Never enter a courtroom for any hearing without an attorney from our firm by your side. The matter of bail can be negotiated, and going to court without us advocating for you could result in a bail amount far beyond your ability to pay—leaving you in custody for months or longer. We will make every effort to secure your release on your own recognizance or to pursue a bail amount that you or your family can reasonably manage.

Never answer any questions from law enforcement without legal representation. There are countless cases where individuals, under intense pressure, have confessed to crimes they were not involved in. If you are being questioned, there is a strong likelihood that an arrest may soon follow. The process of responding to investigators must be carefully managed, and we are here to fight for you—your freedom and your rights.

First: Does the law firm have extensive experience and a proven court record? Are they genuinely interested in you and your cause? Will they take the time and effort to find the best way to defend you? Not all law firms are equal in their commitment to their clients.

At our firm, when we take on a case, we are fully dedicated to finding the most effective defense strategy. We give your case the focus and attention it deserves. You will always be treated with respect, and we understand how important the outcome is to you and your family. We approach every case with the conviction and energy you deserve.

It depends on the circumstances. To conduct a search of your home, the police must either have your explicit consent or a valid search warrant. In some cases, law enforcement officers may be able to perform a search without either of these; however, this is only permitted if they have a valid reason to believe that a crime is being committed.

This applies specifically to your home, as the laws regarding searches differ when it comes to vehicles. For example, if you are legally pulled over and the police see something in plain view on your seat that gives them probable cause to believe you are in possession of illegal property, they may have sufficient reason to search your vehicle.

If you have reason to believe that your rights were violated through an unlawful search and seizure, it is critical to involve an experienced lawyer. Any evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights may be deemed inadmissible in court and should be suppressed—giving you a fair opportunity to protect your legal rights.

Most people mistakenly believe that law enforcement officers are legally required to be honest. However, this is not the case. Unfortunately, police officers are legally permitted to lie during an investigation. For example, they may falsely claim to have incriminating evidence, witness testimony, or other information in an attempt to intimidate you into making self-incriminating statements during an interview. For this reason, it's important to take everything they say with skepticism and to refrain from speaking until you have an attorney present.

Yes, all convictions will be placed on your permanent criminal record. Under New York Criminal Procedure Law §160.50, there are certain circumstances in which a case may be sealed; however, these are highly specific and typically apply only when the case has been dismissed, not filed, or otherwise not carried through to completion. Some non-criminal violations may be expunged, and certain drug-related offenses may be eligible for sealing upon successful completion of a diversion program or Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison (DTAP). In most cases, however, a conviction will result in a permanent mark on your criminal record. This is why it is critically important to retain an aggressive defense lawyer to protect your rights and your future.

In most cases, bail will be set at a reasonable amount. Once it has been set, you have several options for paying it in order to secure your release. If you and your loved ones cannot afford to pay it yourselves, you can work with your lawyer to post bail or collaborate with a reputable bail bondsman to obtain the necessary funds. It is important to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can advocate for a low bail amount—negotiating for a reduction if the initial amount set by the judge is unfair or beyond your financial means.

As long as you appear at all court appearances, you will not have any problem getting your bail back. However, if you flee or fail to appear, you will essentially forfeit the money—even if you are ultimately found innocent. In cases where you are convicted, three percent of the bail will be retained by the city.

Under American law, no person can be prosecuted for the same crime twice. Therefore, if you are found innocent, a case cannot be brought against you again. There have been some exceptions to this, but they are rare.