New York Violent Crime Defense — 30 Years of Fighting Serious Felony Charges
I have spent more than three decades defending people accused of the most serious crimes in New York. Murder. Attempted murder. Robbery. Assault. These are not charges you can manage with a general practice attorney who handles criminal cases between closings and custody disputes. A violent felony offense in New York carries mandatory minimums, potential life sentences, and consequences that follow you permanently. You need a lawyer who does this exclusively — and who has stood in front of juries on these exact charges and won.
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What's at Stake When You're Charged with a Violent Felony in New York
New York law classifies violent felony offenses under Penal Law § 70.02, and the consequences are severe. A conviction on a Class A-I violent felony — murder, for example — means a minimum of 15 to 25 years in state prison, with a maximum of life. Even lower-level violent felonies carry mandatory prison time, no possibility of probation, and a permanent record that closes doors in housing, employment, and immigration status.
The prosecution starts building its case the moment an arrest is made. Every hour you wait to retain experienced counsel is an hour the other side spends getting ahead of you.
Violent Felony Charges I Defend in New York
I represent clients across every category of violent crime in New York state and federal court. Each of these pages covers the specific charges, how prosecutors build these cases, and how I approach the defense.
Murder & Attempted Murder
First-degree murder, second-degree murder, and attempted murder charges carry the most severe penalties in New York law. These cases demand an attorney with trial experience and the willingness to take a case all the way to verdict.
Robbery
New York robbery charges range from third-degree misdemeanor-adjacent offenses to first-degree armed robbery, a Class B violent felony. The degree charged often depends on factors I can challenge directly — weapon presence, injury allegations, and accomplice classifications.
Burglary
Burglary in New York is always a felony. When a weapon is involved or someone is injured, it becomes a violent felony with mandatory prison exposure. The prosecution's burden on intent and unlawful entry gives experienced defense counsel real ground to work with.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter charges often arise from situations where intent is disputed — accidents, altercations, or circumstances where the facts are more complicated than the indictment suggests. That complexity is where I work.
Assault
Assault charges in New York range from misdemeanor third-degree assault to first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony. Self-defense, the extent of injury, and the intent element are all points of attack in these cases.
Why Clients Facing Violent Felony Charges Hire Me
30+ years of criminal defense experience, exclusively. No real estate, no divorce, no personal injury — criminal defense only.
Adjunct professor at New York University and St. John's University, teaching the criminal law I practice every day.
Published in the New York Law Journal, with institutional knowledge of how courts, clerks, prosecutors, and judges operate.
Documented acquittals on serious charges, including homicide and other violent felony offenses.
You speak directly with me — not a paralegal, not an associate, not a case manager.
Spanish-language support available through Maria at every stage of your case.
Payment plans available through LawPay for clients who need flexible options.
Can a Violent Felony Charge Be Dismissed in New York?
Yes — and it happens more often than most people expect when the defense is built correctly from the start. Suppression of illegally obtained evidence, constitutional violations during arrest or interrogation, witness credibility problems, and prosecutorial overcharging are all grounds that can result in reduction or outright dismissal of violent felony charges. The earlier I get involved, the more options exist. Evidence can be challenged before it's cemented into the record. Witnesses can be investigated before their stories harden. Grand jury strategy can be deployed before an indictment is handed down.
A charge is not a conviction. My job is to make sure it stays that way.
I Practice in Every Borough and Across the Region
I defend violent felony cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County. I appear in both state and federal court, including the Eastern District and Southern District of New York.
Frequently Asked Questions — NYC Violent Crime Defense
What is the best approach for defending a violent felony charge in New York City?
Every case is different, but the strongest defenses are built early. That means reviewing arrest records and police reports for constitutional violations, investigating the prosecution's witnesses, filing suppression motions where evidence was unlawfully obtained, and — where the facts support it — preparing for trial. An attorney with actual trial experience on violent felony charges is not optional. These cases go to verdict, and you need someone who has been there.
Can a violent felony charge be dismissed in New York?
Yes. Dismissal is possible through suppression hearings, speedy trial motions, prosecutorial misconduct arguments, and credibility challenges to the complaining witness or arresting officers. Overcharging is common in violent felony cases — prosecutors frequently charge the most serious available offense, knowing that some charges may not survive scrutiny. An experienced NYC violent crime lawyer knows where those vulnerabilities are.
What is a violent felony offense under New York law?
New York Penal Law § 70.02 defines violent felony offenses as a specific category of Class B, C, D, and E felonies that carry mandatory minimum sentences and no eligibility for probation. Examples include first- and second-degree assault, robbery in the first and second degree, burglary in the first and second degree, manslaughter, and murder. A conviction on any of these charges means prison time — which is why the defense has to be taken seriously from day one.
What happens at arraignment on a violent felony charge in New York?
Arraignment is your first court appearance, typically within 24 hours of arrest. The charges are formally read, and the judge sets bail — or remands you without it. On violent felony charges, prosecutors routinely push for high bail or remand. Having an attorney present at arraignment is critical. I can argue for release, challenge the prosecution's bail application, and begin framing the defense from the very first moment you appear before a judge.
Do I need a trial attorney or will my case settle?
Most criminal cases resolve before trial — but the only way to negotiate from strength is to have an attorney the prosecution knows will actually try the case. My documented trial record on violent felony charges, including acquittals on homicide, changes the dynamic in plea negotiations. Prosecutors offer better outcomes when they know the defense is prepared to go the distance.
If You've Been Charged with a Violent Crime, Call Now
The prosecution is already working your case. Every day without experienced defense counsel is a day the other side uses to its advantage. I answer my phone personally. Call me now, or use the contact form to describe your situation — I'll respond the same day.