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FAQs

Frequently Asked New York State Legal Questions

What do I do if I am stopped by the police? 
What do I do if I am stopped by the police and I have been drinking? 
What do I do if a police officer calls me on the telephone? 
What do I do if I am in a car accident? 
What do I do if I or someone I care about is seriously injured? 
What do I do if a loved one dies? 


Q: What do I do if I am stopped by the police?
A: Most importantly, do not admit to any wrongdoing, ever. This is for both civil and criminal matters. Do not admit that you caused an accident. Do not admit that you had been drinking. Do not admit anything, ever. The police will lead you to believe that if you admit wrongdoing you will be allowed to go home or leave. This is not true. You must remember the police are allowed to lie and use deceit to obtain the information they seek. It does you no good to say later "but the officer lied to me." The police want you to make admissions and/or confessions. "I am sorry" will be used against you in a court of law. No matter what, simply say "I must confer with an attorney before I can answer any questions." Continue to say this over and over and do not answer anything prior to speaking with an attorney. At Young & Associates, we have an emergency mailbox which will reach out for an attorney 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. 

Q: What do I do if I am stopped by the police and I have been drinking?
A: In this case, do not admit that you have been drinking. Most people will say "I just had a few beers." This is a "confession" and the jury will hear it. Say you want a lawyer. If asked to sign something write, "I want a lawyer;" never sign your name. If asked to take a breathalyzer, do not take the test and do not refuse. STATE: "I want a lawyer." Keep stating that until you have spoken with an attorney or until the police stop talking to you. Never say anything other than "I want a lawyer." Never write anything other than "I want a lawyer."

Q: What do I do if a police officer calls me on the telephone? 
A: When you answer the phone and someone states that he or she is a police officer looking for you or someone else, ask for a callback number. Many officers will immediately attempt to give you orders. Remember, you are on a telephone and the police have no authority to order you around on a telephone. If they become rude, loud, or abusive, simply hang up the phone. Second, tell the officer that you will contact him or her back after confirming that this person is in fact the police. If he or she persists, tell him or her that you will consult an attorney. Again, if this should upset the officer, simply hang up and immediately call an attorney. At Young & Associates, we have an emergency mailbox which will reach out for an attorney 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Q: What do I do if I am in a car accident? 
A: Make no admissions of guilt or wrongdoing. Do not approach the other driver and apologize, as this will be used against you in a court of law. Decline to make a statement to the police until you have consulted with an attorney. We have an emergency mailbox which will reach out for an attorney 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: What do I do if I or someone I care about is seriously injured?
A: Immediately contact an attorney. Remember, much like the police, who have one goal in mind, which is making arrests, insurance companies also have one goal in mind, and that is not paying any money no matter how at fault their insured person is. Even before going to the hospital, call an attorney. The things you tell the hospital staff are written down and can be used against you in court later by insurance representatives who will have no problem twisting your statements or taking them out of context to make you look at fault. At Young & Associates, we have an emergency mailbox which will reach out for an attorney 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: What do I do if a loved one dies?
A: Immediately contact an attorney. The death of a loved one, no matter how old or sick, is a great shock to the human system. You will not think clearly. By contacting a lawyer as soon as practicable, you can explain all the facts, age, cause of death, location, etc. The death may involve wrongful conduct, which necessitates the preservation of evidence and records. The death may be at home where large amounts of liquid assets or valuables may be. The death may be deemed suspicious by the police, and you must protect the rights of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, if someone dies, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. At Young & Associates, we have an emergency mailbox which will reach out for an attorney 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Over 25 Years Experience

When you've been charged with a DWI or traffic offense, call for an attorney with over 25 years experience who is also a retired New York Police Department Sergeant who knows both sides.

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