As criminal defense attorneys defending people and business in New York's Federal and State Courts, we know how complex the criminal justice system is. We understand that being investigated, or arrested and charged with a crime can be one of the most frightening times in your life. Who can you depend on to represent your best interests and fight for your rights?

Let our legal experience improve your experience with the Law. To learn more about criminal defense procedures and your rights, please review the free criminal law advice below. To speak with dedicated criminal defense counsel, contact an attorney at the Hubert Law Office.

New York Criminal Defendant Handbook

You've been accused of a crime... What happens next? To help you understand criminal law procedure, we offer, for free, the New York State Criminal Defendant Handbook.

Please be sure to read it. This Handbook will help you understand how the criminal justice system works in New York State, and what you can expect - from the initial arrest all the way through an appeal.

Criminal Defense FAQ

Our page of Frequently Asked Questions provides criminal defense law advice that takes a good look at the realities of criminal procedure. Find out the answers to questions such as

• How can you tell if you need a lawyer?
• What if you are innocent?
• What do you do if the police arrest you?
• What are your rights?
• What is bail?

Types of Criminal Cases

The Federal government, along with the State of New York, divide crimes into two general categories: Misdemeanors and Felonies.

Crimes regarded as less serious are referred to as misdemeanors. Misdemeanors usually have a one-year maximum jail sentence. Felony classifications are deemed much more serious than misdemeanors, hence they have much harsher prison sentences. Punishment is generally more than one year of jail time.

Your legal problems may include suspicions or allegations of some form of the following:

• Theft
• Robbery
• Assault
• Sexual abuse
• Murder
• Gun possession
• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Counterfeiting
• Drug trafficking
• Stolen property possession and resale
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Domestic Violence
• Criminal Contempt

White Collar Crime

"White collar crime" is the phrase coined to describe crimes done in a commercial or corporate setting, usually for financial gain. Examples of white-collar crimes are:

• Bank fraud
• Embezzlement
• Making false statements to obtain a loan
• Filing false reports or returns with government agencies
• Insurance fraud
• Loan sharking
• Mail, phone or Internet fraud

Due to the complex nature of a white-collar criminal prosecution, your exposure may not be clear in the early stages of the investigation. For your legal safety, you should retain a lawyer experienced in defending white collar crime immediately. Generally, this means as soon as you suspect that you may be involved in an investigation.

Criminal Cases and Their Collateral Consequences

Almost every criminal case poses some kind of collateral consequence to the client. This means that beyond the terms of a criminal sentence, a defendant can experience detrimental, far-reaching and unexpected effects.

Throughout New York, your rights, privileges and licenses may be revoked or forfeited as a consequence of your criminal case. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will be able to advise you about post-conviction scenarios and getting relief from civil disabilities and pardons in your quest to return to a normal civil life.