Our queens criminal attorneys / NYC criminal attorneys have decades of experience handling cases all over the state of New York. We have convenient locations in NYC and Long Island. We have partner attorneys all over the country – who work with us to help clients. Many attorneys refer us clients because they trust our capabilities, and our knowledge. We help clients, and their family members get the outcome they need. If you’re accused of a DUI/DWI – we can help. Or if you stole a gemstone, like a paraibas, we can help. We don’t believe in a cookie cutter approach to law. We work with clients so they understand what they are facing, and prepare them for all possible outcomes.

Todd Spodek understands the Queens criminal attorney you hire is more important than the crime. Todd can help you get top notch legal defense. Todd understands that a majority of clients are concerned and just want transparent answers. He works hard to help clients, and their family members, get the legal help and answers they need. With a 99% success rate, Todd is here to help you with all of your questions. He doesn’t believe in a cookie cutter approach, and is focused on providing answers.

Our NYC Criminal Lawyers / Queens criminal lawyers will never sit back, and allow you to be strong-armed by the prosecution. Our attorneys are always on the offense, and look out for you. We are confident in our training, and are frequently interviewed by the media for our in-depth expertise. Attorney Todd Spodek is with you every step of the way – unlike other mediocre attorneys who provide less than adequate representation. We will never compromise your case, and simply accept the first deal the prosecutor gives. In addition, we take on fewer clients than other law firms because we want to ensure we’re doing the job possible for you and your family.

What should I expect from a good Queens criminal attorney

You should expect an attorney who understands the law, and has experience handling different types of charges, as well as experience in the court where the charges are filed. You want someone whose a skilled negotiator, and someone who understands the importance of striking a deal. Not all criminal attorneys are experienced, in both state, and federal, courts. It’s important to find an attorney whose practiced in the appropriate court, and has defended similar cases. At Spodek Law, we’re seasoned litigators, and have negotiation skills and vast experience.

In addition, you should expect help from your attorney planning different scenarios, evaluating your options, and helping you assess your risk. It means finding an attorney who will listen to your situation, and help you play through various scenarios, evaluate pros and cons, assess the risks, and communicate with you to determine what is the course of action. You should expect that the communication between you and your attorney be timely, and that copies of all records be produced by the attorney, and the government. You should expect that your communications with your attorney be kept confidential, and that your attorney work to make you comfortable, and not judge you.

What happens after criminal charges are filed in court?

If you’re arrested, you generally have to appear for an arraignment,at which time the charges are publicly announced. A plea of not guilty will typically be entered by you, on the advice of your attorney. If the person who filed the criminal charges decides not to go to court, or continue with the case, it’s not necessarily the case the charges will be taken away. Criminal charges are processed by the state, not the individual. The fact that the alleged victim decides not to participate, or testify, may convince the prosecutor to drop the case, due to the lack of evidence the witness would have provided. In the case of simple misdemeanors, which are a less serious criminal offense, this may certainly be true. However, a felony is a more serious crime. A felony can be punishable by a state prison sentence. If you are accused of committing a felony, then it’s likely the prosecutor will try to prove his case, even if the primary witness refuses to cooperate. Typically a state criminal charge, which is a violation of state law, will be prosecuted in the state court. A federal criminal charge, which is a violation of federal law, is prosecuted by the US attorney’s office in the Federal Court system.

Is it possible to get a conviction vacated?

If a conviction was obtained improperly, then a petition can be filed requesting that the conviction be eliminated. If a conviction is vacated, then the charge is usually reinstated, and the case is going to go to trial. Vacation the conviction can be super important for immigration reasons. Criminal convictions can lead to immigration deportation. Once a conviction has been vacated, the immigrant is no longer deportable. Vacation is a conviction is also important for sentencing. If someone is convicted, and they’ve been previously convicted of a crime, they will generally face a greater sentence. If a previous conviction is vacated, then the sentence can be reduced. The most common way for a conviction to be vacated is through a motion which identifies legal errors in the case which resulted in the conviction. If a defendant waives his right to trial,  and was not advised by the court about the consequences of doing this – then this is a legal error which could result in the conviction being vacated. It’s important you have a criminal lawyer at your side who can advise you about all of this

Answers to common criminal defense questions

If you or a loved one were arrested recently, or if you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it’s like you have so man questions. Our team of criminal attorneys has provided a number of answers to common questions we hear.

All crimes are either felonies or misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are lower level crimes which result in no more than 1 year in jail. Common types of misdemeanors are theft, DUI, marijuana possession, probation violation, and even domestic violence

Felonies are much more serious crimes which result in more than 1 year in state/federal prison, if convicted. Spodek Law Group is here to help you defend yourself against false accusations. The chances of going to jail, or prison, will depend on the charges you’re facing. If you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor, the chances that you go to jail are less likely than if convicted of a felony. If you’ve been charged with a felony, and are found guilty, then it’s likely you’ll go and spend time in jail. The way to avoid jail time, is to hire an aggressive NYC criminal lawyer to protect your rights. The penalties you face depend on the type of crime you’re accused of committing. Convictions for misdemeanors can result in fines, probation, community service and more. It’s likely you’ll face higher fines, and more stricter punishments, depending on the type of felony you’re convicted of.  It’s possible for charges to get reduced or dropped if you hire an NYC criminal lawyer. It’s unethical for us to promise a reduction, or dismissal for every client.