New York Paralegal Blog

Ever wondered how lawyers became "lawyers"? Today, we picture grand universities with ivy-covered buildings. But legal education wasn't always like that. In fact, the way law schools developed in America reveals a less-than-rosy history, one where the push for "professionalism" was often a thinly veiled excuse to keep out Black people and other minorities. The Old Way: Learning on the Job For centuries, if you wanted to become a lawyer, you'd apprentice with an experienced attorney. Think of it like a hands-on internship. You'd learn the ropes by working in their office, reading law books, and observing court cases. There were also a few early law schools, but they weren't the norm. This "learn-by-doing" approach, while imperfect, allowed for a more diverse group of people to enter the legal field, regardless of their wealth or background. The "Professional" Shift: Raising the Bar (and Barriers) As the 19th century tur...

In New York, the legal charges against Jayden Clarke in the Times Square shooting case break down into several different types of felonies, each with specific requirements for conviction and potential penalties. They include charges for the act of shooting the victims and charges for possessing the weapon used in the crime. The Charges Explained Here's a look at the charges in a way that's easy to understand, along with the potential prison time. Attempted Murder in the Second Degree This is one of the most serious charges. To be charged with attempted murder, you don't have to successfully kill someone. Instead, the prosecution must prove two things: you intended to cause someone's death and you took a significant step towards doing it. In this case, allegedly firing a gun at a person with the intent to kill them, even if you miss or they survive, is enough to support this charge. The law also includes the concept of "transferred intent"—so even i...

A D.C. consultant, Jennifer May, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to wire fraud for scamming the government out of $1.5 million from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This isn't just a simple mistake; it's a criminal offense with major consequences. But what exactly did she do? The EIDL program was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer low-interest loans to small business owners to help them with operating expenses like payroll and rent. May, the founder and owner of a consulting firm called Next Level Partners LLC, applied for and received a $1.5 million loan. The problem? She didn't use the money for her business. Instead, she used the funds to buy cryptocurrency and pay for personal expenses and other ventures that had nothing to do with her business. 🤦‍♀️ What is Wire Fraud? This is where the law comes in. Wire fraud is a federal crime that involves using electronic communications—like emails, phone calls, or the interne...

   A big company just got hit with a huge fine for lying about the safety of its surgical gowns. Kimberly-Clark, a major player in personal care products, has agreed to pay up to $40.4 million to the U.S. government. But what exactly did they do wrong, and why does it matter to all of us? Let's break down the law behind this case.  What is an "Adulterated" Medical Device? In simple terms, a product is considered adulterated if it's defective, unsafe, or made under unsanitary conditions. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) is the main law that the FDA uses to regulate products like food, drugs, and medical devices. This law is in place to protect the public from dangerous or fraudulent items. In Kimberly-Clark's case, their surgical gowns were considered adulterated because the company had changed the product's design, but then lied about its safety testing to avoid a necessary step with the FDA. They sold the gowns, knowing they didn...

In tragic events like the shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, the immediate focus is on the victims, their families, and the community's healing. While law enforcement investigates the incident, many people have questions about the legal aspects that come into play. Here's a simple explanation of some of the key legal considerations surrounding such an event. On behalf of the New York paralegal community, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts are with the entire Minneapolis community as they navigate this profound tragedy. We are all united in our sorrow and hope for peace and healing. Criminal Investigation The first and most immediate legal action is the criminal investigation. Because the suspect in this case died at the scene, the criminal case against them is closed. However, the police and other law enforcement agencies, like the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), will continue to invest...

You've likely seen the headlines about rapper Lil Nas X, a.k.a. Montero Hill, and his recent felony charges in Van Nuys, California. But what do those legal terms actually mean for his case? Let's break down the law so you can understand what's happening. What Is a Felony, and Why Is It So Serious? First, it's important to know the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. In simple terms, a felony is a more serious crime that carries a potential sentence of more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor, like a traffic violation or petty theft, usually results in less than a year in county jail and/or a fine. The charges filed against Montero Hill—three counts of felony battery with injury on a police officer and one count of felony resisting an executive officer—are serious because they are all felonies. So, what do these specific charges mean? Battery with Injury on a Police Officer: In California, "battery" is defined as any willful and...

In recent discussions about domestic security and executive power, the specter of authoritarianism has been raised, with some critics drawing parallels between the actions of President Donald Trump and the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein. These comparisons become even more salient against a backdrop where many feel the democratic process itself is faltering, as evidenced by concerns over limitations on free speech, civil rights, and voting rights allegedly enacted through executive orders. One of the most striking parallels remains the use of military-style forces for domestic order. Just as Saddam Hussein's military patrolled the streets of Iraq as a visible symbol of the regime's power and a tool to suppress dissent, we've seen President Trump deploy the National Guard in U.S. cities. His recent executive order to create specialized National Guard units specifically trained for "public order issues" further emphasizes this reliance on military-tra...

In Suffolk County, Aris A. Chaparro, a 55-year-old Brentwood resident, was recently indicted on multiple felony charges, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree. This came after an investigation launched by an undercover police officer's purchase of cocaine from him. A subsequent search of Chaparro's home led to the discovery of a substantial amount of drugs, cash, and illegal firearms. The Investigation and Arrest The investigation into Chaparro began in July 2025 when an undercover police officer purchased cocaine from him on four separate occasions. The transactions were arranged over the phone and took place at public locations like a gas station and a fast-food restaurant. During one of these buys, Chaparro allegedly sold the officer approximately two and a half ounces of cocaine. Based on this evidence, police obtained a search warrant for Chaparro’s home. On August 6, 2025, a search of his residence uncovered over a quarter...

When someone manipulates a child for sexual purposes, federal law takes a hard stance. The recent guilty plea of Anthony Pangallo, a previously convicted sex offender, brings this into sharp focus. This case shows how federal authorities pursue individuals who exploit minors, especially through online grooming and coercion. What is Sexual Exploitation of a Child? Sexual exploitation of a child is a serious federal crime that goes beyond simple possession of illegal materials. Under federal law, it's illegal to entice, persuade, or coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating visual depictions, like photos or videos. The law applies to activities that involve interstate commerce, meaning if the crime crosses state lines or uses the internet—which almost always does—it can be prosecuted in federal court. This allows federal authorities, like the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, to step in and work with local and state law enforc...

For many Americans, the history of slavery feels distant, an injustice of the past. Yet, its legacy continues to haunt our present through stark racial inequities in wealth, health, and opportunity. This isn't a coincidence; it's a direct result of systems of oppression that were built and profited from by corporations that still exist today. It's time for these powerful, "artificial persons" to be held accountable. A Broken Promise and Corporate Complicity The first attempt at reparations in America was the promise of "40 acres and a mule". A federal order issued during the Civil War, it offered land to formerly enslaved people to help them achieve economic independence. But this promise was brutally short-lived. After President Lincoln’s assassination, the order was reversed, snatching away this opportunity and forcing millions into a cycle of poverty and exploitation. While the government betrayed this promise, major corporations were acti...

For many employees, a performance review feels like a one-way street—a formal, often nerve-wracking meeting where a manager delivers an assessment. But what happens after that meeting? Where does that information go, and who gets to see it? The answers to those questions are at the heart of a critical, and often overlooked, ethical duty for managers and human resources professionals: confidentiality. When you break it down, a performance review isn't just a record of your work; it's a reflection of your professional identity. The Ethical Foundation of Confidentiality Think of the relationship between an employee and their manager as a professional partnership built on trust. Just as a doctor or a lawyer has an ethical obligation to protect your private information, a manager has a similar duty to safeguard your performance data. This isn't just about following rules; it’s about creating a healthy, respectful workplace. When an employee knows their performance re...

  In a Long Island nursing home, a certified nurse aide (CNA) we'll call "Sue" was fired after a serious patient injury. While this might seem like a straightforward case of a worker being held accountable, it actually reveals a disturbing, systemic issue: the nursing home's own policies were being routinely ignored, and management was aware of it. The Unspoken Rule The nursing home had a clear, written policy for using the Hoyer lift, a mechanical device designed to safely move patients with limited mobility. The policy, a standard practice in healthcare, required two staff members to be present for every patient transfer using the lift. This rule exists for a crucial reason: it prevents falls and injuries to both the patient and the staff member. However, the blog's scenario explains that Sue, along with other CNAs, would routinely use the lift by themselves. This wasn't a secret. The staff was under pressure to work quickly, and management, awar...

A U.S. District Court judge in Nevada took a decisive step on August 21, 2025, against the companies behind schemes like IM Mastery Academy and their leaders. This isn't a final judgment, but a "preliminary injunction"—a powerful legal tool designed to press pause on alleged illegal activity while a case is being decided. Think of it as a legal freeze-frame that prevents further harm to consumers. What's Happening in the Case? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State of Nevada have filed a complaint alleging that the defendants, including Chris and Isis Terry, ran a multi-level marketing (MLM) business that used false or baseless earnings claims to sell training on financial markets. According to the FTC, this scheme has caused over $1.2 billion in harm to consumers since 2018. The defendants allegedly targeted young people, using social media to flaunt luxurious lifestyles to draw them in. The preliminary injunction is a direct response to these a...

Kenneth Thom, who went by the flashy online names "K$" and "K Money," allegedly used social media to build a following and deceive hundreds of people out of nearly $800,000. This story is a classic example of how someone can leverage the illusion of success to commit serious financial crimes. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting online "experts" without doing your homework. The Deception: A 'Wall Street Veteran' on Facebook Before his social media fame, Thom had been suspended as a stockbroker by a regulatory body called FINRA. This was because he'd lost an investor's money, mixed it with his own, and then lied to the investor about it. Instead of cleaning up his act, he took to Facebook, presenting himself as a "Wall Street veteran" and a trading "luminary" to his followers. He sold trading courses and advice, building a community he eventually convinced to hand over their money for ...

When scanning job ads, some phrases can seem positive, but they might be hiding a less-than-ideal work environment. Two of the most common are "ability to multitask" and "ability to work under pressure." While they can sometimes be neutral, it's wise to consider them as potential red flags. "Ability to Multitask" On the surface, this phrase seems to describe an efficient and capable employee. However, it often signals an unreasonable workload or poor management. In reality, our brains can't truly multitask by focusing on two high-level tasks at once. What we call "multitasking" is actually task switching—rapidly jumping between different projects. This constant switching comes with a "switch cost," which leads to reduced efficiency and a higher chance of making errors. When a company emphasizes multitasking, they might be looking for someone to do the work of two or three people. It can also point to a chaotic, disor...

Ever watch Law & Order and hear someone say a warrant or subpoena was "quashed"? It might sound like legal jargon, but it's a pretty straightforward concept. Think of "quash" as the legal equivalent of saying "Nope, never happened!" or "We're hitting the reset button on that." In the world of detective Lennie Briscoe and A.D.A. Jack McCoy, a "motion to quash" often pops up. This is when a lawyer asks the judge to throw out a legal document, like a subpoena (an order to show up in court or hand over documents) or a warrant (permission for the cops to make an arrest or search a place). Let's imagine a scenario straight out of your favorite episode: Detectives Stabler and Benson are investigating a shady accountant. They get a subpoena to force his bank to hand over all his financial records. But the accountant's high-powered lawyer argues to the judge that the subpoena is too broad – it's asking for eve...

You might have seen them on the road—diesel trucks modified to blow thick clouds of black smoke, a practice known as "rolling coal." While it might seem like a harmless hobby, the U.S. government is cracking down on these modifications, as two recent cases demonstrate. The legal system has made it clear that tampering with vehicle emissions systems is a serious crime, and the consequences can be severe for both individuals and businesses. The Law in Plain English: The Clean Air Act At the heart of these cases is the Clean Air Act (CAA), a federal law designed to protect air quality. One of its key provisions makes it illegal for anyone to tamper with a vehicle’s emissions control system. These systems, which include things like oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, and filters, are essential for reducing harmful pollutants from entering our atmosphere. When a truck owner "tunes" their vehicle to remove or disable these systems—for example, to increase ho...

The founder of a charity called Modest Needs, Keith Taylor, a 58-year-old man from New York, has pled guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion. This case is a stark reminder that even organizations with a noble mission can be corrupted. According to court documents, Taylor embezzled over $2.5 million from the charity and its donors. The money, intended to help low-income families, was instead used to fund Taylor's lavish personal life. The Law and the Crime Wire Fraud: This is a federal crime involving the use of electronic communications, like bank transfers, as part of a scheme to steal money. In this case, Taylor used the charity's bank accounts to move millions of dollars of donor funds for his own use. Because he continued this criminal activity even after his initial arrest, his maximum sentence for this charge is a serious 30 years in prison. Tax Evasion: This is the illegal act of not paying taxes. Taylor was charged with eight counts of tax evasion because he f...

A Cautionary Tale: The Dangers of Alien Smuggling  When you hear "alien smuggling," you might imagine a dramatic movie plot, but it's a very real crime with very serious consequences. A recent case out of Albany, New York, serves as a powerful reminder of just how dangerous this illegal activity is for everyone involved—the people being smuggled, the smugglers themselves, and even law enforcement. What is Alien Smuggling?  The term "alien smuggling" refers to the federal crime of helping someone illegally enter or stay in the United States. While it can involve bringing people across borders, it also includes other activities like transporting, harboring (or hiding), or encouraging a person to enter the country unlawfully. Essentially, anyone who knowingly assists in the process of illegal immigration can be charged. The law is clear that you don't have to be part of a large criminal organization or be making a profit to be held accountable. Simp...

Experiencing discrimination at work can be incredibly stressful, but thankfully, there are legal protections in place. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination. When an employee files a complaint, the EEOC investigates to see if there's a valid case. The Conciliation Process: A Chance to Settle Before heading to court, the EEOC tries to resolve the issue through a process called conciliation. Think of it as a formal mediation. The goal is for the employer and the employee to reach a voluntary agreement to settle the case. This agreement, known as a conciliation agreement, outlines what the employer must do to remedy the situation. This can include things like paying a financial settlement, changing company policies, or providing back pay. It's a way for all parties to avoid a potentially long and costly legal battle. When an Agreement is Broken A recent lawsuit again...

The fight for voting rights in the United States is a long and complex one, marked by significant legal milestones and persistent challenges. A common point of confusion often arises when discussing the right to vote for African Americans: wasn't that guaranteed by the 14th Amendment? While the 14th Amendment was undeniably a landmark achievement in establishing equality, it was the 15th Amendment that explicitly and directly secured the right to vote for African American men. Let's break down why. The Foundational Shift of the 14th Amendment Ratified in 1868, in the wake of the Civil War, the 14th Amendment was transformative. Its primary goals were to establish citizenship for formerly enslaved people and to guarantee fundamental rights. Key provisions include: Citizenship Clause: Declaring that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens. This directly addressed the status of formerly enslaved individuals. Equal Protection Clause: Prohibitin...

 The case involves two men, Ryan Wear and Jordan Chirico, who allegedly caused hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to investors. This blog post simplifies the legal terms and explains the alleged crimes. What's a Ponzi Scheme and Securities Fraud? Think of a Ponzi scheme as a house of cards. The person running the scheme promises investors high returns with little to no risk. But instead of generating real profits, they use money from new investors to pay returns to the earlier investors. The whole thing collapses when the scammer can't find enough new investors to keep up with the payments. 🏛️ Securities fraud is a broad term for deceptive practices that trick investors. In this case, Ryan Wear allegedly sold investments in a business—Water Station Management—based on false information. He claimed to sell water vending machines that, in many cases, didn't exist or were sold to multiple people. These investments are considered "securities" becau...

You may have seen headlines recently about a Bronx teacher, William Jones, who was indicted for allegedly raping a 13-year-old student. The news is shocking and heartbreaking. But the legal terms used in the press release can be confusing. Let’s break down what they mean in simple terms. What Does “Indicted” Mean? In this case, the teacher was indicted. An indictment is not a conviction. Think of it like a formal accusation. It means that a grand jury—a group of citizens—looked at the evidence presented by the District Attorney's office and decided there was enough reason to believe a crime was committed. This gives the prosecutor the green light to officially charge the person and proceed with a trial. What’s a Grand Jury? A grand jury is different from the jury you see in a courtroom trial. It operates in secret and decides if there's enough evidence for a case to move forward. The person being accused, in this case, the teacher, doesn't get to present their s...

Ever signed up for a dating site and felt like you got a raw deal? You're not alone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency that protects consumers, recently took a major stand against some of the biggest names in online dating. ⚖️ The FTC has reached a settlement with Match Group, the parent company of popular dating sites like Match.com, OkCupid, PlentyOfFish, and The League. The company has agreed to pay $14 million and change its business practices to resolve charges that it tricked consumers. What Were the Allegations? 🤔 The FTC's complaint, filed in 2019, alleged that Match Group engaged in three main unfair and deceptive practices: Misleading Guarantees: Match.com advertised a "six-month guarantee" for users who didn't "meet someone special." However, the FTC claims the company failed to clearly disclose all the fine print. Consumers had to jump through a bunch of hoops and meet specific, often difficult, requiremen...

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced that Sinclair Broadcast Group will pay $100,000 to settle a race discrimination case. This settlement serves as a powerful reminder of an employee's rights and an employer's responsibilities. What Happened in the Case? The lawsuit claimed that Sinclair discriminated against a Black female financial analyst. Even though she was a strong performer, the company allegedly paid her less than other analysts because of her race. When she brought this pay gap to her manager and to human resources, Sinclair didn't fix the problem. The situation became so difficult for the employee that she was constructively discharged. This is a legal term that means the working conditions were so intolerable that a reasonable person would have felt forced to quit. Essentially, the law views this as if the company had fired the employee, even though she was the one who resigned. What Law Was Violated? This case c...