[{"_1":2,"_3":-5,"_4":-5},"loaderData",{"_5":6,"_7":8},"actionData","errors","root",{"_81":82},"routes/blog",{"_9":10},"posts",[11,12,13,14],{"_15":70,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":71,"_23":72,"_25":73,"_27":74,"_29":30,"_31":-5,"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":76,"_38":39,"_40":39,"_41":77},{"_15":62,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":63,"_23":64,"_25":65,"_27":66,"_29":30,"_31":-5,"_32":67,"_34":35,"_36":68,"_38":39,"_40":39,"_41":69},{"_15":51,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":52,"_23":53,"_25":54,"_27":55,"_29":30,"_31":-5,"_32":56,"_34":35,"_36":57,"_38":39,"_40":39,"_41":58},{"_15":16,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":22,"_23":24,"_25":26,"_27":28,"_29":30,"_31":-5,"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":39,"_41":42},"id",24,"type","post","status","published","title","What to Do If You Are Arrested: A Step-by-Step Guide","slug","what-to-do-if-arrested","content","

An arrest is one of the most frightening experiences a person can face. Your actions in the first few minutes can have profound consequences on the outcome of your case. Understanding your rights is not just helpful — it is essential.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Do Not Resist. Resisting arrest — even if you believe the arrest is unlawful — can result in additional charges and escalate the situation dangerously. Comply physically while asserting your rights verbally.

Step 2: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent. Clearly state, \"I am invoking my right to remain silent.\" Then stop talking. Anything you say can and will be used against you. This right exists precisely for moments like this.

Step 3: Ask for an Attorney Immediately. Say clearly, \"I want an attorney.\" Police must stop questioning you once you make this request. Do not answer any questions about the incident without your lawyer present.

Step 4: Do Not Consent to Searches. You have the right to refuse consent to search your person, vehicle, or home. Politely but firmly state, \"I do not consent to a search.\" This does not prevent police from searching under certain circumstances, but it preserves your legal options.

Step 5: Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney. As soon as you are permitted to make a phone call, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The earlier an attorney is involved, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

","excerpt","Knowing your rights during an arrest can make the difference between freedom and conviction. Here is what you must do — and avoid — the moment you are detained.","featuredImage","","authorId","sortOrder",1,"menuOrder",0,"publishedAt","2026-07-01 09:00:00","createdAt","2026-07-23 05:13:19","updatedAt","categories",[43],{"_15":33,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_23":48,"_49":30,"_50":-5,"_32":33},"taxonomy","category","name","Legal Tips","legal-tips","description","parentId",25,"Understanding Child Custody Laws in New York","understanding-child-custody-new-york","

When a marriage or relationship ends, questions about child custody become the most emotionally charged aspect of the separation. New York law aims to serve the best interests of the child above all else — but understanding how that principle translates into court decisions can be difficult without legal guidance.

Legal vs. Physical Custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child's life — education, healthcare, religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child lives. Courts often award joint legal custody (shared decision-making) while one parent retains primary physical custody, though true joint physical custody arrangements are increasingly common.

How Courts Decide. New York judges consider numerous factors when determining custody: each parent's ability to provide a stable home environment, the child's existing bond with each parent, each parent's willingness to foster the child's relationship with the other parent, the child's own preferences (if old enough), any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and the proximity of each parent's home to the child's school and community.

Parenting Plans. Courts encourage parents to negotiate a parenting plan covering holiday schedules, vacation time, transportation arrangements, and procedures for resolving disputes. A well-crafted parenting plan reduces future conflict and gives children the stability they need.

Modifying a Custody Order. Custody orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances — a parent relocating, a change in the child's needs, or evidence that the current arrangement is no longer in the child's best interests.

","New York custody law can be confusing for parents navigating a separation. This guide explains legal vs. physical custody, how courts decide, and what you can do to protect your relationship with your children.",2,"2026-07-08 10:00:00",[59],{"_15":56,"_44":45,"_46":60,"_23":61,"_49":30,"_50":-5,"_32":56},"Family Law","family-law-news",26,"Five Signs You Need a Business Attorney Now","five-signs-need-business-attorney","

Running a business involves constant legal exposure — from contracts and employment issues to regulatory compliance and disputes. Many entrepreneurs delay seeking legal counsel until a problem has already become serious. Here are five signs you should pick up the phone today.

1. You Are Signing a Contract Without Legal Review. Every contract carries risk. Whether it is a supplier agreement, a lease, or a client services contract, a business attorney can identify hidden liabilities, unfavorable indemnification clauses, and ambiguous language that could cost you dearly in a dispute.

2. A Business Partner Wants Out. Partnership dissolutions are among the most contentious business disputes. If a co-founder or business partner is looking to exit, you need legal counsel to protect your ownership stake, enforce any buyout provisions, and ensure the business can continue operating.

3. You Have Received a Cease-and-Desist Letter. Whether it concerns trademark infringement, a non-compete violation, or defamation claims, a cease-and-desist letter is a serious legal warning. Ignoring it can result in litigation; responding incorrectly can make things worse. An attorney will assess the claim and formulate the right response.

4. You Are Expanding or Taking on Investors. Growth events — new markets, investors, equity arrangements — have significant legal implications. Proper documentation protects all parties and prevents disputes down the line.

5. An Employee or Customer Is Threatening to Sue. Do not wait for a lawsuit to be filed. Involve an attorney the moment you receive a credible legal threat so your response is legally sound from the start.

","Many business owners wait too long to involve legal counsel, turning manageable problems into expensive crises. Here are five warning signs that you need a business attorney immediately.",3,"2026-07-14 11:00:00",[43],27,"Sterling & Rao Associates Named to 2026 New York Legal Elite","sterling-rao-named-ny-legal-elite-2026","

Sterling & Rao Associates is honored to announce that three of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 New York Legal Elite rankings published by New York Business Journal. This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and results our team delivers for clients every day.

Managing Partner Marcus J. Sterling has been included in the Criminal Defense category for the fourth consecutive year. \"This recognition belongs to our entire team,\" Marcus said. \"We fight hard for every client, and I am proud of what we have built here.\"

Senior Partner Priya Rao received recognition in the Family Law category, continuing a streak of honors that began in 2022. Priya commented, \"Family law cases are deeply personal. Being recognized for the work we do to protect families means a great deal.\"

Associate Attorney David Chen received his first New York Legal Elite designation in the Personal Injury category. \"I am grateful for the trust our clients place in us during some of the hardest moments of their lives,\" David said.

The New York Legal Elite program recognizes attorneys nominated and voted upon by their peers across the state. Honorees represent fewer than five percent of New York's licensed attorneys.

We thank our clients, colleagues, and the New York legal community for this recognition. We remain committed to providing the highest quality legal representation to every client who walks through our doors.

","We are proud to announce that Sterling & Rao Associates has been recognized in the 2026 New York Legal Elite rankings, with three of our attorneys honored for their outstanding contributions to the legal community.",4,"2026-07-18 09:00:00",[78],{"_15":67,"_44":45,"_46":79,"_23":80,"_49":30,"_50":-5,"_32":67},"Firm News","firm-news","ENV",{"_83":30},"CF_ANALYTICS_TOKEN"]

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Sterling & Rao

Sterling & Rao Associates Named to 2026 New York Legal Elite

Sterling & Rao

Five Signs You Need a Business Attorney Now

Sterling & Rao

Understanding Child Custody Laws in New York

Sterling & Rao

What to Do If You Are Arrested: A Step-by-Step Guide