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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in New York City

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored New York City Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

6088Reviewed

3660Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2450, New York, NY 10170
  • Sex Crimes
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crime

Why choose this provider?

Paul D. Petrus Jr. & Associates P.C. counsels and represents clients in New York City and the federal court system in New Jersey. It defends individuals and entities charged with felonies and misdemeanors. Paul D. Petrus Jr., the firm's owner, provides legal guidance to people under investigation, facing possible arrest, and undergoing trial. Additionally, he advises on post-conviction relief matters, such as appeals, parole or probation, and pardons. Petrus has been featured on NBC News Channel 4 and The New York Post. He also speaks Spanish.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Paul Petrus - Principal21 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (74)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (33)
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (17)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
35-07 90th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Why choose this provider?

Michael Paul, a lawyer and former prosecutor, represents clients facing criminal accusations in New York City. While working on the cases, he is dedicated to maintaining a steady line of communication with his clients. He devises a defense plan to achieve acquittal or reduction of charges to a non-violent offense in court. In addition, Paul keeps himself updated on technological advancements pertinent to the cases he is working on. The lawyer has been in the practice for 35 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
260 Madison Avenue 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Protass Law PLLC serves clients across New York City and the neighboring areas. The law firm represents individuals who wish to reduce their legal consequences or dismiss their criminal cases involving, domestic violence, drug offenses, and extortion. It also provides legal assistance to clients facing money laundering, counterfeiting, and bank fraud cases. Founding attorney Harlan Protass brings over two decades of experience protecting individuals and businesses facing criminal charges. He is the former co-chair of the Criminal Law Group of the UJA-Federation of New York.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (16)

Website
953 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

Why choose this provider?

Mazzei & Polk LLC helps residents in New York and nearby areas facing various criminal charges get fair treatment by protecting their rights. The firm's lawyers are equipped with the skills and experience to assist individuals facing sexual violence, drug possession, criminal assault, theft, and DWI offenses. They convince the court to dismiss robbery and traffic tickets charges based on the improper procedure or insufficient evidence. Co-founder Jennifer Mazzei has been listed among the Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 by the American Society of Legal Advocates.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jennifer Mazzei - Partner17 yrs
James Polk - Partner17 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
535 5th Ave Ste 2525, New York, NY 10017

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Julie Rendelman LLC is a criminal attorney offering representation and advocacy for defendants throughout the Greater New York metro area for more than five years. Ms. Rendelman is a former prosecutor who puts her knowledge to work for clients in criminal court. The firm takes on defendants facing both misdemeanor and felony charges, including drug crimes, burglary, DUI, hate crimes, money laundering, prostitution, and theft, among others.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Julie Rendelman - Principal31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (123)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (97)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (16)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
950 3rd Ave 25th Floor New York Ny 10022, New York, NY 10022

Why choose this provider?

Full-service law firm Pardalis Nohavicka LLP in New York handles both routine and complex legal matters for its clients being investigated for or already arrested for criminal activity. The firm takes on cases that arise due to drug possession and sale, trafficking, larceny, burglary, robbery, fraud, RICO matters, domestic violence, and murder. Its team also handles criminal appeals for already-convicted clients, and it is adept at handling cases at the local, state, and federal levels.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Taso Pardalis - Partner19 yrs
Joseph Nohavicka - Partner30 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (75)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (21)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
325 Broadway Suite 406, New York, NY 10007
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Gina M. Wicik is a New York City-based firm representing individuals in the area. Included in its practice areas is criminal defense, which covers cases involving traffic offenses and DUI charges. The legal office also protects the rights of clients arrested for harassment, assault, robbery, and petite larceny. Founding attorney Gina Wicik is also licensed to practice in New Jersey. The 2015 law school graduate also practices personal injury law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gina Wicik - Principal8 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (35)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (15)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (4)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
111 Broadway Suite 901, New York, NY 10006

Why choose this provider?

Norman Spencer Law Group caters to the legal needs of residents in New York City. The firm provides clients with legal services and counsel for criminal defense cases, including federal crimes, state crimes, and government investigations. It deals with international criminal law, cyber crimes, enterprise corruption, and immigration fraud. Other cases handled include food stamp fraud, sex crimes, theft crimes, and professional misconduct investigations and prosecutions. Its criminal attorneys share more than seven decades of experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.5 / 5 (39)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
49 West 37th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1996, Goldberg & Allen, LLP Attorneys at Law offers criminal defense and civil lawsuit representation for individuals in New York City. It represents clients in high-stakes criminal defense cases, including those involving white-collar crimes, drugs, firearms, felonies, and traffic and violent crimes. Its founding attorneys, Jay K. Goldberg and Gerald Allen, have over 60 years of combined experience in the practice. They both previously served as First Deputy Bureau Chief in different departments, including the Criminal Court Bureau, at Kings County District Attorney's Office.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (12)
Google
4.7 / 5 (10)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (3)

(+2 additional sources)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
152 W. 57th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10019
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Mark A. Bederow, P.C., is a criminal defense firm that offers counsel and representation to clients in New York City. In his over 20 years of practice, lawyer Mark Bederow has represented clients involved in white-collar crimes such as money laundering, social security fraud, and embezzlement. He also handles cases involving extortion and blackmail, wrongful convictions, assault, subpoena compliance, and forfeiture. Prior to starting his own firm, Bederow served as a prosecutor for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Google
4.9 / 5 (30)
Avvo
4.6 / 5 (21)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (20)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
20 Vesey Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10007
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

Zeman & Womble Attorneys at Law defends clients who are facing charges for criminal offenses throughout the New York City metro and nearby areas. It represents defendants in court and grand juries, handling cases involving major and minor traffic violations, driving under the influence, assault and battery, weapons charges, rape and sexual assault, and drug crimes. The firm's attorneys have more than 25 years of combined experience, including their time in the District Attorney's Office and the Public Defender's Office.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.4
Google
3.9 / 5 (25)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (20)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
277 Broadway #708, New York, NY 10007
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Michael Block is a traffic lawyer who caters to clients within New York City. He provides criminal defense for local motorists and out-of-state drivers who have been charged with infractions for reckless driving, speeding, and driving while under the influence of alcohol. He also represents taxi drivers who commit offenses against the guidelines and regulations set down by the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission. Block is a member of the Association of Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, where he served from 1990 to 2007 as its treasurer.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Block - Principal38 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (1187)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (180)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (75)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1500, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Michael Dreishpoon is a New York City law firm providing legal assistance to clients facing personal injury and criminal defense issues. The firm has handled thousands of felony and misdemeanor charges, including drug crimes, burglary, domestic violence, weapons possession, and sex crimes. It also provides representation in juvenile crimes and complex criminal cases such as multifaceted charges for homicide, rape, and murder. Principal attorney Michael Dreishpoon has been a criminal defense attorney for more than 30 years.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (257)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (166)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (13)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
275 Madison Ave 35th Floor, New York City, NY 10016

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of George Vomvolakis defends clients who have been accused of and charged with crimes in New York City and the adjoining metros. Vomvolakis draws on his six-year experience as a prosecutor to take on cases involving assault, drug crimes, rape, racketeering, DUI or DWI, and murder, assisting clients by analyzing the facts of each case and establishing a legal strategy that fits the scenario. The firm also handles cases involving juvenile offenders. Vomvolakis has appeared as a commentator on various television stations across the country.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.8 / 5 (19)
Avvo
4.6 / 5 (17)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
225 Broadway, Suite 715, New York, NY 10007
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2013, Kenneth E. Belkin, Esq., is a multi-practice firm that serves clients in New York City. It fights for the rights and freedom of those facing criminal charges, such as DUI, theft, and gun violations. Lead attorney Ken Belkin works directly with clients and negotiates with prosecutors to achieve the best possible outcome. Belkin is also admitted to practice in federal courts. He has appeared on several news programs, including CNN and Fox, to provide his expert legal opinion. 

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (94)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
11 Broadway, Suite 615, New York, NY 10004
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Why choose this provider?

A.D.P. Shapiro is a law firm that represents clients in New York City in criminal defense cases, such as assault, burglary, robbery, trespassing, and harassment. Its attorneys help clients obtain fair outcomes in their lawsuits by protecting their rights and providing proper representation. In addition, the firm handles family law, immigration, and civil litigation matters. It is owned and managed by Aaron D.P. Shapiro, who has been practicing law since 2008. He is also licensed in Connecticut.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Aaron Shapiro - Owner and Founder15 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
30 Wall Street 12th Floor, New York, NY 10005
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

D'Emilia Law works with individuals in New York City who are facing charges under criminal statutes. The firm handles trial proceedings and appeals. Its caseload includes incidents of assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, and tax offenses. The team is experienced with the dissection and deconstruction of police procedures, exposing irregularities that violate a suspect's rights. The firm is helmed by Paul D’Emilia and Kendra Monte, criminal defense attorneys with more than four decades of combined experience in their field.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (21)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
521 5th Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10175
  • DWI/DUI

Why choose this provider?

Koch Law offers counsel and representation for individuals in New York City and nearby areas. The firm protects the rights of clients facing charges of technology-related crimes, including cyber-terrorism, computer fraud, DDOS attacks, or internet slander and defamation. Its attorney, Lee, also defends individuals arrested for petit larceny, phishing, and identity theft. During his internship, he handled Criminal Justice Agency assignments and high-profile clients. He also served in the US Air Force before pursuing law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Lee Koch - Principal8 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (46)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
225 Broadway 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10007
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

Why choose this provider?

Kelly & Rubin LLP serves the locals of New York City and those from the surrounding communities. The firm provides legal support to individuals facing various criminal charges. These include possession and manufacturing of illegal drugs, sexual misconduct and rape, probation and parole violations, DWI or DUI, and homicide. Robert Kelly, one of the founding partners, started as an assistant district attorney while also serving as the supervising attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney's Special Victims Unit.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (24)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (3)
FindLaw
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
120 Broadway, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10271
  • Theft & Burglary

Why choose this provider?

Oliver S. Storch, Attorney at Law, has been serving clients in New York City since 1991. Storch is a criminal defense lawyer representing individuals facing investigation for theft, fraud, sexual-based offenses, drug possession, and cybercrime. His experience includes dismissing the charges of former high-ranking FDNY officials in DWI claims. He provides legal counsel for embassies, consulates, and foreign nationals. Storch is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also supports the American Museum of Natural History.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (13)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (10)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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FAQs

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

    The non-emergency number for the local police in New York City is 311 or (646) 610-5000 for other police inquiries.

  • What should you expect during a criminal defense process?

    You will go through the different stages of the criminal defense process such as investigation and arrest, followed by arraignment and pre-trial. Your lawyer can help you in making a plea bargain agreement or represent you if the case needs to proceed to a trial, which will require the presentation of evidence and building a strong defense strategy.

  • When should you hire a criminal defense lawyer in New York City?

    You should hire a New York City criminal defense lawyer when you have been arrested and charged with a crime. Even if you are just under investigation and have not been charged, or have reason to believe that you may be charged in the future, it is advisable to seek legal counsel.

  • What types of cases do criminal defense lawyers in New York City handle?

    New York City criminal defense lawyers handle a wide range of cases, from minor traffic citations to major felonies. Criminal defense lawyers also represent clients in DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault cases, theft and property crimes, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, and homicide. They also handle cases such as homicide cases and terrorism.

  • How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in NYC?

    The median hourly rate for criminal defense lawyers in NYC ranges from $250 to $400, with some lawyers charging more than $500 per hour. However, many criminal defense lawyers may offer discounted rates for low-income clients or those who cannot afford to pay the full fee upfront. It is vital for you to discuss the payment plan before you agree on the representation.

  • What are the benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in New York City?

    There are a lot of benefits when you hire a criminal defense attorney in New York City. A lawyer can ensure that law enforcement officers follow the proper procedure in their investigation and can also assist you in making a plea deal. You can also seek timely advice from a lawyer throughout the hearing of your case.

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