Criminal Defense

New York Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Clients Facing Criminal Charges in New York

Here at Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein, we want to get you the help you need if you are charged with a criminal act. An arrest and criminal charge in New York can be stressful and intimidating. Once charged, you must quickly make crucial decisions. Finding a trustworthy lawyer is essential to secure competent representation and ensure a fair trial.

Make finding the right criminal defense attorney to protect your constitutional and legal rights your top priority. By choosing Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein, you select a team of criminal defense lawyers committed to defending your freedom, property, and reputation. We stand ready to be your advocates in court.

Ready to get started on your New York criminal defense case? Call us today at (888) 646-0025 or contact us online here.

Our New York Law Firm Can Defend You Against All Criminal Charges

We have experienced criminal defense attorneys ready to take on your case and defend you against a wide range of charges.

Here are some of the primary types of criminal charges we handle for our clients:

Because we handle cases ranging from misdemeanors in local town courts to serious felony and federal matters, we understand how different types of charges move through the New York system.

A criminal defense attorney New York defendants turn to must be prepared to investigate the facts, interview witnesses, consult with experts when necessary, and file appropriate motions to suppress or dismiss. We tailor our strategy to the level of risk you are facing, whether that means focusing on keeping you out of jail, protecting a professional license, or reducing long-term exposure.

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in New York

Hiring a New York criminal defense lawyer when facing criminal charges provides significant advantages. These attorneys bring extensive experience in navigating the complex New York legal system, with a deep understanding of local laws, court procedures, and established relationships with prosecutors, judges, and other key players.

This knowledge enables them to craft a strong defense tailored to your case, increasing the chances of securing a favorable outcome. Additionally, a skilled defense attorney will thoroughly analyze evidence, identify inconsistencies, and leverage legal precedents to challenge the prosecution’s case, which can sometimes result in reduced charges, case dismissal, or minimized penalties.

Our background includes former prosecutors who have tried cases in New York courts, which gives us insight into how the government evaluates evidence and makes charging decisions. We use that knowledge to anticipate the strategies a criminal attorney New York prosecutors may use against you and to identify weaknesses in the case that can be raised through motions, negotiations, or at trial.

Our goal is to translate that strategic advantage into clear, practical advice so you can decide how to move forward with confidence.

Our Locations in New York

Contact us for a personalized defense strategy by calling (888) 646-0025. Our dedicated New York criminal defense team is here to help.

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Why We're the Right Choice

Attentive Service. Strategic Defense.

Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

Personalized Legal Strategy
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every case is handled with a custom legal approach tailored to your goals, your circumstances, and your future.
Risk-Free Consultation

We offer a risk-free evaluation of your case and are here to help you understand your legal options. We are available 24/7, day or night, to help you.
Top-Rated Team

Nationally recognized for results. Our attorneys have been ranked among the best in the U.S., Trusted for their strategy, skill, and relentless client advocacy
Former Prosecutors
Our founding partners are both former New York prosecutors who bring unique experience and insights to every case, especially when it comes to going to trial.

Without Proper Representation, You CAN Put Your Future at Stake

If you get convicted, prosecutors could take away your property and freedom. Even after serving your sentence, a criminal record can destroy your reputation and impact your life. You might lose your current job and struggle to find new employment with a criminal record.

Fighting hard against a conviction is essential because having a record can negatively affect you indefinitely. If you are the primary income provider for your family, your loved ones could face financial hardship for years.

For the sake of your family, addressing any criminal charge with trusted legal representation is crucial. We are dedicated to protecting your interests and ensuring you are fully prepared to face the criminal justice system. Contact our New York criminal defense lawyers today to get started.

When we evaluate a new case, we look beyond the immediate charges and consider how different outcomes could affect housing, schooling, licenses, and long-term career plans in New York.

A defense attorney New York clients rely on will take the time to learn about your goals, explain the possible penalties under New York law, and discuss options such as treatment programs, conditional discharges, or record-sealing where available. This allows you to weigh the risks and benefits of each path rather than feeling pressured into a quick decision.

Your Rights During the Criminal Defense Process in New York

If someone accuses you of a crime, you have several rights under the United States Constitution and other laws. These include:

Right to remain silent: Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right not to incriminate yourself. This means you can refuse to answer any questions until you have an attorney present.
Right to an attorney: The Sixth Amendment gives you the right to have legal representation during criminal proceedings. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you.
Right to a fair trial: The Sixth Amendment also guarantees you the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.
Right to confront witnesses: You have the right to cross-examine witnesses who testify against you and to call your own witnesses.
Right to due process: The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee your right to due process, which means that the government must respect all your legal rights before it can deprive you of life, liberty, or property.
Presumption of innocence: Until the prosecution proves you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the legal system presumes you innocent.
Protection against double jeopardy: The Fifth Amendment protects you from being tried twice for the same crime.
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause.

Remember these rights if you are ever accused of a crime. If you believe any of your rights have been violated, you should contact our NY criminal defense attorney immediately.

Contact us for a personalized defense strategy by calling (888) 646-0025. Our dedicated New York criminal defense team is here to help.

Understanding Criminal Laws in New York

The New York Penal Law is a vast and intricate body of statutes that categorizes offenses based on the severity of the act and the intent of the defendant. Navigating these laws requires criminal defense attorneys in New York who are well-versed in the latest 2026 legislative updates, including expanded definitions of property crimes and modernized discovery rules.

Classification of Offenses

In New York, crimes are broadly divided into three categories:

Felonies: These are the most serious offenses, punishable by more than one year in state prison. They range from Class A-I felonies (like first-degree murder) to Class E felonies (the least severe felony tier).
Misdemeanors: Punishable by up to one year in local jail. While often viewed as "minor," a misdemeanor conviction still results in a permanent criminal record. These are divided into Class A, Class B, and Unclassified misdemeanors (common in vehicle and traffic cases).
Violations and Infractions: These are non-criminal offenses, such as harassment or disorderly conduct. While they do not result in a criminal record, they can still involve fines and short periods of incarceration.

It is essential to recognize that New York law often allows for "upgrading" charges based on specific aggravating factors. For example, a simple larceny can quickly become a violent felony if a weapon is displayed or if the act is committed in a specific location, such as a transportation facility, under the updated 2026 statutes. Our role is to ensure the prosecution does not overcharge you and to hold them strictly to the legal definitions provided by the state.

Let Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein Help You

Our criminal defense attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights under the law and ensuring you receive a fair trial. We can aggressively challenge dubious evidence, improper procedures, and questionable testimony that may arise during court proceedings. When you hire our criminal defense lawyers, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will work diligently to defend your case.

We also understand that a criminal case affects far more than a single court date. From the moment you are investigated or arrested in New York, we can advise you on how to respond to law enforcement, what to avoid posting on social media, and how pending charges could affect your employment, immigration status, or professional licenses. By addressing these issues early, a criminal lawyer New York residents trust can often help reduce collateral consequences that might otherwise follow you long after the case is resolved.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Criminal Defense

At Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein, we don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" strategy. Our approach is personalized, aggressive, and rooted in our history as former prosecutors:

In-Depth Case Investigation: We conduct our own investigations, often uncovering evidence that law enforcement overlooked.
Constitutional Advocacy: We scrutinize every detail of the police interaction to ensure evidence was obtained lawfully.
Prosecutorial Insight: Because our founding partners are former prosecutors, we can often predict the state's next move and prepare a counter-strategy before the prosecution even acts.

The prosecution is already moving forward; you should be too. To speak with dedicated criminal defense attorneys in New York, call (888) 646-0025 or contact us online. We offer a free consultation and a custom legal approach tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.