Our firm approaches every sexual assault case with the ferocity of a former prosecutor and the sophisticated strategic experience complex personal injury attorney. We stand ready to support and advocate for every child or adult survivor of sexual abuse, with a trauma-informed approach and respect for the strength and resilience survivors must exercise to seek justice. We represent survivors in sexual assault cases against powerful institutions and individuals, alike. If you or a loved one experienced the profound trauma of sexual assault or abuse, we would be honored to walk with you in pursuit of the justice you deserve.
We are deeply committed to vindicating every individual whose civil rights were violated by the very institutions and individuals charged with protecting them. We firmly believe that law enforcement should be held to the highest standards of professionalism and are dedicated to fighting for the victims of police misconduct, whether through wrongful conviction, excessive force, false arrest or malicious prosecution. We take a strategic, comprehensive and relentless approach to every civil rights and police misconduct case, through meticulous investigation and fearless advocacy on behalf of our clients who are victimized by members of law enforcement.
We understand the distress and anguish that victims of Revenge Porn and Deepfake / AI Porn causes. As the law firm that tried the first two Revenge Porn cases under New York State law, we specialize in providing compassionate support and legal representation for victims of non-consensual pornography. We understand the sensitive nature of Revenge Porn cases and we are committed to protecting your rights and seeking justice on your behalf. Victims of Revenge Porn deserve to reclaim their dignity and hold those responsible for their actions accountable.
Traumatic Brain Injuries—or TBIs—often cause severe physical, mental or behavioral symptoms. A traumatic brain injury is any forceful contact or trauma to the head that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. Depending on the severity of the injury and the part of the brain injured, a TBI can range from mild (concussion), to moderate and severe, and cause lifelong changes. If you, or someone you know, has suffered a head injury from a fall, accident or any type of blunt trauma to the head and are now experiencing the physical, mental or behavioral symptoms of a TBI, you should consult an attorney regarding a lawsuit.
Laborers are particularly at risk of serious on-the-job injuries because of the physical and often risky nature of their work, combined with employers’ tendency to sacrifice safety for cost savings. Construction accidents often leave laborers too injured to carry out the jobs they depend on to support their families and pay their bills. Our firm is proud to fight tirelessly for every individual injured in a construction accident, regardless of their immigration status. If you or a friend or loved one has been injured in a construction accident, please contact us for an honest assessment of your case and the long-term value of your injuries.
Human trafficking and sex trafficking are vile crimes against humanity to which mainstream institutions and businesses have turned a blind-eye for far too long. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support and advocacy for survivors of human and sex trafficking. We specialize in navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding trafficking cases. Whether you are seeking to hold your traffickers accountable, pursue compensation for the damages you suffered, or access resources and support services to aid in your recovery, our approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep commitment to empowering survivors to advocate for the justice and support you deserve.
Katherine E. Mayo, a partner at the Law Firm of Andrew M. Stengel, has dedicated her career to fighting for the rights of individuals and communities injured by sexual assault, revenge porn, defective products, industrial pollution, corporate and institutional malfeasance, traumatic brain injuries, construction accidents, and systemic civil rights abuses. Kate brings years of experience litigating complex, high-value personal injury matters to the practice. Kate was trained by some of the finest plaintiffs’ attorneys in New York, if not the country and she is a highly trusted and effective advocate for the injured. Kate received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Smith College. She also has a master’s degree in French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Andrew M. Stengel, a former Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, is a trial attorney and litigator who specializes in a wide variety of cases, including sexual assault and sexual abuse, civil rights, human trafficking, sexual harassment, as well as other complex personal injury matters. Following his service as a prosecutor, Andrew founded the Law Firm of Andrew M. Stengel to fight for the rights of all who are wronged. Andrew received his J.D. from Albany Law School cum laude where he was editor-in-chief of the Albany Government Law Review and holds his bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University.
Assault covers a range of crimes in New York, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The charge will generally be more serious where there is more serious injury, a weapon was used and/or the injury was intended. Harassment, which is a violation and not a crime, is often charged with Assault. Unlike Assault, Harassment does not require a physical injury. There are many possible defenses to Assault, and the best defense will depend on the facts of the case.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a crime and can result in a permanent criminal. A driver can generally be charged with DWI for a blood alcohol content level of at least .08 % or for refusing a chemical test. Depending on the facts, DWI can be a misdemeanor, felony, or a traffic infraction known as Driving While Ability Impaired. We are here to help you understand the charges and possible penalties for DWI-related crimes and help prepare your best defense.
There are two types of weapons possession crimes in New York. The most common involves per se weapons: guns and several styles of knives and other weapons that are listed in the law. The other may be charged in connection with the unlawful use of any object against another person. Weapons possession crimes may be misdemeanors or felonies, and may be charged with other crimes such as Assault and Robbery. Most weapons possession crimes involving guns carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence.
“Domestic Violence” covers a wide range of crimes wherein the accused and the complaining witness are related by blood or marriage. In New York, the most commonly charged Domestic Violence crimes include Assault, Harassment, Contempt, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Mischief, Strangulation, Larceny, and Robbery. The degree of the charges, whether a violation, misdemeanor or felony, depends entirely on the facts of each case and the charged crimes.
Most Forcible Touching and Sexual Abuse crimes are misdemeanors, but in some situations, these two crimes are felonies. In addition, some Forcible Touching and Sexual Abuse crimes may trigger mandatory registration with the Sexual Offender Registry. While it may be possible to reduce the two crimes to non-criminal outcomes, prosecutors take these crimes seriously and often push for those charged with Forcible Touching or Sexual Abuse to attend sexual offender treatment programs.
A Felony Sex Crime conviction carries serious consequences including a possible mandatory prison sentence, burdensome terms of post-release supervision and registration as a Sex Offender. However, an arrest for an allegation of Rape, Criminal Sexual Act, Sexual Abuse or Aggravated Sexual Abuse doesn’t necessarily mean a conviction. The advice of a skilled and aggressive defense attorney early in an accusation of a Felony Sex Crime may make all the difference.
In New York, a person may be issued a Desk Appearance Ticket—or DAT—to appear in court at a later date rather than be arraigned within 24 hours of arrest. The DAT return date, usually 30 to 90 days in the future, gives a defense attorney the advantage of a head start in working on your case. If you’ve been issued a DAT, don’t delay in contacting a defense attorney, whether the alleged crime involves, theft, assault, drug or marijuana possession or another crime.
This misdemeanor theft crime, also referred to petty larceny, is generally charged when the property alleged to have been stolen is valued at $1,000 or less. In New York, Petit Larceny is most commonly charged for shoplifting, but can be charged in connection with alleged theft of any property. Petit Larceny may even be charged instead of the felony crime Grand Larceny in shoplifting or other theft cases wherein the property value does not greatly exceed $1,000.
In New York, Grand Larceny is a felony crime and is charged when the value of property alleged to have been stolen is more than $1,000, the property is taken directly from a person or the property is a credit or debit card. There are several felony degrees of Grand Larceny, determined by the value of the property allegedly stolen. Even if Grand Larceny is charged, it is often possible to reduce the charges to a lesser crime, a violation or even a dismissal.
A wide array of drugs—from narcotics and hallucinogens to concentrated marijuana—are covered under New York’s controlled substance possession and sale laws. Drug possession laws range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on quantity. However, sale of even the smallest amount of any drug is considered a felony—even a single pill. The most common drug possession and sale charges in New York involve cocaine, crack, heroin, ecstasy and prescription painkillers.
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, which may be a misdemeanor or a felony, requires only that a person possess stolen property. The charge may be sustained whether or not there is evidence of how the property was acquired. Criminal Possession of Stolen Property may be charged alone, but is more often charged in combination with Larceny. The degree of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property charged is determined by the value of the property allegedly possessed.
Common forms of Forged Instruments in New York include fake identification, altered credit cards, counterfeit tickets, counterfeit money and fake license plates. However, mere possession is not sufficient to support a conviction: the defendant must have known that the item was forged and possessed it with intent to deceive. The seriousness of the charge is determined by the type of instrument alleged to have been forged, and may be a misdemeanor or a felony.
Burglary is a felony in New York, whereas Trespass is usually charged as a misdemeanor. Burglary involves trespass into a building with an intent to commit a crime inside. The degree of Burglary charged depends on factors such as the type of building and whether weapons are involved. Trespass is charged when a person is found in a place that is off limits, such as beyond the subway turnstile without paying a fare, in a park after closing or on a rooftop where access is barred.
Robbery, which is prosecuted vigorously in New York, is similar to Larceny. However, a Robbery charge requires one additional element: the use of actual force or the threat of force to steal property. The degree of force may be slight, but force must be present. All of the degrees of Robbery are felonies. The two most serious degrees, both of which involve firearms, carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and mandatory periods of post-release supervision.
Identity Theft, which involves assuming the identity of another person for personal gain or to cause financial harm, ranges from low-level misdemeanors to serious felonies in New York. Assuming the identity of another person takes many forms, including using another person’s credit card number or other identifying information. The seriousness of the crime usually depends on the value of the alleged information appropriated or the money obtained using the stolen identity.
Following an arrest, arraignment is the first crucial step in the criminal process. In some cases, if the crime is considered low level and the person arrested has valid identification, a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) may be issued, which means that arraignment is scheduled for a later date. At the arraignment, the charges are filed and bail may be set. In some cases the prosecutor may make an offer to resolve the case. If no offer is made or no resolution is reached another court date will be set.
The Law Firm of Andrew M. Stengel, P.C. combines the skills of former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney and complex personal injury lawyer Katherine E. Mayo. Andrew and Katherine provide aggressive and compassionate representation to clients throughout New York and beyond. Our goal is to get justice for every client.
Andrew is an smart, aggressive and hard-working lawyer. He is always available to answer questions. I have never felt rushed, or put off. In my experience, he not only answered my questions, but took the time to explain completely why, and to make sure I really understood the entire situation. It is nice to find to find someone who has both the ability AND the patience.
Andrew is an intelligent attorney with a commanding presence that works to his client's advantage in a courtroom. He has experience handling a wide array of criminal matters including violent crimes, DWIs and weapons possession--and he has a dozen trials under his belt. As a former prosecutor he knows the best deals he can get for his clients. Andrew's phone number is one that I would give my clients if they had a criminal matter arise.
Andrew is a professional attorney with excellent communication skills. Bringing him on my case was very helpful as it provided me with clear insight as to how the situation was evolving and the options that were available to me. His expert knowledge of the law related to my judicial proceedings, was crucial in defining a strategy that helped me make the best decision. In all instances, Andrew always proved to work with integrity and honesty; He is clearly somebody that I can trust.
I never have been in trouble before and needed representation for a misdemeanor. I contacted many lawyers about my case and Mr. Stengel provided me with answers to my questions right over the phone. His aggressive representation not only got my case dismissed but sealed as well. Very pleased with the outcome and I would highly recommend his services.
My license was revoked a few years ago after a DWI that was bs. I got arrested in both the City and on Long Island for driving without a license and was facing jail time. Andrew got me out of trouble with violations and fines in the City and Long Island instead of criminal convictions and jail. I recommend Andrew for any criminal charge. He was available to talk and explain things and fought really hard for me like a champ. Better call Stengel!
I've never had to deal with the criminal justice system before. I also drive for a living so the thought of losing my license was scary. After receiving a DUI I hired Andrew - the smartest thing I've ever done. The thing that sticks out most to me is how responsive he was. He always returned calls and emails and I never felt as though he was leaving me hanging. He was also very good at explaining my specific options at every step and making a recommendation, but I felt like I was in control of the process. Putting all of that aside, I still have my job, and I still have my license - that's thanks to Andrew.
I hired Andrew Stengel for an assault case. Mr. Stengel was extremely proactive and competent throughout the whole ordeal. He was highly responsive, aggressive when necessary, and gentle when needed. Eventually the case was conditionally dismissed due to Mr. Stengel's diligence.
I was never in trouble before and then I was arrested after being accused of shoplifting in New York City. I was really worried about my criminal case, but when I met Andrew he put my mind at ease. He was very kind, explained every step of the process in ways that were easy to understand and he was available to me whenever I needed anything. Andrew got my case dismissed. I would trust Andrew to represent me for any legal problem.
I've never gotten into any kind of trouble before nor did I ever need a lawyer. Then one day I was accused of a sex crime. Since I am a teacher I realized I needed a lawyer. Not just any lawyer but one that would get me out of trouble and would save my career. I called a few lawyers and wasn’t impressed. Then I met Andrew and I hired him immediately. He developed a case strategy and in the end, thanks to Andrew, I was able to avoid a criminal record or counseling, which would have ended my career.During my case. I would call Andrew and constantly ask questions. He answered all of my questions always making sure that I was comfortable with the answers. Andrew was always available to me and answered every question at every step of the way. Andrew cared for me not only as a lawyer but like a good friend.
I was arrested for larceny and Andrew got my case dismiss and he was so kind and answer all my question because i never got in trouble before. He will give you 100% of his time. I will recommend him to anybody that is in trouble.
Complex personal injury attorney Katherine E. Mayo and former New York City prosecutor Andrew M. Stengel provide aggressive representation for clients in New York City, Westchester, Nassau and throughout New York State. Katherine and Andrew are experienced civil litigators who provide passionate, skilled and strategic advocacy on behalf of every client.