur liability. This article explores how the concept of posthumous reputation injury may apply in New York under related statutes, examining the legal framework for addressing false statements made about the deceased.

What Are Embezzlement Charges

Embezzlement, often referred to as a "white-collar crime," typically involves the unlawful appropriation of property entrusted to someone in a position of responsibility, particularly in financial management. It fundamentally differs from general theft in that the offender initially had lawful possession of the property before wrongfully converting it to personal use; thus, the core offense is a misuse of trust. Even first-time Embezzlement Charges offenders in New York may face significant consequences, although early restitution and a lack of prior criminal history can substantially influence the final outcomes of the case.

Dereliction of Duty

Official misconduct in New York refers to criminal conduct by public servants who deliberately neglect their lawful duties or exploit their official positions for personal gain. It is a serious offense governed by New York Penal Law §195.00 and may result in jail time, loss of employment, and public trust deterioration. Dereliction of Duty refers to an act where a public servant intentionally fails to perform a legally imposed duty or abuses authority for personal gain, which is a crime strictly handled in New York State.