Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:23 pm

Facing Gun Charges in New York City? How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

Gun crime allegations strike fear into NYC residents unaccustomed to courtroom battles. Prosecutors typically pursue firearms charges aggressively, levying serious felony counts carrying lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

But the right criminal defense lawyer knows how to systematically dismantle flawed gun cases by poking holes in the DA’s arguments. Pre-trial dismissals, acquittals at trial, and charge reductions into lenient plea deals remain possible with experienced counsel in your corner.

If you’re facing gun possession allegations or charges for acts of violence involving a firearm in New York City, here’s guidance on identifying attorneys with the skills and track record to win:

Retain Ex-Prosecutors Intimately Familiar With Gun Charges

Former Manhattan Assistant DAs and federal prosecutors understand how the opposition develops firearms cases, anticipating where evidentiary holes and procedural missteps typically emerge.

This insider perspective allows them to stay steps ahead of current prosecutors’ strategies and leverage miscalculations. Ex-prosecutors’ relationships with former DA colleagues also smooth negotiations, with extra leniency sometimes extended dealing with respected peers.

Look for practicing defense lawyers who previously handled gun charges from the prosecution side. Ask specifically about their backgrounds handling firearms cases as ADA or federal prosecutors.

Find a Lawyer Extremely Well-Versed in New York Gun Laws

The web of city, state, and federal firearms laws in New York is dizzyingly complex. Just identifying which specific charges apply and requirements for conviction requires parsing this vast legal patchwork.

An attorney intimately familiar with all gun laws and ordinances enforceable in the five boroughs understands precisely how to dissect statutes and uncover technical requirements the prosecution can’t satisfy to defeat charges.

Check case results for examples of their mastery of firearm codes leading to dismissal of charges, acquittals at trial, and offense reductions. That degree of legal distinction makes a difference.

Align with a Lawyer Who Regularly Handles Your Type of Gun Charges

While most criminal lawyers take on some gun cases, relatively few specialize in particular firearms charges like possession, trafficking, assault, menacing, or homicide. Without specific experience, they may miss winning arguments unique to the allegations you face.

Find a lawyer who regularly defends against the exact gun violations New York prosecutors have accused you of. For instance, an attorney who mainly handles possession cases may lack deeper insights defending gun trafficking or assault charges.

Ask specifically how many recent NYC cases resembling yours they’ve defended. Niche expertise with particular firearms allegations produces greater proficiency at assembling an effective defense.

Retain a Lawyer Strong at Getting Charges Dismissed Pre-Trial

Even defendants facing the most serious gun-related felonies deserve having unmeritorious charges dismissed, but accomplishing this pre-trial requires aggressive, skilled lawyering few attorneys consistently deliver. Don’t leave justice to chance.

Probe lawyers’ records getting inflated New York gun counts tossed before trial through motions targeting unconstitutional searches, lack of evidence, and other fatal deficiencies. Check dismissal rates.

Partial dismissal still benefits your leverage negotiating pleas or preparing for trial. Winning starts with whittling down allegations through dismissal of inflated charges not supported by the facts.

Choose a Lawyer Adept at Plea Bargaining

While seeking full dismissals, it’s also smart to retain accomplished NYC plea negotiators as a backup plan. Even strong gun cases can weaken under scrutiny, producing opportunities to bargain.

Retain lawyers with proven success leveraging police missteps and evidentiary gaps to negotiate dramatically reduced charges and minimal or no jail time for clients facing gun counts.

Don’t leave critical pre-trial talks to lawyers unable to maneuver ruthless New York prosecutors. You need counsel able to win concessions when justified.

Find a Lawyer Eager to Go to Trial When Warranted

Of course, forcing flawed gun cases to trial provides the best opportunity for outright acquittal before a jury. Unlike attorneys defaulting automatically to plea deals, you need counsel willing to litigate and win at trial when justice requires it.

Ask about the lawyer’s gun charges trial win percentages. Do they regularly secure not guilty verdicts and acquittals when the DA’s evidence falls short? High victory rates reflect unwillingness to back down when the facts favor fighting.

While pleading makes sense for some defendants, only trial can fully exonerate you. Demand a battle-tested litigator who embraces proving truth in court.

Review Their Resources, Investigators and Experts

Even legal brilliance alone fails to win trials. Top attorneys also utilize extensive resources to dig up overlooked witnesses, evidence and facts shredding the DA’s version of events.

Find lawyers with skilled investigators who leave no stone unturned tracking down surveillance footage, re-interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing timelines to bolster your innocence.

They’ll also retain respected firearms experts to scrutinize physical evidence, crime scene analysis and other claims by the DA regarding guns, ammunition, DNA etc. Cutting-edge support builds stronger defenses.

Meet Attorneys in Person Before Deciding

Never hire a criminal defense lawyer without first sitting down together for an introductory case consultation. These meetings allow you to:

– Evaluate communication style and responsiveness

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

– Ask about experience with particular judges, prosecutors and gun charges

– Discuss legal fees and structures

Audition multiple lawyers in person before deciding. That avoids sticking with the wrong defender. Interview at least three.

Review Online Ratings, Results and Client Feedback

It’s prudent to research client reviews of any lawyer you’re considering across websites like Google, Facebook, Avvo, and Yelp. Past client evaluations provide transparent perspective on their case-fighting tenacity, negotiation skills and responsiveness.

Successful gun crime lawyers feature rave reviews and case outcomes achieved for past clients facing similar charges. But balance against the inevitability of some negative reviews as well. Weigh consistent patterns over lone criticisms.

Find a Lawyer Who You Can Trust Completely

Any criminal defense relies upon free exchange of sensitive information prosecutors could exploit. You must have absolute faith your lawyer will protect your privacy, regardless of circumstances.

Observe how they maintain client confidentiality in their office. Get a sense that your secrets remain closely guarded. Never fully engage lawyers who give pause on this crucial issue. Total trust remains paramount.

Arrested on Gun Charges in New York City? Fight Back Now.

If you or someone you love faces gun crime allegations in New York, the stakes couldn’t feel higher. But with an elite NYC criminal defense lawyer guiding you, toppling the prosecution’s case falls well within reach.

Here at Spodek Law Group, dismantling specious firearms cases is our specialty. Founding attorney Todd Spodek draws on 30+ years steering clients toward dismissal, acquittal, or lenient pleas even in nightmare scenarios. Consider him an expert marksman at exposing flaws in the DA’s arguments.

We also boast the top investigators in the city for locating overlooked witnesses and evidence proving your innocence. And our litigators have no fear of courtroom battle with prosecutors.

Don’t let the government steamroll you when you could have a legal dream team fighting for your best interests. Contact Spodek Law Group immediately online or call 212-300-5196 for dedicated counsel. The sooner we start work, the sooner we start winning together.