Criminal Attorney in New York City
Musa-Obregon Law PC Defends the Rights of the Accused Throughout New York City
If you face criminal charges, you must act quickly to protect your rights. With a criminal defense attorney in New York City from Musa-Obregon Law PC, you have a stronger chance of pursuing an acquittal, having your case dismissed, or reducing penalties. Our team understands how the Queens County Criminal Court system operates and builds strategies to defend your rights both inside and outside the courtroom.
Our Queens criminal defense law firm draws on extensive experience and pursues an aggressive approach to defending clients in state, federal, and juvenile courts. Our accomplished group of New York City criminal defense attorneys remains dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for those accused of a range of criminal offenses. Our criminal defense attorney in New York City, Musa-Obregon Law PC, serves clients throughout Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Rockland County, and Westchester County, NY.
Our office keeps up-to-date with changes in New York criminal statutes, court procedures, and local sentencing guidelines, ensuring we provide clients with guidance that reflects current law in Queens and the greater New York City area. Community values and local law enforcement protocols can impact legal proceedings, so our team monitors both state laws and city-specific enforcement trends to advise with accuracy at every stage. Whether your accused conduct allegedly occurred in Astoria, Flushing, or elsewhere in the five boroughs, we provide counsel grounded in a comprehensive understanding of local courts and communities.
Reasons to Choose Our Firm:
- Award-winning law firm
- Track record of success
- Former prosecutor on your side
- 100 years' combined experience
- Fluent in numerous languages
- Schedule your free consultation today
Our firm is well-equipped to provide legal representation to clients from diverse backgrounds, offering services in many languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Slovakian, Arabic, Hebrew, French, Haitian Creole, Tagalog (Filipino), Ukrainian, Czech, Slovenian, Swahili, and several Nigerian languages.
Rely on the expertise of a skilled defense lawyer in New York City. Contact usor call (888) 502-8461now to arrange your consultation without delay.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
Our criminal defense lawyers handle drug crimecases, including:
The defense of sex crimesis another key focus of the firm, including:
Sex offender registration requirements and the heavy penalties for sex crime convictions can affect a defendant for life. You need the strongest available defense to fight these charges.
In addition to handling the above cases, the criminal defense attorneys can take on the following:
Every case demands an individualized approach based on the severity of allegations, available evidence, and the specific factors that determine which defense will work best in court. Our firm also guides minors charged with crimes, working to secure the best available outcome in each case.
Law enforcement agencies in New York City and Queens thoroughly investigate and prosecute criminal offenses, and procedures may differ depending on where your charges began. Some clients also encounter criminal and immigration issues at the same time. Our experience in criminal law and immigration law allows us to identify and address complications that other attorneys might miss. We support individuals facing accusations of fraud, theft, assault, domestic violence, and offenses that may have immigration consequences, offering an informed perspective on how legal outcomes in New York courts can influence immigration status.
Have You Been Charged with a Federal Crime?
If charged with a federal crime, your case will proceed in the federal legal system rather than the state system. Federal proceedings involve different procedures, documentation, and steps that most defendants are not familiar with.
When a government agency is involved, defendants may remain in detention without trial for extended periods or face intense questioning. A qualified criminal defense lawyer in New York City can provide valuable insight into the process and help you understand your options as you prepare for federal court.
Federal criminal cases are often prosecuted in courts such as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, located in Brooklyn, and the Southern District of New York in Manhattan. Prosecutors from offices like the U.S. Attorney and investigators such as the FBI, DEA, or Homeland Security Investigations handle complex cases in these courts, increasing the stakes. Many federal crimes have mandatory minimum penalties or fall under strict sentencing guidelines that differ from New York State law. Understanding federal discovery, defense strategies, and plea negotiations in these venues requires close attention to local procedures and the practical realities of federal court in New York City.
Types of Federal Crimes We Handle:
- Antitrust Violations
- Arson
- Bank Robbery
- Bribery
- Child Pornography
- Conspiracy
- Counterfeiting
- Espionage
- Extortion
- Human Trafficking
- Identity Theft
- Kidnapping
- Post Conviction Relief
- Tax Fraud
- Terrorism
Navigating the Criminal Process in New York City
When someone faces criminal charges, the process begins with an arrest followed by an arraignment, typically held at a borough-specific courthouse. In Queens, most arraignments occur at the Queens County Criminal Court. At arraignment, the judge reads the charges, and the accused enters a plea. In New York City, bail hearings often take place during this first court appearance. Since court calendars move quickly, having a defense attorney in New York City ready to act from the outset can strongly influence pretrial release options and early negotiations with the prosecutor.
A criminal case may involve several stages: pretrial motions, discovery, potential suppression hearings, jury selection, and trial, followed by sentencing if convicted. Local policies such as discovery rules and diversion programs shape the available strategies. For instance, New York law requires prosecutors to share evidence within strict deadlines, which ensures defendants and their attorneys can review case details before major decisions. Urban courts here tend to work faster than in other regions, making early legal guidance critical. Elements like busy court schedules, diverse jury pools, and policies for language access create a unique environment in each borough.
Selecting a local defense attorney familiar with New York City courts helps clients understand what to expect at every phase and respond promptly to court requirements. Whether you face charges in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Queens, knowing how the criminal process unfolds at each appearance lets you make informed choices throughout your case. Connect with a professional criminal lawyer in New York City as soon as possible.
Consequences and Collateral Effects of Criminal Charges in NYC
A criminal conviction in New York City brings direct and indirect consequences that extend into every aspect of a person’s life. Direct consequences may include fines, probation, jail time at facilities like Rikers Island, or transfer to a state correctional institution. Sentence severity depends on the charges, criminal history, and any aggravating factors as defined under New York law. For misdemeanors and violations, courts may also impose community service, counseling, or education requirements tailored to the circumstances in NYC.
Indirect, or collateral, effects can be just as impactful. These include losing some professional licenses, trouble securing housing, a suspended driver's license, or barriers to employment requiring background checks. For those who aren’t U.S. citizens, even minor convictions can result in immigration consequences such as removal proceedings, detention by federal authorities, or ineligibility for certain status. Musa-Obregon Law PC advises clients on how criminal convictions may impact their family, career, and immigration status, always considering both immediate and future effects.
New York City residents often worry about reputational and social impacts, especially in close-knit communities throughout Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. By understanding both court-imposed penalties and collateral consequences, our attorneys can craft strategies that address the full picture of a client’s legal and personal interests in New York City. For experienced guidance, speak with a seasoned New York City criminal defense attorney from Musa-Obregon Law PC.
Selecting the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer in New York City
Your choice of legal counsel can make a significant difference in the outcome and your experience throughout the criminal case. In New York City’s diverse and high-volume courts, attorneys offer varied backgrounds and approaches. A defendant should select an attorney with substantial courtroom experience and a record of positive outcomes who treats each matter as a priority. Local insight matters—it means the attorney knows the court’s subtleties, understands judicial tendencies, and can anticipate how trends in prosecution may affect a given situation.
Clients appreciate working with attorneys who advocate assertively through every phase and can communicate in several languages. The best defense attorney in New York City keeps clients informed at each step, answers questions, and outlines the reasoning behind each legal option. This approach becomes especially important in cases where criminal and immigration issues intersect, which often occurs in a city as global as New York.
When choosing a defense attorney in New York City, consider communication style, negotiation skills, and the ability to explain complex legal standards. Scheduling a free consultation, discussing prior experience with similar cases, and evaluating an attorney's knowledge of the local legal landscape can help you identify the right partner for your defense. Successful attorneys build trust, guide every decision with practical insight, and treat their clients as individuals with unique legal and cultural needs.
Our office keeps up-to-date with changes in criminal statutes, court procedures, and local sentencing guidelines, ensuring we provide clients with guidance that accurately reflects current law in Queens and the greater New York City area. Community values and local law enforcement protocols can impact legal proceedings, so our team monitors both state laws and city-specific enforcement trends to advise with accuracy at every stage. Whether your accused conduct allegedly occurred in Astoria, Flushing, or elsewhere in the five boroughs, we provide counsel grounded in a comprehensive understanding of local courts and communities. Turn to a trusted criminal law attorney in New York City right away.
Facing criminal charges in New York City? Contact our Queens criminal defense attorney today at (888) 502-8461to start your defense.
Why Do I Need a Queens Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer should be one of your first steps after a criminal accusation. No matter the nature of your case or the circumstances, you have the right to legal counsel.
With the insight of a former prosecutor on your case, you gain the perspective of a professional who knows how the "other side" thinks and operates. Our firm also handles appeals for those who have been wrongfully convicted and provides legal counsel regarding arrest warrants or bench warrants. Regardless of the type or severity of criminal charges against you, our team delivers a powerful defense on your behalf.
When you hire local counsel in Queens, you benefit from attorneys who know the preferences of judges and prosecutors working in Queens County Criminal Court and other New York City courts. Our attorneys understand the schedules, personalities, and styles of courthouse staff, which often proves valuable during negotiations and hearings. Our team gives practical guidance about what to expect at every stage—whether you face an arraignment, pre-trial hearing, or trial—so you are ready for each step. We can also outline how recent legal reforms in New York, like bail reform changes or shifts in diversion program rules, may affect your decisions and available options.
If you need answers specific to your situation, contact a criminal defense attorney in New York City at (888) 502-8461to request a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have been arrested for a crime, you may have a lot of questions about your situation. Our team at Musa-Obregon Law PC provides answers to the questions most frequently asked by people facing criminal charges in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or other nearby counties.
I Was Arrested. Should I Talk to the Police?
If taken into custody, exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Inform officers or investigators that you will not answer questions without an attorney present. Do not speak with police without a skilled Queens criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and prevent self-incrimination.
What Happens If I Am Not Read My Rights at Arrest?
Law enforcement officers must inform people in custody of their rights. If the arresting officer did not read your Miranda Rights, statements made after arrest may be inadmissible as evidence. Speak with a knowledgeable Queens criminal defense lawyer to find out your legal options if you were not informed of your rights.
What Are the Consequences for Violating Probation?
Violating probation can take various forms, depending on your specific terms. You might need to attend classes, pass drug tests, meet regularly with a probation officer, or fulfill other requirements. If you break the terms, the court could take you into custody or issue a warrant for your arrest. Once you are arrested, you may face hefty fines, stricter probation, loss of probation, imprisonment, or reinstatement of your original sentence. Contact a skilled New York City criminal defense lawyer if you have violated probation to help you seek reduced penalties.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Queens Criminal Defense Attorney?
A conviction for a criminal offense can severely damage your relationships, career, freedom, and future. You must feel confident that your attorney has the ability and determination to challenge your charges. Public defenders often juggle heavy caseloads and may not dedicate sufficient time to each client. A private defense attorney provides detailed investigation, personalized attention, and comprehensive answers to protect your rights throughout your proceedings.
My Child Was Arrested. Will They Go to Jail?
The circumstances of the alleged offense will determine whether your child's penalties could include incarceration, but the juvenile court system usually focuses on rehabilitation over punishment. Work with a knowledgeable Queens criminal defense lawyer who can advocate to keep your child's case in the family court system and seek rehabilitation options.
I Was Already Convicted. Is There Anything I Can Do?
If your right to a fair trial was violated at any stage, reach out immediately for legal help. Your Queens criminal defense lawyer can help you file an appeal if the prosecution or court made legal errors that affected your verdict. If your appeal is accepted, the appellate court will review your trial and determine whether to uphold or overturn the original decision. Many situations can qualify for an appeal, so discuss your options with an experienced law firm.
Contact a Criminal Lawyer at Musa-Obregon Law PC!
A criminal conviction can impact your freedom, relationships, career, and opportunities for years to come. You could face steep fines, lengthy incarceration, parole, and other serious consequences. With so much at stake, do not trust your defense to a public defender who may not have the resources or time to dedicate to your case. You need strong representation from an experienced firm committed to fighting for your interests.
Founder S. Michael Musa-Obregon, a former New York City prosecutor and Assistant District Attorney, brings valuable insight as a Queens criminal defense attorney. His experience allows him to anticipate the prosecutor's tactics and build strategic defenses that fully protect clients' constitutional rights.
We stay accessible for urgent issues and recognize the emotional toll that criminal proceedings can take on individuals and families. Our team maintains reliable communication from the first consultation through resolution, giving you clarity at each step. Many clients benefit from the convenience of our office’s proximity to major courts—including the Queens Criminal Courthouse on Queens Boulevard and key New York City justice centers—which allows us to respond quickly to filings, court dates, and emergent issues across the city. We handle all communications sensitively and confidentially to protect your privacy.
Local Resources
- New York City Court Information
- New York Courts
- United States District Court: Southern District of New York
- New York Court Records Search
- NYC Inmate Lookup
- New York Inmate Records
Contact a New York City criminal defense attorney at the firm today by calling (888) 502-8461! Begin building your defense - schedule your free consultation.