New York Criminal Defense Attorney | The Law Firm of Andrew M. Stengel

Desk Appearance Tickets

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.

Driving While Intoxicated

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.

Assault

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.

Domestic Violence

“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.

Petit Larceny

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.

Grand Larceny

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.

Weapons Possession

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.

Drug Possession / Sale

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.

Forcible Touching / Sexual Abuse

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.

Arraignments

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.

Identity Theft

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.

Burglary / Trespass

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.

Marijuana Possession / Sale

Unfortunately, New York has not followed the national trend of decriminalizing marijuana. In New York, possession and/or sale of marijuana remains a crime with one exception: possession of a small amount of marijuana not burning is a violation. The specific charge depends on both the amount of marijuana possessed and the circumstances of the possession. However, marijuana possession and sale are generally not treated as harshly as alleged drug crimes in New York.

Robbery

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.

Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument

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.

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property

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.

Criminal Defense Attorney in NYC

Former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Andrew M. Stengel provides aggressive representation for misdemeanors and felonies in New York City, Westchester, Nassau and the surrounding counties.

If you have never been arrested before—and even if you have—you deserve an experienced criminal lawyer who will go above and beyond: to devote an extraordinary amount of energy on your case and take the time to explain the criminal process to you and answer every question that you have. Whether the charge is Driving While Intoxicated, Assault, related to Domestic Violence, Possession of a Weapon, Sale / Possession of a Controlled Substance or Marijuana, Forcible Touching, to name just a few, Andrew M. Stengel is that criminal defense attorney.

The Law Firm of Andrew M. Stengel

You don’t have to face criminal charges alone, and you shouldn’t rely on the first attorney whose name appears on Google. You want an ally who understands your concerns and is prepared to fight for you. I strive to provide the same high-quality representation to all of my clients.

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Andrew M. Stengel

Lawyer Andrew Stengel | Top Attorney Criminal Defense

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What Clients Say

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.

Michael
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.

Lawrence
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.

Justin
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.

William
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!

Anonymous Client
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.

Anonymous Client
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.

Anonymous Client
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.

Reya
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.

Anonymous Client
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.

Anonymous Client

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