Suffolk New York Jury Instruction — Good Faith Reliance Upon Advice of Counsel is a crucial concept in the legal system. When facing charges or allegations, individuals in Suffolk County, New York, have the right to rely on legal counsel's advice and guidance. This jury instruction serves to protect defendants from potential criminal liability if they acted in good faith based on advice provided by their attorney. In Suffolk County, New York, there are two main types of jury instructions related to the Good Faith Reliance Upon Advice of Counsel defense: 1. General Good Faith Reliance Upon Advice of Counsel Instruction: This instruction is provided when a defendant's beliefs, actions, or omissions are based on the reasonable advice of legal counsel. It states that if the defendant genuinely believed that their conduct was lawful and acted in good faith, they should not be held criminally responsible, even if their actions later prove to be illegal. 2. Knowledge of Criminality Instruction: This instruction focuses on situations where the defendant was aware that their actions were likely illegal, but relied on their attorney's advice in an attempt to avoid liability. It emphasizes that if a defendant had actual knowledge that their conduct was criminal or chose not to seek legal advice, they cannot claim "good faith reliance." Both types of jury instructions in Suffolk County highlight the importance of seeking and following the advice of legal professionals. The instructions aim to strike a balance between allowing individuals to trust their legal representation and ensuring accountability if they are found to be aware of their criminal actions. Understanding and applying these jury instructions is crucial for defense attorneys and jurors in Suffolk County to reach fair and just verdicts. By considering the defendant's good faith reliance upon advice of counsel, the legal system seeks to uphold the principles of justice while safeguarding individuals' rights within Suffolk County, New York.