Criminal Defense Lawyers in New York

Individualized Defense for New York City Criminal Cases

Facing criminal charges can be intimidating and stressful. You may have little time to find a lawyer and no idea where to turn or whom to trust. Since 1977, Goldberger & Dubin, P.C. has defended the constitutional rights of individuals and handled hundreds of cases, including:

• Jury trials
• Appeals

As a result of our personal, thorough approach to defense, we have been featured in the news on multiple occasions for our case results.

Why Choose Our Trusted Law Firm with 75+ Years of Experience

Immediate Legal Assistance for Criminal Charges

If you face charges, contact our firm immediately. The penalties and other consequences can affect your employment, relationships, and future. Legal counsel can protect your rights and help you avoid unjust treatment.

When you work with a New York criminal defense lawyer from Goldberger & Dubin, P.C., we prepare a defense based on the facts and circumstances of your case. We guide you through each stage and explain what to expect as the proceedings unfold.

Call us today at (646) 681-5997 to begin a free, confidential case evaluation.

Reasons to Choose Our New York Defense Team

Our boutique practice brings the full team’s attention to your defense:

• Individualized Strategy: We get to know our clients and their backgrounds, then create defense strategies around their circumstances.
• Experience: You receive the collective insight of devoted criminal defense lawyers working together on your behalf.
• Preparation: There’s no such thing as an “easy” or “difficult” case. Every case is unique, and we prepare thoroughly to protect your rights, interests, and freedom.

Advantages of Hiring Former Prosecutors in New York

Our team includes three former Assistant District Attorneys who understand how prosecutors assess and present evidence. That perspective helps us anticipate the prosecution’s approach, identify potential weaknesses, and develop a tactical defense plan based on the circumstances.

Criminal Charges We Defend

Our criminal defense practice covers misdemeanor, felony, and federal allegations in New York City. Before developing a case-specific plan, we evaluate the evidence, potential penalties, and long-term concerns.

Our practice includes defense against allegations involving:

• Violent Offenses: Assault, domestic violence, homicide, robbery, sexual assault, arson, and other violent-crime allegations.
• Drug, DWI & Weapon Offenses: Drug crimes, driving while intoxicated, firearm offenses, and other allegations involving weapons.
• Property & Computer Offenses: Larceny, shoplifting, fraud, computer crimes, and related non-violent allegations.
• White Collar & Federal Offenses: Embezzlement, Paycheck Protection Program matters, RICO allegations, and other federal prosecutions.
• Other Criminal Matters: Hazing, illegal wildlife trade, and criminal appeals.

Weapon allegations can involve conduct ranging from possession to the criminal sale of a firearm under New York Penal Law Article 265. The precise classification and potential penalties depend on the alleged conduct, the weapon involved, and the person’s prior record.

Misdemeanor & Felony Charges in New York

New York distinguishes violations, misdemeanors, and felonies by offense classification and potential sentence. A violation isn’t legally classified as a crime and carries no potential jail term exceeding 15 days. A misdemeanor is an offense, other than a traffic infraction, for which a sentence of more than 15 days but no more than one year may be imposed.

New York divides misdemeanors into Class A, Class B, and unclassified misdemeanors. A Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 364 days, while a Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 90 days. The law defining an unclassified misdemeanor sets its penalties.

A felony is an offense for which imprisonment exceeding one year may be imposed. Felony classifications include Class A, B, C, D, and E, with Class A divided into A-I and A-II. Because the charge level affects the possible sentence, court process, and defense decisions, we examine both the statutory classification and the underlying allegations.

Where Criminal Cases Proceed in New York City

New York City Criminal Court hears misdemeanors and lesser offenses. It also handles arraignments and preliminary proceedings in felony matters. An arraignment is the first court appearance, where the charges are stated and release or bail conditions may be addressed.

A person arrested in New York City is generally brought before a judge for arraignment within 24 hours. When a grand jury returns an indictment on felony charges, the matter transfers from Criminal Court to New York Supreme Court for another arraignment and further felony proceedings.

This court path affects where appearances occur and what must happen next. We explain each stage, prepare clients for court, and address immediate concerns such as release conditions and protective orders.

Local Insights: Navigating Criminal Defense in New York City

New York City’s fast-moving legal system can make it difficult to know where to turn after an arrest or charge. The NYC Department of Probation provides information for people involved in the criminal justice system, including those dealing with probation matters.

Probation conditions can affect where you live, whom you contact, and what you must report to supervising authorities. A suspected violation can also create a separate court issue. We provide straightforward guidance about the conditions involved and how they relate to the broader case.

At Goldberger & Dubin, P.C., we develop personalized defense strategies for people facing the New York City court process. We keep clients informed about upcoming appearances, evidence review, negotiations, and decisions that require their attention.

What to Expect After an Arrest in New York

The first 24-72 hours after learning of criminal allegations can feel overwhelming, and early decisions matter. Whether the case begins with an arrest, a desk appearance ticket, or an investigation, a clear plan can protect your rights and reduce unnecessary exposure. At Goldberger & Dubin, P.C., we guide clients in New York, NY 10013 through each stage, explaining what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what steps we’re taking.

Key Early Stages of a New York Criminal Case

The process and available defense options depend on how the allegations begin and what happens at each stage:

• Arrest or Summons/DAT: What you say and do can affect bail, charging decisions, and later evidence.
• Arraignment: The first court appearance where charges are read and bail or release conditions may be set.
• Protective Orders and Conditions: Courts may impose “stay-away” orders or restrictions that affect your home, work, and family life.
• Discovery & Evidence Review: We analyze police reports, witness statements, videos, lab results, and constitutional issues.
• Motions and Hearings: When appropriate, we challenge illegal searches, questionable identifications, or improper statements.
• Negotiation or Trial Preparation: We pursue dismissals and reduced charges when possible while preparing every case as if it’ll be tried.

How You Can Protect Yourself Right Now

Until you receive advice tailored to your circumstances, take these steps to avoid creating additional evidence or legal complications:

• Use Your Right to Remain Silent: Be polite, but don’t explain. Statements can be misinterpreted or used against you.
• Don’t Consent to Searches: If officers have a warrant, they’ll proceed. If not, consenting can create evidence unnecessarily.
• Avoid Discussing Your Case: Don’t post online or message others about the incident. Those communications can become evidence.
• Document What You Remember: Write down the timeline, locations, and witnesses while details are fresh, and share the information with your attorney.

How Our Defense Team Adds Value Early

Early representation allows us to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and begin assessing the prosecution’s allegations:

• Protecting Your Rights Immediately: We work to prevent damaging statements and address unlawful searches, seizures, or identification procedures.
• Fast Evidence Preservation: Surveillance footage and digital records can disappear quickly, making early action critical.
• Proactive Strategy: We look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, including credibility issues, missing elements of proof, and constitutional violations.

Federal Criminal Defense in New York City

Federal prosecutions involve different prosecutors, investigative agencies, procedural rules, and sentencing considerations from cases brought in New York state courts. Our federal criminal defense practice includes RICO, fraud, embezzlement, and Paycheck Protection Program matters.

New York has four federal judicial districts. The Southern District of New York includes Manhattan and the Bronx, while the Eastern District of New York includes Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The district handling a case depends on where the alleged conduct occurred and other questions of federal venue.

We assess the allegations, review the government’s evidence, and prepare for the procedural demands of a federal investigation or prosecution. When someone learns about an investigation before charges are filed, early legal guidance can shape how communications and requests from investigators are handled.

Protecting Your Future: Consequences Beyond Jail Time

In New York, the impact of a criminal charge often extends beyond the courtroom. Even without incarceration, an arrest or conviction can affect your job, professional license, housing applications, immigration status, and reputation. Our approach focuses on both fighting the charge and reducing the long-term consequences that can follow.

Common “hidden” consequences we work to prevent

The effects of a charge or conviction depend on your circumstances and priorities. We identify these concerns early so they can inform the defense strategy. Common concerns include:

• Employment Setbacks: Background checks, job loss, or difficulty obtaining security clearances
• Professional Discipline: Risks to licenses for healthcare workers, teachers, finance professionals, and other regulated fields
• Immigration Complications: Certain outcomes can trigger deportation proceedings or jeopardize visas and green card applications
• Family and Custody Issues: Allegations may influence family court decisions and parenting time
• Housing Barriers: Denials from landlords or co-ops based on criminal history

Confidentiality You Can Rely On

Communications with a defense lawyer are generally protected by attorney-client privilege. That confidentiality is essential when you’re concerned about what to say, who may be listening, or how information could be used. You can share the full context with us so we can evaluate the risks and develop an informed strategy.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

If available, these items can make your consultation more productive:

• Any court papers, desk appearance tickets, or summons documents
• Bail paperwork and next court date details
• Police reports or supporting documents you’ve already received
• Names and contact information for potential witnesses
• Any relevant photos, messages, emails, or social media content

If you don’t have documents yet, don’t worry. Tell us what you know, and we’ll help identify what’s needed.

Responsive Communication Throughout Your Case

Proceedings move quickly in New York courts. We provide timely updates, explain your options, and prepare you for each appearance so you aren’t left guessing. Our goal is to give you the information needed to make confident decisions at every stage.

We tailor strategy to your priorities, whether that means protecting a clean record, addressing immigration concerns, preserving a professional credential, or maintaining your privacy. When appropriate, we pursue resolutions that reduce exposure to future penalties and explore post-case options that may help you move forward.

If you’re facing charges in New York City, contact Goldberger & Dubin, P.C. at (646) 681-5997 to discuss a defense plan with our criminal defense team. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.