Glenn Hardy is a Criminal defense attorney with Local Knowledge of Staten Island Courts & Prosecutors

Finding an attorney in Staten Island with experience in the five boroughs of New York is crucial when facing a criminal charge. You need an aggressive defense lawyer who knows the local courts, judges, and prosecutors.

A Staten Island Lawyer With Proven Track Record of Case Dismissals & Reduced Charges

Mr. Hardy also has years of trial experience. Adding more reason to put your case in his hands.

Staten Island Ferry in the water overseeing Straten Island

Staten Island Ferry in the water overseeing Straten Island

Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation

As a criminal attorney in Staten Island, I begin with an initial free consultation and case evaluation, listening to your case, reviewing charges, and identifying legal options and risks.

Investigation & Evidence Gathering for your case

Next, I will investigate and gather evidence, including interviewing witnesses, examining police reports, and consulting experts to build a defense.

Negotiation

I will negotiate with the Staten Island District Attorney to seek reduced charges, favorable plea agreements, or dismissal, when possible.

Trial Preparation & Courtroom Representation

Finally, if the case goes to trial, I will be ready. This involves developing a strategy, filing motions, selecting jurors, presenting arguments, and advocating zealously to protect your rights throughout the proceedings.

Exceptions: The “public safety exception” allows police to ask questions before reading a suspect their rights if there is an immediate, significant danger to the public.

Again, reach out to an experienced NY defense attorney, like attorney Glenn Hardy, if you can. This is the first step toward protecting your freedom and building a strong defense.

New York City Defense Attorney symbol for find a lawyer when arrested

Any information provided to detectives or the police on the day of an arrest can have a significant impact on your case.

Finding an attorney as soon as possible could make a tremendous difference later on.

While trying to be cooperative with the police, having a lawyer alerts them not to push any questions.

You can reach Mr. Hardy any day at any time.

Ask family or friends to call the Criminal Court Arraignment Clerk in the borough where the arrest occurred (e.g., Manhattan: 646-386-4500, or check nycourts.gov). Provide your information, and any arrest number from paperwork or police.
Arraignment usually occurs within 24 hours of arrest (often the same day or the next morning), though it can be delayed slightly.

Mandatory: Only required before “custodial interrogation,” not necessarily at the exact moment of physical restraint. Police can arrest without reading rights, but they cannot interrogate.

Invocation: If you say you want an attorney or wish to remain silent, all questioning must cease.
Not Silence Alone: Simply staying quiet is not enough to invoke Miranda rights; you must explicitly state that you want to remain silent or that you want an attorney.
Waiver: You can waive your rights, but only knowingly and voluntarily.

If you can afford a private attorney, contact us immediately. You can reach me anytime, 24/7.

State clearly: “I am going to remain silent, and I want a lawyer”.
Do not sign any documents or waive rights without an attorney present.

Under NY’s bail laws (post-reform), many non-violent/low-level cases result in release without cash bail, but it depends on charges, history, and risk factors.

The right to the presumption of innocence means that when an individual is arrested, they are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The burden rests on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This principle protects individuals from unfair treatment, ensuring they receive a fair trial and preventing punishment without sufficient evidence

At your first court appearance, where charges are read, you enter a plea (usually “not guilty”), and the judge sets release conditions.

Mandatory: Only required.
Not Silence Alone: Simply staying voluntarily.

Staten Island Criminal Court Information

Richmond County (Staten Island) Criminal Court

  • Address: 26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301 (Note: Some older references mention 67 Targee Street, but the current primary location is at 26 Central Avenue)
  • General Information / Clerk’s Office: (718) 675-8558
  • Arraignment Clerk: (718) 390-8409, Fax: (718) 390-8405
  • Arraignment Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Official Website: NY Courts – 13th Judicial District (Richmond County) or the NYC Criminal Court page: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/criminal/index.shtml

Richmond County Supreme Court – Criminal Term

This court handles felony cases, serious crimes, and matters that proceed from Criminal Court (e.g., grand jury indictments).

  • Address: 26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301 (Room 240 for Criminal Term)
  • Main Phone: (718) 675-8700
  • Criminal Term Office: (718) 675-8760
  • General Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Official Website: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/13jd/index.shtml

Staten Island Central Booking

Where arrested individuals are processed before arraignment

  • Phone: (718) 876-8493 or (718) 390-8400

Richmond County District Attorney’s Office (Prosecutor)

Important for any criminal case in Staten Island.

Additional Helpful Numbers

Important for any criminal case in Staten Island.

  • NYC Criminal Court Information Line (general help for all boroughs): (646) 386-4900
  • Desk Appearance Tickets (DAT) in Staten Island: (718) 390-8409
  • The best and most accurate information always comes from the New York State Unified Court System website
  • Court hours, procedures, and contact numbers can change. Always verify the latest information directly on the official New York Courts website or by calling the court before your appearance. As an experienced Staten Island criminal lawyer, I can help guide you through the entire process and represent you at every stage.

What are my rights immediately after being arrested in Staten Island?

You have the right to remain silent and to a criminal attorney. Police must read you your Miranda rights before any questioning if you are in custody. Clearly state: “I want to speak to a lawyer and I do not want to answer any questions.” Do not discuss the case with officers, detectives, or anyone else. Remember that anything you say can be used against you later on.

Should I talk to the police after I am arrested?

I suggest “No”. Be polite and cooperative with basic processing (name, address, etc.), but politely invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer. Do not explain your side of the story, even if officers seem friendly or say it will help. Early statements can hurt your defense later.

What happens right after an arrest in Staten Island?

You are usually taken to a local NYPD precinct for initial processing (search, fingerprints, photos, and “pedigree” information).
Then you go to Staten Island Central Booking.
Most people are held until their arraignment, which typically occurs within 24 hours (sometimes longer on weekends or busy days).
Family members generally cannot visit during this time unless the person is a juvenile.

What is an arraignment in Staten island

Arraignment is your first court appearance before a judge at the Richmond County Criminal Court (26 Central Avenue, Staten Island).
The judge informs you of the charges, you enter a plea (usually “not guilty”), and the court decides on release: Released on your own recognizance (ROR), bail set, or (rarely) remand without bail.
Glenn Hardy as your Staten Island criminal lawyer can negotiate for better release conditions and review any plea offers from the prosecutor.

Will I get bail or be released after the arraignment?

It depends on the charges, your criminal history, community ties (job, family, residence in Staten Island), and other factors. Many misdemeanor cases result in ROR or low bail. Serious felonies may involve higher bail or conditions. Mr. Hardy can present strong arguments for release at arraignment.

How long will the whole process take when arrested in Staten Island?

Arraignment usually happens within 24 hours of arrest. After that, the timeline varies:

Misdemeanors may resolve in weeks or months.
Felonies can take several months (or longer) if they go to grand jury or trial.
Your case could end with dismissal, plea deal, or trial — an experienced Staten Island criminal lawyer works to resolve it as favorably and quickly as possible.

Can the charges be reduced or dismissed by a Staten Island Criminal Lawyer like Mr. Hardy?

Yes, many cases are reduced or dismissed, especially with strong legal representation. Mr. Hardy can challenge evidence, police procedures, or negotiate with the Staten Island District Attorney’s Office. Early involvement increases the chances of a favorable outcome.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer in Staten Island?

You have the right to a court-appointed attorney (Legal Aid or 18-B attorney) if you qualify. However, a private Staten Island criminal lawyer, like Mr. Hardy, often provides more personalized attention and can sometimes achieve better results in negotiations and at trial.

What should my family do if I’m arrested?

Stay calm and gather basic information (arrest location, charges if known). Find further information under “A Defense Lawyer’s advice when facing criminal charges in New York “
Contact a Mr. Hardy as soon as possible — the earlier the better.
Prepare information about community ties (employment, family, residence) can help with release at arraignment.
Do not discuss case details over the phone, as calls from custody may be recorded.