Criminal Law Attorneys in New York City

What is criminal law?

Criminal law encompasses the rules and statutes written by Congress and state legislators dealing with any criminal activity that causes harm to the general public. The penalty, depending on the offense and jurisdiction, may include prison time, parole, probation, or even execution for capital crimes. In order to be found guilty of violating a criminal law, the prosecution must show intent on the part of the defendant.

The skilled New York City criminal law attorneys at Bernfeld, Dematteo, Bernfeld, LLP can help when you face criminal charges.

Enforcement of criminal law

Criminal law is typically enforced by the government. The state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit. Criminal law includes the following elements:

• Substantive criminal law defines the crimes committed against the state and oftentimes establishes punishment.
• Criminal procedure describes the methods by which the criminal laws are enforced and incorporates the individual and constitutional rights of the accused.
• Enforcement of criminal laws in the United States is typically handled by the states. Criminal statutes, which vary by jurisdiction, describe the type of conduct deemed a crime, the intent required, and, in some instances, the proper punishment.

In the application of punishment, five objectives are widely accepted for enforcement of criminal law. They are:

• Retribution, which is a method of making criminals pay for their crimes.
• Deterrence, which is aimed at imposing a sufficient penalty to discourage the offender and others from committing criminal offenses.
• Incapacitation, which is designed to keep criminals away from society in order to protect the public.
• Rehabilitation, which is aimed at transforming an offender into a useful member of society.
• Restitution, which is designed to make the offender repay the victim for the hurt or damage caused. This is closely related to the concepts in civil law.

If you are charged with a criminal offense, you need to speak with a New York City criminal law attorney as soon as possible.

Our New York criminal defense lawyers will work for you

Bernfeld, DeMatteo, and Bernfeld, LLP is a widely respected criminal, civil and divorce law firm. Our three criminal defense lawyers in New York City have extensive experience in criminal law, and they often work as a team, providing our clients with a combined 75 years of legal experience.

The New York court system can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, and a negative experience can have a lasting impact on your life even if you are not convicted. Whether you have been accused of a small misdemeanor or a major felony, our criminal law attorneys in New York City and state 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 law process, or are looking for a New York City and state criminal defense lawyer with extensive knowledge of criminal and civil law, you have come to the right place. Contact us today for more information.