Arrested in New York?
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If you are charged with a crime or arrested in New York, call me right away.
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30+ years of Experience & a team of experts
I handle all felony and misdemeanor charges from arraignment through trial.
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Why You Need me Right Away
- Build a strong defense strategy for trial
- Intervene at the precinct or Central Booking
- Protect your rights during interrogation
- Gather favorable witnesses and video evidence
- Negotiate bail or secure your release at arraignment
Areas Of Practice In New York
I handle every stage of your case
Areas of Practice
- Identity Theft
- Credit Card Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Health Care Fraud
- Internet & Cyber Fraud
- Embezzlement
Arrested in New York?
NYC Procedures: A Step-by-Step Overview
Arrests in New York City follow a structured process governed by NYPD procedures, New York State law, and constitutional rights. The timeline from arrest to arraignment — often called the “arrest process” — usually lasts up to 24 hours (though it can take longer in complex cases).
The Police must have probable cause to believe you committed a crime or possess a valid arrest warrant.
Officers must inform you of the reason for the arrest (unless telling you is impractical because you are resisting or attempting to flee).
They will typically handcuff you — usually with your hands behind your back — and perform a search incident to arrest.
Police often read your Miranda rights at this point or before questioning. These rights include: the right to remain silent, the warning that anything you say can and will be used against you, and the right to an attorney.
Key Advice: Immediately invoke your rights. Provide only basic pedigree information (name, date of birth, and address). Do not discuss the case or answer any questions without a lawyer present.
Once you arrive at the precinct, the processing continues as follows:
- Officers first search you again for safety and to check for contraband.
- Next, the officer will take your voucher for your personal property and give you a receipt.
- After that, they will collect your pedigree information, such as your name, date of birth, and address.
- Additionally, an officer will take your fingerprints and mugshots using the LiveScan system (for offenses that require fingerprinting).
- Meanwhile, detectives may attempt to interview you, especially in more serious cases.
- Throughout this process, you may be held in a holding cell or pen.
Important: If detectives want to question you, request a lawyer immediately or tell them that you have a lawyer (and call me) . Do not discuss your case or answer any questions.
Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) vs. Central Booking
For many lower-level offenses — such as misdemeanors or violations — police may issue you a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT). This is essentially a summons that orders you to appear in court on a future date. In these cases, officers release you directly from the precinct.
However, if you face more serious charges, have a prior criminal record, or the offense is a felony, you will be processed for Central Booking. They will then transport you to a central facility in the borough for additional processing before your arraignment in court.
Central Booking – Additional Processing
Once you arrive at Central Booking, officers complete several additional steps. These include more paperwork, extra photographs and fingerprints, a medical screening, and possibly a strip search.
Meanwhile, the District Attorney’s office reviews the case and decides on the formal charges.
During this phase, you stay in custody. Holding cells are often crowded, and the food served is very basic — typically sandwiches.
This is your first show up before a judge in Criminal Court. It usually takes place within 24 hours of your arrest, although delays can sometimes occur.
During the arraignment, the judge formally reads the charges against you. You then enter a plea — most defendants plead “not guilty” at this stage.
Next, the judge decides on your release. The options include:
- Remand (being held without bail)
- Release on your own recognizance (ROR)
- Supervised release
- Bail or bond
- Remand (being held without bail)
arrested in New York? What to Do
If you or a loved one has been arrested in New York, the decisions you make in the first few hours can dramatically affect the outcome of your case. As an experienced criminal defense attorney in NYC, I strongly recommend that you contact me immediately — before speaking to detectives or signing anything.
I provide aggressive, 24/7 representation for individuals arrested in New York City. I fight felony and misdemeanor charges across all New York and work tirelessly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.
Whether it’s your first arrest or you’re facing serious felony charges, I deliver personalized, results-driven defense.
Arrested? The First 24–48 Hours are Critical
The first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest in New York City are critical. Acting quickly allows you to preserve key evidence, locate and interview witnesses, and build strong arguments for release at arraignment.
For official NYPD information on the arrest process, visit: NYPD Criminal Justice Process Overview
