Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manhattan

Criminal defense lawyers represent people accused of crimes, from DUIs and drug charges to assault, theft, and federal cases. Here's an honest map of the process: after arrest comes arraignment, where charges are read and bail is addressed; then discovery, where the defense sees the prosecution's evidence; then motions that can suppress evidence or dismiss charges; then plea negotiation — which is how the large majority of criminal cases actually resolve — and only occasionally trial. A defense lawyer's value shows up at every one of those stages: getting bail conditions you can live with, spotting constitutional problems in how evidence was obtained, negotiating charges down, and protecting you from collateral consequences — immigration effects, license loss, employment records — that can outlast any sentence. Be wary of anyone who guarantees results; no ethical lawyer can.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Criminal cases in Manhattan start in New York County. The first date is usually an arraignment. A desk appearance ticket is a notice to come back, not a decision that the case is over.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Manhattan

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When to hire a criminal defense lawyer

Talk to a criminal defense lawyer in Manhattan when you are arrested, when you have an arraignment date, when you are given a desk appearance ticket, and when the charge is a misdemeanor, a DWI, or a felony. Record sealing is a later question, after the case ends. Do not discuss the facts with anyone but your lawyer. Early advice is about the next court date. It is not a promise about the outcome.

Common matters they handle

DUI / DWI and traffic-related offenses
Drug possession and distribution charges
Assault, domestic violence, and weapons charges
Theft, fraud, and white-collar investigations
Probation violations and bail hearings
Expungement and record sealing

Courts that hear these cases

Arraignments and many misdemeanors for Manhattan are at New York County Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street. New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, also sits at 100 Centre Street. The prosecutor’s office is the New York County District Attorney at One Hogan Place, New York, NY 10013. If you qualify, Legal Aid, the borough defender office, and 18-B assigned counsel are free. A private lawyer is optional.

Public defender or a private lawyer

If you qualify, Legal Aid, the defender office that covers New York County, and 18-B assigned counsel are free. A private lawyer is a choice on top of that, including when a public defender is already assigned. The judge decides whether appointed counsel is relieved. Public defenders are criminal lawyers. The practical difference people ask about is time, not a promise of a better result. Confirm eligibility at arraignment.

Languages and neighborhoods

People looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Manhattan most often ask for English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, and French. Clients often live in Harlem, Washington Heights, the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, Midtown, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown. Court interpreters are separate from the language your own lawyer speaks with you. If a lawyer is listed on this page, match the language tags on that profile.

Typical NYC market estimates

These figures are typical NYC market estimates. They are not a quote from a law firm, they are not a Lawckin quote, and they are not the consultation price on a Lawckin profile. Confirm the fee with the attorney. You see that lawyer’s consult price before you book. Court and government filing fees are separate.

Paid initial consult: Often about $0–$500 in the New York City market. Confirm the fee with the attorney.
Misdemeanor or desk appearance ticket: Often about the low-to-mid thousands. Confirm the fee with the attorney.
DWI: Often about the mid-thousands. Confirm the fee with the attorney.
Felony: Often about five figures. Confirm the fee with the attorney.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manhattan: FAQ

What does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Manhattan?

In the New York City market, a consult is often about $0–$500. A misdemeanor or desk appearance ticket is often about the low-to-mid thousands. A DWI is often about the mid-thousands. A felony is often about five figures. These are market estimates, not a Lawckin quote. Confirm the fee with the attorney. Appointed counsel is free if you qualify.

What happens at arraignment in Manhattan?

The judge reads the charges, decides release or bail, and sets the next date. New York County Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street. Bring the papers the police or the court gave you. You can ask for a lawyer at that appearance. This is the shape of the first date, not a prediction of what the judge will do.

What is a desk appearance ticket?

A desk appearance ticket is a written notice to come to Criminal Court on a later date instead of waiting in custody for arraignment. It is not a dismissal. Bring the ticket to court and to any consult. Missing the date can lead to a warrant.

Can I hire a private lawyer if I already have a public defender?

Yes. You can hire a private lawyer even when Legal Aid, a borough defender, or 18-B counsel is already assigned. Tell both lawyers, and expect the judge to address who remains on the case. Hiring privately does not change the charges by itself.

How fast can I book a criminal defense consult?

Lawckin shows the next times that lawyer published. How soon you can book depends on that calendar. If your arraignment is sooner than the next opening, tell the lawyer the court date in the booking note and also ask for counsel at court.