Elwood Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense

The New York criminal justice system is confusing to most people. Unfortunately, anyone without professional legal defense faces a high risk of spending time in jail, as well as other penalties like probation and community service. District Attorneys build their reputations by throwing the book at defendants, who are often overwhelmed and unsure of their legal rights.

The reality is that no one has your back. Not even a judge. Contact Karpf Criminal Law to speak with an Elwood criminal defense lawyer. We are the people who will stand by your side and amplify your voice in criminal proceedings. Contact us by calling (631)424-6444.

Elwood Felony Defense

The most serious crimes in New York are felonies, including:

• Arson
• Burglary
• Kidnapping
• Murder
• Rape
• Use of a child in a sexual performance
• Vehicular assault
• Vehicular manslaughter

Anyone convicted could face serious penalties, such as time behind bars and probation. Felonies can also result in a loss of civil rights, including the right to vote while behind bars or on parole. You will also lose gun rights

New York classifies felonies by degree, with Class A-1 felonies the most serious and E the least. A Class A felony can result in a life sentence, whereas even a Class D violent felony can send someone to prison for 2-7 years.

Elwood Misdemeanor Defense

Although less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are also significant crimes in New York. Some common misdemeanors include:

• Forcible touching
• Menacing (2nd Degree)
• Petit larceny
• Sexual Misconduct
• Stalking (Third Degree)
• Unauthorized use of a computer

If convicted, you can still end up in jail. Fines, probation, and community service make it hard to move ahead. Any misdemeanor will show up in a criminal background check, which means it could play a decisive role in whether you get a new job or apartment. Call Karpf Criminal Law for help with misdemeanor defense.

White Collar Defense

White collar crimes are usually financial, non-violent crimes which run the gamut from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Some of the more common include:

• Bribery
• Credit card fraud
• Embezzlement
• Forgery
• Perjury

Business executives and professionals face a potential catastrophic loss in reputation for any white-collar conviction. Call Karpf Criminal Law as soon as possible.

Drug Offenses

New York continues to aggressively prosecute illegal possession, distribution, and manufacture of drugs. All controlled substances are listed on schedules, and offenders face a range of penalties based on the drug you are caught with, as well as the amount.

Many drug charges are misdemeanors, but some are felonies. New York has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana for adults 21 and older, but it otherwise remains illegal. You should not try to defend yourself against drug charges. Contact Karpf Criminal Law.

Traffic Offenses

Traffic offenses are not “minor” crimes in any sense of the word. Some of the most significant include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DWI)
• Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
• Reckless Driving
• Driving on a Suspended License

You can face jail time, fines, and disruption of your driving privileges. A second or subsequent offense only ramps up the penalties and could result in years in prison. Karpf Criminal Law can defend anyone from these charges.

Avoid These Mistakes After Arrest

Anyone arrested should immediately call our firm. You do not want to make things easier on the District Attorney to get a conviction.

Avoid handing over phones or other devices. The police need a search warrant to look through them, and you should never consent to a search. Don’t unlock a phone if asked.

Do not consent to a search of your home or vehicle. Any search requires probable cause and a warrant.

Avoid destroying evidence. This includes deleting emails or shredding documents. Any electronic information is recoverable, even if you “delete” it on a computer. And trying to destroy evidence is an additional crime.

Refuse to answer any police questions. You have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Exercise it by telling the police you want to speak to a lawyer—and stay silent.

We Are the Best Firm Around

Criminal defendants deserve a vigorous defense. At our firm, we can:

• Go over the state’s case with a magnifying glass;
• Obtain exculpatory evidence, which shows you are not guilty;
• Challenge a search or seizure as unconstitutional and ask a judge to suppress it;
• Negotiate with the District Attorney for a more favorable plea deal.

Do not plead guilty without meeting with an experienced lawyer first. We have won cases other firms refused to even accept.

Call our Elwood Criminal Defense Lawyer

Our law firm opened to provide the Elwood community with capable criminal defense. Find out more by contacting us today.