CRIMINAL DEFENSE

CRIMINAL LAW

Criminal Defense

A criminal advocate, more commonly known as a criminal defense attorney, is a type of lawyer who specializes in criminal law. Specifically, a criminal defense attorney focuses on protecting the legal rights of their client and making sure that the rights laid out in the U.S. Constitution continue to be upheld as they were intended.

A criminal defense attorney may be hired by either a single defendant or a group of defendants who have been charged with a crime. These kinds of lawyers help guide their clients through every step of a criminal case as well as through the justice system. In addition, criminal defense attorneys assist in getting their clients' sentences reduced and can put forth requests for alternative sentencing options if such an option is available.

Criminal charges should be taken very seriously. Many convictions can lead to hefty criminal fines and jail time. When someone is charged with a crime, society tends to view them in a negative light, regardless of the outcome of the case. Our criminal defense firm, however, bases its mission on the ideal that each accused person is innocent until proven guilty. With this principle serving as the foundation of our work, our attorneys work tirelessly to defend clients charged with all criminal matters ranging from minor misdemeanors to felony charges for homicide.

SPECIALIZED DEFENSE FOR SERIOUS CHARGES

As a premier New York law firm, we provide aggressive, sophisticated defense strategies to protect your rights, your reputation, and your freedom. Our New York law firm routinely represents clients across a broad spectrum of criminal matters:

  • Drug Crimes — From simple possession to distribution, the penalties in New York can be harsh. We investigate every detail of the police intervention, often finding that evidence was obtained through an illegal search.
  • Violent Crimes & Homicide — Assault, domestic violence, and homicide charges require a defense attorney with the resources to conduct private investigations, interview witnesses, and challenge forensic evidence.
  • Sex Offenses — These charges carry a heavy social stigma and the threat of long-term registration. We work tirelessly to protect your privacy and ensure you receive a fair trial based on facts, not assumptions.
  • Theft (Larceny) — In New York, theft is legally referred to in categories as Petit Larceny, Grand Larceny, and Common Defense. It is the act of taking, obtaining, or withholding property.
  • Burglary — Burglary occurs when an individual knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime therein.
  • Arson — Arson involves intentionally damaging property by starting a fire or causing an explosion. This is considered an especially serious crime due to the inherent risk to human life and the potential for widespread destruction.

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

Understanding the journey of a criminal case is the first step toward building a defense. Our firm guides you through every phase, including:

  • Stop, Detention, and Arrest: Law enforcement briefly detains an individual based on reasonable suspicion or takes them into custody following a finding of probable cause.
  • Search and Seizure: The legal process where authorities examine a person's property or person and collect evidence.
  • Booking and Filing Charges: Following an arrest, the prosecutor formally determines which specific crimes will be charged in court.
  • Plea Bargaining: The defense and prosecution reach an agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
  • Trial: A judge or jury hears arguments and examines evidence to determine a defendant's guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Criminal Sentencing: If a defendant is found guilty, the judge determines the legal punishment, which may include fines, community service, or incarceration.
  • Appeal: A legal request for a higher court to review the trial's proceedings to ensure no significant legal errors occurred.

WHAT TYPES OF CRIMINAL DEFENSES MAY BE AVAILABLE?

There are several categories of criminal defenses which may be available to a defendant in their case, including:

  • Self-defense
  • Duress or necessity
  • Insanity
  • Intoxication
  • Alibi
  • Entrapment
  • Mistake

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY?

There are many advantages to having a choice over which criminal defense attorney a person can hire. For one, it means that the attorney that a person selects is someone whom they felt comfortable working with and can trust.

Another advantage to choosing a criminal defense attorney is that a person can narrow down the type of lawyer they are looking for, such as the amount of experience they have, how much they are willing to pay for them, their past track record for similar cases, and so forth.

CAN A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY HELP ME?

If you are suspected of committing a crime or have been charged with committing a crime, it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can assist you with asserting a defense which is available in your case and will represent you during court appearances.

If you are currently facing charges for committing a crime, you should contact a local criminal lawyer immediately. An experienced criminal lawyer can determine whether there are any defenses available that you can raise and can help you devise a legal strategy that has the potential to reduce or drop the charges. Your lawyer can also inform you of your legal rights as a criminal defendant and can make sure that those rights are being protected. Call our office today or complete the convenient online contact form to set up a consultation.