Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, NY Criminal Defense FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Buffalo, New York?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Buffalo Police Department is (716) 853-2222.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Buffalo, New York?

  After you reported an incident through the Buffalo Police Department's Community Online Reporting Service (https://crime.erie.gov/bpd/report), it will be reviewed for approval. You will receive an email with a report number and a copy of the final report after it has been approved. In most cases, the approval process takes up to five business days.

• How should a police officer act during a traffic stop in Buffalo?

  Law enforcement personnel may change their response depending on the circumstances. But, in general, police officers will abide by the following procedures during a traffic stop in Buffalo:

  • Provide name upon request
  • Present proper identification if not wearing a uniform
  • Inform the reason for being stopped
  • Employ force only if needed to secure an arrest and maintain the person's custody
  • Will not search the body of a person of the opposite sex unless it is necessary to avoid harming someone or destroying evidence

• What is the expungement process in Buffalo?

  In Buffalo, some situations—including certain marijuana-related misdemeanors, trespassing, traffic infarctions, juvenile offenses, and dismissed cases—are expunged automatically. Otherwise, these steps should be followed to have a conviction struck from your record:

  • Send an application to the judge or the court that handed down the conviction, along with a notarized statement of the reasons for expungement, disposition certificate, and supporting documentation.
  • Submit the application and supporting paperwork to the district attorney's office, which has 45 days to notify the court of any objections.
  • Wait for the judge's approval or dismissal of the request.

• What questions should you ask when hiring a criminal defense attorney in Buffalo?

  When facing criminal charges in Buffalo, it is crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can support your case. Some of the questions you can ask are:

  • How long have you been practicing law?
  • Do you specialize in criminal defense cases?
  • Do you have any prior experience with cases comparable to mine?
  • What strategies do you recommend for defending my case?
  • How much does your service cost? Is there any way to reduce the fees?
  • Do you have references from your previous clients?

• Is it illegal to drink and drive on a lawnmower in Buffalo?

  Yes, it is considered a non-automobile DWI in Buffalo. According to state law, a device equipped with a motor is considered a motor vehicle. Other motorized vehicles include ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, scooters, mini-bikes, and snowmobiles. Additionally, drinking while driving a motorized watercraft, such as a jet ski or a boat, is classified as boating while intoxicated or BWI. A criminal defense lawyer can help in defending DWI cases.

• What is an opiate treatment court in Buffalo?

  An opiate treatment court (OTC) in Buffalo is mainly a pre-plea court. It is a 90-day program primarily intended to stabilize opiate users through medically assisted treatment and daily reporting to court. Other requirements include an 8 PM curfew, daily curfew calls, random wellness checks and drug tests, and honesty. The criminal case will be put on hold while the offender is getting the treatment. Most criminal cases are resolved with an OTC disposition and a compliance period.