Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP

Westchester’s Premier Criminal Defense & Family Law Firm.
Daily legal insight on breaking News12 stories + weekday attorney tips, wins, testimonials, and FAQs.

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

⚖️ FIRM WIN: A Westchester County Family Court Judge issued a final 1½-year Full Stay-Away Order of Protection in favor of our client following a Family Offense Petition—even though the Respondent sought withdrawal of the petition.
#FamilyLaw #WestchesterCounty #OrderOfProtection

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

⭐ Testimonial Tuesday ⭐
“Kind, professional, and very knowledgeable… I left his office feeling relieved and more at ease.”
We're grateful to Chantel for sharing her experience and recognizing both our attorney and welcoming staff.
Learn more about Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP on our website.
#TestimonialTuesday #ClientExperience

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

In a marriage fraud prosecution, intent at the exact moment of marriage is the governing legal element that determines guilt or innocence.

A failing relationship is not a crime, and a marriage that ultimately ends in divorce is not fraudulent as long as genuine intent existed when the vows were taken.

Because direct proof of mindset is rare, prosecutors often rely on circumstantial evidence to infer fraudulent intent.

https://t.co/TSQN9J6aa1

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

In New York, domestic violence allegations can trigger simultaneous Criminal and Family Court proceedings, where decisions in one venue may directly impact the other.

Defending both sides requires careful strategy: testifying in Family Court can risk self-incrimination in a criminal case, while asserting Fifth Amendment rights may allow an adverse inference.

https://t.co/ti3zR6n6be

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

Shining a laser at an aircraft is not a harmless prank—it can temporarily blind or distract a pilot and put lives at risk.
In New York, intentionally targeting an aircraft with a laser can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, while federal law may carry additional criminal penalties and significant FAA fines.
A split-second decision can have life-changing consequences.

https://t.co/xPNWNIf5l1

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

🚨 Arrested in Westchester County?
Stay calm. Stay silent. Ask for an attorney.
Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP is here to protect your rights every step of the way. ⚖️
📞 [phone]
🌐 https://t.co/Sr6tL391OP
#FAQFriday #WestchesterCounty #CriminalDefense #KnowYourRights #WhitePlainsLawyer

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

This Mention Monday, we’re highlighting David R. Sachs, Esq., a partner at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP with experience in divorce, child custody, family law, DWI, and criminal defense matters in Westchester County and surrounding areas.

David is committed to strong advocacy, clear communication, and protecting his clients’ rights throughout every stage of the legal process.

Read more: link in bio.

#MentionMonday #FamilyLaw #CriminalDefense #WestchesterCounty #DWI

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

New Year's Day Kingston train fire: suspect facing felony third-degree criminal mischief + misdemeanor fifth-degree arson.

Arson (Penal Law Art. 150): intentional/reckless fire damage → degrees A misdemeanor to A-I felony. Criminal mischief (Art. 145): intentional/reckless property damage (e.g., vandalism) → degrees A misdemeanor to B felony.

Different elements allow both charges.

⚖️ Attorney David Sachs recently dismissed arson in similar car-burning case.

Facing charges? FREE consult:
📞[phone] | Visit https://t.co/XaIGRYlgj5
#WestchesterLaw #NYCriminalDefense #ArsonCharges #CriminalMischief

[News12WC @News12WC]

TRAIN FIRE: A 25-year-old man accused of starting a Kingston train fire is facing multiple charges. https://t.co/MTUfT0aYAa

#News12WC #Crime

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

New Year's Day Kingston train fire: suspect facing felony third-degree criminal mischief + misdemeanor fifth-degree arson.

Arson (Penal Law Art. 150): intentional/reckless fire damage → degrees A misdemeanor to A-I felony.
Criminal mischief (Art. 145): intentional/reckless property damage (e.g., vandalism) → degrees A misdemeanor to B felony.

Different elements allow both charges.

⚖️ Attorney David Sachs recently dismissed arson in similar car-burning case.

Facing charges? FREE consult:
📞[phone] | Visit https://t.co/XaIGRYlO8D

#WestchesterLaw #NYCriminalDefense #ArsonCharges #CriminalMischief

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

This recent News 12 story about the Orange County home care aide sentenced for abusing an 80-year-old disabled Vietnam veteran is heartbreaking and a clear example of how in-home cameras can make all the difference.

The abuse was captured over several violent incidents and was only uncovered and proven thanks to the family's camera system. As the victim's daughter stated: "If there were no cameras in that house, we never would have known."

@psbnylaw Attorney Andrew Proto explains:

In-home cameras are very effective to protect against elder abuse or any in-home abuse. Without video evidence, cases often depend only on witness statements or third-party records.

As the saying goes, a picture (or in this case, a video) is worth a thousand words. He compares it to dash cams in vehicles, in-car cameras for rideshare/taxi drivers, or recording interactions with police or CPS.

If you're concerned about a loved one's safety in New York, or need guidance on protective measures, orders of protection, or related criminal/family law options, contact Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP.

Free consultation available:
📞 [phone] | Visit https://t.co/XaIGRYlgj5
#News12 #WestchesterLaw #ElderAbuse

[News12WC @News12WC]

HOME AIDE ABUSE: Home care aide gets jail time for abuse of disabled Vietnam veteran.

#News12 #Westchester #Court #Crime #Police #LocalNews #News #HudsonValley

https://t.co/Bs9QMULaJ7

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

This recent News 12 story about the Orange County home care aide sentenced for abusing an 80-year-old disabled Vietnam veteran is heartbreaking and a clear example of how in-home cameras can make all the difference.

The abuse was captured over several violent incidents and was only uncovered and proven thanks to the family's camera system. As the victim's daughter stated: "If there were no cameras in that house, we never would have known."

@psbnylaw Attorney Andrew Proto explains:

In-home cameras are very effective to protect against elder abuse or any in-home abuse. Without video evidence, cases often depend only on witness statements or third-party records.

As the saying goes, a picture (or in this case, a video) is worth a thousand words. He compares it to dash cams in vehicles, in-car cameras for rideshare/taxi drivers, or recording interactions with police or CPS.

If you're concerned about a loved one's safety in New York, or need guidance on protective measures, orders of protection, or related criminal/family law options, contact Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP.

Free consultation available:
📞 [phone] | Visit https://t.co/XaIGRYlgj5

#News12 #WestchesterLaw #ElderAbuse

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

The recent Yonkers crash is a stark reminder: driving with a suspended license can turn a routine drive into serious legal trouble, injuries, and charges.

Attorney Andrew Proto advises:

Periodically checking your driving history is a good idea. Taking proactive steps can usually clear up issues easily before they lead to an arrest, extra points, insurance increases, or full revocation.

With New York State's DMV point system changes approaching, avoiding suspensions and traffic convictions has never been more important.

The best and quickest way to verify your status? Order a standard driver's abstract straight from the official NYS DMV website- https://t.co/smdtzh74rn

Need help clearing a ticket or suspension? Contact Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP for your free consult:
📞Call [phone] | Visit https://t.co/XaIGRYlgj5

#WestchesterLaw #NYTrafficLaw #SuspendedLicense #Yonkers

[News12WC @News12WC]

CRASH INVESTIGATION: Driver accused of hitting police car, taco truck after making illegal U-turn in Yonkers.

#News12 #Yonkers #Crash #Police #LocalNews #News #Westchester #HudsonValley

https://t.co/fKegyHr0Jk

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

The recent Yonkers crash is a stark reminder: driving with a suspended license can turn a routine drive into serious legal trouble, injuries, and charges.

Attorney Andrew Proto advises:

Periodically checking your driving history is a good idea. Taking proactive steps can usually clear up issues easily before they lead to an arrest, extra points, insurance increases, or full revocation.

With New York State's DMV point system changes approaching, avoiding suspensions and traffic convictions has never been more important.

The best and quickest way to verify your status? Order a standard driver's abstract straight from the official NYS DMV website- https://t.co/smdtzh74rn

Need help clearing a ticket or suspension?
Contact Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP for your free consult:
📞Call [phone] | Visit https://t.co/XaIGRYlgj5

#NYTrafficLaw #WestchesterLaw #SuspendedLicense

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

Mention Monday | 2025 Highlight

Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP donated $2,220 to support local education, helping Oakside Elementary 3rd graders visit the Maritime Aquarium. Proud to invest in Westchester schools!

@PeekskillCSD
#WestchesterNY #PeekskillNY #ProtoSachsBrownLLP #EducationMatters

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

❓What exactly is changing under the new point system in New York starting February 26, 2026?

DWI convictions will be 11 points. Aggravated Unlicensed Operation will be 11 points. Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident will be 5 points, Passing a School Bus 8 points, Speeding in a Work Zone 8 points and any moving violation while the motorist is suspended is 11 points.

While the DMV's concern is safety the fines, surcharges, DMV driver responsibility fees, court fees will all be increasing resulting in a major boost in revenue in New York State and for insurance companies.

#PSBLaw #News12 #TrafficUpdate #NYLaw #WestchesterNY

[News12WC @News12WC]

POINTS ON LICENSE: Speeding and phone use will carry higher points as New York is set to overhaul the driver penalty system in February. - https://t.co/CFuHTgRbdQ

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

📰News12- Thank you for covering thank you for covering how the New York DMV is modernizing the point system, with major changes rolling out in mid-February 2026.

❓For viewers asking, "What exactly is changing under the new point system in New York starting February?", here is what you need to know:

The point system assigns points to a motorist's license after a traffic offense. Too many points will result in a suspension/revocation of the motorists license and result in automobile insurance increases.

On February 26, 2026, DWI convictions will be 11 points. Aggravated Unlicensed Operation will be 11 points. Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident will be 5 points, Passing a School Bus 8 points, Speeding in a Work Zone 8 points and any moving violation while the motorist is suspended is 11 points.

While the DMV's concern is safety the fines, surcharges, DMV driver responsibility fees, court fees will all be increasing resulting in a major boost in revenue in New York State and for insurance companies.

Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP |
Criminal Defense & Family Law Firm
📞[phone] | https://t.co/XaIGRYlgj5
(This is general information only and not legal advice.)

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

❓What criminal charges and penalties might someone face under New York law if they fire a gun at a taxi (or other vehicle) during a fare dispute or argument?

Attempted murder is certainly a proper charge in that the prosecution will have to prove that the defendant intended to kill and took a "dangerous step" beyond mere planning to commit the crime. Attempted murder is classified as a first-degree felony, with potential prison sentences up to 20 years, and up to 40 years if the victim suffers severe injuries. The severity of the charge, and consequently the sentence, can depend on the degree of the attempted murder, though the state law specifies attempted murder in the second degree as a Class B felony. Other charges could include reckless endangerment and weapons possession.

#PSBLaw #News12 #Crime #NYCrime

[News12WC @News12WC]

NEW VIDEO: Investigators say Luis Galvez got into a heated argument over the fare, pulled a gun and fired a shot into the passenger seat. The driver was not hit. - https://t.co/vKXtSQQ41B

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

📰News12- Thank you for covering this alarming incident.

For viewers wondering what criminal charges and penalties might someone face under New York law if they fire a gun at a taxi (or other vehicle) during a fare dispute or argument, here is what the law considers:

Attempted murder is certainly a proper charge in that the prosecution will have to prove that the defendant intended to kill and took a "dangerous step" beyond mere planning to commit the crime. Attempted murder is classified as a first-degree felony, with potential prison sentences up to 20 years, and up to 40 years if the victim suffers severe injuries. The severity of the charge, and consequently the sentence, can depend on the degree of the attempted murder, though the state law specifies attempted murder in the second degree as a Class B felony. Other charges could include reckless endangerment and weapons possession.

Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP |
Criminal Defense & Family Law Firm
📞[phone] | https://t.co/XaIGRYlgj5
(This is general information only and not legal advice.)

[Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP @psbnylaw]

❓“How does New York determine whether a parent’s actions rise to the level of criminal negligence or manslaughter when a child is left in a hot car?”

Manslaughter in the second degree is a felony defined as recklessly causing a death, which includes unintentional homicides caused by recklessness.
Criminally negligent homicide is a felony for causing a death through gross negligence, meaning a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise.

Both are felony charges and can result in significant state prison sentences. In this matter the mother will also face additional collateral consequences such as potential immigration consequences, Child Protective Services consequences and a civil proceeding in the family court.

#PSBLaw #News12WC #NYCrime

[News12WC @News12WC]

TODDLER DEATH LATEST: Authorities have released new details about the death of a 2-year-old Middletown girl, who investigators say was left inside a hot car for hours while her mother was workin. - https://t.co/0uITfDiQy2

#News12 #Crime