Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Levittown

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies in Levittown, call the Nassau County Police Department Switch Board at (516) 573-8800.

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

  Go to the e-services page of the Nassau County Police Department's website at www.pdcn.org to request for police reports on incidents in Levittown. You may also contact the Records Bureau at (516) 573-7858 and visit personally their office in Room 101 of the station located at 1490 Franklin Avenue in Mineola.

• Is it possible for a Levittown probationer to relocate out of state?

  Yes. Each case is different, but a Levittown probationer can file an out-of-state relocation request to their assigned probation officer. After that, the officer will conduct an assessment by checking the criteria for transfer eligibility to the receiving state. If the probation officer agrees with the transfer, the Levittown probationer must file a waiver of extradition and agree to both the sending and receiving state's terms and conditions.

• How do you post bail for a person arrested in Levittown?

  To post bail for persons arrested in Levittown, you can visit the Nassau County Correctional Center at 100 Carman Avenue in East Meadow and give it a call at 516-572-4200. You can post bail online on the Department of Correction's website's inmate lookup service. In addition, you can pay bail personally at facilities such as various courts in Brooklyn, Manhattan Detention Complex, and Vernon C. Bain Center, regardless of where a person is detained in the state.

• Is shoplifting in Levittown a misdemeanor?

  It depends. Shoplifting of items less than $1,000 in Levittown and elsewhere in the state is considered a misdemeanor punishable by probation, community service, or imprisonment. However, when the stolen goods are valued over $1,000, a person can be charged with a felony, such as grand larceny, which has a consequence of imprisonment in the state prison.

• What are the eligibilities of securing a conditional license after a DWI in Levittown?

  To be eligible for a conditional license after a Levittown DWI, it must be your first conviction of a DWI and you must complete the Impaired Driver Program (IDP) of the NYSDMV. Additionally, you can be ineligible for a post-conviction conditional license if you get dismissed from the IDP, refuse to take a chemical test, or have been convicted of an alcohol-related offense within five years of a recent arrest.

• What is a supervised release for an offender in Levittown?

  A supervised release is a term of probation that is part of the sentence served by a federal offender in Levittown. The release process can take the form of a probation officer who will check in on the offender every time they go to court. It can also involve the installation of an ankle monitoring bracelet on the offender and them checking in with the probation officer at each court visit.

• 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.