Standing up for you when you need it the most.

If you’ve been arrested in White Plains or are fighting serious criminal charges in Westchester County Court, it might feel like everyone is against you. 

  • Did a false accusation turn into an arrest?
  • Was this all a misunderstanding or a one-time mistake?
  • Did the police violate your rights through an illegal stop and frisk?
  • Are you worried that your prior convictions might increase your prison sentence?

Regardless of what happened, what you are likely looking for is an attorney who will:

  • be fully on your side
  • leave no stone unturned in building your defense
  • and give you the skilled legal representation you deserve

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is dedicated to zealously representing people accused of serious criminal offenses in White Plains, NY.

Our approach is always:

  • thorough
  • proactive
  • and focused on putting the client first

When you hire Michael J. McConnell, you get a:

  • local criminal defense lawyer
  • former prosecutor
  • graduate of Pace Law School in White Plains, NY
  • and a relentless advocate who puts his cleints first

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell regularly handles all levels of felonies and misdemeanors, and the first consultation with our office is always free with zero strings attached.

To schedule your free initial call with White Plains criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell, you can:

Standing up for people like you is what we do. Let’s fight this together.

Check Out Our 5-Star Google Reviews

What happens after an arrest in White Plains, NY?

You will be fingerprinted and processed by the White Plains Police Department. You may then be held in custody until you can be brought before a judge for an arraignment (ideally within 24 hours) or released with a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”) that directs you to come back to White Plains City Court on a future date to face criminal charges. 

Where is White Plains City Court located?

The address for White Plains City Court is 77 Lexington Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601. The court’s regular business hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except for state holidays. 

If you have an upcoming court date in White Plains City Court and need legal representation related to a criminal matter, you can Schedule a Free Phone Consultation Today to discuss your options with White Plains criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell.

What to expect at arraignment?

An arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest. The purpose of this appearance is mainly to:

  • inform you of the charges and your rights
  • determine whether you will be released or kept in custody by the judge setting bail or remanding you
  • and to select the next court date

An arraignment is often a very quick appearance that usually lasts only a few minutes. The witnesses against you will not be there to testify since that happens later on in the case. 

Also, if there is an alleged victim, the judge might issue a temporary order of protection (“TOP”) prohibiting you from contacting them or going anywhere near them. TOPs are most common in White Plains domestic violence cases. 

Need a Lawyer Now? Call 24/7.

What are the odds of being released or kept in jail after an arraignment in White Plains City Court?

One of the most common questions family members want to know after their loved one gets arrested in White Plains is whether the judge will release them or keep them in custody by setting bail (you’re in jail until you can pay to get out) or remanding them (held in custody without bail). 

The answer is that it always depends on several factors, including the exact charges as well as the person’s prior criminal record and bench warrant history.

The Applicable Law Regarding Bail Eligible Crimes in White Plains, NY

In New York, a judge can keep someone in custody following their arraignment by setting bail or remand if they are charged with a “qualifying offense” under CPL § 510.10(4). 

The types of qualifying offenses where bail might be set include things such as violent felonies, certain sex crimes, high-level drug felonies, and even certain misdemeanors under some circumstances. 

Judges Still Have Discretion, So Having a Strong Advocate by Your Side Really Matters

Even if a person is charged with a qualifying offense, the judge still has discretion to release them. This is why having a diligent and proactive defense attorney who is knowledgeable about the facts of your case and your background prior to your arraignment can be such an advantage as they might be able to make persuasive arguments to the judge that you can be expected to return to court on your own if released and that you are not a flight risk. 

Of course, if you’re not charged with a qualifying offense, the judge will typically be required to release you on your own recognizance or with conditions. Most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies require release, especially where someone has no prior criminal record or other open cases. 

What happens when a felony case goes to the grand jury in Westchester County, NY?

In New York, the simplest way of understanding the grand jury’s role is that their job is to hear evidence on criminal cases to decide whether there is enough evidence for the prosecution to move forward, at which point they may return an indictment. 

Below is a very basic and helpful guide of the key legal principles and concepts that people should know about the grand jury  if they are facing charges in White Plains or elsewhere in New York.

Understanding the Basic Legal Principles of Grand Juries and Indictments in NY

Under CPL § 190.65, a grand jury may indict a defendant when there is “legally sufficient evidence” that the defendant committed the offense, and that the “competent and admissible evidence” submitted to the grand jury establishes “reasonable cause to believe that such person committed such offense.” 

The Grand Jury is a Secretive Proceeding Not Open to the Public

Additionally, the grand jury is by its nature a secret proceeding, which means it is not open to the public and there is no judge present. It is just the prosecutor, the grand jurors, the court reporter, and the witness presently testifying.

The Defendant and their Lawyer Are Not Present Unless the Defendant Testifies

Nor is the defendant or their attorney allowed in the grand jury, except for when the defendant chooses to testify. And even then, they can only be present during the time the defendant is actually testifying but not for the rest of the grand jury presentation. 

Whether a Defendant Should Testify in the Grand Jury is a Major Strategic Decision

In most cases, the defendant will not testify in the grand jury. This is because strategically there are only limited situations where it makes sense as the potential reward is often far outweighed by the risk.

A defendant considering whether to testify before the grand jury should always be sure to have thorough and clear discussions with their attorney so that they can make a fully informed choice. 

What Most Grand Jury Presentations Look Like in New York

In most cases, the DA will have one or more police officers testify in the grand jury as well as the alleged victim or other witnesses needed to establish “reasonable cause.”

The testimony to the grand jury will also generally be fairly brief compared to what you might see at trial. 

Example of the Simplicity of a Grand Jury Proceeding in a Felony Assault Case

Let’s say, for example, that you’re accused of Assault in the 2nd Degree for using a weapon during a fight at a bar on Mamaroneck Avenue in the City of White Plains, NY.

If the case goes to the grand jury, the DA might only need to call two witnesses and only question them very briefly to get an indictment:

  • the arresting officer
  • the alleged victim

If their testimony is legally sufficient to provide “reasonable cause” that you committed Assault 2, the grand jurors may return a “true bill”—which means you’ve been indicted. 

What an Indictment Means in NY: Not a Conviction, but You Need to Take It Seriously

It is important to understand that since the standard of proof for the grand jury is much lower than what is required at trial (“reasonable cause” as opposed to “beyond a reasonable doubt”), it is fairly easy for the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to get an indictment in many cases.

Thus, an indictment doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be found guilty at trial, but it is a clear signal that the DA has at least some evidence.

The bottom line is this: An indictment is a critical step towards trial on a felony case in New York. So even if you think the case is weak, make sure that you are taking it seriously if you’ve been indicted.

Can my case get dismissed if White Plains police officers illegally stopped or searched me?

Yes, this is possible, but it will always depend on the unique facts of your case. This is something that a good criminal defense attorney will always look at very carefully, especially in firearms possessionand narcotics cases where this issue most often comes up. 

You Have Constitutional Rights Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures

Under both the state and the federal constitution, you have a right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that the cops cannot stop you, search you, or place you under arrest on a whim or a hunch. 

Here are some of the general rules that apply to the most common situations where these issues come up: 

  • Pedestrian Stops: For the cops to briefly stop you as you’re walking down the street in White Plains, they need at least reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime. A “stop” in this context generally means you’re detained or that your freedom of movement is significantly impaired by the police. 
  • Traffic Stops: For the cops to pull you over, they need either probable cause to believe you committed a traffic infraction, or reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime. 
  • Pat Downs or Frisks: Assuming the cops have reasonable suspicion to stop you in the first place, they’ll also need reasonable suspicion that you are armed and presently dangerous in order to frisk you for potential weapons. Just because they have a lawful basis to stop you doesn’t necessarily mean they can frisk. 
  • Searches: There are very complex and nuanced rules that relate to searches, but in general:
    • Search of Your Home: Cops generally need a valid search warrant. There are very few exceptions (e.g., consent, exigent circumstances, etc.).
    • Vehicle Searches: If the cops pull you over, they might be able to search your car without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe it contains contraband or evidence of crime. They might claim they saw guns or drugs “in plain view” in order to justify probable cause. Sometimes they might ask for consent to search as well. These cases can be very fact specific and turn on the smallest of details. 
    • Searches of Your Belongings (e.g., backpacks, etc.): This can be yet another very nuanced area, but it is important to know that searches of your belongings—such as a backpack or a purse—don’t always require a search warrant under New York law. A few common examples of searches of belongings that have been found by courts to be an exception to the warrant requirement include things like searches incident to a lawful arrest, those based on consent, and inventory searches back at the precinct. 

An Experienced Defense Attorney Will Identify the Legal Issues and File a Motion to Suppress

After identifying possible legal challenges to the stop, frisk, search, or arrest, a criminal defense attorney will file a motion to suppress evidence at the appropriate time.

A motion to suppress in the context of a criminal case in Westchester County or elsewhere in New York is a written argument filed with the court that cites to applicable legal precedent asking the judge to preclude the DA from admitting certain evidence at trial because it was recovered unlawfully by the cops.

After the DA responds to the motion, the judge will determine whether the motion to suppress should be granted, denied, or if a hearing should be ordered to take testimony from the officers to resolve factual disputes regarding what happened. 

The Importance of the Suppression Hearing

At a suppression hearing, the DA will call the relevant law enforcement witnesses to testify about what happened. The defense attorney will then question them as well, which is a great opportunity to highlight inconsistencies or simply show that their testimony is unworthy of belief. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will decide if the evidence was lawfully obtained by the police or not. 

The Impact of Winning a Suppression Hearing

If the judge concludes the evidence was unlawfully obtained, the motion to suppress will be granted, which means the DA will not be allowed to use that evidence at trial.

If the DA doesn’t have a case without that evidence, the case could be dismissed. This is often the case where the suppressed evidence was necessary for the DA to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Other times, the DA might still be able to proceed on their case without the evidence, but the absence of that evidence will mean their case is much weaker.

The two basic examples that follow are great illustrations for getting a basic understanding of how a defendant winning a suppression hearing in New York can make a big difference in the ultimate outcome of the case.

Example 1: DA’s Case Dismissed After Defense Wins Suppression Hearing

Let’s say the defense wins a suppression hearing and the result is that the DA is precluded from introducing the bags of crack cocaine the cops recovered at trial in a felony drug possession case because the police illegally stopped and searched the defendant’s car that they pulled over on South Lexington Avenue in White Plains, NY.

In this situation, there is no longer sufficient evidence for the DA to prove their case. In other words: no drugs = no case.

Example 2: DA’s Case Significantly Weakened (But Not Dismissed) After Defense Wins Suppression Hearing

In other situations, suppression might only weaken the DA’s case but won’t necessarily lead to a dismissal. This tends to be more common in cases involving a victim as opposed to crimes where you’re just charged with possessing drugs or a weapon. 

For example, let’s say someone is accused of stabbing a rival drug dealer to death in downtown White Plains but the cops recovered the bloody knife from the suspect’s home without a valid search warrant.

The judge in this situation might suppress the evidence and thus not allow the DA to put the knife into evidence at trial. Would this mean the case gets dismissed?

Not necessarily, and it will depend on how critical the knife is to the case. We would need to know more about what the rest of the DA’s case is like.

For example, the DA might still have a potential case if there are witnesses who are going to testify that they saw the suspect commit the stabbing or if it is on video. 

Of course, in that situation the case would be much stronger for the DA if they could use the bloody knife, but the lack of being able to show the weapon to the jury might not stop the DA from taking the case to trial.

Now, whether a jury would actually convict in such a case without evidence of the weapon is a totally different question, but it is at least possible if the rest of the DA’s case is strong.

The Key Idea: A Strong Motion to Suppress and Aggressive Advocacy at the Pre-Trial Stage is Critical When Challenging Illegal Searches and Seizures

The big takeaway is that winning a suppression motion can have a major impact on your case. In some cases, it could be the end of the case. In others, it might be the key to winning at trial.

So if you’re facing criminal charges in White Plains or elsewhere in Westchester County that resulted from an unlawful stop and frisk, a search without a valid warrant, or an illegal traffic stop by the police, you can schedule your free and confidential case review with the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell today.

If you need help finding a local criminal defense lawyer in White Plains for either yourself or someone you love, you are likely to have certain preferences about the type of lawyer you need.

In the FAQs below, we will provide you with some of the most important things that you probably want to know about the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell before you schedule your free consultation with us.

Does your office provide representation for felonies and misdemeanors?

Yes, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell handles all levels of felonies and misdemeanors in White Plains and throughout the surrounding area.

For many of the most common charges, Michael J. McConnell has handled them both as a criminal defense attorney and as a prosecutor, which is valuable because it allows him to see cases from all angles. 

Our most common felony cases tend to be cases involving gun possession, narcotics offenses, robberies, assaults in the 1st and 2nd degree, grand larceny, and sex crimes. 

For misdemeanors, our focus is typically on charges like Assault in the 3rd Degree, Forcible Touching, DWI, and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, including charges that are related to domestic violence.  

What makes your firm the right fit for someone arrested in White Plains, New York?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is a great fit for clients who are looking for qualities in a criminal defense lawyer that match well with our commitment to our three core values that we bring to every case.

Our Core Values Align With What You Need from a Lawyer

From the moment you call us for a free consultation, you’ll understand that our commitment to our 3 core values is genuine. And it’s all driven by our mission to provide dedicated and solution-oriented criminal defense that puts the client first.

1. Non-judgment

Regardless of what you’re accused of, we always treat you with compassion, dignity, and respect.

This core value of non-judgment and compassion tends to be really important to clients who have never been arrested before as well as those who are facing serious allegations involving sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse.

2. Clear & Direct Communication

If the number one thing you want in a lawyer is someone with strong communication who will keep you informed every step of the way, then the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is a great option for you.

Our commitment to clear, straightforward, and transparent communication is well-documented through 5-Star Google Reviews from past clients who emphasize that we are the real deal when it comes to good communication.

3. Thorough Preparation

There is no substitute for relentless preparation. Just like in sports, winning in the courtroom often comes down to who is the most prepared.

When clients put their case in our hands, we take very seriously what is at stake for them and leave no stone unturned in building a strong and strategic defense.

You Want a Former Prosecutor as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many clients want a criminal defense attorney who has experience as a prosecutor because of the advantage it gives us in understanding how the other side thinks and builds their cases.

After graduating from Pace Law School in White Plains in 2018, Michael J. McConnell started his legal career as a criminal prosecutor at what is often considered the most prestigious DA’s office in the entire country: the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

During his time as a prosecutor, he gained significant training and experience handling all levels of cases from routine misdemeanors (e.g., assaults, forcible touching, DWIs, etc.) to serious violent felonies (e.g., robbery, attempted murder, etc.). He tried multiple cases to verdict, including two jury trials involving sex crimes.

Today, Michael J. McConnell uses his insight from his days as a criminal prosecutor to his client’s advantage by finding where the weaknesses are in the DA’s case and constructing a proactive defense strategy that accounts for the DA’s expected gameplan at trial.

How much does it cost to hire you?

It depends because cases vary significantly in terms of complexity and based on the seriousness of the charges.

Before you hire us, you will always get an easy-to-understand written fee agreement that tells you the exact cost and what our representation includes.

In general, here’s what you can expect regarding how we deal with payments:

  • felonies will cost more than misdemeanors
  • flat fee arraignments on all misdemeanors and many of the most common felonies
  • payment plans possible for eligible cases if we are hired early enough in the case
  • all common types of payments accepted, including credit card

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we recognize the significant investment that our clients make when they trust us to provide high-quality, personalized, and solution-oriented legal representation in criminal matters where there is always a lot at stake.

For that reason, we believe it takes what it takes to do criminal defense right. When you hire us, we go all in. And that is exactly what every client who hires us expects and deserves.

To learn more about how much your case will cost, contact us for an initial case evaluation.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s Schedule Your Initial 1 on 1 Call with a Trusted White Plains Defense Attorney.

Facing serious criminal charges in White Plains can feel overwhelming. You deserve a criminal defense attorney who is committed to leaving no stone unturned in fighting to protect your freedom and your future. 

Specifically, you deserve an attorney who:

  • Regularly communicates with you about your case (strategy, updates, etc.)
  • Diligently reviews all the evidence against you
  • Thoroughly prepares for each and every court appearance
  • Treats you with unconditional respect, compassion, and nonjudgment as you navigate an incredibly stressful time of your life

That is what quality legal representation is supposed to look like, and it’s exactly what the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is committed to offering each and every single person who hires us.

If you’re ready to take the next step to speak with a local criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is ready to take your call 24/7 at (914) 810-0510 or you can book an appointment time for your initial call by clicking the button below.

Book a Call with Michael J. McConnell

Page last updated 5/25/26.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in White Plains, NY

Standing up for you when you need it the most.

If you’ve been arrested in White Plains or are fighting serious criminal charges in Westchester County Court, it might feel like everyone is against you. 

  • Did a false accusation turn into an arrest?
  • Was this all a misunderstanding or a one-time mistake?
  • Did the police violate your rights through an illegal stop and frisk?
  • Are you worried that your prior convictions might increase your prison sentence?

Regardless of what happened, what you are likely looking for is an attorney who will:

  • be fully on your side
  • leave no stone unturned in building your defense
  • and give you the skilled legal representation you deserve

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is dedicated to zealously representing people accused of serious criminal offenses in White Plains, NY.

Our approach is always:

  • thorough
  • proactive
  • and focused on putting the client first

When you hire Michael J. McConnell, you get a:

  • local criminal defense lawyer
  • former prosecutor
  • graduate of Pace Law School in White Plains, NY
  • and a relentless advocate who puts his cleints first

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell regularly handles all levels of felonies and misdemeanors, and the first consultation with our office is always free with zero strings attached.

To schedule your free initial call with White Plains criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell, you can:

Standing up for people like you is what we do. Let’s fight this together.

Check Out Our 5-Star Google Reviews

What happens after an arrest in White Plains, NY?

You will be fingerprinted and processed by the White Plains Police Department. You may then be held in custody until you can be brought before a judge for an arraignment (ideally within 24 hours) or released with a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”) that directs you to come back to White Plains City Court on a future date to face criminal charges. 

Where is White Plains City Court located?

The address for White Plains City Court is 77 Lexington Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601. The court’s regular business hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except for state holidays. 

If you have an upcoming court date in White Plains City Court and need legal representation related to a criminal matter, you can Schedule a Free Phone Consultation Today to discuss your options with White Plains criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell.

What to expect at arraignment?

An arraignment is the first court appearance after an arrest. The purpose of this appearance is mainly to:

  • inform you of the charges and your rights
  • determine whether you will be released or kept in custody by the judge setting bail or remanding you
  • and to select the next court date

An arraignment is often a very quick appearance that usually lasts only a few minutes. The witnesses against you will not be there to testify since that happens later on in the case. 

Also, if there is an alleged victim, the judge might issue a temporary order of protection (“TOP”) prohibiting you from contacting them or going anywhere near them. TOPs are most common in White Plains domestic violence cases. 

Need a Lawyer Now? Call 24/7.

What are the odds of being released or kept in jail after an arraignment in White Plains City Court?

One of the most common questions family members want to know after their loved one gets arrested in White Plains is whether the judge will release them or keep them in custody by setting bail (you’re in jail until you can pay to get out) or remanding them (held in custody without bail). 

The answer is that it always depends on several factors, including the exact charges as well as the person’s prior criminal record and bench warrant history.

The Applicable Law Regarding Bail Eligible Crimes in White Plains, NY

In New York, a judge can keep someone in custody following their arraignment by setting bail or remand if they are charged with a “qualifying offense” under CPL § 510.10(4). 

The types of qualifying offenses where bail might be set include things such as violent felonies, certain sex crimes, high-level drug felonies, and even certain misdemeanors under some circumstances. 

Judges Still Have Discretion, So Having a Strong Advocate by Your Side Really Matters

Even if a person is charged with a qualifying offense, the judge still has discretion to release them. This is why having a diligent and proactive defense attorney who is knowledgeable about the facts of your case and your background prior to your arraignment can be such an advantage as they might be able to make persuasive arguments to the judge that you can be expected to return to court on your own if released and that you are not a flight risk. 

Of course, if you’re not charged with a qualifying offense, the judge will typically be required to release you on your own recognizance or with conditions. Most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies require release, especially where someone has no prior criminal record or other open cases. 

What happens when a felony case goes to the grand jury in Westchester County, NY?

In New York, the simplest way of understanding the grand jury’s role is that their job is to hear evidence on criminal cases to decide whether there is enough evidence for the prosecution to move forward, at which point they may return an indictment. 

Below is a very basic and helpful guide of the key legal principles and concepts that people should know about the grand jury  if they are facing charges in White Plains or elsewhere in New York.

Understanding the Basic Legal Principles of Grand Juries and Indictments in NY

Under CPL § 190.65, a grand jury may indict a defendant when there is “legally sufficient evidence” that the defendant committed the offense, and that the “competent and admissible evidence” submitted to the grand jury establishes “reasonable cause to believe that such person committed such offense.” 

The Grand Jury is a Secretive Proceeding Not Open to the Public

Additionally, the grand jury is by its nature a secret proceeding, which means it is not open to the public and there is no judge present. It is just the prosecutor, the grand jurors, the court reporter, and the witness presently testifying.

The Defendant and their Lawyer Are Not Present Unless the Defendant Testifies

Nor is the defendant or their attorney allowed in the grand jury, except for when the defendant chooses to testify. And even then, they can only be present during the time the defendant is actually testifying but not for the rest of the grand jury presentation. 

Whether a Defendant Should Testify in the Grand Jury is a Major Strategic Decision

In most cases, the defendant will not testify in the grand jury. This is because strategically there are only limited situations where it makes sense as the potential reward is often far outweighed by the risk.

A defendant considering whether to testify before the grand jury should always be sure to have thorough and clear discussions with their attorney so that they can make a fully informed choice. 

What Most Grand Jury Presentations Look Like in New York

In most cases, the DA will have one or more police officers testify in the grand jury as well as the alleged victim or other witnesses needed to establish “reasonable cause.”

The testimony to the grand jury will also generally be fairly brief compared to what you might see at trial. 

Example of the Simplicity of a Grand Jury Proceeding in a Felony Assault Case

Let’s say, for example, that you’re accused of Assault in the 2nd Degree for using a weapon during a fight at a bar on Mamaroneck Avenue in the City of White Plains, NY.

If the case goes to the grand jury, the DA might only need to call two witnesses and only question them very briefly to get an indictment:

  • the arresting officer
  • the alleged victim

If their testimony is legally sufficient to provide “reasonable cause” that you committed Assault 2, the grand jurors may return a “true bill”—which means you’ve been indicted. 

What an Indictment Means in NY: Not a Conviction, but You Need to Take It Seriously

It is important to understand that since the standard of proof for the grand jury is much lower than what is required at trial (“reasonable cause” as opposed to “beyond a reasonable doubt”), it is fairly easy for the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to get an indictment in many cases.

Thus, an indictment doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be found guilty at trial, but it is a clear signal that the DA has at least some evidence.

The bottom line is this: An indictment is a critical step towards trial on a felony case in New York. So even if you think the case is weak, make sure that you are taking it seriously if you’ve been indicted.

Can my case get dismissed if White Plains police officers illegally stopped or searched me?

Yes, this is possible, but it will always depend on the unique facts of your case. This is something that a good criminal defense attorney will always look at very carefully, especially in firearms possessionand narcotics cases where this issue most often comes up. 

You Have Constitutional Rights Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures

Under both the state and the federal constitution, you have a right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that the cops cannot stop you, search you, or place you under arrest on a whim or a hunch. 

Here are some of the general rules that apply to the most common situations where these issues come up: 

  • Pedestrian Stops: For the cops to briefly stop you as you’re walking down the street in White Plains, they need at least reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime. A “stop” in this context generally means you’re detained or that your freedom of movement is significantly impaired by the police. 
  • Traffic Stops: For the cops to pull you over, they need either probable cause to believe you committed a traffic infraction, or reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime. 
  • Pat Downs or Frisks: Assuming the cops have reasonable suspicion to stop you in the first place, they’ll also need reasonable suspicion that you are armed and presently dangerous in order to frisk you for potential weapons. Just because they have a lawful basis to stop you doesn’t necessarily mean they can frisk. 
  • Searches: There are very complex and nuanced rules that relate to searches, but in general:
    • Search of Your Home: Cops generally need a valid search warrant. There are very few exceptions (e.g., consent, exigent circumstances, etc.).
    • Vehicle Searches: If the cops pull you over, they might be able to search your car without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe it contains contraband or evidence of crime. They might claim they saw guns or drugs “in plain view” in order to justify probable cause. Sometimes they might ask for consent to search as well. These cases can be very fact specific and turn on the smallest of details. 
    • Searches of Your Belongings (e.g., backpacks, etc.): This can be yet another very nuanced area, but it is important to know that searches of your belongings—such as a backpack or a purse—don’t always require a search warrant under New York law. A few common examples of searches of belongings that have been found by courts to be an exception to the warrant requirement include things like searches incident to a lawful arrest, those based on consent, and inventory searches back at the precinct. 

An Experienced Defense Attorney Will Identify the Legal Issues and File a Motion to Suppress

After identifying possible legal challenges to the stop, frisk, search, or arrest, a criminal defense attorney will file a motion to suppress evidence at the appropriate time.

A motion to suppress in the context of a criminal case in Westchester County or elsewhere in New York is a written argument filed with the court that cites to applicable legal precedent asking the judge to preclude the DA from admitting certain evidence at trial because it was recovered unlawfully by the cops.

After the DA responds to the motion, the judge will determine whether the motion to suppress should be granted, denied, or if a hearing should be ordered to take testimony from the officers to resolve factual disputes regarding what happened. 

The Importance of the Suppression Hearing

At a suppression hearing, the DA will call the relevant law enforcement witnesses to testify about what happened. The defense attorney will then question them as well, which is a great opportunity to highlight inconsistencies or simply show that their testimony is unworthy of belief. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will decide if the evidence was lawfully obtained by the police or not. 

The Impact of Winning a Suppression Hearing

If the judge concludes the evidence was unlawfully obtained, the motion to suppress will be granted, which means the DA will not be allowed to use that evidence at trial.

If the DA doesn’t have a case without that evidence, the case could be dismissed. This is often the case where the suppressed evidence was necessary for the DA to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Other times, the DA might still be able to proceed on their case without the evidence, but the absence of that evidence will mean their case is much weaker.

The two basic examples that follow are great illustrations for getting a basic understanding of how a defendant winning a suppression hearing in New York can make a big difference in the ultimate outcome of the case.

Example 1: DA’s Case Dismissed After Defense Wins Suppression Hearing

Let’s say the defense wins a suppression hearing and the result is that the DA is precluded from introducing the bags of crack cocaine the cops recovered at trial in a felony drug possession case because the police illegally stopped and searched the defendant’s car that they pulled over on South Lexington Avenue in White Plains, NY.

In this situation, there is no longer sufficient evidence for the DA to prove their case. In other words: no drugs = no case.

Example 2: DA’s Case Significantly Weakened (But Not Dismissed) After Defense Wins Suppression Hearing

In other situations, suppression might only weaken the DA’s case but won’t necessarily lead to a dismissal. This tends to be more common in cases involving a victim as opposed to crimes where you’re just charged with possessing drugs or a weapon. 

For example, let’s say someone is accused of stabbing a rival drug dealer to death in downtown White Plains but the cops recovered the bloody knife from the suspect’s home without a valid search warrant.

The judge in this situation might suppress the evidence and thus not allow the DA to put the knife into evidence at trial. Would this mean the case gets dismissed?

Not necessarily, and it will depend on how critical the knife is to the case. We would need to know more about what the rest of the DA’s case is like.

For example, the DA might still have a potential case if there are witnesses who are going to testify that they saw the suspect commit the stabbing or if it is on video. 

Of course, in that situation the case would be much stronger for the DA if they could use the bloody knife, but the lack of being able to show the weapon to the jury might not stop the DA from taking the case to trial.

Now, whether a jury would actually convict in such a case without evidence of the weapon is a totally different question, but it is at least possible if the rest of the DA’s case is strong.

The Key Idea: A Strong Motion to Suppress and Aggressive Advocacy at the Pre-Trial Stage is Critical When Challenging Illegal Searches and Seizures

The big takeaway is that winning a suppression motion can have a major impact on your case. In some cases, it could be the end of the case. In others, it might be the key to winning at trial.

So if you’re facing criminal charges in White Plains or elsewhere in Westchester County that resulted from an unlawful stop and frisk, a search without a valid warrant, or an illegal traffic stop by the police, you can schedule your free and confidential case review with the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell today.

If you need help finding a local criminal defense lawyer in White Plains for either yourself or someone you love, you are likely to have certain preferences about the type of lawyer you need.

In the FAQs below, we will provide you with some of the most important things that you probably want to know about the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell before you schedule your free consultation with us.

Does your office provide representation for felonies and misdemeanors?

Yes, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell handles all levels of felonies and misdemeanors in White Plains and throughout the surrounding area.

For many of the most common charges, Michael J. McConnell has handled them both as a criminal defense attorney and as a prosecutor, which is valuable because it allows him to see cases from all angles. 

Our most common felony cases tend to be cases involving gun possession, narcotics offenses, robberies, assaults in the 1st and 2nd degree, grand larceny, and sex crimes. 

For misdemeanors, our focus is typically on charges like Assault in the 3rd Degree, Forcible Touching, DWI, and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, including charges that are related to domestic violence.  

What makes your firm the right fit for someone arrested in White Plains, New York?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is a great fit for clients who are looking for qualities in a criminal defense lawyer that match well with our commitment to our three core values that we bring to every case.

Our Core Values Align With What You Need from a Lawyer

From the moment you call us for a free consultation, you’ll understand that our commitment to our 3 core values is genuine. And it’s all driven by our mission to provide dedicated and solution-oriented criminal defense that puts the client first.

1. Non-judgment

Regardless of what you’re accused of, we always treat you with compassion, dignity, and respect.

This core value of non-judgment and compassion tends to be really important to clients who have never been arrested before as well as those who are facing serious allegations involving sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse.

2. Clear & Direct Communication

If the number one thing you want in a lawyer is someone with strong communication who will keep you informed every step of the way, then the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is a great option for you.

Our commitment to clear, straightforward, and transparent communication is well-documented through 5-Star Google Reviews from past clients who emphasize that we are the real deal when it comes to good communication.

3. Thorough Preparation

There is no substitute for relentless preparation. Just like in sports, winning in the courtroom often comes down to who is the most prepared.

When clients put their case in our hands, we take very seriously what is at stake for them and leave no stone unturned in building a strong and strategic defense.

You Want a Former Prosecutor as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many clients want a criminal defense attorney who has experience as a prosecutor because of the advantage it gives us in understanding how the other side thinks and builds their cases.

After graduating from Pace Law School in White Plains in 2018, Michael J. McConnell started his legal career as a criminal prosecutor at what is often considered the most prestigious DA’s office in the entire country: the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

During his time as a prosecutor, he gained significant training and experience handling all levels of cases from routine misdemeanors (e.g., assaults, forcible touching, DWIs, etc.) to serious violent felonies (e.g., robbery, attempted murder, etc.). He tried multiple cases to verdict, including two jury trials involving sex crimes.

Today, Michael J. McConnell uses his insight from his days as a criminal prosecutor to his client’s advantage by finding where the weaknesses are in the DA’s case and constructing a proactive defense strategy that accounts for the DA’s expected gameplan at trial.

How much does it cost to hire you?

It depends because cases vary significantly in terms of complexity and based on the seriousness of the charges.

Before you hire us, you will always get an easy-to-understand written fee agreement that tells you the exact cost and what our representation includes.

In general, here’s what you can expect regarding how we deal with payments:

  • felonies will cost more than misdemeanors
  • flat fee arraignments on all misdemeanors and many of the most common felonies
  • payment plans possible for eligible cases if we are hired early enough in the case
  • all common types of payments accepted, including credit card

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we recognize the significant investment that our clients make when they trust us to provide high-quality, personalized, and solution-oriented legal representation in criminal matters where there is always a lot at stake.

For that reason, we believe it takes what it takes to do criminal defense right. When you hire us, we go all in. And that is exactly what every client who hires us expects and deserves.

To learn more about how much your case will cost, contact us for an initial case evaluation.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s Schedule Your Initial 1 on 1 Call with a Trusted White Plains Defense Attorney.

Facing serious criminal charges in White Plains can feel overwhelming. You deserve a criminal defense attorney who is committed to leaving no stone unturned in fighting to protect your freedom and your future. 

Specifically, you deserve an attorney who:

  • Regularly communicates with you about your case (strategy, updates, etc.)
  • Diligently reviews all the evidence against you
  • Thoroughly prepares for each and every court appearance
  • Treats you with unconditional respect, compassion, and nonjudgment as you navigate an incredibly stressful time of your life

That is what quality legal representation is supposed to look like, and it’s exactly what the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is committed to offering each and every single person who hires us.

If you’re ready to take the next step to speak with a local criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is ready to take your call 24/7 at (914) 810-0510 or you can book an appointment time for your initial call by clicking the button below.

Book a Call with Michael J. McConnell

Page last updated 5/25/26.