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Unlocking New Beginnings: Suffolk County Lawyer Jason Bassett Guides Residents on Sealing Criminal Records Under New York’s Clean Slate Act

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In Central Islip, New York, individuals looking to lessen the impact of past criminal convictions can explore the process of sealing their records. Jason Bassett, a criminal defense attorney in Suffolk County, emphasizes that obtaining a sealed record can significantly improve various aspects of a person’s life, including job opportunities and housing options. His law firm, the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C., specializes in guiding clients through this legal process in accordance with New York state law. Sealing a criminal record can make a considerable difference for those who have completed their sentences yet … Read more

Judge Grants Emotional Reunion for Detained Activist and Newborn Son Amid Controversy Over Family Separation

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NEW YORK — Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil met his one-month-old son for the first time on Thursday after a federal judge intervened in a case that has sparked controversy over family separation and political motivations behind detentions. Khalil has been held in a Louisiana jail since March 8, marking him as the first individual arrested under the Trump administration’s aggressive stance against protests related to the conflict in Gaza. Khalil, a legal permanent resident and a Columbia University alum, faced challenges in seeking permission to attend his son’s birth. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement initially … Read more

Policy Institute Challenges Far-Reaching NAR Settlement, Warns of Judicial Overreach in Real Estate Reform

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WASHINGTON — A nonpartisan research organization is challenging a recent settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), arguing that it could undermine the separation of powers in the U.S. legal system. The Institute has filed a proposed brief expressing concerns over what it describes as an overreach in judicial authority that could set a precedent for private antitrust litigation. The organization contends that the settlement, which aims to reform certain practices in the real estate industry, raises significant questions regarding the legitimacy of using a class-action agreement to impose extensive structural changes without legislative … Read more

Prosecutor Declines Retrial for Former Officer in Patrick Lyoya’s Murder Case After Deadlocked Jury

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced he will not pursue a retrial for former police officer Christopher Schurr, following a mistrial in Schurr’s murder case. The decision comes weeks after a jury was unable to reach a verdict regarding the charges against Schurr, who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, a 27-year-old Congolese immigrant, during a traffic stop in April 2022. Becker had previously stated he would take time to weigh the potential options available, which included retrying Schurr, dropping the charges, or considering a plea agreement. Ultimately, he decided that another trial … Read more