Long Island Criminal Defense Lawyer

Long Island Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges in Long Island, New York, can be an intimidating experience. This is especially true if it is the first time you have been accused of criminal activity or have no experience navigating the criminal justice system. By hiring a Long Island criminal defense lawyer, you can fill in these knowledge and experience gaps to help reduce your stress while also maximizing the chances of having the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether.

At Greco Neyland, PC, we understand how uncomfortable facing these charges and arrests can be. It is why we have created a law firm that offers comprehensive legal representation to help defend against criminal activity allegations. Our staff works with clients just like you to find the most effective way to defend your interests. With bilingual staff members who speak Spanish, we are poised to meet the diverse needs of a community we are so passionate to defend.

What Are the Most Common Defense Strategies Available in Long Island, NY?

With so many possible criminal charges someone can face, there are just as many possible criminal defense strategies that can be employed. Each can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Some of the most common include:

Taking a Position of Innocence

Sometimes, a client will hire a criminal defense attorney to prove their innocence in court. This is requested when a defendant believes they were inaccurately charged for committing criminal behavior. In these instances, a defense attorney will scrutinize every detail of the prosecution’s case to see where their arguments fall flat. They will then highlight these specific vulnerabilities to raise doubt that their client is guilty of what they are being accused of doing.

Proving Constitutional Violations

With every American being afforded specific rights under the U.S. Constitution, all defense attorneys will analyze their client’s case to see if any of these rights were violated. If their client was not read their Miranda rights, had their property searched without a search warrant, or was prevented from accessing an attorney early in the process, all of these instances can be leveraged to suggest the case is not valid due to these violations.

Engaging in Self-Defense

In violent cases, a criminal defense attorney may take the position that their client was forced to engage in certain behaviors to protect themself from experiencing harm. Self-defense is only allowed when the evidence suggests that the defendant did indeed experience a threat to their safety and that their response back was proportionate to the perceived threat. Evidence such as surveillance footage and witness testimonies can help verify the threat was real.

Insanity Defense

In order for a criminal defense attorney to use an insanity defense, they will need to provide evidence that suggests their client was suffering from a mental health episode during the alleged crime. It must be clear that the mental health issues were so severe that it would prevent any reasonable person from not understanding what actions were right or wrong in the same situation. Testimony from a mental health counselor can help support this type of defense.

Entrapment Activity

It is illegal for police officers to set up any scenario that might persuade or coerce someone from committing a crime they were not planning to commit. There is a fine line between police surveilling an area for criminal activity and manipulating a scenario to boost the chances of it occurring. To prove entrapment, an attorney will need to present evidence like surveillance footage to show law enforcement setting up the scene to try and entice criminal behavior.

Mistaken Identity

Just because someone has been identified as a “perpetrator” does not mean they are automatically guilty. This is because sometimes they have been incorrectly identified as being seen engaging in criminal activity that they did not do. Tapping into forensic evidence, like DNA testing, can help combat questionable witness testimonials with biological evidence. Having an alibi could also completely remove someone from the scene and have the case dropped.

Lack of Intent

If the case can be made that a defendant never had any intent to commit the crime they are being accused of, this can be a powerful defense to help reduce or drop the charges they face. For example, someone accused of theft can make the point that they thought the piece of property was actually their own. They may also have believed they had permission to take a specific item. Any of this can raise doubt in the minds of a judge and jury that the defendant wanted to steal the item.

With so many different defense strategies to consider, it can be overwhelming to construct a solid defense strategy without the support of an attorney with relevant experience. To help ensure your criminal defense attorney chooses the right path forward, explain every detail of your case to ensure they have a strong command of what happened and what accusations could come from the prosecution that they will need to proactively defend against.

What Makes a Strong Long Island Criminal Defense Attorney?

The quality of your criminal defense attorney will be reflected in how successful your case is. Some of the most important qualities to look for as you begin seeking the right attorney include:

Their Experience

An investment in an attorney with years of experience winning cases in this space can make the difference in the severity of the penalties you could face. Search for an attorney with positive reviews from other clients who achieved the outcome they were looking for in similar scenarios to your own. Having experience with local courts and judges in Long Island can also help boost the competitive edge you have over the prosecution.

Communication Skills

You never want to be left in the dark about what is happening in your case. This is why hiring a defense attorney who is a strong communicator can make a huge difference in how satisfied you are with their services. Not only will they keep you updated on your case’s progress, but they will also be able to explain complicated legal jargon and processes in simpler language for you.

Courtroom Experience

If it is clear your case will advance to trial, hire an attorney who has substantial courtroom experience. You want someone who is going to be confident and persuasive in front of a judge and jury. The better they are able to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and deliver a compelling argument, the higher the chances are of you being satisfied with the outcome of your case.

Empathy and Understanding

Because facing criminal charges can be extremely stressful and emotional, your attorney should be empathetic and understanding of your situation. During your initial consultation, ask yourself if you feel they have genuine concern for your well-being. This can make you more confident about hiring them for your case, knowing they will work hard to maximize your success.

Long Island Criminal Defense Law FAQs

Q: Should You Tell Your Defense Attorney the Truth?

A: Yes, it is important to tell your defense attorney the truth about your case. Fully disclosing every detail will allow your attorney to build the most effective defense strategy possible and better anticipate any challenges the prosecution might present in the process. If you choose to withhold information or lie about certain details, it could limit your defense attorney’s ability to defend you as effectively as possible.

Q: How Should I Answer Questions From My Defense Attorney?

A: When answering questions from your defense attorney, prioritize being as honest and clear as you can. You want to give them as much detail as you can without exaggerating or omitting any facts. If they ask you something that you cannot remember, be honest and say that it is unclear rather than fabricating some details of the case. Keep in mind that the attorney you hire is on your side, so they need to know everything to effectively prepare for your defense.

Q: What Is a Leading Question in Court?

A: A leading question in court is one that suggests the answer within the question itself. These are often designed to try and prompt a specific response. They also typically are structured to elicit a “yes” or “no” answer to guide a witness in confirming a particular point. For example, they may be asked, “You saw the defendant at the crime scene, yes?” These questions are typically restricted during a direct examination to remove the ability to influence a witness’s testimony.

Q: Do Prosecutors Interview Witnesses?

A: Yes, prosecutors are known to routinely interview witnesses as they spend time preparing for their case. These interviews are to help them better understand what the witnesses in the case know, how reliable their stories sound, and how prepared they are to testify in court. During these interviews, a prosecutor may discuss what a witness observed and the sequence of events that led to the alleged crime. This can help identify inconsistencies in their testimony.

Contact Greco Neyland, PC Today

If you live in Long Island, NY, and need a criminal defense attorney who can speak English or Spanish, contact us at Greco Neyland, PC today. For years, we have proudly represented this community against unlawful or misguided criminal activity allegations and would be honored to extend the same services to your own case. Contact us today to begin.