Criminal Defense Lawyers in New York

What is a criminal defense?

Criminal law involves the prosecution of an individual for an act that is classified as a crime. In a criminal prosecution, a defendant can put up a defense in an attempt to avoid criminal liability. Besides contesting the accuracy of any allegation, the defendant can make allegations against the prosecutor or plaintiff, arguing that he or she is not liable for the criminal offense.

Nevertheless, the defendant almost always holds the burden of proof in cases where he or she raises a defense in an effort to avoid liability. For example, in an assault and battery case, the victim does not have to prove that he or she did not provoke the situation. The defendant, on the other hand, would have to prove that the plaintiff was the agitator.

When you face criminal charges in New York State, you need help from the experienced New York City criminal defense attorneys of Bernfeld, DeMatteo, and Bernfeld, LLP.

What is a criminal offense?

A criminal offense is considered any act that is in violation of a public law. Criminal law offenses vary from state to state, and the crimes associated with them include:

• Felonies, which are considered serious criminal offenses such as murder or rape. They are punishable most of the time for a minimum of one year in prison.

• Misdemeanors, which are less serious criminal offenses such as petty theft or jaywalking. They are punishable for less than one year in prison.

Most criminal law offenses consist of two key elements: an act and a mental state. Criminal law prosecutors have to prove all elements of the criminal offense to gain a conviction. In addition, the prosecutor must convince a jury or judge beyond a reasonable doubt of all facts needed to validate the guilt of the crime charged.

Why you need a New York criminal defense attorney

If you are charged with a criminal offense, your best hope is to find a New York criminal defense lawyer who can adequately represent your best interests, protect your rights, and secure the best possible deal for your case.

Criminal defense lawyers understand and can explain the best and the worst case scenarios. They can properly advise you of your legal rights based on the crime you have committed. If you do not use a criminal defense attorney, you could be jeopardizing your future and accentuating the severity of the punishment for your crime.

The New York criminal defense lawyers at Bernfeld, DeMatteo, and Bernfeld, LLP have a combined 75 years of extensive legal experience in criminal law. They know how to deal with the New York court system, which can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate.

Whether you have been accused of a small misdemeanor or a major felony, our criminal defense attorneys in New York will devote their personal attention and experience to your case, and they will fight hard to ensure the best possible outcome.

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding the criminal defense process, or are looking for a criminal defense lawyer in New York and state with extensive knowledge of criminal and civil law, you have come to the right place. Contact us today for more information.