Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyers in New York

Defending Clients Who Are Facing Criminal Charges in New York City

New York City court room

Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP is a recognized leader in the areas of civil rights and criminal defense. The firm features a unique combination of former prosecutors, public defenders, and judges. It can boast that it has represented thousands of clients across the spectrum of criminal charges in state and federal courts.

The firm is proud of our groundbreaking work to hold the police accountable when they violate clients’ rights with the use of excessive force, false arrests, and wrongful convictions. From homicides to complex federal white collar allegations, to appellate and post-judgment litigation, to international narcotics trafficking, to state drug charges, to vehicular homicides and DWI defense, our team is prepared to effectively defend your rights.

Why Hire Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP

The team at Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco has proven to be formidable advocates utilizing more than 200 years of collective experience to win our clients their freedom, restore their reputation, and in many cases, win financial damages by proving the misconduct of law enforcement personnel.

Our powerful team of former prosecutors and judges thought leaders in criminal law, seasoned litigators, and attorneys who know how to effectively handle high-profile cases that garner national media attention can defend our clients in the public arena as well as in the courtroom.

Some of our top case results include:

  • Case Dismissed - Unlawful police stop
  • Title IX Overturned - Student unfairly accused of sexual misconduct
  • Not Guilty Verdict - Teenager acquitted of murder, acted in self-defense

Have you been accused of a criminal offense in New York? Call Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP today at (888) 779-0267 or contact us online for a free consultation with our New York City criminal defense lawyers.

What Are My Rights?

When convicted of a criminal offense in the state of New York, you have certain rights that are protected under the law. These include the following:

  • Right to an Appeal
  • Right to Due Process
  • Right to Counsel
  • Right to Remain Silent
  • Right to Confront Witnesses
  • Right to a Jury Trial
  • Right to be Free from the Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
  • Right to be Free from the Cruel and Unusual Punishment

It is crucial to keep in mind that these rights can vary depending based on the circumstances of your specific case and the type of offense you have been convicted of. Our NYC criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your rights when convicted of a crime.

    Criminal Cases We Handle

    Our New York City criminal defense attorneys can help defend you against a variety of criminal charges, including:

    Criminal charges can jeopardize everything you have worked so hard to build in your life: your career, your reputation, and your personal and professional relationships. A conviction will threaten your freedom and future. With everything on the line, there is no option but to retain the services of our powerful, proven team of criminal defense attorneys in New York City.

    What are the Penalties For a Criminal Conviction in New York?

    There are several different types of penalties that accompany a criminal conviction in New York, including fines, jail time, probation, and potential consequences to your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen. Additionally, a criminal conviction may result in loss of employment for certain job types, loss of voting privileges, and the life-long stigma of being a convicted felony.

    In New York, as in many other jurisdictions in the United States, crimes are generally categorized as misdemeanors or felonies, which differ in terms of severity and potential penalties.

    A misdemeanor is a less serious offense than a felony. In New York, misdemeanors are typically punishable by a maximum of one year in jail, fines, probation, community service, or a combination of these penalties. Misdemeanors include offenses such as petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, and driving under the influence (DUI) for a first offense.

    On the other hand, a felony is a more serious offense than a misdemeanor and often involves violence or significant harm to others, or substantial financial loss. Felonies in New York are punishable by more than one year in prison, fines, probation, and other penalties. Examples of felonies in New York include murder, rape, robbery, burglary, grand larceny, and drug trafficking.

    Depending on the classification of the misdemeanor or felony, you may be facing the following penalties:

    • Class A Misdemeanor - Maximum 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
    • Class B Misdemeanor - Maximum 90 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.
    • Unclassified Misdemeanor - Between 16 days and 1 year in jail
    • Class A Felony - 20-25 years to life in prison
    • Class B Violent Felony - 5 - 25 years in prison
    • Class B Non-Violent Felony - 1 to 3 years, up to 25 years in prison
    • Class C Violent Felony - 3.5 years or up to 15 years in prison
    • Class C Non-Violent Felony - 1 to 2 years, up to 15 years probation
    • Class D Violent Felony - 2 to 7 years in prison
    • Class D Non-Violent Felony - 1.5 to 4 years probation
    • Class E Felony - Up to 4 years probation

    Criminal Process in New York

    The criminal process in New York follows a series of steps from arrest to trial. Here's an overview:

    1. Arrest: The process typically begins with an arrest by law enforcement officers. This can occur if they have probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. The individual may be taken into custody and transported to a police station or precinct for booking.
    2. Booking: At the police station, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process. This involves recording personal information, taking fingerprints and photographs (mugshots), and conducting a background check. The individual may also be searched, and any personal belongings may be confiscated as evidence.
    3. Arraignment: After booking, the arrested person is brought before a judge for arraignment. During the arraignment, the charges against the individual are formally presented, and the judge informs them of their rights. The judge also sets bail, if applicable, and schedules future court dates.
    4. Pretrial Proceedings: Before the trial, there may be several pretrial proceedings, including:
      • Plea Bargaining: Prosecutors and defense attorneys may engage in plea negotiations to resolve the case without going to trial. This can involve the defendant pleading guilty to lesser charges or receiving a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding trial.
      • Discovery: Both the prosecution and defense exchange information and evidence related to the case through a process called discovery.
      • Pretrial Motions: Either party may file pretrial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, which are addressed by the judge.
    5. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, the prosecution and defense present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury. The prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant has the right to testify, call witnesses, and present evidence in their defense.
    6. Verdict: After hearing the evidence and arguments, the judge or jury deliberates and reaches a verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing follows. If the defendant is found not guilty, they are acquitted, and the case is closed.
    7. Sentencing: If the defendant is convicted or pleads guilty, sentencing occurs. The judge imposes the appropriate punishment, which may include incarceration, fines, probation, community service, or other penalties.
    8. Appeals: The defendant may have the right to appeal the verdict or sentence if they believe legal errors occurred during the trial.

    Throughout the criminal process, the defendant is entitled to certain constitutional rights, including the right to legal representation, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. These rights are intended to protect the accused and ensure due process under the law.

    Defending Your Rights From the Hudson to the Hamptons

    The partners in our firm not only come from different professional backgrounds—judges, prosecutors, trial lawyers, and appellate lawyers—we are NYC criminal lawyers who are well-known and well-regarded in every county in the metropolitan area. While our reputation has grown, we have never lost the local contacts in New York City, new york criminal defense attorneyNassau County, and Suffolk County that are necessary to ensure that our clients get the best possible results. Regardless of the specific charge or circumstances surrounding your arrest or where or by whom, you have the right to a criminal attorney who understands the local customs and practices and who has earned the respect of law enforcement, prosecutors, court staff, and judges in every county in the metropolitan area.

    From pre-trial investigations to criminal appeals, our New York criminal defense lawyers have the resources and experience to effectively prevent an arrest or reverse an unjust conviction.

    Some of the outstanding achievements of our partners and criminal defense attorneys include:

    • A nationally recognized authority on DWI defense
    • Defense attorneys involved in high-profile murder cases that drew national attention
    • Lecturers and educators to other attorneys in the defense community
    • A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

    If you want to learn more about Barket Epstein and the steps we can take to help you, contact our offices for a free, confidential consultation. Right now, you have the invaluable opportunity to involve a New York criminal lawyer who has the skill to successfully defend your rights and freedom. Contact our Huntington, Garden City, or New York City criminal defense attorneys now to schedule a consultation. Seize this chance to work with a firm with the credentials, results, and experience you deserve.

    Contact Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP today to get started on your defense with our criminal defense attorneys in NYC.

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    What SEts Barket Epstein Apart?

    A Remarkable Combination of
    Knowledge & Experience
    • A Nationwide Influence

      Barket Epstein's attorneys are regularly featured in the media to discuss their recent cases or offer insight on current events.

    • Over Two Centuries of Combined Experience

      Barket Epstein has 13 attorneys who collectively bring over 200 years of experience to each case. Our team is comprised of former judges, former prosecutors, professors and true thought leaders in our fields. 

    • A Comprehensive Team Approach

      Given the experience and knowledge we have amongst the attorneys at our firm, we utilize a team approach. Each client benefits from the expertise of several attorneys, not just the one assigned to their case.

    • Thousands of Cases Handled

      Our Criminal Defense team has represented over 1,000 clients with charges ranging from DWI to homicide.

    • Three Convenient Office Locations

      Our firm offers clients three convenient locations in Garden City, Manhattan, and Huntington. 

    Nationally RecognizeD 
    Law Firm

    A Commitment to Excellence

    Contact Steven Epstein Today

    Get In Touch With Our Team - (888) 779-0267
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