New York Civil Rights & Criminal Defense Lawyers
New York Civil Rights And Criminal Law Blog
Signs of Civil Rights Violations
Civil rights are fundamental in ensuring fair treatment and legal protection against discrimination for every individual. However, recognizing when these rights have been violated can be challenging. At Sivin, Miller & Roche, LLP, we believe in empowering our clients and readers with the knowledge to identify potential civil rights violations. Here's a guide to help you understand if your civil rights may have been compromised. If you believe your civil rights have been violated, contact our experienced civil rights lawyers today. What Are Civil Rights? Civil rights…
What Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Do?
Navigating the intricate landscape of civil rights and criminal defense requires experience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. At Sivin, Miller & Roche LLP, a premier New York law firm, we are dedicated to these principles, ensuring that every individual we represent is afforded the rights and liberties they are entitled to. In this blog post, we explore the pivotal role of a civil rights lawyer, drawing insights from our extensive experience in the field. What is a Civil Rights Lawyer? A NYC Civil Rights Lawyer…
Legal recourse for victims of unjustified police shootings
When you get hurt because of a police shooting and there is no reason to think you are a serious threat, it is called unjustified deadly force. Law enforcement officers may only use such force when faced with a genuine and immediate threat. This threat must pose a significant danger to their own safety or the safety of others. In these situations, you or your family can legally ask for compensation to make up for the harm and losses you suffered. Legal avenues for victims There are…
Use of drones by police in New York may violate civil rights
Emerging technologies such as aerial drones with facial recognition software and gunshot detection systems have revolutionized law enforcement in New York over the past few years. They can help keep track of fleeing suspects, observe protesters and access areas that would be impossible for police officers to reach. However, growing concerns exist about how they may undermine citizens’ civil rights. Understanding your civil rights The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that law enforcement must have probable…
NYC to pay 1,300 people wrongfully arrested, beaten during 2020
The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in 2020 sparked a wave of racial injustice protests across America. Many people took part in these demonstrations to speak against the brutal actions of police officers. In response, cities deployed law enforcement to quell these protests. But some of these officers engaged in the very violence denounced by the protests through unlawful arrests and beatings. However, justice was served last week when New York City agreed to pay over $13 million to settle a civil rights class…
The drawbacks of forensic evidence
Forensic evidence plays a crucial role in New York criminal investigations, often determining guilt or innocence. However, the inherent flaws and potential biases that come with certain types of forensic evidence, from the misuse of techniques to issues surrounding subjective interpretation, can have far-reaching consequences on the criminal justice system. Subjectivity in analysis Fields such as fingerprint identification, bite mark analysis and hair microscopy heavily rely on the interpretation of individual examiners, leaving room for human error and bias. Experts may differ in their conclusions when presented…
What can you do after a wrongful arrest?
Getting arrested is a frightening experience, but getting detained for no reason is aggravating. Even though humanity has advanced in many ways, there are still occasions when police arrest someone based on their appearance. A person may be able to sue for wrongful arrest if law enforcement restrains them without probable cause. When does wrongful arrest happen? Police cannot arrest you on mere suspicion. They must first have a warrant or probable cause, at the very least, to make an arrest. Probable cause is sufficient evidence that…
Manhattan DA drops 300 convictions tied to cops guilty of crimes
Wrongful arrests and criminal convictions represent the dark side of the U.S. justice system. But a recent move by Manhattan’s top attorney takes one bold step toward addressing this injustice. Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg threw out more than 300 criminal convictions tied to NYPD police officers found guilty of crimes. The nine officers involved were convicted of several on-the-job offenses such as taking bribes, lying under oath, illegal gun sales and planting drugs on suspects – they’re no longer on the force following their…
You have a right against police brutality
The duty of a law enforcement officer is to protect the people of their assigned jurisdiction. Therefore, the state grants them a degree of power to enforce the law. The problem is when police officers abuse their power through violence and violate the rights of the people they swore to protect. Police brutality occurs when officers go beyond their legal limits to carry out their duties, using excessive or unjustifiable force. They manipulate the law to further their interests. Police brutality infringes on a civilian’s rights to…
New York man exonerated after spending 24 years in prison
A New York man who spent 24 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit walked out of a Putnam County courtroom a free man on Feb. 27 after a jury returned a not guilty verdict after just a few hours of deliberation. The man’s fate was left in the hands of a jury because the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office insisted on a retrial when the man’s 1997 conviction was overturned. Reluctant witness The man was convicted of abducting, raping and murdering a 12-year-old…
Tell Us About Your Case
Fields marked with an * are required
"*" indicates required fields
Contact Us
Sivin, Miller & Roche LLP
20 Vesey Street
Suite 1400
New York, NY 10007
Ph: 212-349-0300
Fax: 212-406-9462
© 2025 Sivin, Miller & Roche LLP. All Rights Reserved.