Mr. Goodwin is everything you want in an attorney: professional, honest, thorough, and genuinely caring. He always explains things clearly, so I understood exactly what was happening and what to expect next. His attention to detail and persistence really stood out. Looking back, I feel lucky to have found him. He guided me through the whole process expertly, and I deeply appreciate all his hard work. Would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal help.
A good criminal defense lawyer in New York City will advocate and represent his client to ensure a dismissal of the charge, to plea bargain to lower the charge, to find alternative sentences to imprisonment, to uncover new evidence to support his client’s defense, or to help seal and expunge criminal records.
Allegations Covered
A criminal defense lawyer can handle a variety of cases ranging from violations, misdemeanors, to felonies. These include traffic violations, white collar crimes, blue collar crimes, DWIs (driving while intoxicated), stalking, harassment, larceny, assault, drug possession and sale, domestic violence, homicide, arson, gun possession, bribery, Medicaid fraud, insurance fraud, and burglary. Although criminal charges may vary depending on the facts and circumstances of a particular case, the methodology in arriving at a legal strategy for most criminal cases is similar because they involve an application of a basic constitutional principle of lawful arrests and searches. One basic underlying principle among criminal cases is the Fourth Amendment, and a lot of prosecuted cases fail because of a violation of the Fourth Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Finding a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer in New York City
If you find yourself accused or arrested because of an allegation that you committed a federal and/or state crime, the first step is to find a competent criminal defense lawyer in New York City. It is important to understand that you cannot navigate this problem alone. Even lawyers who are accused can, but don’t represent themselves. They get adequate legal representation, especially because at this time, one is emotional, and his judgment may be clouded.
Getting a big law firm to represent you is not a guarantee of the dismissal of the charge. You might secure the services of a big law firm, but in the end, get the services of their D-team, who may be inexperienced and not right for the job. For this reason, it is always advisable to get a lawyer with enough experience who is aggressive enough, who you know you are comfortable with, that you feel you can trust, who you feel cares for you, who is accessible, and who can be an advocate for your freedom. When you find this lawyer, you will get the best legal representation regardless of the amount you have paid because they will advocate to get the best deal for you with the prosecutors or to present the best possible case with the judge.
Developing a Legal Strategy
Once you find counsel, your criminal defense lawyer in New York City will provide you with a honest view of your situation. This includes an evaluation of the evidence of the prosecutor and your potential defenses. The criminal defense lawyer will explain in a clear and concise manner in layman’s terms the law that has been violated, the charge, the elements that need to be proven by the prosecutor, the allegations, the evidence supporting the allegations, the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, and the strength of your defense. The lawyer will conduct an in-depth investigation to uncover evidence that can support your defense.
If the arrest was illegal, any evidence that was obtained by reason of the illegal arrest is inadmissible. In the same way, if the search was illegal, any evidence that was obtained by reason of the illegal search is inadmissible. This is the basic concept of the Fourth Amendment in the Constitution. Your lawyer will know, based on an evaluation of your case and a review of existing jurisprudence, whether the prosecutor’s evidence can be declared inadmissible. If it is, your lawyer should request the exclusion of evidence that was obtained improperly by law enforcement.
Once the criminal defense lawyer in New York City finds the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s evidence and case, he will be able to negotiate plea agreements on behalf of the accused. If it reaches to trial, a good criminal defense lawyer will aggressively protect his client’s legal interests in the courtroom by objecting to the introduction of certain evidence or the propounding of leading questions in direct examination. In the event of conviction, they will submit appeals. They will also help clients seal or expunge criminal records.
If you ever find yourself as an accused in a criminal case, remember that you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It is the prosecutor’s burden to prove that you are guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
If you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer, we at the Law Offices of Albert Goodwin, are here for you. We have offices in New York City, Brooklyn, NY and Queens, NY. You can call us at 212-233-1233 or send us an email at [email protected].
About the Author
Albert Goodwin Esq. is a licenced New York attorney with over 17 years of courtroom experience. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him well-qualified to write authoritative articles on a wide range of legal topics. He can be reached at 212-233-1233 or [email protected].
