Bronx Criminal Defense Lawyer

Bronx Criminal Defense Attorney

Experiencing an arrest for any criminal offense is a potentially life-changing incident. If you made a mistake and broke the law; it’s understandable to worry about the penalties you face if you are convicted. You may not be completely aware of the full range of charges you face immediately after arrest. Of course, if you were wrongfully charged with an offense you did not commit, it is up to the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, you should still be proactive in your defense by securing evidence that counteracts the prosecution’s case.

Defense Representation for Bronx, NY, Criminal Cases

It can be difficult to determine the best first steps after an arrest, and anyone in this situation must take full advantage of their constitutional rights for the best chances of securing a fair outcome. The US Constitution’s Fifth Amendment protects the right to remain silent after arrest, and the Sixth Amendment upholds the right to legal counsel. An experienced Bronx criminal defense attorney is the ideal asset to have on your side if you have been arrested for any criminal offense in the Bronx, NY.

The Vitaliano Law Firm offers client-focused and responsive defense representation to clients in the Bronx and throughout the boroughs of New York City. Our firm has years of experience defending clients from a wide range of criminal charges. When you choose the Vitaliano Law Firm to represent you as your defense counsel, you will have an attorney with extensive prosecutorial experience behind you. Our team knows how prosecutors in the Bronx handle their cases and the strategies they often use to secure convictions. We can review the details of your case and help you develop the strongest possible defense.

Why You Need a Bronx Criminal Defense Attorney

Taking full advantage of your right to legal counsel when you are accused of a crime is vital. The Sixth Amendment ensures that any defendant has the right to defense representation, even if they cannot afford to hire a private defense lawyer or do not want to pay private attorneys’ fees. The court can appoint a public defender to represent a defendant at no cost, but a private defense lawyer can offer a more personalized level of defense counsel.

Even the best public defenders are overburdened with multiple cases, meaning they have little time to spare for any one client’s case. While most public defenders in California are hardworking and experienced defense lawyers, a private Bronx criminal defense lawyer can offer more individual attention, responsive communication, and resources at your disposal as your case unfolds.

If you have been wrongfully accused of a crime, your defense attorney can assist you in establishing an alibi or presenting exculpatory evidence to the court that contradicts the prosecution’s case. If you did break the law, your defense attorney is still an invaluable asset as they can potentially help you secure a lighter sentence. Ultimately, every criminal case involves many unique variables, and it is essential for anyone in this situation to secure legal representation as soon as possible after an arrest.

Cases We Handle

If you need a criminal defense attorney, your legal representative should have solid experience handling cases like yours. At the Vitaliano Law Firm in the Bronx, NY, our team routinely provides comprehensive criminal defense counsel for clients facing a wide range of charges, including:

• Drug-related offenses, which are some of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in New York. Penalties for minor drug offenses can include fines, jail time, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and other punishments based on the unique details of the case. More severe offenses like drug trafficking or possession of a large quantity of a Schedule I controlled substance can lead to felony prosecution.
• White collar crimes, which include fraud and financial crimes committed within a business. Insider trading, embezzlement, and money laundering are a few common examples of white-collar crimes carrying severe penalties for conviction. Penalties for these offenses can include restitution to victims, seizure of illegally obtained assets, loss of professional licenses, and more.
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI), which can lead to fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and liability for any damages caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, penalties for DWI offenses increase for defendants with prior DWI convictions.
• Theft and property crimes, the penalties for which typically depend on the value stolen and the methods used to obtain the stolen property.

It is also possible for an incident to lead to multiple charges against a defendant. Defendants may also face escalated charges depending on the nature of their offenses. For example, a DWI can lead to severe penalties, but a DWI with injury is a more serious offense with harsher punishments. Your Bronx criminal defense attorney can analyze the details of your case, help you determine the best defenses available to you, and guide you through your case proceedings.

Potential Penalties for Criminal Conviction in New York

The state of New York enforces severe penalties for criminal offenses. Some of the most commonly assigned penalties include fines, incarceration, and loss of certain rights. For example, a defendant convicted of certain offenses may no longer be able to purchase or keep firearms. In addition, some defendants will face penalties pertaining to the family court system. For example, a parent can lose custody or visitation rights in response to a criminal act. Finally, a criminal conviction will have various other effects on the defendant’s personal and professional life.

Some people lose their professional licenses due to criminal convictions, especially when their offenses are related to their work. Others face liability for civil damages, such as personal injury or wrongful death claims. If a criminal offense was sexual, the defendant might face lifelong sex offender registration.

New York separates most criminal offenses into “misdemeanor” and “felony” designations. While misdemeanors are less severe, these offenses can still entail harsh penalties such as heavy fines, community service, and incarceration in county jail. Felonies are more serious, typically leading to more extensive fines, longer terms of incarceration in state prison, and loss of constitutional rights. Therefore, it’s vital to find a Bronx criminal defense lawyer who can assist you in securing a reasonable outcome from your criminal case.

When a defendant faces their first criminal charge, or if their case involves other extenuating circumstances that the prosecution acknowledges, it is possible that prosecutors may offer plea bargains to some defendants to conserve court resources. In exchange for their guilty pleas and swifter courtroom proceedings, prosecutors agree to reduced sentences and/or lowered charges for some defendants. Your Bronx criminal defense lawyer can help you determine whether a plea bargain is likely to come into play in your case and whether one would suit your best interests if so.

FAQs

Q: How Soon Should I Contact a Bronx Criminal Defense Attorney After Arrest?

A: The police must follow specific procedures when conducting an arrest and when booking a suspect. During these procedures, defendants should exercise their right to remain silent until they can contact defense lawyers to represent them. Therefore, you should contact a reliable defense attorney at your first opportunity after your arrest so they can begin immediately working on your case.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Defense Lawyer and a Prosecutor?

A: A prosecutor is an attorney who presses criminal charges on behalf of the state. While a civil case involves a plaintiff filing a claim for damages against a defendant, a criminal case involves the state filing criminal charges for breaking the law. A prosecutor represents the state and seeks the conviction of the defendant. The criminal defense attorney defends the client against the state’s prosecutor and helps them avoid conviction or minimize their sentence if necessary.

Q: Can I Avoid Going to Jail?

A: Some misdemeanors in New York will lead to incarceration in county jail, while some felonies require defendants to serve their time in state prison. It’s natural to worry about going to jail after breaking the law. Your Bronx criminal defense attorney can help you determine whether alternative or diversionary sentencing is possible for your case. If it is your first offense, the judge may be willing to consider conditional probation in lieu of jail time.

Q: Is It Worth Hiring a Private Bronx Criminal Defense Attorney?

A: Investing in the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer can potentially make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. When you have an experienced and responsive legal team working on your defense, you will be far more likely to identify your opportunities for defense than you would be on your own or if a public defender handled your case. Therefore, consider your choice to hire a Bronx criminal defense lawyer as an investment in your future.

The Vitaliano Law Firm can provide client-focused and aggressive defense representation to those who need it most in the Bronx, NY. It’s easy to feel as though the entire criminal justice system is working against you after an arrest, especially if you have been wrongfully accused. If you are ready to discuss your situation with an experienced Bronx criminal defense attorney, contact us today and schedule your free consultation with our team.