Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Mount Vernon

FAQs

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

  For non-emergencies in Mount Vernon, call the police department at 914-665-2500.

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

  You may request a Mount Vernon police record online at https://cmvny.com/FormCenter/Law-23/FOIL-Request-Online-Form-77.

• Will your license get suspended after getting a DWI in Mount Vernon?

  If you have been charged with a DWI in Mount Vernon, you may face serious consequences, including the suspension of your driver’s license on top of paying hefty fines and attending required education courses and alcohol screenings. A criminal defense attorney specializing in DWI cases can help you challenge the suspicion from the New York DMV and protect your driving privileges during your arraignment.

• What should you do if you have been charged with multiple crimes at the same time in Mount Vernon?

  As overwhelming as it may feel to be charged with multiple crimes at once in Mount Vernon, you should not panic. Instead, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you deal with the charges. The ultimate goal of your defense counsel would be to get all the charges pressed against you either dismissed or reduced.

• How are juvenile offenders punished in Mount Vernon?

  Mount Vernon residents between the ages of 7 to 15 who commit an act that violates the law are to be dealt with as juvenile delinquents. This can have various negative implications for their future. While most of the proceedings are rehabilitative in nature, the juvenile delinquent may still face disciplinary proceedings at school, such as detention, suspension, or expulsion; CPS/ACS investigations; and possible exposure to criminal prosecution, especially if the crime they committed is serious. The child’s parents or caregiver may also face family court action.

• Will you get arrested if the police are called to your Mount Vernon home for domestic violence?

  There is a good chance that you will get arrested if the police respond to a domestic violence call at your Mount Vernon residence. Because of the mandatory arrest laws in New York State, the responding officers are required to make an arrest if they have reasonable cause to believe that a domestic violence-related offense has been committed and it will be up to the courts to find out the other details surrounding your case.

• Can you hide your criminal record from potential employers in Mount Vernon?

  It depends. If your previous conviction in Mount Vernon qualifies for record sealing, you might be able to keep your criminal history away from the general public’s view. Once the courts approve your petition to have your conviction sealed, it will no longer appear on most public and private background checks. And if a current or potential employer finds out about your criminal history, they are not permitted to use that information to make an adverse employment decision against you.

• 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.