Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Dual Citizenship
A Boutique Practice
Legal Services Offered
I am an attorney with a boutique practice focusing on dual citizenship, civil litigation, and personal injury. I am a dual Italian citizen, having gone through the consular process here in New York City. I'm the child of Sicilian immigrants and the first in my family to graduate from law school. I am admitted to practice in New York State. I am a member of the New York City Bar Association, the Queens Bar Association, and the Columbian Lawyers Association. If you're in need of an attorney for a civil matter, don't hesitate to reach out.
Civil Litigation
Civil Cases-Plaintiffs and Defendants
Civil litigation covers matters that are not heard in criminal court. This type of case may arise when you have a dispute with someone over money and/or a specific action you want them to perform. Civil litigation cases may be settled outside of court, or they may go before a judge.
If you are planning to file a civil lawsuit, it is important to be aware that you may have a limited amount of time. Civil claims are typically subject to a statute of limitations, which is a specific time frame in which claims can be filed. For this reason, it is important to move quickly if you are thinking about filing a civil claim. On the other side of the coin, if you are being sued, it is important to hire an attorney to protect your interest and keep the other side in check.
Personal Injury
Torts Cases
My office is capable of handling all types of personal injury cases in New York State, including:
- Car accidents - If you were injured because of another driver’s actions, my office can help you get the money you need to move on.
- Construction accidents - If you are injured while on a construction site, you may be entitled to compensation above and beyond what worker’s compensation will pay. I can help you explore this possibility.
- Slip and falls - If you fall and sustain an injury while in an unsafe environment, the property owner may be responsible.
- Wrongful death - If you have lost a loved one because of medical malpractice or some other form of negligence, I can help you pursue justice.
If your personal injury lawsuit is successful, you will receive a settlement designed to cover all of your expenses and losses related to the incident.
Dual Italian Citizenship
Full Service Document Procurement and Court Orders For Dual Citizenship Purposes
If you're interested in making a claim on dual Italian citizenship through the blood line (jure sanguinis) and would like professional help instead of doing it yourself, I can assist with full service consulting and document procurement to prepare you for your appointment with the Italian consulate here in the US, or with the local comune if you are applying directly in Italy.
Perhaps you are in need of a court order. Often when pursuing dual Italian citizenship, the need for court orders arises. Whether it's a court order to release a vital record in NY State, a court order to amend a vital record, or a "one and the same person" court order. I have successfully petitioned the NY State Supreme Court for court orders for dual Italian citizenship purposes. Only licensed attorneys can petition the court on your behalf.
Hiring a private attorney to commence civil litigation and see it through from commencement to conclusion is VERY EXPENSIVE, and will require a substantial financial effort on a client's part. Hence, this service is suitable for those that consider their dual citizenship to be an important investment in their future, and understand the value that a knowledgeable professional brings. Document procurement fees range from $3500-$7000, depending on the unique facts and circumstances of each case.
New York State Court Orders Pertaining to Vital Records
Court Orders To Release Vital Records- Pursuant To Article 78 Of The Civil Practice Law and Rules
New York State has strict privacy laws when it comes to deceased individuals' vital records. The guiding law is NY Public Health Law 4174 and it limits who is entitled to a deceased person's birth certificate or death certificate in New York State (not New York City, which is more lenient). This makes it necessary to procure a court order to release a vital record in certain circumstances when pursuing dual citizenship. This involves commencing an adversarial lawsuit against the state, which has the potential to become complicated.
Court Orders To Amend Vital Records
Often when pursuing dual citizenship, an applicant will find discrepancies across vital records. When the need to amend a vital record arises, this involves commencing litigation against either the city or the state. It is an essence an adversarial lawsuit and has the potential to become lengthy, drawn out, and complex. I have experience dealing with these cases, and can assist you with amending your New York State or New York City vital records.
One and the Same Person Court Orders
Sometimes when pursuing dual citizenship, an applicant may need a "one and the same person" court order. This is a declaratory judgment from the court stating that it is the same person across different vital records which contain discrepancies. Each situation is fact specific, and sometimes it is plausible to procure a "one and the same person" court order rather than amend multiple documents.