Manhattan Criminal Defense Lawyer

Manhattan Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal conviction in New York can change your life in an instant. Whether you were pulled over for driving under the influence or you were accused of fraud, it can be daunting knowing that your livelihood is on the line. If you or someone you love was accused of a crime in Manhattan, do not panic. By bringing your case to a Manhattan criminal defense lawyer, you have the chance to fight the charges against you and clear your name.

Manhattan Defense Lawyers Dedicated to Your Case

At Greco Neyland, PC, we believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. That’s why our team of criminal defense attorneys works to provide unbiased and effective legal support for Manhattan residents. Our defense team shares decades of experience representing clients in and out of the courtroom, advocating for their rights and pursuing justice however possible. No matter what criminal allegation you’re facing, you can trust Greco Neyland, PC, to fight for you.

Understanding Criminal Offenses in New York

There are municipal, state, and federal laws in place to help maintain safety across the country. If you violate one of these laws, it is considered a criminal offense. Criminal offenses deal with a diverse range of violations, ranging from violent crimes and weapon offenses to DWIs and theft. The type of crime that you are arrested for in Manhattan, NY, will dictate the details of the process, such as:

• Whether you’re granted bail or bond
• How long your trial lasts
• The penalties that you receive if you’re found guilty

Our Manhattan Criminal Defense Services

By building a team comprised of experienced criminal defense attorneys, our firm is able to provide superior defense services for a myriad of state and federal criminal cases. Our Manhattan criminal defense services include, but are not limited to, the following:

Drug Crimes

While drug crimes range in severity, any kind of drug conviction can have a lasting impact on your criminal record. Luckily, our defense lawyers here at Greco Neyland, PC, have worked through countless drug offenses and can help you create a strong defense against your charges. Common drug crimes that we may be able to defend include:

• Drug possession
• Possession of paraphernalia
• Illegal sale of a controlled substance
• Drug trafficking

DWIs

A DWI, which is a “driving while impaired” charge, can result in serious consequences if you’re found guilty. Because driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts everyone on the road at risk, New York is incredibly strict with DWI cases. It’s also important to note that if you are arrested for your second or subsequent DWI in New York, the potential consequences can increase immensely. Make sure you have a lawyer if you’re facing a DWI charge in Manhattan.

Probation Violation

Because probation is an alternative sentence, those who are granted it must follow the specific terms their judge puts in place. If you break the terms of your probation, it will be considered a violation and ultimately result in a penalty. However, there are some instances when individuals are alleged to have broken their probation, even though they were still compliant. If you were accused of violating your probation in Manhattan, bring your case to our firm immediately.

Severe Traffic Offenses

While most traffic violations are considered infractions, there are some cases where a traffic violation can become a criminal offense. Generally, a traffic violation becomes a crime when other people are put in danger, injured, or killed as a result of the defendant’s driving. Serious criminal traffic offenses can include:

• Reckless driving
• Hit-and-runs
• Vehicular homicide
• Aggravated unlicensed operations

Sex Crimes

Being convicted of a sex crime can ruin your reputation. At Greco Neyland, PC, our team understands just how difficult fighting a sex crime accusation can be, especially due to biases that may exist around your offense. If you were accused of any of the following offenses, bring your concerns to our lawyers to see how we may be able to help:

• Sexual misconduct
• Forcible touching
• Sexual abuse
• Public lewdness
• Patronizing a prostitute
• Child pornography

Petit and Grand Larceny

In New York, larceny is generally categorized into two main categories, which are known as petit larceny and grand larceny. If an individual in Manhattan steals property with a total value of less than $1,000, their charge will be considered petit larceny. Petit larceny is a misdemeanor in most cases, and it may result in less severe penalties than grand larceny, though it can still leave a mark on your criminal record.

If an individual in Manhattan steals property with a value that totals over $1,000, their charge then becomes grand larceny. Grand larceny is a felony that can result in prison time if you’re convicted. No matter what kind of larceny charge you’re facing, make sure that you retain a dependable theft lawyer to advocate for you.

Violent Crimes

Because violent crimes often result in innocent victims being harmed, the state implements harsh penalties against those who are convicted of them. Violent crimes also tend to carry a negative stigma around them, making it more challenging for defendants to prove their innocence. If you or someone you love was charged with one of the following violent crimes, don’t wait to ask our Manhattan criminal attorneys for help:

• Assault
• Reckless endangerment
• Kidnapping
• Unlawful imprisonment
• Homicide
• Arson
• Robbery
• Armed robbery

White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes include a wide range of financially motivated offenses. Because most white collar crimes deal with large amounts of money and illegal misconduct involving it, they are considered federal offenses. If you’re convicted of a white collar crime in New York, you can face heavy fines and even prison time. Common white collar crimes that our attorneys defend in Manhattan include:

• Embezzlement
• Fraud (such as credit card fraud, healthcare fraud, mail fraud, etc.)
• Money laundering
• Bribery
• Identity theft
• Insider trading

Weapon Crimes

Due to its dense living spaces and massive population, New York has some of the strictest gun and weapon laws in the United States. While it is your constitutional right to own a gun if you’re eligible, you still must adhere to all safety and legal precautions put in place. If you fail to comply with the legal requirements of owning a weapon, or if you use that weapon to harm others, you can face extreme penalties in Manhattan. Weapon crimes in New York can include:

• Criminal possession of a weapon
• Criminal use of a firearm
• Criminal sale of a firearm or deadly weapon
• Prohibited use of weapons
• Defacement of dangerous weapons
• Manufacturing deadly weapons

Potential Penalties of Criminal Convictions in New York

If you’re convicted of a crime in Manhattan, you may face a variety of penalties. The penalties that a guilty defendant receives depend on the type of crime they committed, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, if other people were harmed, and more. The following are the most common consequences mandated after a guilty verdict in New York:

• Fines: Fines are one of the most common penalties used in Manhattan. This is because they can easily change with the severity of an offense, ranging from $100 to $10,000+. In more serious cases, a defendant who is found guilty may receive hefty fines on top of other consequences, like prison time.
• Jail Time: Jail time is generally required for serious and violent offenses, but it may also be mandated when defendants already have a criminal record or are considered repeat offenders. Like many other states, New York has varying minimum and maximum sentences for different crimes.
• Prison Time: Prison is generally reserved for those who are convicted of felonies and receive long sentences. Like jail time, New York also implements mandatory minimum and maximum prison sentences for different types of felonies.
• Probation: In some cases, an individual who received a jail sentence may be able to get out early or swap their sentence completely if they go on probation. Probation is a form of alternative sentencing that grants convicted individuals the opportunity to stay out of jail if they comply with monitoring and strict guidelines.
• Community Service: Community service is another form of alternative sentencing used to penalize convicted individuals instead of or after jail time. It is technically unpaid work that aids the community in some way, such as cleaning the sides of the roads. Community service may be mandated as its own consequence or in addition to probation and fines.

Why Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer When You’re Accused of a Crime?

The criminal justice system was designed to hold people who break the law accountable while still providing them with the opportunity to prove their innocence. This means that unless a defendant pleads guilty, their case will have to go to trial.

During a criminal trial, the prosecution will attempt to prove to a judge that the defendant committed a crime. To ensure that you are given a fair trial and the chance to prove your innocence, it is your constitutional right to hire a defense lawyer.

Hiring a Manhattan criminal defense lawyer can make an immense difference in your case, in addition to providing you with much-needed support during difficult times. Our lawyers are specifically trained in creating strong, strategic defenses that demonstrate your side of the story. We are dedicated to protecting your legal interests and can advocate for your rights throughout your case. If you were accused of a crime in Manhattan, don’t wait to hire a defense attorney.

Manhattan Criminal Defense FAQs

Q: How Do You Find a Defense Attorney Who Is Right for Your Case?

A: While finding a great defense attorney may seem like a complex process, it doesn’t have to be. To find a lawyer who’s right for you, you first need to search for attorneys who have experience with cases like yours. From there, you can narrow down your options by evaluating their reputation and reviews. Once you’ve found a few options, simply schedule a consultation and see how you get along. It’s crucial that you choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with.

Q: What Is a Federal Crime?

A: Every state has the power to create its own legislation defining criminal offenses and how they should be penalized. When an individual breaks a state law, the New York government is then responsible for managing their case. When an individual violates a federal law, however, their case becomes a federal crime. Federal crimes include multiple serious offenses that only the federal government is allowed to handle.

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost in Manhattan?

A: Most criminal defense attorneys in New York charge their clients by the hour. However, some firms may offer specific rates, depending on the kinds of cases and whether they go to court. If you end up working with a defense lawyer who charges by the hour, you can expect to see rates anywhere from $200 to $750 per hour. If you decide to work with a lawyer who is more costly, it’s essential that you make sure they have the experience and reputation to back up their rates.

Q: Can You Get Any Criminal Offense Expunged in New York?

A: Expungement is a process that allows eligible individuals to remove certain criminal offenses from their records. Not every individual is allowed to expunge an offense, and not all offenses are eligible to be expunged. For example, many violent crimes and sex crimes cannot be expunged due to their severity. If you’re curious as to whether you are able to have an offense expunged from your criminal record, reach out to our firm to discuss your options.

Your Manhattan Criminal Defense Attorneys

While facing a criminal accusation may be frightening, it doesn’t mean that your life is over. Here at Greco Neyland, PC, our team of criminal defense attorneys is devoted to protecting your constitutional rights and supporting you during chaotic times. By combining our aggressive defense strategies and immense legal knowledge, we can work to prove your innocence and restore your reputation.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for a crime in Manhattan, contact Greco Neyland, PC, to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled defense attorneys today.