New York Criminal Defense Attorneys
At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced New York criminal defense attorneys who navigate the post-Bail Reform pretrial framework, the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, Raise the Age legislation, Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), and New York’s sealing pathway under CPL § 160.59.
- Free to use — fees quoted upfront, before you commit
- Matched with a New York attorney in 24 hours
- 30,000+ plaintiffs served nationwide
Free New York criminal defense case review
A New York attorney will take a look. Or call 1-833-WELEGAL.
How we match your New York criminal defense case
When you submit a New York criminal defense matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.
Case type
A criminal defense matter needs someone who handles criminal defense work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.
Size and complexity
Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.
Jurisdiction and licensing
Your matter is decided under New York law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in New York who regularly appears where your case would be heard.
Capacity and fit
Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.
Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.
DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.
Exhibit A
What happens with a criminal defense claim in New York
Day 0
Arrest or charge.
Say nothing beyond identifying yourself and ask for a lawyer. Do not consent to searches. Everything after this is built on what you did not say.
Within 24 hours
Tell us what happened.
Two minutes on this page. A New York criminal defense attorney reviews it for free and, if it’s a fit, you’re matched within 24 hours.
Days 1–14
First appearance and bail.
Your attorney addresses release conditions and gets the charging documents. In New York, this is where the tone of the case is set.
Weeks to months
Discovery and motions.
Police reports, video, lab work, witness statements. Motions to suppress or dismiss are filed where the evidence was obtained improperly.
Before trial
Negotiation or trial.
Most cases resolve by dismissal or plea; some go to trial. Your attorney advises on the risk of each with the actual evidence in hand.
Resolution
Outcome and record.
Fees are quoted before you commit — hourly or a retainer, spelled out in writing at the free consultation.
Exhibit B
When to call a criminal defense attorney in New York
Does any of this sound like you? Tap what applies.
Exhibit C
Criminal Defense cases we take in New York
Which one is closest to yours?
DWI / Aggravated DWI / Felony DWI
New York DWI under VTL § 1192 (.08 BAC; .18+ Aggravated). First offense DWI: misdemeanor up to 1 year, $500-$1,000 fine, 6-month suspension. Aggravated DWI first: misdemeanor with mandatory 1-year IID. Second DWI in 10 years: Class E felony 1-4 years. Leandra’s Law: any DWI with child under 16 in vehicle is automatic felony.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewDrug possession and sale
New York legalized recreational marijuana 2021 (MRTA) — adults 21+ can possess up to 3 oz. Other controlled substances under Penal Law § 220 (possession) and § 220.39+ (sale) — degrees based on substance and quantity. Class A-1 drug felonies (top-tier kingpin) carry 15-25 years.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewAssault
New York assault: Third-Degree Assault (Penal Law § 120.00, Class A misdemeanor base), Second-Degree (§ 120.05, Class D violent felony — serious physical injury, deadly weapon), First-Degree (§ 120.10, Class B violent felony — serious physical injury with deadly weapon, etc.).
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewDomestic violence
New York treats DV as Penal Law assault, harassment, criminal contempt with DV designation. Mandatory arrest under CPL § 140.10(4)(c). Family Offense / Orders of Protection through Family Court (FCA § 821) or Criminal Court (CPL § 530.12). Federal § 922(g)(9) firearm ban; state SAFE Act firearm restrictions.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewLarceny and burglary
New York larceny tiers under Penal Law § 155: Petit Larceny (under $1,000, Class A misdemeanor), Grand Larceny Fourth-Degree ($1,000-$3,000, Class E felony), Third-Degree ($3,000-$50,000, Class D), Second-Degree ($50,000-$1M, Class C), First-Degree (over $1M, Class B). Burglary degrees under § 140.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewWhite-collar crimes
New York prosecutes Grand Larceny, fraud, identity theft (Penal Law § 190.78 et seq.), forgery, and securities fraud through DAs and the AG (notable Martin Act jurisdiction for securities). Federal exposure massive — wire fraud, securities fraud (SDNY is preeminent federal court for finance cases), insider trading, Ponzi schemes, FCPA, FCA.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewGun and firearm charges
New York has among the strictest gun laws in the country. License to Carry under Penal Law § 400 — post-Bruen reforms (CCIA 2022). Criminal Possession of Weapon Second-Degree (§ 265.03) Class C violent felony — 3.5-year mandatory minimum. Federal § 922(g) prosecutions in EDNY and SDNY aggressive.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewSex offenses
New York Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA, Correction Law § 168) — Level 1 (low), Level 2 (moderate), Level 3 (high/lifetime). Rape First-Degree (Penal Law § 130.35) Class B violent felony; Criminal Sexual Act in First Degree (§ 130.50) Class B felony. Mandatory state-prison sentences.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewHomicide
New York homicide: Murder First-Degree (Penal Law § 125.27, Class A-I felony — life without parole; New York death penalty struck down 2004 People v. LaValle), Murder Second-Degree (§ 125.25, Class A-I — 15 to life). Manslaughter First and Second-Degree (§§ 125.20, 125.15). Vehicular Manslaughter (§ 125.13). Felony murder included in Second-Degree Murder.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewJuvenile and Adolescent Offender
New York Raise the Age (2018/2019) — 16/17-year-olds tried as Juvenile Delinquent (Family Court) or Adolescent Offender (Youth Part of Supreme/County Court). Most cases divert out of adult court. YO (Youthful Offender) adjudications under CPL Art. 720 seal records.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewProbation and parole violations
New York probation revocation under CPL § 410.70. Parole violation hearings (NYS Parole) under Executive Law § 259-i. Less Is More Act (2021) reformed technical-violation responses. Successor enhancement allegations possible on revocation.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewFederal crimes in New York
Four federal districts (SDNY, EDNY, NDNY, WDNY). Common: wire fraud, securities fraud (SDNY is the preeminent federal financial-crime venue), drug trafficking, § 922(g) felon-in-possession, racketeering / RICO (Cosa Nostra cases historically), terrorism (significant post-9/11 caseload), and immigration cases.
Sound like yours? A New York attorney reviews it free — fees are quoted upfront, before you commit.
Start my free reviewExhibit D
How much do New York criminal defense attorneys cost?
Typical fee schedule
New York · Criminal Defense
Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.
Criminal Defense matters in New York are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.
Criminal defense attorneys in New York work on hourly or flat-fee retainers — contingency fees are prohibited in criminal cases under N.Y. R. Prof. Conduct 1.5(d) and ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Misdemeanors and most felonies are flat-fee; complex cases (federal white-collar, homicide, multi-count) use hourly billing with substantial retainers. The Legal Aid Society, Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, Neighborhood Defender Service, and county public defender offices represent indigent defendants — New York City has some of the most respected public defender offices in the country.
A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.
Exhibit E
What your New York criminal defense compensation can include
A New York criminal defense recovery is built from several parts. Tap one to see what it covers.
Charge Dismissal
Outright dismissal through motion to suppress (CPL § 710), motion to dismiss the indictment (CPL § 210.20), speedy trial under CPL § 30.30 (New York’s unique “ready rule” — 90 days for misdemeanors, 6 months for felonies), or DA dismissal in interest of justice (CPL § 170.40 misdemeanor / § 210.40 felony).
Charge Reduction
Reduction from felony to misdemeanor, from violent felony to non-violent, from Class A drug felony to lesser. Removal of persistent felony notice (CPL § 400.20). Drug Law Reform 2009 conversions.
ACD / Conditional Sealing / Judicial Diversion
Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (CPL § 170.55) — case adjourned with conditions, automatic dismissal at end (typically 6 months for misdemeanors, 12 for some DV/marijuana). Conditional Sealing (CPL § 160.58) for certain dispositions. Judicial Diversion (CPL Art. 216) for drug court.
Plea Agreement
Negotiated resolution under CPL § 220.10. Includes charge reductions, dismissed counts, recommended sentences, YO adjudication (CPL Art. 720), and probation/conditional discharge in lieu of incarceration.
Trial Acquittal
Not guilty verdict by New York jury or judge. New York criminal juries are 12 for felony indictments, 6 for misdemeanors in NYC and 6 elsewhere, and must be unanimous (N.Y. Const. Art. I, § 2).
Post-Conviction Relief
New York CPL § 440.10 (motion to vacate judgment) and § 440.20 (motion to set aside sentence). State habeas corpus (CPLR Art. 70). No strict SOL but laches doctrine applies; ineffective assistance and newly discovered evidence claims robust.
DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.
Exhibit F
New York criminal defense questions, answered
Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a New York attorney will review it for free.
Criminal Defense attorneys by city in New York
Same New York rules and the same attorneys — with what’s local to each city.
