Arrested in the Bronx? Call 24/7 for a Free Consultation.

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If you’re facing charges in Bronx Criminal Court, you likely feel like you’re up against all odds. It feels like the whole system is against you. 

You may feel like nobody is listening. You may feel like the NYPD arrested you after rushing to judgment. You may feel like the prosecutor has blinders on and is pushing forward on charges that are simply false, exaggerated, or a result of a simple misunderstanding. 

My name is Michael J. McConnell, and I am a criminal defense attorney serving the Bronx. I’m a former prosecutor who knows how rotten our criminal legal system can be. That’s why I opened my own law office to fight back against a system that is all too often unjust, overly harsh, and straight up unfair. 

This isn’t just a job to me – it’s a calling. I love what I do, which is helping good people through their toughest times. 

People who’ve been wrongfully accused. People who’ve been victimized by police misconduct. People who’ve maybe made a one-time mistake but now they’re up against a prosecutor who wants to destroy their future or take away their freedom. 

I also know that if you’re reading this right now, you’re looking for a lawyer who is truly going to be on your side when nobody else is. And if that’s what you’re looking for, I want you to give me a call right now. Here’s why: 

I know what it feels like when the world seems stacked against you. I’m not someone who blindly trusts the police, prosecutors, or the government in general. I have seen too many cases where the NYPD got it terribly wrong or where prosecutors pushed forward even when the evidence didn’t add up. I’ve seen cases rushed, ignored, mishandled, and pushed through because the system just wanted a conviction.

When I take a case, I go all in. I fight for my clients. I’m relentless. I’m not afraid to challenge the evidence or make novel legal arguments. With everything my clients have on the line, too much is at stake to hold back. They deserve everything I have. Period. 

So if you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney to fight the charges you’re facing in the Bronx, I want you to give me a call right now. 

I offer free consultations, so it costs nothing to just pick up the phone and give me a call. 

My office is available to answer calls 24/7. So even if it’s late at night, a weekend, or a holiday, you can still call right now. Let’s fight this together. 

The foundation of everything I do as a criminal defense attorney is driven by three core values. 

1. Non-Judgment

I never judge you. I don’t care what the NYPD wrote in their reports. I don’t care what the Bronx DA says you did. I care about you. I care about the truth. I care about making sure the system doesn’t railroad you. You’re a real person. A good person. And you deserve fairness and respect.

2. Clear and Direct Communication

I talk to you like a real human being. I explain everything as clearly as a I can. I return calls. I answer questions. I keep you updated. You will never sit in court confused and alone. I’m transparent, which means I neither sugarcoat things nor needlessly scare you. My job is to help you make informed choices. I take that seriously.  

3. Thorough Preparation

I prepare every case as if it may go to trial. I review all discovery. I look at every body-worn camera video. I speak to witnesses. I investigate. I research the law. I file motions. When I walk into court, I’m always prepared. 

These three values guide every case I take from misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. Every case matters because ultimately there is a real person who is depending on me to deliver. 

Before I became a defense attorney, I worked as a prosecutor in NYC. I gained a tremendous amount of insight and real-world experience of how our criminal legal system operates behind the scenes. 

Now I use that knowledge for you. Whether it is being able to anticipate their trial strategy or simply speak to them one-on-one to advocate for my client to get a second chance (e.g., seeking a favorable plea offer where there are mitigating circumstances), it is certainly helpful to have an attorney who understands what it’s like to be a prosecutor. Someone who knows what matters to them and what things they’ll most strongly consider when considering a resolution of the case. 

Just like anything in life, being able to understand your adversary is a major advantage. Being able to see a case from all angles is critical for preparing a strong defense as it not only helps you anticipate the prosecutor’s arguments in court, but it also helps to strengthen your own.

The truth is simple: The best time to call me is BEFORE an arrest if possible. 

If the 40th Precinct, 44th Precinct, 46th Precinct, or any other NYPD precinct in the Bronx calls you and says, “We just want to talk,” it usually means they want to arrest you. They’ll try to get you to come in, trip you up into making a statement they’ll twist against you, and then place you under arrest regardless of what you tell them. 

Time and time again, I have people calling me for help after they’ve been tripped up by the cops into making a statement and then getting arrested. I don’t want this to happen to you. So to be crystal clear: if you’re contacted by the NYPD, make me your first call. 

I can contact the detective. I can arrange a surrender if they say they have probable cause to make an arrest. I can prevent them from tricking you into making a statement. I can protect your rights from the start. 

If you’ve already been arrested, which is often the case when the cops responded to a scene and arrested you right then and there, the next best time to call me is right after an arrest. 

When I get a case early:

· I can conduct my own independent investigation while everything is still fresh. 

· I can gather evidence before it gets lost.

· I can prepare strong arguments for your release at arraignment if the charges you face are bail-eligible. 

· I can talk to the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting your case before they form strong opinions and put blinders on. 

· I can start building your defense proactively, which can give you a major advantage throughout your case.

It’s often a lot easier for an attorney to help you the most when they’re on the case as early as possible. But even if you are months (or longer) into your case, you can still call me. I often take late-stage cases when:

· The case is headed towards hearings or trial.

· The client thought the prosecutor would see through the complainant’s lies and dismiss the case, but that never happened and now the case has dragged on much longer than expected. 

· A plea offer never improved. 

With that said, it’s better you contact me now rather than wait until the case is in the later stages. I can often do a lot more for you if I have the case in the beginning. 

Plus, for certain qualifying cases and qualifying clients, I can sometimes offer flexible fee arrangements and payment plans, but the reality is that such an arrangement only tends to work when I get the case early because that gives the client time to pay it off. 

So if you’re looking to speak with a trusted criminal defense lawyer about taking your case, the time is now to pick up the phone and make that call. Remember: the first consultation is always free, so there’s no downside to making that call. 

When you are arrested in the Bronx, the process moves very fast in some ways but very slow in others depending on the unique facts of your case. Here is just a general outline of what usually happens that you might find helpful:

NYPD Precinct Arrest

You are taken to a Bronx NYPD precinct where the incident happened. You are processed, fingerprinted, and held.

Central Booking

After processing, you go to Bronx Central Booking. This can take many hours and you could be kept overnight. 

Arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court

You appear in front of a judge. This is generally supposed to happen within 24 hours of your arrest, but times can vary a bit. An arraignment is your first court date. Several important things happen here:

· You’re informed of your charges and the rights you have as a criminal defendant. 

· The Bronx DA’s Office might ask the judge to issue a temporary order of protection requiring you to avoid contact with the alleged victim. 

· The judge may consider setting bail depending on whether the charge is bail-eligible and various other factors related to whether the judge believes bail is necessary for you to return to court. 

· You’ll be told when your next court date is.

Release or Custody

At arraignment you will either be:

· Released on your own recognizance (ROR) 

· Placed on supervised release

· Released subject to other conditions (ankle monitor, restrictions on travel, etc.)

· Held in on bail pending your ability to pay for your release

· Remanded (held in custody with no option to pay bail – reserved for the most serious cases such as murder as one example)

If released, your next court date may be a month or more away. If bail is set or you’re remanded, your court date will likely be a few days later for the prosecutor to present the case to the grand jury in order to continue to hold you in custody. 

Felony Cases and Grand Jury

If the case is a felony, the Bronx DA may send the case to a grand jury. If indicted, the case moves to Bronx Supreme Court.  

The grand jury is essentially a one-sided proceeding, which means only the prosecutor will present evidence. Your defense attorney will not be present, which means the witnesses are not subject to cross examination. 

The job of the grand jury is to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe a felony has been committed. This is a very low standard of proof, so it’s not hard for a prosecutor to get an indictment.

There are rare situations where a defendant may choose to exercise their right to testify before the grand jury. Before exercising this right, it’s very important for the defendant to have a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of doing so in their particular case. If you’re considering testifying before the grand jury in your case, be sure to have a detailed discussion with your attorney so that you can make a fully informed decision. 

Desk Appearance Tickets (DATs) in the Bronx

In some cases, you will not be brought to central booking after an arrest in the Bronx. Instead, you’ll be given a “Desk Appearance Ticket” or “DAT.”  

A DAT means the NYPD arrests you, processes you at the precinct, then releases you with a future court date. 

DATs usually mean:

· The charge is a misdemeanor or a non-violent felony.

· There is no expected order of protection.

But be sure to understand this: a DAT means you’re facing criminal charges, so this is still serious. Some people think a DAT is “nothing” or the equivalent of something like a simple traffic ticket. That is dead wrong. It’s a criminal case. And it can have major consequences.

As a New York City criminal defense attorney, I find it to be a major advantage for me to represent a client who gets a DAT and comes to me early – well before the first court date. During this critical period, I can do my own investigation before the assigned prosecutor really does all that much on the case. It’s the rare situation in a criminal case where it’s a bit easier for the defense to take back control, and this early action can lead to better outcomes.

To be clear: every case is different, but here is the basic path. I’ll outline it here to help give you a basic understanding of the typical steps in a criminal case in the Bronx. 

1. Arrest

Arrests are based on probable cause, which means the police have reason to believe you committed a crime. This is a much lower standard than what applies once you get into court (which is “beyond a reasonable doubt”). 

This means that it doesn’t take much for the police to arrest you. In some cases, one person’s word that you did something might be enough for the cops to arrest you, which can be really frustrating. But that’s the reality and courts have consistently held to that view. 

2. Arraignment

Your first court date. Bail may be set or you may be released. Unless you plead guilty at arraignment (which is rare and often not advised), your case will be adjourned or scheduled for a future court date. 

3. Discovery

The Bronx DA must give you the evidence they have against you, including body-worn camera video, police paperwork, witness statements, and more. They must file a Certificate of Compliance under CPL 245 saying that they’ve complied with their discovery obligations before they can bring the case to trial. 

4. Motions

Your attorney may file motions to:

· Suppress evidence

· Dismiss charges

· Challenge statements or identifications

· Argue that you’ve been denied your right to a speedy trial under CPL § 30.30

5. Plea Negotiations

Statistically, many cases resolve at this stage. What generally happens is both sides look at the evidence or discovery and try to reach an agreement to resolve the case. The decision whether to plead guilty always belongs to the client, but the role of the attorney is to help the client make an informed choice. The more leverage you can gain throughout the case, the more likely you can get a favorable plea deal. 

6. Hearings

New York has several types of pre-trial hearings. Some of the most common ones relate to challenges to the lawfulness of the arrest, search, seizure, or how the police obtained a statement from you or had you identified by a witness. 

7. Trial

If the case cannot be resolved, it goes to trial. The Bronx DA must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard in the entire legal system. And unless a jury of your peers is convinced that they have proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime, you cannot be convicted. 

8. Sentencing

If you plead guilty to a crime or are convicted at trial, the judge decides punishment. Sentencing ranges can vary based on the type and level of the offense you’re convicted of. Some offenses require mandatory prison time upon conviction while others do not. Things that tend to influence sentencing quite a bit include the nature of the offense and your prior criminal record (if any). 

I handle all types of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases throughout NYC, including the Bronx. 

Misdemeanors

· Assault in the 3rd (PL 120.00)

· Criminal Contempt 2nd (PL 215.50)

· Criminal Mischief 4th (PL 145.00)

· Domestic Violence Charges in the Bronx (various offenses such as those listed here committed against family members or intimate partners)

· DWIs (VTL 1192)

· Forcible Touching (PL 130.52)

· Menacing (PL 120.14 & 120.15)

· Sexual Abuse (PL 130.55 & 130.60)

Felonies

· Assault 1st, 2nd (PL 120.10, 120.05)

· Burglary 1st, 2nd, 3rd (PL 140.30, 140.25, 140.20)

· Criminal Contempt 1st (PL 215.51)

· Drug Possession and Sale (PL Article 220)

· Gang Assault (PL 120.06, 120.07)

· Grand Larceny (PL 155.30)

· Gun charges / CPW (PL 265.01-b, PL 265.03)

· Robbery 1st, 2nd, 3rd (PL 160.15, 160.10, 160.05)

I’ve seen these types of cases on both sides of our system – first as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense attorney. So whatever you’re charged with, I’m ready to help. Give me a call today at (914) 810-0510. 

Building a strong defense requires an attorney to have a strong knowledge of the law and the willingness to put a significant amount of time, effort, and preparation into the case. 

In fact, sometimes cases that look strong for the prosecution on paper can fall apart real quick when a diligent criminal defense lawyer goes on the attack. 

Here are some of the most common types of defenses that a good criminal defense lawyer might explore on a given case:

· Mistaken Identity

· Self-defense

· Lack of Intent

· False Accusations or Actual Innocence 

· Lack of Possession

· Illegal Search and Seizure 

· Violation of Rights

· Alibi

Every defense is case-specific. This is why early action matters. Pinning the details down from the start can go a long way to challenging the DA’s narrative. 

A good defense attorney does far more than show up in court. Here are just some of the things that I routinely do on the cases I handle: 

· Review all discovery

· Watch all body-cam videos

· Investigate the scene

· Speak to witnesses

· Contact the NYPD

· Contact the Bronx DA

· File motions

· Argue in court

· Prepare for hearings and trial

· Research the law

· Guide my clients through every step

· Prepare mitigation packets 

· Negotiate plea deals

· Fight for dismissals

As you can see, most of this work actually happens outside the courtroom. As a criminal defense attorney, you simply cannot take chances and just “wing it” in court. This is why I pride myself on my high level of preparation and attention to detail. My clients deserve nothing less than my full effort. 

The overall cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in the Bronx can certainly vary depending on a number of factors, including: 

· Charge severity

· Complexity

· Time needed

· Likelihood of trial

· Amount of discovery

· Goals of the case

Some attorneys use flat fees. Some use retainers. Some allow payment plans. But regardless of the fee structure, it is generally going to cost at least several thousand dollars for a misdemeanor and of course much more for felonies. 

My approach to fees is simple: Every case gets its own tailored fee proposal, and I’ll try my best to find a way to make it work if we can. 

With that said, it takes what it takes to provide quality legal representation. I put a lot of time and effort into my cases. I also try to move quickly – which means a lot of my work on cases is done upfront. The reality is that this type of diligent representation costs money. Simple as that. 

The good news is that the first consultation is always free. So give me a call to see if we can make it work. 

Also, if you truly cannot afford any private attorney, the court will give you a public defender, so no matter what you’ll never have to face this alone. 

But if you want me to take your case, call me today and I’ll provide you with a personalized quote for legal services that is straightforward and transparent. 

Hoping the Bronx DA or the NYPD will “see the truth” and “drop the charges” is one of the most common mistakes people make at the beginning of a case. Don’t trust the system to get it right. They’re more interested in convictions and appearing “tough on crime.” 

You can count on me to protect your rights from day one. I’ll be on your side. And I’ll fight for you with everything I have – because I know how much is at stake for you. 

Don’t take chances. The time to call me is right now. Not tomorrow. Definitely not months from now. Why wait to get the legal representation you need and deserve?

Let me fight for you from day one. The sooner you call, the sooner I can help.

Available 24/7 — call (914) 810-0510 or message us to schedule a free consultation.