Criminal Defense
Facing a criminal investigation or arrest is one of the most critical challenges an individual or business professional can confront. A criminal conviction carries life-altering consequences, including substantial fines, probation, incarceration, loss of professional licensing, and severe immigration repercussions. Navigating the criminal justice system requires far more than routine courtroom representation; it demands an aggressive defense strategy, meticulous constitutional analysis, and an intimate command of prosecutorial procedure.
Our criminal defense practice is led by former prosecutors who have handled thousands of cases from both sides of the courtroom. We understand how the government builds its cases, how law enforcement gathers evidence, and where state and federal investigations are vulnerable to challenge. From pre-indictment intervention to jury verdict, we leverage this insider perspective to dismantle the prosecution’s theory, protect your constitutional rights, and secure the most favorable outcome possible.
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In the New York penal system, a felony charge represents the most severe category of offense, carrying potential state prison sentences, significant asset forfeiture, and enduring post-release disabilities. A felony conviction can result in lifelong barriers to employment, loss of civil rights, mandatory public registry requirements, and permanent damage to personal and professional reputations.
Mounting an effective felony defense requires immediate, proactive intervention—often beginning well before formal indictment:
Pre-Indictment Intervention: In New York, felony charges must generally be presented to a Grand Jury. Intervening early allows us to negotiate pre-indictment dispositions, present exculpatory evidence, or prepare clients to testify strategically before the Grand Jury to prevent an indictment entirely.
Suppression and Constitutional Motions: We aggressively scrutinize law enforcement conduct. By challenging unlawful stops, defective search warrants, coerced statements, and improper identification procedures under New York and federal constitutional law, we fight to suppress evidence and secure case dismissals.
Comprehensive Trial Defense: When a case proceeds to trial, our litigators bring seasoned courtroom advocacy before the jury, cross-examining government witnesses, challenging forensic and physical evidence, and presenting a compelling defense designed to achieve an acquittal.
Strategic Plea Negotiations: When trial is not the optimal strategic choice, our prosecutorial background enables us to negotiate from a position of strength, securing non-custodial dispositions, charge reductions, and diversionary program alternatives.
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While classified as "lesser" crimes than felonies, misdemeanors are serious legal matters that carry sentences of up to 364 days in jail, steep financial penalties, mandatory surcharges, and a permanent criminal record. Beyond statutory penalties, a misdemeanor conviction can trigger job loss, professional disciplinary actions, housing disqualification, and adverse immigration consequences for non-citizens.
We defend clients against all classes of misdemeanor charges, including:
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DWAI) and vehicular offenses.
Assault, menacing, and domestic incident allegations.
Petit larceny, shoplifting, and criminal possession of stolen property.
Drug possession and controlled substance offenses.
Harassment, criminal mischief, and weapon possession charges.
Our attorneys apply the same aggressive preparation to misdemeanors as we do to high-level felonies. We identify evidentiary flaws, exploit inconsistencies in police reports and civilian witness statements, and actively pursue dismissals, Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACDs), or reductions to non-criminal violations that protect your clean record.
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Federal criminal investigations operate under an entirely different legal, investigative, and procedural landscape than state court proceedings. Federal cases are investigated over months or years by well-resourced agencies—such as the FBI, IRS, DEA, and SEC—and are prosecuted aggressively by the United States Attorney’s Office. Federal sentencing follows rigid, highly calculated Federal Sentencing Guidelines where statutory minimums and sentencing enhancements can result in severe terms of incarceration.
Our firm provides sophisticated defense counsel across a broad range of federal and white-collar matters:
Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and healthcare fraud schemes.
Tax evasion, money laundering, and structured financial transaction charges.
Racketeering (RICO), conspiracy, and interstate commercial offenses.
Federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Responses to Grand Jury subpoenas, target letters, and corporate internal investigations.
In federal practice, early engagement is paramount. We work with clients during the investigative and pre-charge phases to mitigate exposure, manage institutional risk, and negotiate with federal prosecutors before indictments are unsealed. Where charges are filed, we construct rigorous procedural and statutory defenses while positioning the client for substantial downward variances and departures under federal sentencing law.
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D. Investigations, Arrests, and Arraignments
The early hours of a criminal proceeding often dictate the ultimate outcome of the entire case:
Pre-Charge Investigation Defense: If you are contacted by law enforcement, detectives, or federal agents, having counsel present prevents you from making unwitting, damaging statements. We step between you and law enforcement to manage all communications.
Arraignment and Bail Advocacy: Under New York's bail reform statutes, securing an immediate, favorable release decision at arraignment is vital. We present persuasive arguments regarding ties to the community, employment, and statutory release factors to keep our clients out of pre-trial detention.
Desk Appearance Tickets (DATs): We represent individuals issued DATs in New York City and surrounding counties, coordinating their initial court appearance and seeking immediate resolutions that avoid future appearances whenever possible.
Orders of Protection: Criminal cases often involve temporary orders of protection that can force individuals from their homes or restrict access to their families. We contest overly broad orders and seek modifications to minimize family and personal disruption.
Trial-Tested Defense When Liberty Is on the Line
Whether you are facing an active investigation, an unexpected arrest, or formal state or federal charges, our former prosecutors provide the decisive legal command and tactical insight your defense requires.