Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:22 pm

Facing Charges Under NY Penal Law § 120.55? How to Find the Best Legal Defense

Stalking allegations can derail lives even before any finding of guilt. But commonly these cases hinge on circumstantial proof that avid defense lawyers can dismantle when given the chance. Pre-trial dismissal or acquittal at trial remains possible with the right legal strategy and advocacy.

If you or someone you love is now accused under New York Penal Law § 120.55 stalking in the second degree, guidance on identifying attorneys with the expertise to defeat these charges follows below:

Hire Ex-Prosecutors Intimately Familiar with Stalking Cases

Former Manhattan Assistant DAs or federal prosecutors understand exactly how the opposition builds stalking cases, and where evidentiary holes typically emerge. This insider perspective allows predicting the DA’s strategies and leveraging weaknesses.

Ask if the lawyer previously served as a prosecutor, and gain details on any experience specifically handling stalking or harassment cases from that prior role. Learn about relationships they maintain with former DA colleagues that could aid resolving your case favorably.

Check for stalking case wins they achieved as prosecutors that indicate they know how to defeat such allegations from the other side as your defense attorney.

Retain a Lawyer Well-Versed in New York Stalking Laws

The complex web of statutes around stalking, harassment, orders of protection, and privacy in New York bewilders even seasoned defense lawyers. Successfully fighting § 120.55 requires meticulous knowledge of intersecting criminal codes and civil directives.

Seek out counsel exhibiting strong command of the specific provisions relevant to the DA’s charges and claims against you or your loved one. Their legislative mastery helps expose case weaknesses.

Check their track record leveraging legal technicalities to achieve pre-trial dismissal of charges, acquittals at trial, and offense reductions for past stalking clients. That degree of distinction matters greatly.

Pick a Lawyer Intimately Familiar with Defending § 120.55 Cases

While many skilled NYC defense attorneys handle some stalking cases, relatively few specialize in regularly beating allegations under NYPL § 120.55 specifically. That niche experience breeds unique insights and arguments more generalized counsel would miss.

Ask lawyers outright how many past and recent § 120.55 cases they’ve handled. Look for substantial annual caseloads demonstrating extensive firsthand understanding of defeating such charges.

Their expertise sharpened from constantly fighting the same allegations as yours yields better results. Subject matter focus offers an invaluable edge.

Find a Lawyer Adept at Getting Charges Dismissed Pre-Trial

Even where stalking charges may initially seem warranted, skilled attorneys often expose fatal defects as the case progresses that compel dismissal. Don’t settle for lawyers who won’t exhaustively pursue pre-trial dismissal.

Vet their track records getting § 120.55 and related counts tossed before trial. Do they regularly achieve dismissal through motions exposing evidentiary and procedural flaws? High dismissal rates reflect their tenacity.

Partial dismissal still benefits your leverage negotiating pleas or preparing for trial. Winning starts with whittling down unmeritorious allegations through dismissal motions.

Retain a Lawyer Strong at Plea Negotiations

While seeking outright dismissal, having an ace negotiator on your side also makes strategic sense. Even strong cases can weaken under scrutiny, producing opportunities to bargain.

Ask about their stalking plea deal track record. Are they known for negotiating substantial reductions in charges and lenient sentences? Do clients avoid harsh outcomes? Artful pleaders work magic despite tough odds.

Don’t leave critical pre-trial talks to lawyers unable to maneuver ruthless prosecutors. Hire counsel able to win concessions when merited.

Align with a Lawyer Eager to Go to Trial

Of course, advancing flawed § 120.55 cases to trial provides the best opportunity for acquittal before a jury. Many lawyers reflexively suggest pleading, but you want counsel willing to litigate and win when justified.

Ask about their stalking trial win percentages. Do they regularly secure not guilty verdicts and outright acquittals when the facts dictate fighting on? Tenacious litigators fight until truth prevails.

While pleading out makes sense in some cases, forcing shaky allegations to be proven beyond doubt in court remains your ultimate defense. Demand a courtroom fighter.

Review Online Ratings and Client Reviews

Checking client feedback about lawyers on sites like Google, Avvo and Facebook helps gauge their case-fighting tenacity, negotiation skills, and responsiveness.

The best attorneys solicit reviews to showcase their proven results beating stalking charges through dismissals, acquittals, and offense reductions. Client praise validates their delivery.

Balance ratings against the reality some clients will never be fully satisfied. But consistent rave reviews indicate positive experiences by numerous past clients.

Meet With Attorneys Before Committing

Never retain a criminal defense lawyer without first sitting down together in-person if possible. These initial consultations allow you to:

– Evaluate communication and responsiveness

– Hear their stalking case assessment and strategy based on the facts

– Inquire about credentials, specialties and trial record

– Discuss legal rates and fee structures

Interviewing multiple lawyers before deciding ensures you select the best fit. So don’t limit your search to just one.

Arrested Under NYPL § 120.55? The Right Lawyer Can Defend You.

Facing devastating stalking charges understandably invokes fear. But with an elite NYC criminal defense lawyer in your corner, beating these allegations falls well within reach.

Here at Spodek Law Group, dismantling questionable stalking cases is our specialty. Founding attorney Todd Spodek draws on 30+ years steering clients toward dismissal, acquittal, or lenient pleas even amid long odds. He’s New York’s most feared litigator.

Mr. Spodek also boasts the state’s top private investigators. They’ll work tirelessly tracking down any witness or evidence proving your innocence. And our team provides access to renowned forensic experts to debunk the DA’s claims.

Don’t try overcoming frightening stalking accusations alone against the system’s daunting power. Contact Spodek Law Group immediately online or call 212-300-5196 for dedicated counsel. The sooner we start building your winning defense, the greater your advantage grows.

With Mr. Spodek directing your defense, victory remains firmly within sight. Let’s beat this together.