State Directory
Criminal Defense Lawyers in New York
Browse this state directory, then narrow by city when a local Criminal Defense page is available.
Choose a city
These cities currently have Criminal Defense directory coverage in New York.
About Criminal Defense in New York
Felony cases are prosecuted in New York Supreme Court (criminal term); misdemeanors and arraignments are typically handled in local criminal courts such as a city Criminal Court or town/village court.
In New York, a prosecution for most felonies must be commenced within five years after the crime, except for certain serious offenses (such as Class A felonies) which have no limitations period.
A prosecution for a misdemeanor in New York must generally be commenced within two years after the offense.
If a defendant is held in custody on an unresolved felony complaint for more than 120 hours (144 hours if a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday falls within that period) without a disposition or hearing, New York law generally requires the court to release them on their own recognizance.
Under New York's bail statute, most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies are non-qualifying offenses for which a court must release the defendant on recognizance or under non-monetary conditions rather than set cash bail, while a defined list of qualifying offenses (including violent felonies and certain sex offenses) remain eligible for bail.
Sources: New York Criminal Procedure Law § 30.10, New York Criminal Procedure Law § 180.80, New York Criminal Procedure Law § 510.10 (verified 2026-07-03)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a Criminal Defense lawyer in New York?
Look for an attorney with relevant Criminal Defense experience, confirm they are licensed to practice in New York, and use an initial consultation to evaluate whether their approach and communication style fit your situation.
What should I prepare before contacting a lawyer?
Gather any documents relevant to your matter, write a short timeline of key events, and prepare a list of questions about cost, process, and expected timeline. Being organized helps an attorney evaluate your situation quickly.
Can I compare lawyers across different cities in New York?
Yes — legal requirements for many practice areas are largely set at the state level, so Criminal Defense attorneys in different New York cities can often help with similar matters. Comparing profiles across nearby cities can widen your options if local coverage is limited.