Does your Office handle cases involving minors?

Yes. We are also experts in handling cases where the arrested person is a minor. Depending on the age of the person when the crime occurred and the charges being faced, a minor may have their case removed to Family Court, where the process is different than adult Criminal Court. If you or a family member has been arrested, for either a felony or a misdemeanor, and were under 18 when the crime occurred, we can explain how the juvenile justice system works in general and how it is likely to play out for your specific case.

How does your Office approach plea deals?

We start by evaluating every legal defense available before considering a plea. If a plea bargain is the most strategic option, we negotiate forcefully to reduce charges or secure alternatives like diversion programs, probation, or reduced sentencing. Every decision we make centers on protecting your long-term future, not just resolving your case quickly.

What's the difference between hiring your Office and using a public defender?

Making the right choice between a public defender and a private defense attorney involves carefully considering your legal situation, the complexity of your case, and your financial capabilities.

When hiring our firm, you are guaranteed to have individualized attention to the specific needs of your case, and have an attorney to speak with whenever you have a question. We pick and choose our cases in a deliberate manner to ensure we are always able to offer unparalleled focus to each case. Moreover, we have the necessary resources - such as private investigators -  to try to counter  specific allegations that may be necessary for the State to secure a conviction.

While public defenders are generally experienced attorneys with an understanding of the criminal justice system, public defenders tend to have a very high caseload, preventing individualized case attention and reliable communication with the client. Any burden preventing individualized focus on case details may potentially allow for evidence helping the State’s case to “slip through the cracks.”

As mentioned above, deciding whom to have represent you is a personal decision. However, the lasting consequences of having a criminal record as well as the collateral consequences associated with having a criminal record should encourage anyone facing criminal charges to choose an attorney whom they implicitly trust, can always communicate with, and will turn over every stone to fight the case as hard as it can be fought.

Can your Office help clear my criminal record?

Yes. While New York State does not “expunge” past convictions, we can assist with “sealing” prior eligible convictions. If you qualify, we can file a petition to remove or restrict access to past charges or convictions, and argue for sealing in Court. This can significantly improve your opportunities for employment, housing, and other areas of life where background checks matter. We’ll guide you through the full process.

What types of cases does your Office handle?

We represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including DUIs, drug charges, violent assaults, and juvenile crimes, among several others. We can also assist you with sealing prior convictions, administrative hearing defenses, and much more. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony charge, or issues you’re facing related to the justice system, we develop a custom defense strategy based on the facts of your case. Our goal is always to protect your rights, mitigate penalties, and secure the best possible outcome.

How much does it cost to hire your Office?

Legal fees vary based on the severity and complexity of the case, but we’re always transparent about pricing. We offer flat-rate or hourly options depending on the matter and provide flexible payment plans when possible. Generally speaking, felony charges and cases sought to be handled in Family Court tend to be more complex and require deeper understanding of relevant law, while misdemeanor charges can generally be resolved with less complexity - though there are always exceptions. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through the expected costs so there are no surprises down the road.

What happens after I hire your Office to represent me?

Once you decide to retain us, the first step we take is to dive into the procedural posture of your case, and learn as much about the facts of the case as possible. This will require fairly constant communication with you in the early stages. Our goal is to get ahead of the charges being faced. Next, we’ll reach out to your assigned prosecutor, or Assistant District Attorney, to learn more about the State’s position on your case and seek to examine all the evidence the State intends to use against you. From there, each case tends to navigate in a unique way. We may choose to engage in plea bargaining, or fight to suppress certain evidence. No matter what, you will be in the loop every step of the way and understand exactly what’s going on, and why.

I received a Desk Appearance Ticket (D.A.T.). What does that mean?

A Desk Appearance Ticket, or D.A.T., is a written order that is issued by the police, which requires a person to appear in criminal court on a specific date and time - also known as a return date. At the return date, an accused person will be arraigned, and expected to respond to accusations that they have committed a crime.

D.A.T.’s are issued in place of putting a person through the formal arrest process. However, it is important to note that while these tickets are more serious than NYPD summonses, a person is not considered guilty of a crime just because they receive a D.A.T., however, they have been arrested. Simply, it is the same as any other arrest, but you are released that same day with a date to return to court.

Have More Questions? Let Us Help.

You can call us directly at 212-457-9790 or fill out a contact form to schedule a private consultation. We’ll review your case, discuss your legal options, and answer any questions you have. It’s completely confidential, and there’s no pressure to commit. It’s your first step toward a stronger defense.

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