Practice
Criminal defense of felony cases in New York State courts throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City, including, but not limited to:
Homicide – Murder - Manslaughter – Vehicular Manslaughter - Assault
Kidnapping – Unlawful Imprisonment – Menacing - Stalking - Coercion
Robbery – Grand Larceny – Criminal Mischief – Criminal Trespass
Rape – Sodomy – Sexual Abuse - Criminal Sexual Act – Sexual Misconduct
Arson - Burglary – Bribery - Conspiracy – Forgery – Fraud - Perjury
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property – Trademark Counterfeiting
Criminal Possession of a Weapon – Firearms - Guns
Criminal Sale of a Firearm - Guns
Criminal Use of a Firearm – Guns
Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance – Drugs - Narcotics
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance –Drugs - Narcotics
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ARRESTED
• Do not resist the police officers. Resisting arrest is a crime in itself.
• Do not offer any comments about your predicament to the police.
• Do not sign any statements. You may be searched, photographed and fingerprinted. Notice carefully what is done. If any personal property is taken from you, ask for a written receipt.
• Immediately following your arrest, the police should advise you of your Miranda rights: You have the right to remain silent. If you choose not to do so, anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you. If the police fail to advise you of your Miranda rights, this omission may help your case.
• As soon as possible, call your lawyer.
Client-lawyer confidentiality will apply to your discussion. Your lawyer will ask you when, where and why you were arrested. He or she will also ask you who the arresting officer was, whether you were mistreated, and where you were taken. Your lawyer will arrange to meet with you as soon as possible. In most states, statutes provide the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. You should not discuss the details of your case on the telephone, as you may be overheard. Do not talk about your case with a prosecuting attorney, police officers, cellmates, news reporters, or anyone else. Do not answer questions until your attorney arrives. Otherwise, any oral or written statements may be used against you at trial – as either direct evidence of guilt or to impeach your testimony. Your silence cannot be used against you. Do not participate in any line-up or other physical examination until your lawyers arrives. If the police force you to do so, do not physically resist. If news reporters photograph you, try to remain calm and do not cover up your face. This could imply guilt to some people. Tell your lawyer if the police are planning to move you.
WHEN YOU VISIT A LAW OFFICE
When you see a lawyer
By counseling with a lawyer, you will learn about the legal options available to you. The lawyer will be able to discuss your issue in detail and present possible alternatives for resolving it. The initial consultation is similar to meeting with a doctor who takes your medical history on your first visit. The two-way communication between lawyer and client is the crucial first step in achieving a successful solution.
Before the appointment
Write down facts, details and questions relating to your legal situation. Your notes will help to provide your lawyer with complete and thorough information. In addition, this factual record will save you and your lawyer valuable time.
What can I expect regarding fees?
There are three categories of legal fees: [1] hourly, [2] flat, and [3] contingency or percentage based on the complexity of the legal matter. Fees may be based on the complexity of the case, its duration, and the likelihood of litigation. Individual law offices may use different methods of billing and arranging for payment. The most common billing methods are initial retainer and periodic billing. The law office maintains an accurate record of the legal services it has provided to you.
If I contract for legal services, will I be kept informed about my legal matter?
Yes. A law office will make every effort to keep you informed at all times about the status of your legal matter. You may receive copies of correspondence, documents or other paper concerning your case.
Will my legal matter be kept confidential?
In general, the law provides for confidentiality between lawyer and client. In addition, the lawyer’s code of ethics requires a lawyer to preserve the confidentiality of the client’s case.
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