Clear, Direct, and Straightforward Criminal Defense from a Former Manhattan Prosecutor

Getting straightforward and clear legal advice when you need it most is critical when you are facing serious charges in Manhattan Criminal Court. This means:

  • Real answers
  • Clear direction
  • Strong communication
  • Thorough preparation

These things really matter when you feel like the whole system is against you. If this is what you want in an attorney, you are in the right place.

Michael J. McConnell is a dedicatedNew York City criminal defense lawyer and former Manhattan prosecutor with jury trial experience. He regularly provides skilled and strategic criminal defense representation for all levels of felonies and misdemeanors in Manhattan and throughout the local NYC area, including primarily offenses related to:

  • Gun Possession
  • Narcotics (Sale & Possession)
  • Domestic Violence
  • Assaults
  • Sex Crimes

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell handles cases at every stage, from pre-arrest investigations through trial when necessary, with clear communication and transparent fee structures.

If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help you fight your case in Manhattan Criminal Court, you can Sign Up for a Free Consultation by Phone or simply give us a call today.

Call Now

Understanding the Arrest to Arraignment Process

The arrest process in Manhattan can be one of the most stressful stages of a criminal case. Here are some of the top things people usually ask along with brief answers from the perspective of an NYC criminal defense lawyer.

What happens after the NYPD arrests someone?

After an arrest, the NYPD generally brings the person back to the precinct and processes the arrest. This will include fingerprinting, mugshots, and filling out police reports.

After several hours, they’ll be transported to Manhattan Central Booking until their first court appearance in New York County Criminal Court. This first appearance should happen with 24 hours or so of the arrest and is called an arraignment.

What happens at an arraignment in Manhattan?

The main purpose of an arraignment is to inform the accused of the formal charges, address release or bail, and consider any requests for an order of protection.

Judges are available to hear arraignments from 9:00 am to 1:00 am every single day (including holidays) in New York County Criminal Court located at 100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013.

Since an arraignment is a public proceeding, anyone can attend it. If you plan to watch your loved one’s arraignment in New York County Criminal Court, the two arraignment courtrooms are located on the building’s first floor.

How to know if someone will get released at arraignment or held on bail at Rikers?

This answer always depends on a number of factors and the unique circumstances of the case. In general, the judge considers the charges, criminal history, applicable bail laws, and other relevant factors.

Depending on the case, the judge may release someone, set bail, or order them remanded to custody. Yet even where bail or remand could apply, judges still have discretion to release someone or set lower bail, which is why strong advocacy from your defense attorney at arraignment is critical.

Will the judge issue an order of protection at arraignment?

In almost all domestic violence and child abuse cases, the longstanding practice of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is to ask the judge to issue a temporary order of protection at arraignment.

In other cases involving threats or actual violence, the DA will also typically ask for one, especially if the defendant and victim know each other.

If the judge grants the request, these orders may restrict contact with the victim or require you to stay away from a home or other location, so understanding and following its terms is essential. If you disobey the order of protection, you could get hit with additional criminal charges.

How soon should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in Manhattan?

Ideally, you should contact a lawyer before an arrest if you learn that the NYPD wants to question you or that an investigation is underway.

This may include learning from an NYPD Detective, Domestic Violence Officer (“DVO”), or the “Warrants Squad” that your name appears on an NYPD investigation card, sometimes called an I-card.

In other situations, an arrest might happen unexpectedly or immediately after police respond to the scene. If that happens to you, a family member, friend, or significant other, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is generally available on short notice to discuss representation and appear in time for the arraignment, including on nights, weekends, and holidays.

The Basic Path of a Criminal Case in New York County After an Arraignment

How a case proceeds after arraignment depends on many factors, including whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony. What follows is just a brief and simplified overview of the process, but keep in mind that not every case will follow the same path.

What happens after an arraignment on a misdemeanor case in Manhattan?

After arraignment, the court generally adjourns a misdemeanor case for a month or two. The purpose of this adjournment is typically to allow the DA to send your attorney the evidence against you, which is referred to as “discovery.”

Discovery may include things like:

  • Police reports
  • Body camera footage
  • Surveillance video
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records

After discovery is complete, the case might be adjourned for motion practice, hearings, or trial. Plea negotiations may also occur during any of these stages if appropriate.

Some cases might also get dismissed along the way if the DA doesn’t send over the discovery in time or lacks sufficient evidence to prove their case.

What happens after an arraignment when someone is charged with a felony in Manhattan?

After arraignment in New York County Criminal Court, a felony case will be adjourned for the DA to present the case to a grand jury.

If the grand jury indicts you, the case will be transferred to New York County Supreme Court for further proceedings, including an arraignment on the indictment, motion practice, discovery, plea negotiations, and eventually hearings or trial if necessary.

If you are not indicted, the case could get reduced to a misdemeanor, dismissed, or resolve with a negotiated plea deal to a misdemeanor or a violation in criminal court.

Our Criminal Defense Practice

Here are some of the top things to know about our office if you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer to fight your case in Manhattan.

What types of criminal cases do we handle?

We represent clients facing all levels of criminal charges in Manhattan from misdemeanors to felonies. As a former prosecutor, Michael J. McConnell has handled many of the most common types of offenses from both sides of the courtroom, particularly those involving guns, drugs, and domestic violence.

Our office also represents a wide range of clients from those who’ve never been arrested before to those with prior felony convictions who might be facing significant mandatory prison time if convicted. Regardless of the nature of the charge, we take pride in diving deep into each case and building a holistic defense that aggressively attacks the weaknesses in the DA’s case.

How do our criminal defense fees work?

We use flat fees for all misdemeanors and many common felony cases. More complex cases may require a hybrid arrangement or traditional retainer, depending on the circumstances.

Our flat fees are set by the stage of the case, with one fixed fee for pretrial representation and a separate fee for hearings and trial if needed. Clients appreciate knowing what each stage will cost, what the fee covers, and when additional fees may apply before hiring us.

Who is a good fit for our firm?

We are often a good fit for clients who want a results-driven attorney willing to take a deep dive into a case and provide clear, ongoing communication about next steps, case strategy, and expectations.

These attributes—through preparation and strong communication—tend to be among the top qualities our past clients have mentioned in testimonials and 5-star reviews.

We also have experience representing working professionals, including nurses, teachers, and home health aides, as well as college students, parents, and retirees. We understand that an arrest can threaten a person’s employment, professional license, family relationships, and reputation.

Do you represent people with prior criminal convictions?

Yes. We take particular pride in representing people with prior records, including felony convictions. People who have already served their sentences deserve a fair evaluation of their new cases, even though a prior conviction can expose them to harsher consequences if convicted again.

We firmly believe that a criminal record does not tell the whole story about a person. We look at the current allegations, the evidence, and the individual circumstances before advising on the best path forward.

Speak With a Manhattan Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

One of the worst parts about facing criminal charges is the uncertainty about what comes next. You deserve legal representation that keeps you informed every step of the way and provides you with a clear gameplan for moving forward.

Contact the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell today for a free case review by calling (914) 810-0510 or by signing up for one below.

Sign Up for a Call – Free Case Review

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Every criminal case is different, and no particular result is guaranteed. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact an attorney to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case.

This page was last updated on 10/19/26.

Manhattan Criminal Lawyer

Clear, Direct, and Straightforward Criminal Defense from a Former Manhattan Prosecutor

Getting straightforward and clear legal advice when you need it most is critical when you are facing serious charges in Manhattan Criminal Court. This means:

  • Real answers
  • Clear direction
  • Strong communication
  • Thorough preparation

These things really matter when you feel like the whole system is against you. If this is what you want in an attorney, you are in the right place.

Michael J. McConnell is a dedicatedNew York City criminal defense lawyer and former Manhattan prosecutor with jury trial experience. He regularly provides skilled and strategic criminal defense representation for all levels of felonies and misdemeanors in Manhattan and throughout the local NYC area, including primarily offenses related to:

  • Gun Possession
  • Narcotics (Sale & Possession)
  • Domestic Violence
  • Assaults
  • Sex Crimes

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell handles cases at every stage, from pre-arrest investigations through trial when necessary, with clear communication and transparent fee structures.

If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help you fight your case in Manhattan Criminal Court, you can Sign Up for a Free Consultation by Phone or simply give us a call today.

Call Now

Understanding the Arrest to Arraignment Process

The arrest process in Manhattan can be one of the most stressful stages of a criminal case. Here are some of the top things people usually ask along with brief answers from the perspective of an NYC criminal defense lawyer.

What happens after the NYPD arrests someone?

After an arrest, the NYPD generally brings the person back to the precinct and processes the arrest. This will include fingerprinting, mugshots, and filling out police reports.

After several hours, they’ll be transported to Manhattan Central Booking until their first court appearance in New York County Criminal Court. This first appearance should happen with 24 hours or so of the arrest and is called an arraignment.

What happens at an arraignment in Manhattan?

The main purpose of an arraignment is to inform the accused of the formal charges, address release or bail, and consider any requests for an order of protection.

Judges are available to hear arraignments from 9:00 am to 1:00 am every single day (including holidays) in New York County Criminal Court located at 100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013.

Since an arraignment is a public proceeding, anyone can attend it. If you plan to watch your loved one’s arraignment in New York County Criminal Court, the two arraignment courtrooms are located on the building’s first floor.

How to know if someone will get released at arraignment or held on bail at Rikers?

This answer always depends on a number of factors and the unique circumstances of the case. In general, the judge considers the charges, criminal history, applicable bail laws, and other relevant factors.

Depending on the case, the judge may release someone, set bail, or order them remanded to custody. Yet even where bail or remand could apply, judges still have discretion to release someone or set lower bail, which is why strong advocacy from your defense attorney at arraignment is critical.

Will the judge issue an order of protection at arraignment?

In almost all domestic violence and child abuse cases, the longstanding practice of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is to ask the judge to issue a temporary order of protection at arraignment.

In other cases involving threats or actual violence, the DA will also typically ask for one, especially if the defendant and victim know each other.

If the judge grants the request, these orders may restrict contact with the victim or require you to stay away from a home or other location, so understanding and following its terms is essential. If you disobey the order of protection, you could get hit with additional criminal charges.

How soon should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in Manhattan?

Ideally, you should contact a lawyer before an arrest if you learn that the NYPD wants to question you or that an investigation is underway.

This may include learning from an NYPD Detective, Domestic Violence Officer (“DVO”), or the “Warrants Squad” that your name appears on an NYPD investigation card, sometimes called an I-card.

In other situations, an arrest might happen unexpectedly or immediately after police respond to the scene. If that happens to you, a family member, friend, or significant other, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is generally available on short notice to discuss representation and appear in time for the arraignment, including on nights, weekends, and holidays.

The Basic Path of a Criminal Case in New York County After an Arraignment

How a case proceeds after arraignment depends on many factors, including whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony. What follows is just a brief and simplified overview of the process, but keep in mind that not every case will follow the same path.

What happens after an arraignment on a misdemeanor case in Manhattan?

After arraignment, the court generally adjourns a misdemeanor case for a month or two. The purpose of this adjournment is typically to allow the DA to send your attorney the evidence against you, which is referred to as “discovery.”

Discovery may include things like:

  • Police reports
  • Body camera footage
  • Surveillance video
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records

After discovery is complete, the case might be adjourned for motion practice, hearings, or trial. Plea negotiations may also occur during any of these stages if appropriate.

Some cases might also get dismissed along the way if the DA doesn’t send over the discovery in time or lacks sufficient evidence to prove their case.

What happens after an arraignment when someone is charged with a felony in Manhattan?

After arraignment in New York County Criminal Court, a felony case will be adjourned for the DA to present the case to a grand jury.

If the grand jury indicts you, the case will be transferred to New York County Supreme Court for further proceedings, including an arraignment on the indictment, motion practice, discovery, plea negotiations, and eventually hearings or trial if necessary.

If you are not indicted, the case could get reduced to a misdemeanor, dismissed, or resolve with a negotiated plea deal to a misdemeanor or a violation in criminal court.

Our Criminal Defense Practice

Here are some of the top things to know about our office if you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer to fight your case in Manhattan.

What types of criminal cases do we handle?

We represent clients facing all levels of criminal charges in Manhattan from misdemeanors to felonies. As a former prosecutor, Michael J. McConnell has handled many of the most common types of offenses from both sides of the courtroom, particularly those involving guns, drugs, and domestic violence.

Our office also represents a wide range of clients from those who’ve never been arrested before to those with prior felony convictions who might be facing significant mandatory prison time if convicted. Regardless of the nature of the charge, we take pride in diving deep into each case and building a holistic defense that aggressively attacks the weaknesses in the DA’s case.

How do our criminal defense fees work?

We use flat fees for all misdemeanors and many common felony cases. More complex cases may require a hybrid arrangement or traditional retainer, depending on the circumstances.

Our flat fees are set by the stage of the case, with one fixed fee for pretrial representation and a separate fee for hearings and trial if needed. Clients appreciate knowing what each stage will cost, what the fee covers, and when additional fees may apply before hiring us.

Who is a good fit for our firm?

We are often a good fit for clients who want a results-driven attorney willing to take a deep dive into a case and provide clear, ongoing communication about next steps, case strategy, and expectations.

These attributes—through preparation and strong communication—tend to be among the top qualities our past clients have mentioned in testimonials and 5-star reviews.

We also have experience representing working professionals, including nurses, teachers, and home health aides, as well as college students, parents, and retirees. We understand that an arrest can threaten a person’s employment, professional license, family relationships, and reputation.

Do you represent people with prior criminal convictions?

Yes. We take particular pride in representing people with prior records, including felony convictions. People who have already served their sentences deserve a fair evaluation of their new cases, even though a prior conviction can expose them to harsher consequences if convicted again.

We firmly believe that a criminal record does not tell the whole story about a person. We look at the current allegations, the evidence, and the individual circumstances before advising on the best path forward.

Speak With a Manhattan Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

One of the worst parts about facing criminal charges is the uncertainty about what comes next. You deserve legal representation that keeps you informed every step of the way and provides you with a clear gameplan for moving forward.

Contact the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell today for a free case review by calling (914) 810-0510 or by signing up for one below.

Sign Up for a Call – Free Case Review

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Every criminal case is different, and no particular result is guaranteed. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact an attorney to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case.

This page was last updated on 10/19/26.