Newburgh, New York

The City of Newburgh is in Orange County, New York, but was originally in Ulster County until 1798 when Rockland County split from Orange County and Newburgh became part of Orange. The population in June of 2009 was 28,101. Newburgh is 60 miles north of New York City and 90 miles south of Albany. Newburgh was the location of the Continental Army’s headquarters from early 1782 until the end of 1783. It is believed that General George Washington had to convince officers to stay loyal during the “Newburgh Conspiracy” in those years.

The City of Newburgh thrived during the Gilded Age, with its great location equidistant between Albany and New York City. Cotton, wool, silk, paper, pumps, perfume, furniture, carpets, carburetors, shirts and lawn mowers were some of the products manufactured in the city. However, the city was hit hard in the 20th century with the loss of shipping traffic and factories moving out to contain costs. Newburgh continues to struggle economically in recent years, although efforts have been made to shore up its riverfront location and take advantage of the magnificent river views of the Hudson.

Like any city, Newburgh sees its fair share of injuries and accidents, including traffic collisions, workplace injuries, and more. The city also sees its fair share of arrests for property crime, violence, and other incidents. Whether you have been accused of a crime or have been injured, you need an experienced lawyer, and The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel is here to help. If you think you may need a lawyer, you can reach our law firm 24/7 to schedule a free consultation.

What To Do If You Are Accused of a Crime in Newburgh

Being accused of a crime can mean facing jail time and even permanent damage to your reputation. The stakes are high. Here is what to do if you find yourself in this position:

• Remain silent. One of the most important things to do when you’re accused of a crime is to stay calm. In the stress of the moment, you may be tempted to plead your innocence or try to explain a misunderstanding, but understand that anything you say to law enforcement or others can be used against you, and even the most innocent statement can be misconstrued. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. This is not an admission of guilt but a step to ensure that you do not make a minor mistake that affects the outcome of your whole case.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Even if you’re unsure whether the accusations are serious or whether you need representation, a lawyer with experience in criminal law will help you understand your rights and options. They will explain how to handle interactions with law enforcement and will also help you understand the charges against you, assess the evidence, and, if necessary, start working on getting the charges reduced or dismissed. The earlier you get legal advice, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
• Do not discuss the case with others. While it might feel natural to talk to friends or family members about the accusations, especially since you may want support at this difficult time, avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney. Conversations about your case, even with well-meaning friends, can unintentionally be used as evidence in court. In the same vein, avoid posting anything on social media without discussing it with your attorney. Even innocent social media comments and posts can be used in your case against you.

• Gather documentation. Your attorney will explain how to gather important documents and evidence related to your case. This might include alibi evidence, security camera footage, or any text messages or emails that may help clear your name.

Being accused of a crime is frightening, but working with an experienced attorney can make the process simpler because you have someone protecting your rights.

What To Do If You Are Injured in Newburgh

In Newburgh, if you are injured in an accident—whether in a car crash, slip-and-fall, workplace incident, or any other situation—you may have a legal claim and may have the right to seek compensation, provided that your injuries and losses were caused by someone’s negligence or intentional action. However, even if you have a legal claim, it is important to take these steps to protect your right to compensation:

Get medical attention right away. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, it’s always best to be examined by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, are not always immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention immediately ensures you get proper treatment and it creates a record of what happened, which is important if you file a claim.

Report the incident. For a car accident, call the police and get a police report and contact your insurer. If you’re injured at a business or on someone else’s property, notify the property owner or manager immediately. If you’re injured in a workplace accident, report the injury to your supervisor or employer. Prompt reporting ensures you have documentation to support your claim.

Document as much as you can. Take photos of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any damage to property. Keep a record of your medical treatments, bills, and lost wages due to your injuries. Write down everything you remember about the incident, including the time, place, and people involved. Keep receipts of anything you have had to pay. The more evidence and information you keep, the more facts your attorney has to work with.

Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. One of the most important things you can do after an injury is to reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. A lawyer who specializes in personal injury law can evaluate the circumstances of your case, advise you on your rights, and begin gathering evidence to support your claim for compensation. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, but their initial offers are often much lower than what you actually may need to pay for your bills. A personal injury attorney will negotiate on your behalf, always seeking fair compensation for you.

Stay silent, unless your attorney advises you to talk to others. After an injury, you might be contacted by insurance adjusters who want to settle your claim. While it’s tempting to accept a quick settlement, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer before agreeing to anything, signing anything, or making statements. Insurance companies are notorious for offering settlements that are much lower than what you’re entitled to. An attorney will protect you from being taken advantage of. By the same token, avoid posting on social media or talking to friends and family about your accident or injuries, since anything you post or say can be used against you.

Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel

If you’ve been accused of a crime or have been injured due to an accident, act swiftly to protect yourself. Whether you’re facing criminal charges or dealing with the aftermath of an injury, we may be able to help.

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel specializes in personal injury and criminal law, and we pride ourselves on providing personalized, hands on attention to each of our clients. From the moment the client enters our White Plains, New York offices, through the conclusion of their case by trial, mediation, arbitration or other resolution, our clients are fully apprised of the status of their cases at all times. We offer a free initial consultation to all clients, and are accessible through our two websites, injurylawny.com and dwilawnewyork.com, three blogs, and by fax, e-mail.

Contact our office at (914) 428-7386 to schedule an appointment for your free consultation or visit our websites at injurylawny.com or dwilawnewyork.com. Our law office is 50 miles from the Newburgh City Court, and directions to our law office can be accessed by clicking here.