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Top NYC Criminal Attorneys and NYC Criminal Lawyers.

nyc criminal lawyers over 30 years of experienceThere’s no substitute for excellence

Spodek Law Group handles tough cases
nationwide, that demand excellence.

Get Free Consultation

 

Faced 5+ Years in Prison

People Vs Joseph Amico

The case was covered by NYDaily News. Las Vegas client was accused of threatening a prominent attorney.

Faced 10+ Years in Prison

People Vs. Anna Sorokin

The case was covered by the New York Times, and many major media outlets. Our client was accused of conning the city's wealthy, and had a Netflix special made about her.

Faced 3+ Years in Prison

People Vs. Genevieve Sabourin

Our client was accused of stalking Alec Baldwin. The case gained attention nationwide, with USAToday, NYPost, and other major media outlets watching it closely.

Faced Potential Charges

Ghislaine Maxwell Juror

Our client was a juror in the Ghislane Maxwell trial. Our juror was accused of not disclosing relevant information, which could have been grounds for overturning the trial.

Top NYC Criminal Lawyers. Period.

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. We’re focused on providing the highest level of customer service, and case results for our clients. Our New York criminal defense lawyers are focused on servicing a very curated clientele, that expects high class service and exceptional understanding of the law. We have experience handling the toughest legal situations – that require experience, and excellence, in order to get the best possible legal outcomes for our clients. We have over 50 years of combined experience handing legal situations – nationwide, and even internationally. When you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, Spodek Law Group is a firm that will be on your radar. Our reputation is well received by other attorneys and members of the media alike.

Service Matters

Our law firm is dedicated to giving you the highest possible level of customer service. We treat you like family. You always know what's the status of your case.

Direct Interactions

When you hire our NYC criminal lawyers, you're working directly with one of our senior attorneys. This means better success, and outcomes.

Top Rated Criminal Attorneys

Our New York criminal attorneys have 100's of 5 star reviews. We've been featured in the media, and have won many accolades by lawyer rating websites.

Risk Free Consultation

Our NYC criminal attorneys offer a risk free consultation so you can ask any questions you have, and so we can together come up with a plan that will get you the best outcome.

Why Spodek

We're a completely cloud based law firm. Use our online portal to make payments, track your case, and more.

We help clients nationwide, with a wide array of legal issues and federal agencies. We can help you regardless of the crime.

Many of our cases have been followed closely by the media. Todd is a trusted figure in the legal community by the media for his knowledge.

At Spodek Law Group, P.C.,
our NYC Criminal Attorneys believe that experience
and service creates results.

 

 

I was searching for a law firm with some power to help me deal with a warrant in New York . After 6 days I decided to go with Spodek Law Group. It helped that This law firm is well respected by not only the top law firms in New York , but the DA , Judge as well. I...

Fonder Brandon
5 Stars

It was my good fortune to retain Spodek Law Group for representation for my legal needs. From the beginning, communication was prompt and thorough. Todd, Kenneth and Alex were the first people I worked with and they all made me, and my company Qumana skincare feel comfortable and confident that the team was going to work hard for me. Everything...

A G
5 Stars

After meeting with several law firms, I chose the Spodek Law Group not only for their professionalism and experience, but for the personal attention given to me right from the initial consultation. It is important to recognize how crucial having the right legal team is when faced with potentially life altering events that impact families and the lives of loved...

George Cherubini

NY Post

The juror at the center of Ghislaine Maxwell’s bid for a mistrial has lawyered up with the attorney who represented “fake heiress” Anna Sorokin, new court documents show.

Read More

BBC News

Spodek Law Group's representation of client Anna Delvey is set to become a Netflix series, directed by Shonda Rhimes. Click to read the story.

Read More

Meet Todd Spodek

WE PROVIDE WHITE GLOVE SERVICE TO CLIENTS
WHO WANT MORE FROM THEIR NYC DEFENSE ATTORNEY

The Spodek Law Group has a reputation for handling high-profile cases. We have a clientele that is nationwide, and we have offices in both LA and NYC to service our diverse clientele. Our distinguished NYC criminal attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience.

Attorney Todd Spodek is a well known, and well respected, second generation NYC criminal defense attorney who has immense legal experience. His experience has led to him successfully handling 1000’s of cases that were tough, and hard to win. His work has resulted in him being featured on major media outlets like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Insider.com, Bloomberg, WSJ, and others.

In 2022, Netflix released a special series about one of Todd Spodek’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin.

Anna Delvey Promotional Banner from Netflix --- she was represented by NYC criminal defense attorney Todd Spodek

Why Clients Nationwide Choose Spodek Law Group’s NYC Criminal Defense Attorneys

Every potential client has multiple criminal defense options when choosing their next lawyer. Spodek Law Group is a well known, top pick, because we offer white glove service and are unafraid of fighting for our clients. Other law firms care more about their reputation with the prosecutor, and other court officials – we are focused on our clients, and getting them the best outcome possible. Every client who works with Spodek Law Group is aware they have a problem, and need to pick a fighter who will help them. Hiring Spodek Law Group means you’re taking your future seriously, and are choosing to hire a top rated law firm who has a reputation for winning fights. Our attorneys handle cases nationwide, and are here to help you. Our goal is to take on clients who we believe we can truly help.

We’re selective about the clients we work with – in order to ensure that every client gets a consistent successful outcome. We want to make a difference. This is different form other law firms who take on any client whose willing to pay. When you reach out to our law firm, the process begins with a free consultation. During this consultation you can ask us anything you want. We encourage you to take this opportunity to ask tough questions which enable us to show our experience, expertise, and case results.

 

If you, or a family member, is accused of committing a crime – or you have any legal issue at all, contact us for a risk free consultation. Our criminal lawyers are available – 24/7, to help you with any of your legal questions. We believe quality representation isn’t something that should be hard to find.

 

A team with
experience and vision

Todd Spodek, ESQ

Founding Partner | Managing Partner

Quoted and Featured in Major Media Outlets Nationwide

Attorney Todd Spodek is our managing partner, and a second generation criminal defense attorney in New York. During his career, Todd Spodek has garnered immense experience handling tough, and hard to win legal cases. His experience ranges, from handling tough federal crimes, to complex misdemeanors, divorce cases, criminal defense cases with immigration consequences, and other legal issues.

 

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NYC CRIMINAL LAWYERS
SUPERIOR SERVICE
SUPERIOR RESULTS

Our NYC Criminal Lawyers handle tough cases
nationwide, that demand excellence

Over 50 Years Combined Experience

The Spodek Law Group is a tier 1 top rated criminal defense law firm. We believe that hiring your next defense attorney isn’t a simple decision. There’s many candidates and variables to look at when evaluating law firms. If you’re accused of committing a crime, then you need a criminal defense attorney who is available 24/7 to help you. Our criminal attorneys NYC are here to defend you, and be your advocate. Unlike other criminal defense law firms, we charge reasonable fees, offer white glove service, and offer payment plans. We have been highly rated by business ranking websites like Avvo, Yelp, Google Places, and others.

No Two New York Criminal Defense Lawyers Are The Same

Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy in order to fight your case, and save their own time. They don’t look carefully at your situation – they simply want to move on to the next case. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stone unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results. We understand the difficult and challenges of going through a case. If you’re accused of a crime, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today.

Our NYC Criminal Defense Attorneys Will Defend You Vigorously

When you hire a criminal defense attorney, he, or she, will question the authorities on all aspects of the case. The attorney works for you, and conducts an investigation on your behalf. The attorney will look into how the evidence was gathered, and will move to prevent the case from escalating. Having an attorney whose willing to go to the extreme for you is crucial at a time like this. Criminal records  can have a huge impact on your life. It can result in a denial of government benefits, housing benefits, and more.

 

Our Law Firm’s Philosophy

We treat every single active, and prospective client, like family. We give you the best possible advice, and work hard for you. Our team of criminal defense attorneys in NYC are all united by this one belief: you are family. Our team consists of some of the brightest and best minds in the country. The government is overzealous when prosecuting people – and because of this, you want an attorney on your side who understands how to be aggressive. Our defense law firm is your shield. We protect you from overzealous prosecutors. We look for evidence, analyze allegations, and diffuse potential issues that prosecutors might be sensitive to. Sometimes – the truth is irrelevant, the prosecutors just want to win. With this in mind, our NYC criminal attorneys focus on creating a unique strategy for your case. When handling your case, we work to strike down evidence whenever, and wherever. Our goal is to ensure no case is brought against you. If needed, it can also mean filing an appeal if we feel the judge isn’t behaving correctly and judging the facts correctly. Our criminal attorneys provide the highest level of defense – for each, and every, single client. We handle a wide array of cases, ranging from simple misdemeanors, to complicated federal crimes. If you’re facing criminal charges, you’re at risk of losing your freedom, and liberty.

Do I need a criminal defense attorney?

In the USA – if you’re charged with a felony or misdemeanor, it’s your right to have a criminal defense attorney present with you. If you’re arrested, you have the right to hire a criminal attorney or have one appointed to you. If you’re charged with a non-criminal violation, like harassment, or traffic offense, you don’t necessarily need a criminal defense attorney. Hiring an experienced defense lawyer is in your best interests. You want a criminal attorney to represent you in order to ensure your rights aren’t violated. If you hire the right attorney, it’s possible to avoid going to jail and resolving your case. Many people assume that just because they’re guilty – they should plead guilty – in order to avoid a trial. While you can do this – it doesn’t mean you’ll get a lighter sentence.

Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force to them. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group – we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the leg work to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold firm meetings in order to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency – we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.

Experienced New York Criminal Defense Lawyers | Spodek Law Group

Our criminal defense lawyers represent clients who are targets of federal investigations, who are arrested of criminal wrongdoing, or who are subject/witness to a law enforcement agency inquiry/investigation. Whatever the reason is that you’re now looking for a criminal attorney, we recognize any conviction – or any whisper of wrongdoing, can hurt your life. Whatever your reason for finding a criminal attorney, we recognize that any conviction will harm your chances of leading a fulfilling life. Our goal is to prevent the case from ever going to a judge, or jury. We are aware the implications a criminal conviction can have on your case. We handle a wide array of criminal defense cases such as:

  • white collar crimes
  • domestic violence crimes
  • computer crimes
  • violent crimes
  • property crimes
  • dwi and dui
  • drug, controlled substances
  • license defense
  • and more

What makes you the best choice for a criminal lawyer in NYC?

You’re scrolling through Google and trying to find right the lawyer. Your search ends here. Welcome to the Spodek Law Group – we’re not your average law firm. Our team of tough criminal defense lawyers know a thing or two about beating criminal charges in NYC. We have over 50 years of combined experience, and we’ve faced seemingly impossible cases – and have come out on on top. We have experience – we’ve seen it all, We empathize with you – we understand this is tough on you, and most importantly – we have a tough legal team who wins. 

Our team listens to you: your story, your fears, your goals, we’re all ears. We care about your story, We’re here to help you you, and that begins by understanding and listening to you. 

Our team fights for you: unlike other attorneys who care about their reputation with local prosecutors and judges, our only focus is getting you the best outcome possible. We fight to turn your worry into hope and positive outcomes. Our goal is to win – and that can vary depending on what you need. Above all, winning is what we’re focused on. 

Our team can handle all types of criminal defense cases, such as federal cases, white collar crimes, DUI defense, theft and burglary, serious felonies, and more. If there’s a way to win, we will find it. We are transparent with our fees, and there are no scary surprises. Choosing a lawyer is a big deal, it’s about trust, results, and feeling like you’ve got someone in your corner. At Spodek Law Group, we’re committed to being your champions – who fight for your cause.

What are the main type of criminal cases prevalent in the State of New York?

Felonies are the most serious type of crime in New York. Felonies are often divided into 5 classes, based on the severity. Class A felonies are the most serious. Some examples of common felonies in NY, include murder, rape, robbery, arson, and drug trafficking. Felonies have the longest potential jail time, ranging from 1-25 years in prison, or potentially life imprisonment.

Misdemeanors are less serious criminal offenses than felonies. There are 3 classes of felonies in the state of New York: Class A, B, and unclassified. Maximum jail time can range from 3 months, to 1 year. Some common misdemeanors in the state of NY include assault, petty theft, prostitution, and DUI.

Violations, also known as infractions, are minor, non-criminal offenses that are punishable by $250, and up to 15 days in jail. Common violations include penalties such as disorderly conduct, trespassing, and traffic infractions.

Felonies are the most serious criminal cases, followed by misdemeanors, and then violations/infractions as the least serious offenses.

What is the Process of Defending a Criminal Case in NYC?

If you, or a loved one, is facing criminal charges in NYC, then it’s likely you’re feeling overwhelmed, and unsure of what happens next. So many people are in this situation, and try their best to figure it out on their own. Unfortunately, the criminal justice system can be very complex, and intimidating, but it’s important that understanding the criminal justice process can help you navigate it more easily.

Step 1: Hire an Experienced NYC Criminal Defense Attorney

The first, and most important, step is to hire a skilled NYC criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling cases like yours in NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island. You should look for an attorney with a track record of success in local courts, positive reviews, and a deep understanding of the court system.

Don’t just go with the cheapest option, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make – your freedom is on the line.

Step 2: Understand the Charges Against You

Our criminal lawyers will review all the evidence and charges against you. Our criminal defense attorneys in New York will distill exactly what you’re being accused of, and what the potential penalties are. Some common criminal charges in NYC include, but are not limited to:

  • Assault
  • Drug possession or distribution
  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft and robbery
  • Domestic violence
  • Sex crimes
  • White collar crimes

Two things that impact the possible sentences are the severity of the charges (misdemeanor vs felony), and your prior criminal record.

Step 3: Investigating & Gathering Evidence

Next, our lawyers will conduct an investigation of your case. We will interview witnesses, analyze police reports, and police procedures, we will review video footage, consult with expert witnesses, and more. Our goal is to poke holes in the prosecution’s case, reducing the severity of the charges, while uncovering evidence that supports your defense. This stage is crucial. IF you hire the wrong attorney and they conduct – a sloppy investigation, it can doom your defense. That’s why you need the Spodek Law Group – we have the resources and connections to do it right. Our firm has an extensive network of private investigators, forensic specialists, and expert witnesses to call upon as needed.

Step 4: Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations

Once we have the facts, our lawyers will file pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss improper charges, and more. Our goal is to weaken the prosecutors case. We will negotiate with prosecutors to see if a plea bargain can be reached, giving you the strongest defense possible. Plea bargains, where you plead guilty in exchange for a reduced charge or sentence, are very common in the criminal justice system. 97% of federal cases end in guilty pleas. But, in our opinion, it has to be the right deal – something your Spodek Law Group criminal defense attorney will fight tooth and nail for. If no agreement is reached with the prosecutor, we are unafraid of  taking your case towards trial.

Step 5: Trial Preparation & Defense

If we decide to take your case to trial, our criminal defense attorneys will prepare to argue your case in front of a judge and jury. Our team of criminal defense attorneys will create a compelling defense case, practice examinations, file motions, prep exhibits, and do everything possible to clear your name. Some potential defense strategies we engage in can include can include, but are not limited to:

Arguing the evidence is insufficient

Presenting alibi witnesses

Challenging police misconduct

Asserting your constitutional rights were violated

Utilizing expert testimony

Claiming self-defense or other justifications

Every single criminal defense case is unique. Our criminal lawyers in New York will tailor the strategy to the facts and charges involved.

Step 6: Sentencing & Appeals

If you’re convicted, our criminal defense attorneys will work on getting you the lowest possible sentence, we will look for mitigating factors and we will try to find – and present – character witnesses. If, there are grounds to appeal the verdict, we will get started on that process immediately. No criminal lawyer can promise a particular outcome, so be careful of anyone who is claiming that.

Why Choosing the Right NYC Criminal Attorney Matters

Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. The stakes are VERY high – your freedom, your future, your family’s wellbeing. You need a criminal defense team that will stand by your side and go to battle for you. At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what we provide and do for you. Our NYC criminal attorneys have a proven track record of success – we’ve got experience handling the toughest state and federal cases. We leave no stone unturned in fighting for our clients.

Some of our recent cases include:

  • Stalking case against actor Alec Baldwin
  • Juror misconduct charges in the Ghislaine Maxwell trial
  • Las Vegas client accused of threatening a prominent attorney
  • Favorable plea deals for clients accused of major financial crimes

But don’t just take our word for it – check out our 635+ 5-star client reviews.

Unmatched Criminal Defense Experience

Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, has over two decades of experience defending clients against every type of criminal charge imaginable. He’s been featured on major media outlets like the New York Times, New York Post, USA Today, and more. Todd has built a team of battle-tested trial lawyers who know the system inside and out. We’ve built relationships with judges, DAs, and officials that we leverage on behalf of our clients.

24/7 Availability

When you’re facing criminal charges, you can’t afford to wait for answers or put off hiring a private criminal attorney. Our criminal attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call, answer your questions, and address your questions. Most importantly: our criminal lawyers will be there for you day and night, weekends and holidays. Your case with us, is our top priority. We intentionally take on fewer clients so we can provide the focused attention you deserve. With us, you’ll never feel like you’re in the dark or on your own.

Affordable Payment Plans

We know top-tier legal representation can be expensive. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans and flat fees to make our services accessible to those who need them. We’ll work with you to find an arrangement that fits your budget.Don’t let financial concerns stop you from getting the best defense possible. The cost of inadequate representation is far higher. Let us help you protect what matters most.

The Spodek Law Group is a top rated criminal defense law firm. We have locations throughout New York state. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to help you with your case. It doesn’t matter how complicated or challenging your case is – we can. Our firm has been interviewed by many major news outlets, such as FOX News, NYPost, and more. At Spodek Law Group, we have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough and complicated criminal defense cases. Many attorneys refer us clients because they know they can trust us to get the best outcome possible for their clients. We don’t take a cookie cutter approach to the law; every case has unique characteristics that truly matter. We work with our clients to understand exactly what happened and how we can use the facts to win the case. Our only objective is to to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished. We’re here to help you. Get a risk free consultation today from one of our criminal lawyers today to learn more. 

What should I expect from a NYC criminal attorney representing me?

When it comes to hiring your next criminal defense lawyer, you want someone who is pragmatic and understands the situation you’re in. You want someone who can strategize multiple different scenarios – and can properly assess the risks at every stage of the process. Your criminal defense attorney needs to be able to effectively communicate this to you in simple terms. It’s expected that every criminal attorney will maintain confidentiality, and that all information you share with him/her are kept confidential. When you hire the Spodek Law Group, you’re hiring a criminal defense law firm in NYC who understands the law, and has experience handling the types of charges you’re facing. In addition, you’re getting a law firm who has extensive court room experience. Not all criminal defense law firms are made the same, some are simply unable to handle the workload associated with more complicated cases. As top notch criminal lawyers in NYC, we take a very hands on approach to helping our clients get the best possible legal outcome. 

What should you if you’re facing criminal accusations?

If you’re facing allegations, and charges, you should hire an experienced NYC criminal defense attorney immediately. There’s no real choice. The right New York defense lawyer will have experience handling situations similar to yours, and can help you get clarity on how to move forward. Regardless of how difficult your criminal defense case is, our NYC criminal defense attorneys are here to help you, and assist you. We have experience in both state and federal crimes. In order for your criminal defense attorney to help you get the best outcome – it’s crucial to be honest with them. It means being honest about mental, health, or drug issues – as these can be factors which impact possible defenses in your case. 

When you meet your potential NYC criminal defense attorney, make sure to bring all documents related to the case regarding your arrest or investigation, that means copies of the charges filed against you, subpoenas, information about items seized, etc. At your initial meeting, your criminal defense attorney will start formalizing a strategy regarding your case, and other potential defenses that could be possible for your situation. Depending on the complexity of the case, and whether put up a formidable defense – this will impact the length of your case. 

Our NYC Criminal Defense Lawyers have Immense Experience 

Regardless of what you’re being investigated for, you need a high powered criminal defense law firm to help you. Our team of defense attorneys has many years of experience dealing with Federal and State Prosecutors. If you reach out to us, we’re prepared to guide you through the legal process, and educate you at every step. We’ve dealt with many complicated federal cases. Our criminal defense attorneys have many years of combined expertise handling complex federal criminal defense cases. We help people everywhere. We understand your life is at stake. 

Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers: Our team of federal defense lawyers can help with any type of crime which crosses state boundaries and is being prosecuted in federal court. In some cases, federal crimes carry a minimum mandatory sentence. It means the judge has no discretion to sentence a lesser term based on mitigating factors. Our law firm has experience handling crimes nationwide. We can provide you with legal representation in courts all over the country. 

Domestic Violence: This is one of the most frequent state crimes we see. Prosecutors take these allegations seriously. Often, prosecutors will respond harshly and overzealously. Many times, domestic violence can lead to physical violence, such as sexual violence, assault, and more. In some cases, a matrimonial issue can result in one spouse making fake allegations as revenge. 

Federal Offenses Must Be Taken Seriously

When you’re being investigated for a crime, it can feel frightening. The stakes are higher if the federal government and state investigators are investigating you at the same time. Federal authorities have immense resources to prove, and investigate guilt. Penalties are very severe in situations where the defendant is convicted of a federal offense. Federal prosecutors will often use the threat of a mandatory sentence in order to get the defendant to take a plea deal. 

You Need To Hire The Best Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one is accused of committing a crime, then it’s time to hire the most experienced New York criminal defense lawyer. Navigating the criminal justice system is super complicated, and without legal representation you could find devastating results. Here’s a few reasons why hiring the best criminal defense attorney is important:

The criminal code contains many rules which are difficult to comprehend. This is one of the main reasons why its important to hire an attorney who exclusively deals with criminal defense law as opposed to general law practitioners. Only experienced criminal defense lawyers will have the experience, and understanding of the courts, to defend your rights.

Criminal defense attorneys who have experience will know how to identify weaknesses in the prosecutors case. Hiring the best criminal defense law firm in NYC will make it possible for you to have a fighting chance. Hiring a criminal defense attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours, will be to analyze the charges and available evidence against you to determine if the government will be able to prove its case. 

Your NYC criminal lawyer is going to be one of your strongest advocates. He, or she, will be with you when you’re being questioned and work to protect you. Anything you say, can and will be used against you if you’re arrested or go to trial later. 

How do I choose the right criminal lawyer in NYC for my case?

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your life. Here are key things to consider when choosing the right criminal defense attorney in NYC for your case. One of the important things to think about is the experience and specialization of the attorney. Ideally, you should look for a criminal attorney in NYC who specializes specifically in criminal defense, and devotes over 50% of their time to work on these types of cases. You should avoid lawyers who occasionally take on criminal cases. It’s important to find someone who has extensive experience practicing criminal defense law in the NY Court System. It’s important your attorney understands the local processes, personalities, and unwritten rules of the local court your case is in. It’s important to consider lawyers who were former prosecutors; they could have good insights into the prosecution’s strategies. Another important thing to look at is the credentials of the attorney. You want someone who graduated from a top law school, and is admitted to the New York State Bar, without any disciplinary issues. Another factor to look at is the number of jury trials taken to verdict, and types of cases similar to yours. Look for a high win/loss ratio, when it comes to jury trials in cases similar to yours. While no one wants to go to trial, it’s important you have an attorney who is ready to go to trial if needed. Most importantly, it’s good to hire a boutique, specialized, criminal defense law firm who can provide attention, and has the resources to handle cases like yours. The NYC criminal lawyer you meet with initially should be the one managing your defense day-to-day. Another variable to look at is the communication skills of the criminal attorney you’re speaking to. You want someone who is passionate about defending you, and has strong communication skills.

What are the possible outcomes of a criminal case in NYC?

Getting arrested is scary – there’s no doubt about that. You’re feeling overwhelmed, and you’re unsure of what comes next. No one knows what will happen next. At junctions like this, it’s important to hire an criminal defense law firm. Our criminal defense attorneys are here to walk you through the process, and potential outcomes. First thing’s first – the prosecutors will decide whether to pursue charges or not. If they do press charges, you’ll be arraigned before a judge who’ll set bail conditions and determine your next court date. From there, it’s a game of chess. Our criminal defense attorneys start building a capable defense strategy – tailored to your situation. We’ll look at all possible outcomes, and fight to get you the best one. There are many potential outcomes of a criminal case, it’s crucial to remember every case is different, and that’s where having the most capable criminal lawyer matters.

Dismissal: Our goal is to poke enough holes in the prosecution’s case to get the charges dismissed entirely. Getting charges dismissed means the case against you is dropped. There’s no criminal record, no penalties.

Plea Bargain: In some cases, the best move is negotiating a deal with reduced charges and reduced sentences. We are very capable of getting great plea bargain deal. We know how to leverage the facts in your favor.

Not Guilty Verdict: If we take your case to trial, we’ll make the strongest argument possible for your innocence. Our goal is to find the evidence that allows us to create the strongest possible defense strategy, so you can walk away without a criminal record.

Common Criminal Charges in NYC

NYC has a wide array of criminal charges that are possible. Some of the most common cases we handle involve, but not are limited to:

The charges, and potential penalties, vary drastically based on the circumstances of your case. It’s because of this, it’s crucial you hire the most skilled  NYC criminal defense lawyer.  We know how to fight the charges you’re facing, and get you a positive outcome.

Factors That Influence Case Outcomes | Criminal Lawyers NYC

There’s no magic formula. There are certain factors can tilt the scales in your favor:

  • Prior Criminal Record – First-time offenders usually are offered more leniency than repeat offenders. It means the court might be more lenient.
  • Evidence & Facts – Holes in the evidence make it easier to get charges reduced, or dismissed. It means a better outcome for you.
  • Mitigating Circumstances – Things like self-defense, lack of criminal intent, or entrapment can lessen the charges.
  • Your Criminal Defense Lawyer – Having an aggressive, experienced NYC criminal defense attorney makes all the  difference. 
  • Plea Bargaining Skills – Our NYC criminal attorneys ability to negotiate a favorable plea deal can help you avoid harsher penalties.

At the end of the day, the outcome of your criminal defense case depends on presenting the facts in the most positive light possible. 

Potential Penalties for Criminal Convictions in NYC

If you are convicted of a crime in NYC, the penalties can include, but are not limited to:

  • Jail/Prison Time – Felonies usually carry prison sentences from 1 year to life; whereas misdemeanors can result in jail time up to 1 year.
  • Financial Fines – Monetary fines can range from hundreds of dollars, to millions of dollars depending on the offense you committed.
  • Probation – You could be sentenced to probation with strict guidelines, instead of incarceration.
  • Community Service – Courts sometimes will order unpaid community service as part of the sentence.
  • Restitution – You may have to pay money to victims to compensate for losses/damages you caused.

The severity of the crime, will impact the severity of the punishment. The severity of the punishment also depends on factors like your criminal history, and the specific crime – whether it was a felony, misdemeanor, or violation. Our skilled NYC criminal defense team explores every possible avenue to minimize the penalties you face. We know all the legal loopholes and leverage mitigating factors in your favor.

Consequences of a Conviction

Beyond the direct penalties, a criminal conviction can also bring “collateral consequences” which can impact your life in many ways:

  • Employment Issues – It could be extremely difficult to find a job in the future, with background checks. 
  • Housing Problems – You may face eviction, be ineligible for public housing, or have trouble renting.
  • Immigration Consequences – Non-citizens can face deportation, be denied citizenship, or have their immigration status revoked.
  • Loss of Rights – You may lose the right to vote, own firearms, receive government benefits, and more. This is serious.

Our criminal lawyers fight relentlessly to avoid these devastating consequences. We understand your future, freedom, and quality of life are all at stake.

Why Hire a Top NYC Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Hiring a private criminal defense attorney at Spodek Law Group is an investment into your future. Having the best possible legal representation is important when you’re facing criminal charges. Our skilled NYC criminal lawyers do more than just show up in court. We thoroughly investigate the facts, we create a defense strategy tailored to your situation, and more importantly we our relationships with prosecutors and judges. Our founding partner Todd Spodek has represented high-profile cases covered by major media outlets like the New York TimesNY Daily NewsUSA Today, and more. We’ve handled high-stakes cases involving allegations like stalking Alec Baldwin, Anna Delvey conning wealthy NYC elites, and juror misconduct in the Ghislaine Maxwell trial.

Beating Criminal Charges in NYC

Many people get charged in NYC, but that doesn’t mean you have to be convicted. It’s possible to beat criminal charges in NYC. Maybe it was a misunderstanding, maybe you really did mess up – either way, you need a solid defense strategy to avoid conviction. Our NY criminal lawyers have seen it all. From drug possession to violent felonies, we know how to fight charges, and most importantly – win cases. That means getting charges dropped, going to trial, and everything in between. 

Lack of Evidence

One of the simplest, and most effective defenses is lack of evidence. Prosecutors who are prosecuting your case, have to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If they don’t have rock solid evidence tying you to the crime, our attorneys can argue for a dismissal of the charges. This defense works best for crimes without much physical proof, like drug possession or theft cases. But, even for violent crimes, if the evidence is circumstantial or there are holes in the prosecution’s case – we can exploit that and get the charges dropped. Our goal is to get you vindicated.

Mistaken Identity

Sometimes the wrong person gets accused of a crime they didn’t commit. This happens more than people would like to believe. Eyewitness misidentification is common, especially when there are factors like poor lighting, stressful situations, or cross-racial identifications. Our criminal lawyers know how to cross-examine witnesses and challenge procedures used by law enforcement agents. Our goal is to poke holes in the prosecutors case. We look at things like:

  • How long did the witness see the perpetrator?
  • Were there any biasing instructions given during the ID process?
  • Is there a history of misidentifications by this witness?

If we can cast reasonable doubt on the witnesses’ perspective, it can lead to charges being dropped or an acquittal at trial.

Self-Defense

In some criminal cases, even though someone is accused of assault or even homicide – if it was simply defending themselves or others from harm, then this is self-defense. Self-defense is an affirmative defense in New York – meaning if we can prove you reasonably believed force was necessary to avoid injury or death, you can’t be convicted – or at the very least, it’s significantly harder to convict you. The key elements we need to establish:

  • You feared imminent physical harm
  • You used no more force than was required
  • You were not the aggressor

Even if you struck first, if the other party escalated the confrontation to deadly levels, we could still put forth a valid self-defense claim. 

Insanity Defense

For serious violent crimes, we can argue that you should not be held responsible due to a mental disease. The insanity defense is extremely difficult to prove in New York; but in some situations it’s the only option. To move forward with an insanity plea, we have that at the time of the crime, you were unable to know – or understand the nature of your conduct, and the consequences of your conduct, or that it was wrong. This requires an extensive psychological evaluation and expert testimony.While this defense is rarely used, the insanity defense has helped some defendants avoid harsh prison sentences.

Entrapment

If you were induced, or persuaded, by law enforcement to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t do, you may have been entrapped. Entrapment is a very really defense in New York.

To prove entrapment, we must establish that:

  1. The idea for committing the crime came from law enforcement
  2. You were not going to commit the crime before being approached by law enforcement

Entrapment often comes up in sting operations, where the government is targeting things like drug sales, prostitution, or bribery. Our criminal defense attorneys in NY know how to gather evidence of entrapment, and present it to win your case.

Illegal Search & Seizure

The 4th Amendment is a very important amendment – it protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. If law enforcement agents violated your rights by conducting an illegal search – any evidence obtained could be inadmissible. Some examples of illegal searches:

  • Searching your home or belongings without a valid warrant
  • Stopping and frisking you without reasonable suspicion

Motions to suppress evidence are very important and effective. Often – without that evidence, the prosecutor’s case often falls apart.

Coerced Confessions

For many criminal cases, the prosecution’s most powerful evidence is a defendant’s confession. But, if that confession was unlawfully attained through threats, force, or other intimidation tactics, it can be inadmissible in court – and as a result, weaken the prosecutors case. Factors that can lead to a coerced confession include, but are not limited to:

  • Lengthy interrogations without food/water/restroom breaks
  • Lies about the strength of evidence 
  • Promises of leniency or threats of harsher treatment

Statute of Limitations

In New York, there’s a legally amount of time for prosecuting crimes, known as the statute of limitations. If prosecutors fail to file charges before this deadline, we can get the case thrown out. The limitations vary based on the crime:

  • Misdemeanors: 2 years
  • Felonies: 5-6 years
  • Certain serious felonies: No statute of limitations

For crimes that involve fraud, or misconduct, against the government, the statute of limitations can be extended. But in general, if too much time has passed, the case can’t keep moving forward.

Lack of Criminal Intent

For many crimes, the prosecution has to prove that you acted purposefully or knowingly – in other words, that you had criminal intent. If we can show you lacked that criminal intent, it could remove criminal liability from the conversation. Some examples where lack of intent can apply:

  • You took property, but believed you had the right to do so
  • You possessed drugs, but didn’t know they were illegal
  • You made a threat, but didn’t intend to carry it out

Duress or Necessity

In extreme situations, a person might have committed a crime because they were under unlawful force, or threat of harm, or because there was no reasonable alternative to avoid injury or death. For example, if a parent breaks into a pharmacy because it’s the only way to get life-saving medication for their deathly ill child, the necessity of the situation could excuse the crime – or significantly diminish the criminal nature of the alleged crime.

Alibi Defense

One of the best defenses is simply proving you were somewhere else when the crime happened. An alibi, supported by credible witnesses, receipts, or other evidence, can create reasonable doubt and weaken the prosecutors case. Our investigators will work hard to corroborate your alibi, and undermine the prosecution’s arguments. 

Plea Bargains

For some charges, the best path forward may be negotiating a plea bargain – where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient criminal sentence. About 90% of criminal cases end in plea bargains rather than trials. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys know how to leverage defenses to get charges reduced, or dismissed entirely. Our criminal defense attorneys work extremely hard to fight hard to get you the best possible deal that minimizes fines, jail time, and collateral consequences. 

FAQs on Criminal Defenses

What if I’m wrongly accused?

Being falsely accused of a crime is a nightmare – there’s no two ways about it. This legal incident happens more often than you’d think, especially with major crimes like assault, theft, or drug possession. If you’re innocent, don’t panic and do something rashly, this is a mistake. Immediately, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The Spodek Law Group’s attorneys know how to gather evidence – which proves  your innocence and cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Common defenses if you’re wrongly accused include:

  • Mistaken identity
  • Lack of evidence
  • Coerced false confession
  • Alibi defense

Our criminal attorneys in NY will thoroughly investigate what happened, and more importantly develop a strategy to get the charges dropped or obtain a “not guilty” verdict at trial.

Can my criminal charges be reduced or dismissed?

Absolutely. Getting charges completely dismissed is the ideal outcome we walk into every situation with. Reducing charges is the next best thing afterwards. Spodek Law Group’s criminal lawyers are skilled negotiators – we can often get charges reduced down to a less serious offense.

Some examples of potential charge reductions:

  • Felony assault -> misdemeanor assault
  • Drug possession with intent to distribute -> simple possession
  • Robbery -> petty theft

Reducing charges usually result in lower potential jail time, and they keeps serious convictions off your record. 

What if I did commit the crime?

Even if you’re guilty, you still have defenses and rights which MUST be protected. Depending on the circumstances of the crime, we can argue for reduced charges, a lighter sentence, or an acquittal. .

Potential defenses for guilty defendants:

  • Lack of criminal intent
  • Self-defense
  • Insanity
  • Entrapment
  • Illegal search/seizure
  • Statute of limitations

We can also negotiate a plea bargain – in order to minimize the consequences of the crimes committed. Our one, and only, goal is the best resolution possible while advising you of all your options.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Fees for criminal cases can vary widely. Below are some factors that might influence the overall cost, such as:

  • The severity of charges
  • Complexity of the case
  • The lawyer’s experience level
  • Whether it goes to trial or resolves in a plea

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