New York City Criminal
Defense Lawyers

Criminal Law

If you have been arrested and accused of a crime, your freedom and future are at stake. Therefore, it is necessary to have experienced representation to protect your rights from the time of arrest through the conclusion of the case. The Leventhal Law Group represents clients at all stages of criminal proceedings for crimes such as:

Being convicted of a crime can have serious ramifications on all aspects of your life. Which is why it is so important to retain counsel as soon as possible. A conviction can result in time spent in jail, probation, parole, and loss of certain rights. A felony conviction can make you ineligible for certain employment, affect immigration status, and even disqualify you from serving on a jury.

The Leventhal Law Group is experienced in dealing with all aspects of the criminal justice system and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their situation. The Leventhal Law Group will make sure you understand the confusing process of the criminal justice system and treat you with dignity and respect each step of the way.

Felonies

A felony conviction can result in jail time from one year to life, depending on the severity of the crime and the classification it falls under. For example, a class A violent felony can result in a maximum of a life sentence in prison; a class B violent felony can result in 5-25 years; and a class C violent felony can result in 3 1/2 years to 15 years in prison. If an offender already has two felony convictions, they may be sentenced to life in prison upon conviction of a third felony.

In addition to jail time, a person convicted of a felony can face:

• Loss of professional licenses or permits
• Loss of the ability to run for public office
• Loss of the right to own a firearm
• Loss of the right to vote
• Seven-year suspension from serving on jury duty

If you have been charged with a felony, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney who can make sure your rights are protected and provide prompt and personal attention to your matter. The Leventhal Law Group represents clients on felony charges and is experienced with plea negotiations, motion practice, hearings, trials, grand jury proceedings and all other aspects of representation during criminal proceedings.

Misdemeanors

In New York State, a misdemeanor is punishable by a jail sentence of less than one year. Although the penalties for a misdemeanor offense are not as harsh as for a felony, a conviction can still have a serious effect on a person's ability to obtain employment and maintain a stable life. Depending on the severity of the misdemeanor, each classification carries a different penalty. For example:

• Class A misdemeanor crimes, including third-degree assault and petit larceny, may carry a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and three years of probation, or a combined sentence of 60 days in jail with three years of probation.
• Class B misdemeanor crimes, including third-degree criminal trespass fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, may carry a jail sentence of 90 days, followed by one year of probation.
• Unclassified misdemeanor crimes often include traffic and vehicle law violations, include driving with a suspended license and driving while intoxicated (DWI). These offenses may carry a jail term of up to 12 months.

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, contact an experienced attorney who will protect your rights. The Leventhal Law Group handles misdemeanor offenses from the time of arrest through the conclusion of the case and will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your matter.

Plea Bargains

Many cases in the criminal justice system are resolved by plea bargains, instead of at trial. A plea bargain is negotiated with the prosecutor to determine a resolution of your case without the uncertainty of trial. By accepting a plea bargain, a defendant waives his right to a trial, the right to cross examine witnesses, and the right to have the case proven beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in many instances, accepting a plea can result in a more favorable outcome for the defendant, including less jail time.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can ensure that your rights are protected whether you are considering entering into a plea deal, or proceeding to a jury trial. The Leventhal Law Group handles all aspects of criminal cases at all stages of the process.