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Manhattan & Westchester Criminal Defense Attorneys

Were you charged with a crime? Are you at risk of jail time, loss of certain privileges, and other life-changing criminal charges? 
 

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC criminal defense attorneys want to help you maintain a normal life as best as possible. 

When faced with charges that don't match your alleged crime, you need our New York City criminal defense team in your corner...

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Top 3 Reasons to Choose Our NYC & Westchester Criminal Defense Attorneys vs. a Public Defender

OUR PHILOSPHY- THE BEST DEFENSE IS AN OFFENSE 

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Request a consultation online or call our offices:
New York City  (Manhattan) Law office (212) 858-0503
Westchester County (White Plains) Law office (914) 574-8330

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Aggressively Challenge The Prosecution's Case

Our New York City and Westchester criminal defense attorneys thoroughly investigate every case. Our criminal defense lawyers work with experienced investigators who are former law enforcement to get witness statements shortly after the incident while the matters are still fresh in people’s minds.  Our investigators conduct prompt crime scene investigations to secure video surveillance evidence before it disappears. A prompt investigation can mean the difference between a conviction and a not guilty verdict. 

We often consult with retired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) experts to challenge scientific evidence. The relentless hard work of our New York criminal defense lawyers has proved to be the turning point in many cases involving video tape evidence, handwriting, and forgery. Our NYC and Westchester criminal defense lawyers also have extensive knowledge about personal injury litigation, so we have a broad understanding of medicine, which can be especially useful in assault cases, where we can show that there was no injury, therefore no assault. This knowledge of medicine  gives our Manhattan and Westchester criminal defense attorneys an upper hand in rape, sexual abuse and assault charges, where the degree of injury means the difference between a felony, misdemeanor, or a non-criminal violation. Our Westchester criminal defense attorneys and Manhattan criminal defense lawyers are not afraid to fight the case and do not push anyone to just cop out and take a deal.

Our Westchester & Manhattan Criminal Defense Attorneys Fight for Our Clients

In cases where the police fudge or fabricate evidence or use excessive force and then bring bogus charges to cover up their misconduct, we go to the mats to expose the corruption. In many cases, after our criminal defense lawyers win the criminal case, our criminal defense and malicious prosecution attorneys sue the officers involved in the fabrication or tainting of evidence for false arrest and malicious prosecution. In fact, our law office has one of the highest rates of malicious prosecution jury verdicts in the State of New York. So if you are facing criminal charges because the police are covering up a false arrest, call our NYC and Westchester criminal defense lawyers today  If you or a family member were assaulted by the police, we have successfully litigated numerous police brutality cases and have gotten numerous bogus criminal charges dismissed and then successfully sued the police officers involved in police brutality and false arrest of our clients.

We Get Results

Our Westchester and NYC criminal defense lawyers fight hard to make sure that no innocent client gets convicted. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have won cases in the grand jury, gotten cases dismissed on motions, and won felony hearings and trials.  Even if our clients are guilty, we can often minimize the sentence, get charges reduced, and keep a mistake from ruining your life. Our criminal defense attorneys are familiar with the alternative courts such as the drug courts and the prostitution courts, and we have helped many clients avoid jail and get the assistance they need. Our New York City criminal defense attorneys are veterans in the Manhattan, Queens and Bronx criminal courts. Likewise, our Westchester criminal defense lawyers are regulars, in the criminal courts of Westchester County, N.Y., including White Plains, Greenburgh, Mt. Kisco, Armonk, Irvington, Sleepy Hollow,  Mamaroneck, Elmsford, Scarsdale, Rye, Port Chester, Yonkers, Tarrytown and New Rochelle. 

Criminal Defense

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, helps people who have been charged with a crime in New York City. Are you facing criminal charges? Our criminal defense lawyers can protect your rights.

Ready to Discuss Your Case? Call for a Free Consultation

Our criminal defense attorneys have defended clients in New York City, Westchester County and throughout the state for over three decades combined. We are affiliated with notable organizations, including:

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Association for Justice 
  • New York County Bar Association
  • Westchester County Bar Association

​If you are charged with a crime, your freedom and future are at stake. Protect yourself by contacting us online or calling our Westchester criminal defense attorneys for at (914) 574-8330 for a free initial consultation with our White Plains Law Office, or for a free consultation with our New York City criminal defense lawyers in our Manhattan Law Office, call us at (212) 858-0503.

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Our New York Criminal Defense Attorneys are Respected by Our Clients and Peers

1

M. Hamilton

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Mr. Joseph took my case when I didn't know where to turn. I had a previous lawyer who was not very helpful,  and I decided to find help elsewhere. The moment I started sharing my story with Mr. Joseph on the telephone, he made me feel like someone cared. He listened. He helped. Thats all I wanted.  Thank you Mr. Joseph and your team.

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1

Stuart W.

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Absolutely honest - Michael does what he promises.  He's a downright killer and advocate for his clients.  In my case, when opposing counsel used multiple delay tactics, he literally called the judge during the depositions and forced opposing counsel to produce critical evidence. Michael is very smart and incredibly hard working. Bottom line ... if you need help - he's the guy you want to hire.

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Can We Take On Your Case? Our Criminal Law Practice Areas

Our skilled New York criminal defense lawyers and White Plains criminal defense attorneys fight hard to bring a bad situation to a good resolution. We have fought many drug and weapons charges and are well-versed in search and seizure law. From misdemeanors like petit larceny to much more serious charges of assault or rape, our attorneys have seen it all. Our practice areas include:

  • Arrest, Bail, Bond, and Arraignment: Most ordinary citizens have no idea what to do if they are arrested. No matter why you were arrested, our team of criminal lawyers can guide you through the next steps and help you reach the best possible outcome.
  • Assault with a Weapon: If you are charged with assault with a weapon, a criminal attorney can investigate your case and build compelling evidence about the level of injury, the weapon used, and whether the actions were justified.
  • Criminal Trespass: Because the punishment for criminal trespassing can be very serious, you need a lawyer on your side who can help you clear your name.
  • Domestic Violence: By contacting a law office immediately after you are accused of domestic violence, you can protect yourself and your family from egregious charges.
  • Driving with a Suspended License: Our New York City and Westchester criminal defense attorneys have represented hundreds of clients who were charged with driving with a suspended license and we've won many dismissals and charge reductions for these types of cases.
  • Drug/Narcotic Charges: Our lawyers have handled drug and narcotic charges for both misdemeanor and felonies. We have a high success rate of getting charges reduced and helping our clients avoid jail.
  • DUI/DWI - Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime. If you fail a roadside sobriety test and blood-alcohol level test during a DUI stop, you could be subject to driver's license suspension, jail time, and thousands of dollars in fines.  Our Westchester attorneys who defend people arrested for driving while intoxicated have extensive experience in keeping our clients our of jail, getting charges reduced. Our Westchester DWI criminal defense lawyers can keep a mistake from ruining your life. 
  • False Documents: If you were charged with possession of false documents simply because you are an undocumented worker trying to eat and live, we can help you get your charges reduced and create a plea deal that does not affect your immigration status. Likewise if you used a fake identification to buy alcohol or get into a bar or club and got caught with an altered license, our criminal defense attorneys can keep you from getting a criminal record.  
  • Grand Larceny: Grand larceny ranges from grand larceny in the first degree (stealing property that is valued at over one million dollars) to grand larceny in the fourth degree (stealing property valued at more than one thousand  dollars). Because the amounts can be so high, grand larceny is often considered a white collar crime.
  • Marihuana Charges: OurNYC and Westchester criminal defense lawyers most frequently handle cases where clients are accused of Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Our attorneys view use of marihuana as a harmless vice that should be legal, so we fight hard to get our clients who use marihuana out of trouble and keep them from getting criminal convictions. 
  • Obstruction of Governmental Administration: Because our law office has seen many obstruction of governmental administration cases overcharged or improperly charged, we want to protect our clients against these baseless accusations.
  • Property Seized by the Government: If your property was seized by the federal government, our criminal defense team can help determine whether the case is legitimate or not. Whenever someone is stopped by the police or your house was raided by the police and they have thousands of dollars of cash, officer just assume that the money is from illegal activity. In many cases, you have the right to get that money back, but you have to act quickly.  
  • Prostitution or Patronizing a Prostitute: Our Westchester criminal defense lawyers have handled a cases of men arrested in online sex stings, for patronizing a prostitute. These stings are usually setups where officers post fake prostitution ads on websites.  Our prostitution defense lawyers have also represented numerous women who arrested where officers pose as customers and answer ads on line.  Our prostitution defense lawyers have extensive experience in handling prostitution cases throughout Westchester and New York City, and are able to resolve most cases without a criminal conviction and with the records sealed.  If you are facing a charge of prostitution or patronizing a prostitute, call our NYC and Westchester criminal defense lawyers today. 
  • Rape Charges and Sex Crimes: Our criminal defense attorneys have helped many clients who were wrongfully charged with rape obtain dismissals, avoid jail time, and keep their criminal records clean. Our criminal defense attorneys have handled a wide array of sex crimes in all of the Westchester Courts. 
  • Robbery: We've handled cases for many clients who were wrongfully charged with robbery. 
  • Sex Crimes: Our attorneys are well versed in criminal defense for a wide range of sex crimes including prostitution, rape, and lack of consent. Our lawyers are on your side, we don't judge you. Our job is to get you through this situation with as little collateral damage to your life as possible. 
  • Shoplifting and Petit Larceny: If you were accused of stealing property valued at $1,000 or less, our attorneys can represent you. Our shoplifting and Petit Larceny attorneys can get charges reduced, avoid a criminal conviction and get you out of trouble without probation or jail. 
  • Violations of Probation: If you were falsely accused of a new crime while on probation, our lawyers try to get the case to trial as soon as possible so that you can get out of jail and back on probation.
  • Youthful Offenders: Because a criminal record can put a stain on the rest of a child's life, you need a skilled criminal lawyer on your side to protect a child from serious charges.

Arrests infographic

*According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services 

Not Sure What Type of Case You Have?

We don't expect you to be well-versed in criminal charges and criminal defense. That's our job. If you've been charged with a crime and are not sure how to proceed, contact our law office for a free consultation. The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC will closely listen to the details of your case and full inform you on your options. Request your complimentary consultation online or call us:

(914) 574-8330

Potential Penalties for Criminal Cases

Our criminal defense team wants to minimize the impact that your charges and convictions have on your life. Our goal is to lessen your charges, which may include:

  • Employment Issues
  • Eviction
  • Fines 
  • Loss of Driving Privileges 
  • Loss of Income 
  • Immigration or Travel Issues
  • Incarceration
  • Permanent Record 
  • Probation or Community Service

Dozens of 5-Star Google Reviews

1

Larry S.

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Michael took my case when no one else would. He worked very,very, hard to get the job done. He was very prompt and professional and I have nothing but the highest regards for him and his staff.  Excellent lawyer.

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1

Vernon Y.

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Mr. Joseph was a total professional with me. He understood my situation and took the time to listen to me. I felt like I was getting wise counsel at all times and found the entire legal process to not be as bad as I'd feared.

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What to Do During a Police Encounter

Our NYC and Westchester criminal defense lawyers know that facing criminal charges can be a frightening, intimidating situation for anyone. During this time, it's important to not let stress and emotions take over. When interacting with law enforcement, you should: 

Remain Silent

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you..." We've all heard Miranda warnings read aloud in TV shows and movies, but it's important to take these warnings seriously. Do not say anything until you have a criminal defense attorney present.  The police are looking to convict you, even if they act like they are on your side. Often they will take what you say and twist it into something that you didn't say, which creates the false impression that you are guilty.  Our  Westchester and NYC criminal defense lawyers recommend that if you are suspected of a crime, remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer. If you ask for a lawyer, they have to stop questioning you. 

Stay Calm and Cooperate

Even if you believe that law enforcement officers are not acting lawfully, stay calm. Do not obstruct or fight with the police. This may give them a reason to arrest you. Cooperate with law enforcement, by giving them your pedigree information and be polite, but do not provide other information outside of your name and address. When in doubt, ask for a lawyer and do not answer questions that may incriminate you.

Know Your Rights

You do not have to consent to a search of your property, self, or belongings unless the police have a search warrant. If they have a warrant, make sure you ask to see it. If they fail to show you a warrant, verbally state that you do not consent for them to perform a search. 

Contact an Experienced New York Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don't give the police any excuses, stories, or explanations about your case until you've talked to an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Our NYC and Westchester criminal defense lawyers will listen to the specifics of your case and help you decide what course of action is best. Don't sign anything or give details about your case until you have spoken with a criminal defense lawyer. 

Client-Centered Care for Every Type of Case

"Michael Joseph is very knowledgeable about both federal and state law and he patiently explained how each applied to my case. He is also friendly and accessible." Jim

The Importance of a Criminal Defense Strategy

Michael H. Joseph has represented clients in criminal defense cases for more than 20 years. The right criminal defense strategy can make the difference between freedom and incarceration. Michael H. Joseph and his firm will put in the work to bring the truth to light on your behalf.

The Timeline For a Criminal Case

Arrest 

The arrest process in New York City can be a daunting one. Based on only an accusation, anyone arrested and taken to a precinct is looking at a 12 to 24-hour booking process. Having an experience Manhattan criminal defense attorney on your side can expedite this process. From the moment our attorneys are retained, we contact the police and stop any interrogation. We put in a notice of appearance at the court and regularly keep in contact with the court’s arraignment party to monitor when a case is court ready. If you do not have a lawyer, you will most likely have to sit in a holding cell, waiting in line to have your case called. Let our New York City criminal defense attorneys protect you. 

Exercise your right to call a criminal lawyer. Remember, you also have the right to access your criminal attorney as a counsel throughout the entire process. 

Our team will help get your case called as soon as it is ready for criminal court. We have gotten numerous clients out of police custody without bail, even on felony charges. On serious charges, we work closely with bail bondsmen to make sure that our clients don’t spend any more time in jail than is absolutely necessary. In many cases, by having a bail bondsman hired prior to the arraignment, we have kept several clients from going to Rikers Island, the Manhattan House of Detention, and the Barge. 

Arraignment 

An arraignment is a formal announcement of a defendant's criminal charges. If your loved one has been arrested for a felony in New York City or Westchester, it can be beneficial to have a criminal defense attorney present at the arraignment. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys know how to make arguments which will convince a Judge that your loved one is not a flight risk and does not require a high bail.  After a judge has informed you of the charges and you have entered a plea, one of our criminal defense attorneys will explain to the judge why you should be released or try to convince the judge that your bail should be lowered.

The judge will then deliver his or her ruling, which may include: 

  • An immediate release with a promise to return for your trial 
  • A dismissal of your case
  • A release on bail
  • Jail without bail 

*According to City and State New York 

The arraignment parts in New York City run every day and through the night. If your family member was arrested and is waiting for arraignment, call us. Our Manhattan criminal defense lawyers know the process and how to get your loved one through it. 

The Conferences

There are often numerous appearances in criminal court, where our White Plains criminal defense lawyers and Manhattan criminal defense attorneys meet with the prosecutor and Judge to see if we can come to an agreement to resolve the case. This often includes an offer of a reduction in the charge and an agreement to the sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. This is often called plea bargaining. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers know how to maximize this process to make the prosecutor aware of weaknesses in their case as well as positive things about our client. This wealth of experience can yield tremendously beneficial results for our clients in terms of favorable outcomes of their criminal charges. 

Wait for Trial

Depending on the judge's ruling, you will wait for your court date at home or within a jail. Both Discovery and Motions and Hearings take place in the time leading up to your trial. During discovery, our criminal defense team will receive information related to the case. As criminal defense attorneys, we are responsible for filing motions to suppress any evidence that was brought forward illegally. 

Trial

Trials are a lengthy and complex process. It is usually broken down into several steps: a jury will be selected, both sides will read their opening statements, the prosecutors will present their evidence, we will present our evidence, and both sides will provide their closing arguments before the jury is left to deliberate. To win a criminal trial requires extensive preparation. Our New York City and Westchester criminal defense lawyers have an excellent record of wining not guilty verdicts at trial. We work hard to fight the case and present evidence of innocence. Our attorneys are relentless advocates who go the extra mile to expose baseless criminal prosecutions. 

If your case goes to rial, you need a knowledgeable and experienced criminal lawyer on your side. Choosing the wrong lawyer to represent you in trial can have devastating consequences. 

Sentencing 

If a sentence is not reached with a plea deal, the sentence will ultimately be up to the judge. Our criminal defense lawyers will present a information to the Court that highlights your redeeming qualities and contributions while taking attention away from your conviction. By shining a positive light on you as a person and not as a criminal, we can encourage the judge to issue a lighter sentence. 

Appeal

If you are convicted, you also have the right to appeal your case. Like a trial, the appeals process requires you to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side. If you need to appeal your case, the criminal defense team at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC will be by your side through every step of the process. 

I GOT  A CALL FROM A DETECTIVE - WHAT DO I DO

One of the most frequent questions that our White Plains criminal defense lawyers and Manhattan criminal defense lawyers are asked is "A detective is calling me, What Do I Do?" or The police came to my house "What do I do".  The answer is you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer, now. If a detective is calling you, then you are already a suspect. The police may suspect that you were involved or that you did something but they often don't have the evidence to prove it, or they have holes in their case that they want tyou to fill in. If a detective is telling you that they just want to talk or hear your side of the story, don't believe it. They want you to come in, so they can grill you, and get you to confess or make admissions that they can use against, then they will arrest you. The police will use every unfair tactic they can to get you to confess. They are allowed to lie to you. They will tell you that everything will just go easier if you tell them what they want to hear. They will tell you that you can go home tonight if you admit what you did, but they don't tell you that you just gave a confession that can land you in jiaol.  Don't go into the lion's den, call an experienced White Plains criminal defense attorney or Manhattan criminal defense lawyer. 

Our criminal defense attorneys can put a barrier between the police and you, and we will assert your rights to not answer questions for you. If the police want to arrest you, we will schedule a time when you can walk in with a lawyer, get an appearance ticket or be arraigned the same day and get back on with your life. Also if you walk into a police station and give a confession, then your ability to negotiate is hampered. 

Worried about the Cost of Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring a criminal lawyer may seem financially impossible during this time. But at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, we offer free initial consultations. On top of very affordable legal fees, we also have flexible payment plans and accept all major credit cards. Even if you're not being charged with a "white collar crime," you can afford a top attorney. For more information, send us a message or call our office: 

(914) 574-8330

"He Will Fight for You until the End"

"Attorney Michael Joseph is professional, knowledgeable and reasonable as far as rates. If you are involved in a criminal case go to Michael Joseph, he will fight for you until the end." Anonymous Reviewer on Avvo

OUR TWO LOCATIONS

law offices

MEET WITH OUR WHITE PLAINS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS

203 East Post Road
White Plains, N.Y. 10601
Tel: 914-574-8330

office building

MEET WITH OUR MANHATTAN CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

18 West 33rd Street
Suite 400
New York, N.Y. 10001

Tel: 212-858-0503

A GOOD LAWYER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC

Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, has been helping injured victims recover compensation for their injuries for over a decade. Our attorneys are members of several prestigious organizations, including: 

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Association for Justice
  • New York County Bar Association
  • Westchester County Bar Association

To request your free initial consultation with our team, call our New York City office at (212) 858-0503 or our White Plains office at (914) 574-8330. You can also request a case review online.

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New York Office

18 W 33rd St
Ste 400
New York, NY 10001

Open Today 8:30am - 6:00pm

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White Plains Office

203 E Post Rd
White Plains, NY 10601

Open Today 8:30am - 6:00pm

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