Cimasi Law Blog

Understanding and defending against allegations of financial crimes, particularly in complex industries such as healthcare, are best performed by practitioners with real-world experience in the business and finance. Having acted as a consultant on merger and acquisition for healthcare entities, Michael Charles Cimasi is well situated to comprehensively understand and defend clients accused of fraud and financial crimes. If you are charged with financial crimes, contact the Cimasi Law Office to explore how our experience can be applied for your benefit.

Happy Holidays from the Cimasi Law Office. This time of year is replete with family parties, religious celebrations, and friendly get-togethers. And in Western New York, we are blessed to have many unique and locally-owned bars and restaurants at which to celebrate! As we all celebrate this Holiday Season, remember to consume alcohol responsibly, and don't drive if you've been drinking. Let's keep the roads safe for all of our families, and avoid the stiff consequences associated with DWI arrests. If you are charged with DWI this Holiday Season, call the Cimasi Law Office for a free consultation at any time (24/7) at 716-560-1171. I have assisted many clients in Western New York to navigate through their DWI arrest and collateral issues, and am happy to speak to you at your convenience. I routinely perform DWI defense in criminal courts and represent clients in collateral administrative actions before the DMV, college disciplinary officers, and licensing boards.

Based on recent sting operations coordinated at bars in the Buffalo area, NYS Troopers have been arresting those under 21 who present "fake" or "chalked" IDs to attempt and enter bars and night clubs. Most individuals, many of whom are college students, are generally issued appearance tickets for a traffic infraction under NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 509-6. Upon arrival at Court, this is normally reduced to a parking or jay walking ticket. However, several weeks after the arrest, the defendants are receiving a letter from a DMV Investigator calling them to either schedule a DMV Hearing at which their licenses may be revoked for up to a year, or accepting a plea to a 90 day suspension of their license with a Conditional License being granted to drive to work, school, and medical appointments. This can have serious ramifications on your licensure going forward, especially if you have prior incidents of suspension or revocation.

In New York State, Leandra's Law elevates any DWI to an E Felony if a child age 15 or younger is a passenger in the vehicle at the time. This significantly increases the potential penalties (fines, license revocation period, potential jail sentence, etc.) and ramifications of a DWI arrest, even if it is a first time DWI. If you are charged with a felony Leandra's Law violation, certain counties have created diversion programs that allow the offenders to work on their substance abuse issues through a DWI Court or similar monitoring, then avoid felonization once the program is successfully completed. Your eligibility for such programs is determined on a case-by-case basis. If charged under this statute, you should seek a legal consultation prior to your first Court date.