1. Law Office of Mark A. Bederow, P.C.
Practice Focus: Federal and state criminal defense, white-collar crimes, traditional street crimes, violent felonies, and appeals
Case Types Handled: Murder, assault, domestic violence, weapons offenses, fraud, drug crimes, sex offenses, white-collar crimes, federal RICO charges, grand larceny, robbery, and homicide
Legal Services: Trial defense, pre-indictment representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals, post-conviction relief, grand jury representation, and investigation defense
Background: Mark Bederow has more than 20 years of experience in criminal law. He earned his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1998 and his B.A. from Arizona State University in 1995. He is a former Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where he handled complex investigations including early hate crime prosecutions. Mr. Bederow has appeared in numerous high-profile cases receiving national media attention, including the successful defense of a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent against four counts of murder, resulting in dismissal of all charges mid-trial. He holds an 8.9 Excellent rating on Avvo and is a member of the New York City Bar Association and National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Location: 152 W 57th Street, Floor 8, New York, NY 10019
Contact: (212) 256-9491 | https://www.bederowlaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
2. Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman
Practice Focus: Federal and state criminal defense, RICO violations, organized crime, narcotics offenses, white-collar crimes, and appellate practice
Case Types Handled: Murder, conspiracy to commit murder, RICO violations, securities fraud, health care fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, kidnapping, extortion, and Medicaid fraud
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals, post-conviction relief, sentencing advocacy, and pre-indictment defense
Background: Jeffrey Lichtman has practiced criminal defense for more than 34 years and is a 1990 graduate of Duke University School of Law. He has tried cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Alabama, California, and throughout the country. His notable representations include John A. Gotti, where the trial ended with dismissal of three murder conspiracy charges, acquittal on securities fraud, and a deadlocked jury; and Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10.0/10.0 Superb rating from Avvo, and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He has been selected as a New York City Super Lawyer and recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2021.
Location: 441 Lexington Avenue, Suite 504, New York, NY 10017
Contact: (212) 581-1001 | [email protected] | https://jeffreylichtman.com
Consultation: Free consultation, available around the clock
3. Lebedin Kofman LLP
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault charges, theft crimes, and white-collar offenses
Case Types Handled: Assault, domestic violence, DUI/DWI, drug possession, drug distribution, theft, fraud, weapons charges, sex offenses, probation violations, and warrant resolution
Legal Services: Trial defense, DMV hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice, expungement assistance, bail hearings, appeals, and civil rights litigation against municipalities
Background: The firm is led by attorneys Russ Kofman and Arthur Lebedin. Mr. Kofman is known for his responsiveness and has obtained dismissals in cases involving assault on police officers and various felony charges. The firm handles cases throughout all five New York City boroughs and maintains a consistent record of case dismissals. The attorneys provide around-the-clock availability and offer payment plan options.
Location: 26 Broadway, Suite 400, New York, NY 10004
Contact: (212) 500-3273 | https://www.lebedinkofman.com
Consultation: Free attorney consultation, available around the clock, virtual options available
4. Sapone & Petrillo, LLP
Practice Focus: White-collar criminal defense, federal crimes, securities fraud, Martin Act violations, narcotics trafficking, and violent crime defense
Case Types Handled: Securities fraud, health care fraud, federal drug charges, murder, RICO cases, tax fraud, vehicular crimes, assault, robbery, sex offenses, money laundering, and financial crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, grand jury defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, internal investigations, and SEC/FINRA parallel proceedings
Background: The firm is led by Edward V. Sapone and William S. Petrillo, who are recognized as leaders in the criminal defense bar. The attorneys have obtained acquittals in cases ranging from securities fraud and Martin Act violations to large-scale narcotics trafficking and murder charges. Their practice encompasses both state and federal courts, with particular emphasis on complex financial crimes. A former District Attorney of Nassau County, who served for 31 years, has described William Petrillo as possessing the hallmarks of a great trial lawyer who is both a strong negotiator and maintains credibility at all times.
Location: 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5320, New York, NY 10118
Contact: (212) 349-9000 | https://www.saponelaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
5. Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, civil litigation, sexual harassment defense, and Title IX matters
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, weapons charges, sex offenses, domestic violence, theft crimes, federal charges, and white-collar offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, bail advocacy, appeals, post-conviction relief, and record sealing
Background: The founding partners are both former New York prosecutors who bring experience from the other side of the courtroom. Thomas Kenniff is among the firm’s principals. The firm takes on fewer clients than other practices to provide more attentive service, and clients work one-on-one with their attorney with direct access available around the clock. The attorneys have been recognized nationally for their strategy, skill, and client advocacy.
Location: 150 Broadway, Suite 502, New York, NY 10038
Contact: (212) 374-9222 | https://www.raiserandkenniff.com
Consultation: Complimentary initial consultation
Criminal Defense Regulations in New York
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the New York Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and complete a pro bono requirement. The Appellate Division of the department where admission is sought makes the final determination on admission.
Public Defender System: The Legal Aid Society serves as the primary public defender organization in New York City. Eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines, with representation typically available for those earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Counties outside New York City maintain their own public defender offices or assigned counsel programs.
Specialty Certifications: New York does not have a formal state-sponsored criminal law specialist certification program. Attorneys may obtain voluntary certifications from the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy.
Attorney Advertising Rules: New York Rules of Professional Conduct 7.1 through 7.5 govern attorney advertising. Advertisements must not be false, deceptive, or misleading. Attorneys must retain copies of advertisements for at least three years. Testimonials are permitted but must include appropriate disclaimers.
Attorney-Client Privilege: New York CPLR Section 4503 protects confidential communications between attorney and client. The privilege survives the death of the client and applies to communications made for purposes of obtaining legal advice. The crime-fraud exception permits disclosure when the client seeks to use the attorney’s services to commit a crime or fraud.
Mandatory CLE Requirements: New York attorneys must complete 24 credits of Continuing Legal Education every two years, including 4 credits in ethics and professionalism. Newly admitted attorneys must complete an additional 16 credits during their first two years of admission.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Criminal Procedure Law Section 30.30 requires the prosecution to be ready for trial within 6 months for felonies, 90 days for Class A misdemeanors, and 60 days for Class B misdemeanors. Excludable delays for motion practice, defendant adjournments, and plea negotiations do not count toward these limits.
Bail and Pretrial Release: New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies in 2020 under bail reform legislation. Judges may set bail or remand for qualifying offenses involving violence, domestic violence charges, or specific enumerated felonies. Electronic monitoring is available as a condition of release.
Felony Classification System: New York classifies felonies as Class A-I, A-II, B, C, D, and E. Class A-I felonies carry sentences of 15 to 25 years to life or 20 years to life. Class E felonies, the lowest grade, carry sentences of probation or 1 to 4 years imprisonment.
Death Penalty Status: New York’s death penalty statute was declared unconstitutional in 2004. Capital punishment is not currently authorized in New York.
Record Sealing Eligibility: Under CPL Section 160.59, individuals may petition to seal up to two convictions if at least one is a misdemeanor, or one felony and one misdemeanor. A 10-year waiting period applies from the date of sentence or release. Class A felonies, sex offenses, and violent felonies are not eligible. The Clean Slate Act (CPL Section 160.57), effective November 16, 2024, provides for automatic sealing of eligible misdemeanors after 3 years and most felonies after 8 years.
Habitual Offender Laws: New York’s Persistent Felony Offender statute (Penal Law Section 70.10) allows enhanced sentencing of 15 to 25 years to life for defendants with two or more prior felony convictions when the court finds such sentence is warranted by the history and character of the defendant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at an arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court?
At arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, the defendant appears before a judge to hear the formal charges. The judge will set bail or release conditions based on factors including the severity of the charge, criminal history, ties to the community, and flight risk. For most nonviolent offenses, defendants are released on their own recognizance or with supervised release conditions. The defendant will enter a plea of not guilty, and the court will schedule future court dates. An attorney can request discovery at this stage and begin preparing the defense.
How does the New York Clean Slate Act affect my criminal record?
The Clean Slate Act, effective November 16, 2024, automatically seals eligible conviction records without requiring individuals to file a petition. Misdemeanors are sealed 3 years after the completion of the sentence, and most felonies are sealed after 8 years. Class A felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and certain crimes involving violence against persons or family are excluded. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement, courts, and certain employers conducting fingerprint-based background checks for positions involving children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults. The Office of Court Administration has up to three years to seal all eligible pre-effective date convictions.
What is the bail process in New York City?
For offenses where bail is authorized, a judge may set monetary bail, release on recognizance, or order supervised release with conditions such as check-ins with a pretrial services agency. Under 2020 bail reform legislation, cash bail was eliminated for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. For qualifying violent felonies, domestic violence offenses, witness tampering, and specific enumerated crimes, judges retain discretion to set bail. If bail is set, defendants may post cash, an insurance company bond, or partially secured or unsecured bonds. Defendants who cannot make bail are held at Rikers Island or other detention facilities pending resolution of the case.
What are diversion programs available in Manhattan?
Manhattan offers several diversion programs as alternatives to prosecution or incarceration. The Manhattan Treatment Court provides supervised treatment for defendants with substance use disorders. Mental Health Court connects eligible defendants with treatment services. Midtown Community Court focuses on quality-of-life offenses with community service and social service referrals. Felony drug courts offer structured treatment programs as alternatives to prison sentences. Veterans Treatment Court addresses the unique needs of military veterans. Successful completion of diversion programs often results in dismissal of charges and eligibility for record sealing.
How long does a felony case take in New York?
Felony cases in New York proceed through multiple stages that can extend over several months to years depending on complexity. After arrest and arraignment, the prosecution must present the case to a grand jury within approximately 6 days if the defendant is in custody. Following indictment, the case is transferred to Supreme Court for trial-level proceedings. Discovery exchange, motion practice, and plea negotiations typically take 6 to 12 months. If the case proceeds to trial, the trial itself may last days to weeks. Complex cases involving extensive evidence, multiple defendants, or federal charges may take considerably longer. The prosecution must be ready for trial within 6 months of arraignment for most felonies under CPL 30.30 speedy trial requirements, though excludable delays often extend this period.