Huntington Station Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense

For many Huntington Station residents, an arrest is a sudden and shocking experience. Few people ever expect to face criminal charges. And when they suddenly find themselves interrogated by Suffolk County police or appearing before a New York State Supreme Court justice, they likely have no idea what to say or do, especially if they believe they are innocent.

In any legal matter, it is best to have experienced representation. This is especially true when it comes to any type of criminal case. A qualified Huntington Station criminal lawyer can review the district attorney’s case against you, advise you of your rights under the law, and assist you in preparing an appropriate defense. At the law offices of Karpf Criminal Law is a full-service New York criminal defense firm with an experienced criminal defense attorney that represents people throughout the Town of Huntington, NY in fighting a wide range of felonies, misdemeanor charges, and other criminal defense cases.

Why Do You Need a Huntington Station Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Under the United States and New York State constitutions, every person accused of a crime has the right to counsel from criminal defense attorneys. Strictly speaking, you do not have to have a criminal lawyer represent your criminal cases. It is possible to represent oneself in a criminal case without the assistance of a law office. But it is never advisable to not have an experienced Huntington Station, New York attorney for several reasons:

• Most Huntington Station residents charged with a crime do not understand how the New York federal courts system works. They are likely to be unfamiliar with basic courtroom procedures. A skilled criminal lawyer knows these rules inside-out and can guide their client through each stage of the process.
• Neither the police nor the district attorney will offer advice to a defendant on how to defend themselves. After all, their job is to put the defendant in jail. A criminal lawyer’s only professional duty is to assist and represent their client in Huntington Station, NY.
• Some people charged with a crime may have unrealistic expectations about their case. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can explain the situation professionally and dispassionately.
• Many people think that if they are indicted or formally charged with a crime, their only choice is to take their chances at trial with a criminal defense lawyer. A qualified criminal lawyer can discuss other options with you, including the possibility of negotiating a plea bargain with the district attorney.
• Before a criminal case gets to trial, there is a substantial amount of legal research and pretrial motions that must be filed. Few criminal defendants have the capacity to handle these tasks. This is where a skilled criminal lawyer can prove invaluable.

In short, hiring a Huntington Station criminal defense lawyer is not a sign of weakness or an admission of guilt. It is simply an acknowledgment that you are far more likely to obtain a favorable outcome to your case by working with someone who deals with the Suffolk County criminal justice system on a daily basis.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Criminal Defense Law

Do I have to talk to the police before speaking with a criminal lawyer?

No. You are never required to answer any police questions regarding a possible crime. You always have the right to remain silent. And if you are placed under arrest, the police must give you a Miranda warning informing you of both your right to remain silent and your right to speak with a criminal attorney.

Do the police need a warrant to arrest me?

Not necessarily. If a police officer witnesses a potential crime in progress, they do not need to get a warrant before making an arrest. And even if an officer does not personally witness the crime, they can still make a warrantless arrest if they have “probable cause” to believe the suspect committed a felony.

Can the police search my home without a warrant or my consent?

In limited circumstances, yes. For example, if an officer from Huntington, NY enters your home legally, they could seize any potentially incriminating evidence (such as illegal drugs) if it is in “plain view.” Additionally, an officer who makes a legal arrest may also conduct a search of the suspect incident to that arrest. This is typically done to search for possible weapons. Police officers may also conduct warrantless searches under certain “exigent” circumstances, such as to prevent the imminent destruction of evidence.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer at Karpf Criminal Law in Huntington, NY Today

Even a misdemeanor conviction in New York can lead to some jail time and a permanent criminal record. So it is in your best interest to work with a Huntington Station criminal lawyer if you are facing any charges. If you need to speak with an attorney right away, call Karpf Criminal Law at (631)424-6444 to schedule a consultation.