Researching Good Criminal Defense Attorneys for Drug Charges in NYC

Finding the Best Criminal Defense Attorney for Drug Charges in NYC

Getting arrested for a drug crime can be an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. Even a minor drug charge can carry severe penalties in New York City, including heavy fines and years behind bars. That’s why it’s absolutely critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to protect your rights.

But finding the right lawyer in a huge city like NYC can feel impossible. Where do you even start? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about researching and hiring the best criminal defense lawyer for drug charges in New York City.

Why Hire a Local NYC Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hiring a local criminal attorney in NYC can be an invaluable asset when daunting legal issues arise. You may have rights and resources available that you might not otherwise have considered. Local criminal defense attorneys are familiar with local laws, prosecutors, police, court customs and procedures.

When hiring a local criminal attorney in NYC, you will be able to receive personalized attention focused directly on your case, as well as concise recommendations for tactics and fees for the best possible outcome.

Don’t Wait – Consult with an Attorney Immediately

You should not wait to speak to a NYC criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with a crime or have become involved in any matter that may require going to court. The longer you wait to seek legal representation, the fewer defense and legal options you may have.

We will listen to your story, thoroughly evaluate the circumstances of your case, and get to work on a comprehensive case strategy. Our NYC legal professionals are prepared to take on cases involving state crimes, federal crimes, employment law, Title IX, personal injury claims, estate planning, business law, and more.

Choosing the Right NYC Criminal Defense Lawyer for You

We recognize that you have many options when choosing a criminal defense representative. Speak to one of our NYC criminal defense lawyers at Raiser & Kenniff, P.C. to learn more about what we can do for you before committing to anything. Your first consultation is complimentary, so there is no risk in reaching out.

This meeting is an opportunity to get professional insight into your options moving forward. An experienced criminal defense attorney can inform you of what to expect at each phase of the legal process and discuss the best strategies based on the details of your unique situation.

Questions to Ask Prospective Attorneys

• How long have you been practicing criminal law?
• What is your success rate with cases similar to mine?
• Are you available for meetings on evenings/weekends if needed?
• How and when can I contact you if I have questions?
• What are all the fees I can expect to pay if I hire you?

Warning Signs of a Bad Attorney

• Guarantees a specific outcome in your case
• Pressures you to take a plea deal immediately
• Does not clearly explain fee structures
• Does not give you their undivided attention
• Does not instill confidence in their abilities

Finding Candidates to Interview

Searching “criminal defense attorneys near me” can be a good starting point. You can also check directories like SuperLawyers and Expertise to find top-rated lawyers in NYC. Professional associations like the New York State Bar Association have search tools as well.

Ask friends and family for recommendations too. If someone you know was satisfied with their criminal lawyer, see if they’d recommend hiring them.

Research a Lawyer’s Background

Once you have a list of a few potential attorneys, do some research before calling to set up a consultation. Look up their registration status with the NY state bar to ensure they are licensed and in good standing. Check online reviews and ratings as well to get a sense of a lawyer’s quality of service and track record.

It can also be insightful to see if any news articles have been written about the attorney related to high-profile cases they worked on in the past.

Compare Multiple Consultations

You’ll get the best sense of which criminal defense lawyer is right for you by scheduling initial case consultations with several candidates. Most lawyers offer free consultations with no commitment required.

Pay attention to how clearly the attorney communicates, if you feel comfortable talking to them, and whether they seem genuinely interested in helping you. Take notes on what they say about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Compare their variation in fees and billing practices too.

Understand the Costs

The average cost for a criminal defense attorney in New York City tends to range between $5,000-$20,000 depending on the complexity of the drug charges you are facing. However, the fees in your case could be below or above that estimate.

Factors like your lawyer’s experience level, whether your case goes to trial, extra motions filed, and other expenses can all drive costs higher. Discuss billing rates and payment plans thoroughly so you know what to budget for.

Consider Payment Assistance Programs

If you cannot realistically afford a private criminal defense lawyer, you may qualify for assistance. Organizations like The Bronx Defenders and Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem provide free legal representation to people meeting certain income thresholds.

Some law school clinics also offer pro bono criminal defense services under the supervision of experienced attorneys. Reach out to local law schools like Columbia, NYU, Fordham, etc to learn more.

Don’t Go It Alone – Hire a Lawyer You Trust

Navigating the criminal justice system on your own when drug charges are on the line is extremely unwise. While you can technically represent yourself, an adept NYC criminal defense lawyer has the expertise to get charges reduced or dismissed and save you from devastating consequences.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug crime in NYC, contact Raiser & Kenniff for empathetic guidance and strategic legal advice concerning your best options moving forward.