Queens Criminal Defense Lawyer

Queens Criminal Defense Attorney

When someone is facing criminal charges in Queens, having the help of a skilled and experienced Queens criminal defense lawyer is highly recommended to protect their rights and ensure a fair trial. Having this dedicated legal resource who understands the nuances of the criminal justice system and local Queens laws can help to build a strong defense that combats the prosecution’s evidence and narrative against them.

At Greco Neyland, PC, we proudly offer comprehensive legal representation to defend those accused of criminal activity in Queens, New York. Our staff spends every day creating and delivering exceptional defense strategies for clients just like you. We understand how important it is to have clear communication with our clients, which is why we have staff members on our team who are fluent in Spanish to ensure language barriers do not hinder the quality of your defense.

Common Defense Strategies in Queens Criminal Defense Cases

There are many different strategies that a criminal defense attorney can execute to help defend their clients against accusations of criminal activity. Each of these general strategies can be combined and tailored to fit the needs of each client’s individual circumstances. Some of the most common defense strategies used in Queens, NY, include:

Innocence

One of the most popular and classic defense strategies that exist is to make the case that a defendant simply did not commit the crime. To win with this defense, a criminal lawyer will need to present compelling evidence that counteracts the claims being made by the opposing counsel. For example, presenting an alibi to the court can verify claims that the defendant was somewhere else during the time of the incident.

Constitutional Violations

Another area a criminal defense attorney will look into is the actions and procedures followed by police officers. During this investigation, an attorney is trying to see if there were any breaches of their client’s constitutional rights. For example, they will want to verify that law enforcement secured the proper paperwork before conducting a search and seizure of their client’s property. Highlighting a violation like this can weaken their case and sometimes dismiss charges.

Self-Defense

A defense attorney could try to make the point that their client acted in self-defense. This would require them to prove that the defendant has a reasonable reason to believe that they were in grave danger and were forced to act in self-defense to prevent themself from being severely harmed. For example, if someone was attacked by another person and they decided to use force to protect themself, they need to show their actions were proportionate to the threat.

Insanity or Mental Incapacity

Using an insanity or mental incapacity defense strategy requires an attorney to show how their client was not of sound mind when the crime happened. Because of this, they would suggest their client does not deserve the same level of penalties that someone who was aware of what they did should receive. Presenting evidence like a psychiatric evaluation or expert testimonial can help reinforce that the defendant could not distinguish between right and wrong.

Entrapment

If there is any evidence to suggest that law enforcement officials induced someone to commit a crime that they weren’t planning on doing, an entrapment defense could be a compelling strategy to execute. To win an entrapment case, it needs to be clear that the defendant was either persuaded or coerced into committing the crime. Evidence like recorded conversations or witness testimonials can help to demonstrate the extent of law enforcement’s manipulative behavior.

Mistaken Identity

Sometimes, a defendant believes that they were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator in the case. One of the reasons this happens is when a witness who was at the scene misidentifies who committed the crime or doesn’t remember the individual’s physical features. In these scenarios, a defense attorney will present evidence such as DNA testing that can refute generic testimonials with biological findings.

Lack of Intent

In many legal cases, a prosecutor is required to prove that the defendant had the intent to commit the offense. A defense strategy should focus on showing how the defendant’s actions were accidental. For example, someone who is being accused of stealing something could argue that the defendant believed they had permission to take the piece of property. The point of this strategy is to raise doubt about the defendant’s intent.

Because each case is unique, you will need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to evaluate the details of your case and determine which combination of strategies has the power to reduce or dismiss the charges you face. The earlier you are able to secure this legal help, the easier it will be to collect evidence that is still relevant and fresh in everyone’s memory.

What Qualities Should I Seek in a Queens Criminal Defense Attorney?

When you become aware that you are being charged with a crime, choosing the right attorney will be vital to the outcome of your case. Some key qualities to look for in your Queens criminal defense attorney include:

Relevant Experience

The most effective criminal defense attorneys will be able to share their qualifications in terms of education and experience. You want to verify that they have not just worked on other cases similar to yours but also have won them for previous clients. Try to find an attorney in Queens who has an extensive track record of wins. It will also be beneficial to find someone who is already familiar with local courts, judges, and prosecutors to boost your competitive edge.

Strong Communication Skills

Your attorney needs to be a strong communicator to keep you updated on the progress of your case from start to finish. They should also be able to explain complicated legal jargon into easier concepts that you can better comprehend. Having an open line of communication is key to building the level of trust you need to hand over the legal responsibilities to someone else.

Analytical and Investigative Abilities

Your case will benefit from having an attorney who possesses strong analytical skills while they assess every aspect of your case. This will include scrutinizing evidence, identifying vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case, and combatting those weak areas with an effective defense. They should also have strong investigative skills to legally gather the most compelling evidence available and have strategic conversations with witnesses to uncover more details.

Negotiation Skills

Because many criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains and never advance to trial, it is important to ensure your attorney has great negotiation skills. This will help them to negotiate favorable terms on your behalf in an attempt to reduce charges, lessen penalties, or explore alternative sentencing options. It can also save you money by preventing a case from going to trial and generating additional court expenses.

Queens Criminal Defense Law FAQs

Q: How Does Questioning With the Defense Attorney Go?

A: During the initial questioning with your criminal defense attorney in Queens, the process will begin with them gathering as many details about your case as they can. They will then ask you to describe every detail you can remember that led to your arrest, including what interactions you had with law enforcement. This is a critical process of your defense case to ensure that your attorney understands your perspective and goals to help develop a custom legal strategy.

Q: Do Defense Attorneys Drag Out Cases?

A: There are many different reasons a defense attorney might extend the duration of a case for their client’s benefit. For example, they may want to prolong a case so they have more time to gather evidence or interview witnesses. It can also give them more time to negotiate with the prosecution so they can reach a favorable plea deal. Their goal will always be to ensure a positive outcome for their client, even if it means taking more time.

Q: Do Defense Attorneys Defend People They Know Are Guilty?

A: All defense attorneys have a professional duty to provide the most advantageous defense possible for their clients, regardless of guilt or innocence. This is because they are hired to ensure that the clients paying for their services receive a fair trial without their rights being violated. Even if a defendant is found to be guilty, their defense attorney will work hard to find ways that the penalties can be reduced in severity.

Q: Why Might a Defense Attorney Ask for a Motion to Dismiss?

A: A defense attorney may request a “motion to dismiss” if they believe there are grounds that suggest the charges should not proceed to an official trial. This could be for a number of reasons, including insufficient evidence, procedural errors during arraignment, or if there is proof that their client had their constitutional rights violated. A motion to dismiss could also happen if there are jurisdictional issues or if the statute of limitations has expired.

Contact Greco Neyland, PC Today

If you have recently been accused of criminal activity in Queens, secure legal help from the attorneys of Greco Neyland, PC today. For years, we have defended clients at the state and federal levels to help reduce or dismiss the charges they are facing. With staff members who also speak Spanish, we are always standing by, ready to meet the diverse needs of our community.

Contact us today to learn more about our history of success and how it can be replicated for your own case.

Queens Criminal Defense Law Resources:

Our Queens criminal defense lawyers assist clients accused of or charged with the following:

• Queens Drug Crime
• Queens Sex Crime
• Queens Gun Crime