Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Huntington, NY

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Huntington, New York?

  Call the Suffolk County Police Department at 631-852-COPS(2677) for non-emergencies in Huntington.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Huntington, New York?

  You can obtain police-related reports for Huntington cases at the Central Records Section of Suffolk County Police Department, located at 30 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank NY 11980. The customer service window is open from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM on weekdays. Should you need more information, call 631-852-6015.

• What should you do if you have a warrant of arrest in Huntington?

  Getting legal counsel in Huntington as soon as you can is crucial. The criminal defense lawyer will work on having the warrant revoked or negotiating a favorable resolution on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances, you may be taken into custody and held in jail until your court appearance. The lawyer can help you be released on bail or advocate on your behalf should the judge decide not to set any bail.

• How much time does one have to file a civil rights claim after being falsely arrested in Huntington?

  In some cases, victims may have as little as 90 days to file their claim. It is therefore important to act quickly when seeking to file a civil rights claim for false arrest, malicious prosecution, or similar offenses. To ensure efficient action, a lawyer in Huntington can provide guidance on the process and advise clients on what to expect in the case.

• Which drugs are illegal in Huntington?

  Drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin are patently illegal in Huntington and elsewhere in the state. Others are illegal when used without a prescription, such as amphetamines used to treat ADD and anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, opioid painkillers, antidepressants, and medical marijuana. The consequences of possessing controlled substances may include a permanent criminal record, incarceration, and fines.

• What factors could lead to the denial of an application for sealing in Huntington?

  Your sealing application will automatically be denied if 10 years have not passed since the sentencing, according to the New York sealing law. If you have not shown any effort towards rehabilitation for the past 10 years following the conviction, your application can be denied. Should you be arrested, charged, or convicted of another criminal offense in Huntington, you cannot have your previous conviction sealed as well. It is worth noting that the prosecutor can object to the sealing, and it rests upon the judge whether the conviction will be sealed or not.

• What are the legal consequences if you get more than one DUI in Huntington?

  If you get more than one DUI in Huntington, the legal consequences become increasingly severe. On your next DUI arrest, you could face heftier fines, longer jail time, and even the possibility of permanently losing your license. It is crucial to avoid driving while impaired to prevent further legal ramifications. Additionally, a criminal defense attorney can help you prepare a plan to achieve the best possible outcome for this case.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.