Long Island Assault and Battery Lawyer

Long Island Assault and Battery Attorney

Whether the result of a heated argument or another unexpected encounter, an assault and battery charge can carry serious consequences that threaten your future and freedom. If you’ve been accused of harming or threatening another person, a Long Island assault and battery lawyer can help you protect your rights. With the right criminal defense in Long Island, you can challenge the charges and make sure your side of the story is heard in court.

Aggressive Legal Representation When It Matters

Fighting a serious crime like assault and battery requires a strategic approach based on an understanding of the law and how prosecutors build their cases. Defendants in Long Island know to trust The Vitaliano Law Firm when they face serious criminal charges like assault and battery. Our lead attorney has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for his clients.

As a former New York City prosecutor, Michael Vitaliano brings deep knowledge of how the state builds and prosecutes assault cases. After receiving his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, he set up his law practice in the community where he grew up. He uses that insight to challenge weak evidence and protect your rights at every stage. Clients consistently praise his professionalism, responsiveness, and courtroom skills, as seen in our firm’s strong reviews.

Assault and Battery Statistics in Long Island

Assault and battery remain ongoing concerns in Long Island communities. However, data from 2024 shows that violent crimes in Nassau and Suffolk counties, including aggravated assault, decreased by about 4% compared to early 2023. In 2023, New York State reported a violent crime rate of 390 incidents per 100,000 residents.

In 2025, Anthony Calvo was indicted for attempted murder and first-degree assault after allegedly attacking a former coworker with an axe in Nassau County. The victim suffered multiple wounds to the head and face and was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

Assault cases like this continue to impact neighborhoods such as Freeport, Garden City, and Hempstead. Those involved in assault-related cases may find themselves in Nassau County Court, located at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY, the primary courthouse for felony criminal matters in the county.

Common Causes of Assault and Battery Charges

Assault and battery charges in New York arise from a wide range of causes. Bar fights commonly lead to these types of criminal charges. Domestic disputes and road rage incidents are other common causes. Under the state’s assault and battery laws, even a shove or raised fist can lead to charges if the assailant harms or intends to harm someone.

For anyone accused of this type of crime, a Long Island assault and battery attorney can defend the accused by scrutinizing the evidence used against the defendant and learning more about the circumstances that led to the altercation.

Why You Should Hire an Assault and Battery Lawyer

New York’s criminal courts take assault and battery charges seriously. If you go to court without strong legal representation, you may be placing your freedom in jeopardy. Defendants often choose to hire an assault and battery lawyer to defend them in court. An attorney plays a critical role when it comes to scrutinizing evidence and questioning the assumptions made by the prosecution.

Defense attorneys can seek favorable outcomes like dropped or reduced charges when possible. Complex cases may benefit from a favorable plea bargain agreement that allows the defendant to avoid the most serious consequences under the law.

FAQs

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in NY?

Assault charges can be dropped in NY, but only by the district attorney, not the victim. Prosecutors may drop charges if the evidence is weak, witnesses won’t cooperate, or constitutional violations occur. Defense attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors or file motions to drop the charges when prosecutors do not have a strong case. If charges aren’t dropped, your lawyer can still fight for a reduced charge or acquittal in court.

What Happens After an Assault Arrest in New York?

After an assault arrest, you will be taken for booking at a nearby jail and appear before a judge for arraignment, usually within 24 hours. At arraignment, bail may be set, and a court date may be scheduled. From there, your attorney and the prosecutors review the evidence and decide how they will pursue their case. Criminal charges are generally resolved when prosecutors offer a plea bargain agreement, the charges are dropped, or the case goes to trial.

What Are the Penalties for Assault in New York?

The penalties for an assault charge depend on the specific charges. Misdemeanor assault may result in jail time, probation, or fines. Felony assault carries harsher consequences, including potential prison time. The courts weigh factors like injury severity, use of weapons, and prior convictions, which can all increase penalties. Your attorney can review the details of your case and fight to reduce or eliminate those consequences.

What Should You Do if You’re Accused of Assault in New York?

If you’re accused of assault in New York, do not talk to police or alleged victims without a lawyer present. Following an arrest, anything you say can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to begin protecting your rights. A lawyer can investigate the accusation, gather evidence, and advise you on the next steps. Quick action gives you the strongest chance to avoid damaging legal outcomes.

Charged With Assault in New York? Contact a Firm That Gets Results

Being charged with assault and battery in New York can threaten your reputation and freedom. The consequences of a conviction could lead to confinement in jail or even prison, especially if weapons were involved. With strong criminal defense support from The Vitaliano Law Firm, you gain insight from a former prosecutor who knows how the courts operate.

At The Vitaliano Law Firm, we focus on protecting your rights at every stage of the case. In 2022, our founding attorney was named a Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney by Attorney Practice and Magazine. Don’t delay defending your rights. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with a member of our legal team.