FAQs

Long Island Criminal Defense FAQs

NY Marijuana Decriminalization, Breathalyzer & Criminal Case Facts

At Laurence A. Silverman & Associates, our goal is to help you understand your options if you are facing criminal charges. We review your criminal defense case and provide you with the tools you need to navigate successfully toward your goals. On this page, you can find answers to some commonly asked questions when it comes to your criminal defense case.

Want to know more? Call us today!

Our goal is to help you understand your charges and achieve the best possible results in the conclusion of your case. Contact our firm today to begin consulting with our firm. We serve Long Island, Huntington, and Suffolk County. Schedule a free consultation at (631) 816-2684.

Do I need an attorney if I am innocent?
- A:Regardless of your plea, and especially if you are innocent, consulting with an attorney helps protect your rights. If you are not adeptly represented, you run the risk of being convicted for a crime you did not commit, or of receiving a harsher sentence than your crime deserves. Again, regardless of how you intend to plea, contact our firm for aggressive representation.
Do I need an attorney to enter a plea?
- A:You do not need an attorney to enter a plea in a criminal defense case. However, regardless of how you intend to plea, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney in order to help you understand your options. For example, it might be possible for you to avoid a trial by pleading guilty and proceeding to a plea agreement. Your attorney can negotiate this on your behalf.
Is Marijuana Legal in New York?
- A:While many states have taken up the full legalization of marijuana (weed), New York State has yet to fully legalize the substance. However, the state of New York has de-criminalized the pocession within a certain framework. As of 2019, you will no longer be criminally charged for possession of marijuana, fines are now $50 for less than an ounce and a maximum of $200 for up to two ounces. In addition, past conviction for marijuana possession may have the chance to be wiped clean under the new law.
Am I allowed to refuse a Breathalyzer?
- A:Legally, you are not required to submit to a Breathalyzer. However, if you do refuse the test, you may face consequences such as license suspension, especially if the officer is reasonably convinced that you are intoxicated. If you feel you were required to submit to a Breathalyzer, or bullied into it, we can discuss your options when it comes to pursuing your case.

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Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

Charges Dismissed Assault
Plea Deal for Lesser Sentence Attempted Murder and Assault in the First Degree
License Not Revoked Breath Test Refusal
Plea and probation Driving While Intoxicated (DWI, DUI)
Case Dismissed Drug Crime

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Why Choose Laurence A. Silverman & Associates?

Experienced with All Types of Criminal Cases
Decades of Trial Experience
Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Client Testimonials Read What Our Clients Have to Say

At Laurence A. Silverman & Associates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Without your help, I don’t know what we would have done."
You have helped my family, and I thank you so much.

- Christina O.
"Sin su ayuda, no sé qué hubiéramos hecho."
Has ayudado a mi familia y te agradezco muchísimo.

- Christina O.
"Without your help, I don’t know what we would have done."
You have helped my family, and I thank you so much. We found ourselves in a legal predicament, you got us through it, and you’ve been there for us even since it’s been resolved. Thank you, again.

- Christina O.
"Larry goes above and beyond what any other attorney I know would do for his clients."
My name is Tara Bell. I have been working in the legal field for 20 years and worked for Larry 10 out of those 20 years. I cannot say enough about Larry, but as an attorney, and I have met several over the years, he is the best. As a person, he is the most compassionate, caring and thoughtful person I know which, I believe, is the main reason he is such an outstanding attorney in all the areas of law that he practices. Larry goes above and beyond what any other attorney I know would do for his clients. Over the years I have referred all my family and friends to this exemplary attorney knowing that they will be given the best possible service available.

- Tara B.
"Thank you Mr. Silverman I am forever grateful."
The moment I knew I needed an attorney and not knowing what to do I started searching the Internet. After a little searching I found Mr. Silverman’s web site and felt comfortable enough to call him. I was extremely nervous and embarrassed about my situation. Mr. Silverman took my call right away and without even knowing me told me what to do and even called me back later in the day to check up on my situation. Mr. Silverman is extremely patient and caring and answered all my questions and concerns. It was very obvious that he is much respected in the courts because he was able to meet with the D.A privately and resolve my case on the first court appearance in my favor. I am so thankful of Mr. Silverman and would tell anyone in search of an attorney to give him a call and watch how quickly you’ll feel at ease. Thank you Mr. Silverman I am forever grateful.

- T.B.
"We were extremely satisfied with the outcome of our case!"
I would definitely recommend Attorney Laurence Silverman's law firm. He truly cares about his clients and gives them the attention they deserve! We were extremely satisfied with the outcome of our case!

- Janet S.
"I have recommended him to anyone who has asked me about an attorney."
I had been sitting in the County Jail for six months. The criminal charges against me had been dismissed, and Legal Aid was representing me on a parole violation. The parole violation should have automatically been dismissed, but the revocation specialist for the Division of Parole bagan playing hard ball with me. She sought a contested hearing on the isssue. Legal Aid seemed to be at a loss. They had no paperwork in my file, and both I and my family were distraught and in a panic because we had no idea what evidence the revocation specialist was relying on. Out of frustration, my family hired Larry Silverman. The fee we paid Larry was the best money we ever spent. Almost immediately Larry began tracking down the paperwork, answers came flowing in, and in no time at all we were certain that Larry Silverman was going to carry the day for us. After a long, hard-fought battle in which the Division of Parole threw every dirty trick in the book at me to try to have my parole violated, Larry won for me. In stead of spending the next 7 years incarcerated, I am now free and with my family again. It never would have happened if Larry and his staff had not stepped in and fought like hell for me. I will never forget the peace of mind Larry and his staff gave to myself and my family during what was a time of fear and uncertainty for us all. I would retain his services again any time, and I have recommended him to anyone who has asked me about an attorney.

- R.D.
"I am happy to not only call you my trusted attorney but also my friend."
Laurence: I appreciate that you always took my calls and made yourself available. So many people "hide" behind their secretaries, but I always found you ready and willing to answer questions. In all my life's troubling times you have stood there as my rock. I truly respect the person that you are and truly appreciate all that you have done for me and my family. I am happy to not only call you my trusted attorney but also my friend.

- J.V. and family.

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