ABK LAW BLOG

Ruth’s Chris stabber arrested….was she justified?
Joan Thompson, a Costco supervisor and mother of two sons, was arrested Friday after stabbing a fellow diner at popular Manhattan steakhouse Ruth’s Chris. The police and prosecutors say that
her actions were criminal, and that Ms. Thompson ran from the scene without paying. But Ms. Thompson’s family claims that she was acting in self-defense. “This is not even her fault,” Thompson’s dad Carlos Stapleton said outside of Manhattan Criminal Court after her arraignment.

RESULTS – “All Criminal Charges Dismissed and Sealed!” A client being represented ABK Partners Michael Jaccarino and John Esposito, who was facing serious assault accusations, had all of her criminal charges vacated in Manhattan Criminal Court last week. The client, who is a New York City public school teacher, faced potential loss of employment if she were to be convicted of the crimes charged.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A TRIAL TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

They say lady justice is blind, for her blindfold represents objectivity, the ability to allocate justice without the fright of bribe, without the influence of money, wealth, power and identity. But many today feel like the system has failed them, as does a client who was in our office this morning and told me that he took a plea as opposed to going to trial because he was confident that he would not get true justice in this system. This is a major problem.

What is Vehicular Manslaughter in the First and Second Degree?

New York State law, and especially New York City laws, are tough on those caught drinking and driving. Even a first-time offender could be facing jail time. But if a person driving while intoxicated causes the death of another, the crimes charged are incredibly more serious, and the prosecutor will absolutely be looking for jail time under the charge of vehicular manslaughter.

What does it mean to be charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker in NY State?

A major New York City drug trafficker and 12 others were nabbed in a citywide, multi-agency drug bust following a year-long investigation into narcotics and gun trafficking in Brooklyn and Queens, officials announced.

Judge Denies Bronx Man Request to Overturn Dirty Cop Conviction…Why?

A man jailed on a murder charge nearly 20 years ago lost his bid for freedom last week after a Bronx judge refused to overturn his conviction, despite accusations that the homicide detective who busted him had a history of misconduct.

What is a Special Master, anyway?

Last week, a decision by a US federal judge to stop the investigation of Donald Trump’s seizure of classified documents until a “special master” reviews them has thrown the political and legal worlds into uproar – pitting those who believe the ex-president has special legal privileges against those who think he should be treated like any other citizen.

NYPD Detective arrested for shooting at car-jacker. Why?

An off-duty NYPD detective was arrested Thursday for firing shots at a thief who was stealing his personal vehicle, which he left running outside a Brooklyn fried chicken joint two years ago, law enforcement sources said.

Detective Steven Chase was charged with reckless endangerment after he fired two shots at the vehicle as it drove away from a Crown Fried Chicken on Glenwood Road in Canarsie on Aug. 13, 2020, the criminal indictment shows.