New York, New York Criminal Attorneys

Federal authorities have granted Oregon the green light to provide Medicaid services for addiction treatment to individuals within 90 days of their release from incarceration. This significant advancement aims to bridge healthcare gaps, as highlighted by Amy Bacher from the Oregon Health Authority, acknowledging that 50% of inmates in Oregon suffer from mental illness or disabilities. Clackamas County Jail's Captain Lee Eby and Rep. Pam Marsh have emphasized the crucial role of this program in reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration into the community. The initiative follows the passage of House Bill 4002, which allocates significant funding for addiction treatment and diversion programs statewide. The Oregon Health Authority targets a rollout of these services by 2026, anticipating thousands will benefit from this vital resource.

A plea deal had Richard Aquilone pleading to lesser charges and getting just a probation for the death of Jijo Puthuvamkunnath.

Puthuvamkunnath was to be married in a few weeks but he never got to tie the knot as he got killed when a drunk Aquilone rammed his boat with his yacht.

The impact was so great that Puthuvamkunnath's boat was split in two.

Aside from the probation, Aquilone will also be made to serve the community for 250 hours.

Marc Agnifilo, New York criminal attorney defending for Aquilone, said his client has expressed regret for the loss that he has caused the Puthuvamkunnaths.

Instead of nine years, William Boyland Jr., the assemblyman in Brooklyn, is now faced with up to 30 years in prison for several charges including extortion.

This after Boyland decided not to go ahead with a plea deal and instead face trial.

Aside from extortion, Boyland, whose family has been part of Brooklyn governance for the longest time, is also being accused of theft and fraud.

Boyland's New York lawyers, Peter Quijano and Nency Ennis, confirmed that the plea deal was off when they arrived in court for their client's appearance.

Quijano said Boyland is hoping to be vindicated as he stands firm with his not guilty plea.

The lawyer added that although there has been several negotiations, no agreement was made for the plea deal.

Paula Bartolo, the driver who hit and killed Jeffrey Javier, a special education student in 2005 and did not even stop to help the victim, was meted a 10-year sentence for manslaughter.

Bartolo had ran over 15-year-old Javier just a few minutes after dropping his own 16-year-old son in school.

The driver then tried to avoid the repercussions of his act by escaping to the Dominican Republic. He was eventually arrested in Spain.

In a letter read by New York criminal defense attorney Michael Siff, Bartolo also did not express remorse for the accident.

After the 10-year jail term, Bartolo will also be under supervision for five years.

Javier's family, however, is not happy with the sentence that was handed as they were expecting a longer jail term.

Bridget McDermott, a former inmate at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Oregon, was wrongly imprisoned for an additional 21 months due to a clerical error by the Oregon Department of Corrections. Initially expecting to be released on October 4, 2024, McDermott’s release was recalculated to July 5, 2022, revealing the chaotic nature of recent prison releases. Sarah Bieri, an attorney for the Oregon Justice Resource Center’s Women’s Justice Project, is exploring potential legal avenues for her client, who now seeks employment as a counselor. The transitions from prison have proven challenging for McDermott, who aims to reintegrate into society amidst significant changes.

Chicago police are investigating a series of violent robberies that transpired early Tuesday across the Loop, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview, affecting five victims. Notably, a 22-year-old woman was attacked near the Lincoln Park Zoo, while four individuals were robbed in the Loop, including a 49-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, both treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Officials report that robberies in these neighborhoods are on the rise, with Lincoln Park experiencing a 4% increase compared to last year. The suspects are described as Black males in hoodies, prompting heightened criminal defense measures in the area. Local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant amid this spike in violent crime.

A new lawsuit has unveiled allegations of widespread sexual abuse at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center on Chicago's Near West Side, claiming hundreds of victims since 1995. Attorneys Jerome Block and Todd Matthews highlight the tragic stories of former detainees who suffered repeated violations at the hands of staff members. The lawsuit, representing nearly 400 survivors, calls for urgent reform, urging Chicago officials to shut down the facility. Survivors, including Temarkus Washington and Phillip Goodwin, recount their harrowing experiences and demand accountability. Amid growing scrutiny, the Cook County Chief Judge's office has proposed new community care centers as alternatives to youth detention.

Survivors, including Temarkus Washington, have filed lawsuits against the state of Illinois, detailing decades of sexual abuse at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in Chicago. Two lawsuits represent 193 victims who allege systemic misconduct, including rape and unlawful strip searches, between 1995 and 2022. Attorney Todd Mathews emphasizes the urgent need to end this cycle of violence and negligence within the facility. As national scrutiny increases, survivors are seeking justice and accountability from state officials. With nearly 400 accounts documented, further legal action is anticipated in this civil litigation battle.

A Chicago man, Jonathan Byars, 26, has been sentenced to 25 years for orchestrating a series of armed robberies targeting cellphone stores throughout Illinois. In collaboration with several accomplices, Byars committed six robberies and attempted two more between 2019 and 2020, brandishing firearms to intimidate and assault employees. The crimes occurred in cities including Lansing, Rockford, and Joliet, prompting significant concern over community safety. U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the danger posed by such delinquent conduct, as Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the sentence. Four additional Chicago men received sentences ranging from seven to 12 years for their involvement in these criminal acts.