Criminal Defense Lawyer for NYC, Westchester County, & Rockland County
Helping Good People Through Their Toughest Times
Helping Good People Through Their Toughest Times

Michael J. McConnell is a skilled criminal defense attorney dedicated to protecting the rights of New Yorkers who have been charged with criminal offenses. He is a former NYC prosecutor who knows the criminal justice system doesn't always treat people fairly. When someone is charged with a crime, they could face jail or prison time, a criminal record, and serious harm to their reputation in the community. The stakes are always high in any criminal case, and you deserve an attorney who will treat your case with the seriousness it deserves. Call today for a free consultation if you're looking for a New York criminal defense lawyer to fight for you.
At the free consultation, you will speak directly with a New York criminal defense attorney who will listen to you with compassion and understanding without any judgment whatsoever. This can be done at a time that is best for you, including off hours like nights or weekends. Don't wait to get the help that you need. Give us a call right now at (914) 810-0510.
547 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 1D2, Ardsley, NY, 10502
Today | By Appointment |

You always deserve to be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. Whether you made a one-time mistake, are falsely accused, or are charged for what is really a misunderstanding, I don’t judge. My job is to help. Simple as that.
I’m not better than you because I have a fancy law degree. Whatever you are accused of doing, you deserve not only a strong defense but also an attorney who is truly on your side, who will listen to you with compassion, and who actually cares about you.
You should always know what is happening with your case. This means ongoing communication between me and you that is honest and open. My job is neither to sugarcoat things nor to needlessly scare you. My job is to explain to you everything you need to know to make informed choices. This means taking the time to talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between.
You always deserve an attorney who is thoroughly prepared from day one through the conclusion of your case.
I prepare as if every case is going to trial. True – most cases don’t go to trial, but when you prepare as if they will you tend to find yourself in a stronger position to get a favorable outcome. In particular, you find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case from the start. You follow up with your own investigation. You give your client real options and real results.
True preparation means knowing every fact, understanding every legal angle, and being ready for whatever the prosecutor throws at us. And the bottom line is that strong preparation from day one is what helps you win in court. Simple as that.
The following information is for informational and educational purposes only. Speak with a lawyer privately and confidentially if you need legal advice.
Call the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell right now if you would like a free consultation: (914) 810-0510.
The most important thing is to know about several key rights that you have, which include the right to remain silent (which means you can refuse to speak to the police) and the right to have an attorney represent you. Exercising those rights is critical in making sure they are protected. Thinking the police have your best interests in mind or a desire to help you is often one of the biggest mistakes criminal defendants make. The police often trick individuals into making incriminatory statements – sometimes by acting nice, sometimes by making false promises, and unfortunately sometimes through coercion and intimidation. This is why it is generally recommended to tell the police that you do not wish to speak with them and that you want a lawyer present. With a trusted Westchester County criminal defense lawyer by your side, you can protect your rights from day one.
Hiring a lawyer immediately after being contacted by police can often go a long way in protecting your rights. It’s always your choice, but the reality is that usually when the police say they “just want you to come into the police station to give your side of the story,” it often means one of two things: 1) that they are planning to arrest you because they believe they have probable cause that you committed a crime; or 2) that they do not yet have probable cause and are looking to trip you up when you make a statement so that they can twist your words against you to give them probable cause and justify an arrest. The sooner you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side, the more they can likely help you.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so it really depends on the case. Things that impact cost include: the seriousness of the charges, the complexity of the case, the amount of work expected, the attorney’s experience, and the quality of the legal services provided. Some charge flat rates while others bill by the hour. Some offer payment plans while others require everything upfront. At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we provide clear and transparent fee structures that are tailored to the individual client and the unique facts of their case. If you’re interested in learning more, give us a call at (914) 810-0510.
Some cases resolve in weeks while others can take months or even years, especially if the case goes to trial or involves an appeal. Factors that influence the timeline of a case include the type of charge, case complexity, plea negotiations, court congestion, whether the case goes to trial or not, and so much more.
We represent people accused of crimes by protecting their rights, guiding them through the court process, and advocating for the best outcome possible. Sometimes we can convince the prosecutor to dismiss the case. Other times we negotiate a plea deal. In some cases we take the case to trial. No matter what, we are always on your side fighting back against the injustice and unfairness of the criminal legal system.
Yes, and sadly his happens all too often. This often comes as a massive surprise to people who have been arrested, especially those arrested for the first time. To arrest someone, the police only need to have “probable cause” that you committed a crime. If someone says you committed a crime, a judge will often say that is enough to satisfy “probable cause.” With that said, the burden of proof once your case gets into court is much higher. In court, the prosecutor can only convict you of a crime if there is evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that you did the crime. A skilled Westchester criminal defense lawyer can take charge from day one by challenging law enforcement’s assumptions and their rush to judgment. By being proactive and building a strategic defense through diligent preparation, the attorney can fight for the best possible outcome, which in some cases might be a dismissal of the charges.
In addition to Michael J. McConnell's dedication to defending the rights of individuals accused of crimes, he also fights for justice for hard working people who have been injured at work or elsewhere in New York. To learn more about the services the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell provides to people who have been injured, check out our other website focused on injury matters by clicking the button below.
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