1. Lebedin Kofman LLP
Focus Area: General criminal defense with specialization in DUI/DWI, white-collar crimes, and federal offenses
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI Defense, White-Collar Crimes, Federal Crimes, Drug Crimes, Assault, Domestic Violence, Fraud, Theft Crimes, Sex Crimes, Homicide Defense
Background: Boutique law firm founded by attorneys Arthur Lebedin and Russ Kofman, with decades of combined experience representing clients throughout New York. The firm provides one-on-one attention to clients and has established a track record of success across criminal defense matters. Staff members speak Spanish, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, and Mandarin.
Location: 26 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10004
Contact: (646) 663-4430 | https://www.lebedinkofman.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available; 24/7 availability
2. Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein
Focus Area: State and federal criminal defense with expertise in prosecution strategy
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, Drug Crimes, Federal Crimes, Sex Crimes, Weapons Offenses, Domestic Violence, Assault, White-Collar Crimes, Appeals, Military Law, Civil Rights
Background: The firm’s founding partners, Steven M. Raiser and Thomas A. Kenniff, are both former New York prosecutors who bring over 100 years of combined experience. Their prosecutorial background provides unique insight into defense strategy. The firm has handled cases from traffic violations to federal indictments and maintains offices across New York. Several attorneys have been selected to Super Lawyers in criminal defense.
Location: 87 Walker Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013 (Manhattan office)
Contact: (888) 646-0025 | https://www.raiserandkenniff.com
Consultation: Free, no-risk consultation; available 24/7; services offered in English, Spanish, and Russian
3. Brafman & Associates, P.C.
Focus Area: High-profile criminal defense and white-collar crime representation
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, White-Collar Crimes, Federal Crimes, Appeals, Securities Fraud, Drug Offenses, Violent Crimes, Celebrity Defense
Background: Founded by Benjamin Brafman, a former Assistant District Attorney in the Rackets Bureau of the New York County District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Brafman holds a J.D. from Ohio Northern University and an LL.M. in Criminal Justice from New York University School of Law. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and has received the Clarence Darrow Award for Distinguished Practitioner from the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The firm has represented high-profile celebrities, business leaders, and professionals in major criminal cases throughout the country and internationally.
Location: 256 5th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 750-7800 | https://www.brafmanlaw.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available; contact firm for fee structure
4. Spodek Law Group
Focus Area: Federal and state criminal defense with emphasis on complex cases
Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Defense, White-Collar Crimes, Drug Crimes, Fraud, Embezzlement, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, Appeals, DUI/DWI
Background: The firm, led by Todd Spodek, treats each client like a member of the family and has handled high-profile cases including the representation of Anna Delvey/Sorokin. The team offers over 50 years of combined experience and provides affordable payment plans to ensure effective representation is accessible to clients at various income levels.
Location: Manhattan, New York
Contact: (212) 300-5196 | https://www.nyccriminalattorneys.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; 24/7 availability; flexible payment options
5. Law Offices of Julie Rendelman
Focus Area: Aggressive criminal defense representation
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, DUI/DWI, Assault, Weapons Offenses, Theft Crimes, Domestic Violence, Federal Crimes, White-Collar Crimes
Background: Julie Rendelman is a former Brooklyn prosecutor who brings prosecutorial experience to criminal defense. She has handled thousands of cases during her career and understands the tactics used by prosecutors to build cases. Her firm provides personalized attention to each client.
Location: Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York
Contact: (212) 951-1232 | https://www.julierendelmanlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in New York
New York classifies criminal offenses into violations, misdemeanors, and felonies, with felonies carrying the most severe penalties.
Felony Classifications:
New York divides felonies into five classes ranging from Class A (most serious) to Class E (least serious). Class A felonies are further subdivided into A-I and A-II categories. Class A-I felonies, including first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, carry potential sentences up to life imprisonment. Class B felonies such as first-degree robbery carry maximum sentences of up to 25 years. Class C felonies are punishable by up to 15 years, Class D felonies by up to 7 years, and Class E felonies by up to 4 years in prison.
Misdemeanor Classifications:
Misdemeanors in New York fall into three categories. Class A misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 3 months in jail. Unclassified misdemeanors have penalties defined by specific statutes, with most resulting in probation or up to one year for DWI offenses.
Record Sealing and the Clean Slate Act:
New York does not permit true expungement of criminal records. However, records can be sealed through petition-based processes and, as of November 2024, through the Clean Slate Act. Under the Clean Slate Act, eligible misdemeanor convictions are automatically sealed three years after sentencing or release from incarceration, whichever is later. Felony convictions become eligible for automatic sealing eight years after sentencing or release. Sex offenses, violent felonies, and Class A felonies (except drug offenses) are excluded from automatic sealing. Individuals can also petition to seal up to two convictions (one felony and one misdemeanor, or two misdemeanors) under CPL Section 160.59 after a 10-year waiting period.
Bail Reform:
New York implemented significant bail reform in 2019, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Judges now issue appearance tickets for most Class E felonies and lower offenses. For qualifying offenses, defendants are released on their own recognizance unless they pose a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I am arrested in New York City and cannot afford bail?
A: Under New York’s bail reform laws implemented in 2019, cash bail has been eliminated for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges. If you are charged with a qualifying offense, you will typically be released on your own recognizance with an appearance ticket. For serious felonies where bail may still apply, you have the right to a court-appointed attorney, and the court will consider your financial circumstances when setting release conditions.
Q: Can a felony conviction in New York be removed from my record?
A: New York does not allow true expungement of felony convictions. However, the Clean Slate Act that took effect in November 2024 provides for automatic sealing of eligible felony convictions eight years after sentencing or release from incarceration. Sealed records are hidden from most public background checks but remain accessible to law enforcement and courts. Sex offenses, violent felonies, and most Class A felonies cannot be sealed.
Q: What is the difference between a violent and non-violent felony in New York sentencing?
A: New York law specifically designates certain felonies as violent regardless of the circumstances of a particular case. Violent felonies carry determinate (fixed) prison sentences with mandatory minimums, while non-violent felonies typically carry indeterminate sentences (a range of years) for first-time offenders. For example, Robbery in the Second Degree is classified as a violent felony, while Robbery in the Third Degree is a non-violent felony, even if the conduct in a specific case was similar.
Q: How long do prosecutors have to file charges after an arrest in New York?
A: The time prosecutors have to file charges depends on the offense. For misdemeanors, the statute of limitations is generally two years. For most felonies, it is five years. However, some serious offenses like murder have no statute of limitations. If charges are not filed within the applicable time period, the case must be dismissed.
Q: Do I need a criminal defense attorney for a misdemeanor charge in New York City?
A: While you have the right to represent yourself, hiring an attorney is strongly recommended even for misdemeanor charges. A Class A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to 364 days in jail, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and immigration status. An experienced defense attorney can negotiate reduced charges, seek dismissals, and protect your rights throughout the process.