Find a Bronx Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight Your Case

Things move fast after an arrest in the Bronx, which is why it is so important to make sure you have a trusted criminal defense lawyer by your side who is willing to fight for you from the start.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell makes it easy for you to hire a criminal defense lawyer in the Bronx when you need one the most. Here’s our approach:

  • Free and confidential consultations
  • 24/7 Availability for night and weekend arraignments
  • Clear and transparent fee structures
  • Payment plans available for qualified cases

When you hire Michael J. McConnell as your criminal defense lawyer, you get a relentless advocate and former NYC prosecutor who puts his clients from start to finish.

So don’t wait to get the strong legal representation that you deserve if you’re facing criminal charges in the Bronx. We are ready to fight for you, your freedom, and your future. 

Call Now

What types of criminal cases does your office focus on?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell regularly provides skilled criminal defense legal representation in the Bronx and the surrounding area for all levels of felony and misdemeanor charges, with a primary focus on felony charges related to gun possession, narcotics, sex crimes, robbery, domestic violence, and assaults. 

Sign Up for a Free Consultation

Why do clients choose the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell?

The clients who hire Michael J. McConnell in the Bronx and elsewhere are usually looking for a results-oriented criminal defense attorney with prior experience as a prosecutor who puts his clients first through clear communication and relentless preparation.

As shown by publicly available 5-Star reviews on Google, Justia, and Yelp, past clients of the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell have highlighted some of the most important qualities people are looking for in hiring a criminal defense attorney, including:

  • genuine care for his clients
  • clear and constant communication that keeps clients fully informed every step of the way
  • a relentless work ethic
  • integrity and honesty

What truly makes the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell stand out is our commitment to a higher level of personalized service for clients. To learn more about the value we can provide you if you’re facing felony charges in the Bronx, sign up for a free case evaluation with criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell today.

Attorney Bio

What is Your Approach to Fee Structure and Cost?

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we try to make it as easy as possible for people to get the quality legal representation they deserve by being clear, straightforward, and transparent about cost.

While the exact cost can vary based on the unique facts of a case, the seriousness of the charges, and the amount of work expected on such a case (including whether it goes to trial or not), we are very upfront and direct about what it will cost if you decide you want to hire us after a free consultation.

In general, here is a helpful breakdown of our office’s philosophy and approach to fee structure and cost for legal representation on criminal cases that we handle.

Flat Fees Provide Clarity, Simplicity, and Certainty Regarding Cost

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell offers flat fees on all misdemeanors and some of the most common felonies, which avoids the uncertainty of hourly billing. We do this because most clients want clarity and predictability regarding the exact cost, and flat fees provide that by ensuring there are no surprise bills.

Payment Plans Available for Select Cases

Payment plans can be offered for qualifying cases and clients when we are hired early enough in the case. A payment plan often makes paying for quality legal representation more affordable because you don’t need to pay everything all at once.

Payment plans can be great options for working parents, college students, and young professionals because it gives them the flexibility to stretch out their payments over a longer period of time.

For example, let’s say the flat fee for your case is $10,000 with a separate fee for trial if necessary. Instead of paying $10,000 all at once, a payment plan might allow you to pay $5,000 upfront and then make 5 monthly payments of $1,000.

All Common Payment Methods Accepted

We accept all the regular payment methods, including credit card, cash, check, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, and others.

Written Agreement Outlining the Exact Cost and Precise Scope of Legal Representation

If you want to hire us after a free consultation, we will tell you exactly what your case is going to cost. You will get a straightforward written agreement with easy to understand language stating the exact fee structure and what the representation includes.

How to Find Out How Much Your Case Will Cost

Simply give us a call. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell offers free consultations by phone, so it costs you nothing to find out how much your case in the Bronx will cost.

Call MJM

When should you hire a private criminal defense lawyer in Bronx County, NY?

The best time to hire a criminal defense lawyer is as early as possible, including before an arrest if you’ve been contacted by the NYPD for questioning or to turn yourself in regarding an I-Card.

The main reason for this is that the sooner a trusted criminal defense lawyer is involved, the more they can do to protect your rights.

Top Signs You Should Call a Criminal Lawyer Even if You Haven’t Been Arrested Yet

Here are a few examples of situations where you will want to call a lawyer before you do anything else:

  • a detective from the NYPD’s Special Victim’s Unit calls you asking you to “come down to tell your side of the story”
  • the NYPD Warrants Squad knocks on your mother’s door asking if you’re home
  • a domestic violence officer (DVO) from the 50th Precinct tells you that you have an I-Card
  • you see your photo on a wanted flyer for an alleged robbery in Soundview
  • the NYPD’s 40th Precinct shares a video of you on their social media related to an alleged shooting in Mott Haven
  • your boss is asking you about money or property that is missing
  • your friend got arrested for an auto theft ring that you were also involved in

The biggest mistakes people make in these situations is trying to explain their side to the police without a lawyer present. People who are totally innocent can often be tricked by police in ways they didn’t expect, which is why it is so important to get a lawyer first.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Hiring an Attorney After an Arrest in the Bronx

Sometimes an arrest happens unexpectedly. In that case, contacting a qualified criminal attorney as soon as possible after an arrest is critical.

For example, when we are hired immediately after an arrest, we can be available for your arraignment and be prepared to argue for your release. We can also conduct our own investigation into the facts while everything is still fresh, which can pay off in a big way later on.

Hiring an Attorney After You’ve Been Indicted by the Grand Jury

If you’re charged with a felony, an indictment means that the Bronx District Attorney’s Office presented enough evidence to convince a grand jury that there was reasonable cause that you committed a crime.

While an indictment is not even close to the same thing as a conviction, it is a clear sign that the case is serious since an indictment is a critical step towards trial on a felony case in New York.

Once indicted, your case will move to Bronx Supreme Court, at which point you will be arraigned again at what is called your “Supreme Court Arraignment” or “SCA.”

It is very common for clients who did not hire a paid criminal defense lawyer initially to begin looking for one after they have been indicted.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell regularly takes on new cases in the Bronx and elsewhere in the NYC area post-indictment, so if you have an upcoming Supreme Court Arraignment, you can book a free consultation today.

Hiring an Attorney for Hearings and Trial Only

If you want to hire a private criminal defense attorney to fight your case, it is always recommended that you do so as early in the process as possible. However, there are times when someone is either unable or unwilling to hire a paid attorney initially but then circumstances change.

Sometimes clients facing criminal charges don’t ever get the plea deal that they had hoped for. Other times they were expecting the case to get dismissed and it never did. Or perhaps they have had a breakdown in communication with their attorney and want someone new.

Whatever the reason, it is not at all uncommon for people facing criminal charges in the Bronx to hire a lawyer during the later stages of the case for hearings or trial.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is available to take late-stage criminal cases in the Bronx and elsewhere in NYC. We embrace taking on tough cases, including older ones where the odds seem stacked against our clients.

For example, Michael J. McConnell recently secured a major win this year for a Bronx client who hired us two years into his case. At the time he hired us, he had been remanded at Rikers Island for over 7 months on a gun charge after an involuntary return on a warrant and was facing a possible sentence of 7 to 15 years in prison if convicted due to his status as a second violent felony offender. We won a suppression hearing by showing that the officers from the NYPD’s 40th Precinct had illegally stopped and frisked him, which led to his case being dismissed and sealed.

Our prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and will depend on its own facts. However, the point is that it is possible to hire the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell to fight your case in the Bronx even if your case is several months or even several years old.  

What happens after an arrest in Bronx, NY?

After you’re arrested, you’ll be brought back to the precinct for processing (fingerprinting, arrest photographs, etc.). 

You’ll then be brought to Bronx Central Booking until your first court appearance (“arraignment”) in Bronx Criminal Court located at 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451, which is several blocks from Yankee Stadium.

How long will someone be in police custody before their first court appearance?

The arrest to arraignment timeline is supposed to be 24 hours or less, but unfortunately it can sometimes take a little longer. Arraignments in the Bronx run from 9:00 am until 1:00 am every day, including weekends and holidays. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is generally available on short notice to appear at arraignments in Bronx Criminal Court.

What is a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”)?

In some cases—particularly misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies—the NYPD might release you from the precinct with a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”) that directs you to come back to Bronx Criminal Court to face charges on a future date. 

The benefit of a DAT is that you don’t have to wait 24 or so hours in custody. However, you’re still facing criminal charges, so it’s important to understand that it’s still serious.

What happens at an arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court?

The purpose of an arraignment is mainly to inform you of what you’re accused of, and for the judge to decide whether to release you, set bail, or remand you to custody. 

If you haven’t hired a lawyer yet, you’ll get a public defender or an 18B attorney appointed to represent you in court. 

Understanding ROR, Bail, and Remand

If you’re charged with a qualifying offense under CPL § 510.10(4)—especially a violent felony or a sex crime—the Bronx District Attorney’s Office might ask the judge to set high bail or even to consider remand. Your attorney will then make arguments for why you should be released (e.g., you’re not a flight risk, strong ties to the community, etc.). 

The judge will then decide whether to set bail, remand you, or release you.

  • “Bail” means that you’ll be held at Rikers Island until someone pays the bail to get you released. 
  • “Remand” means that you’ll be held at Rikers without the ability to pay bail (i.e., you’re stuck in custody regardless of how much you can pay). 
  • “Release” can be with or without conditions.

A release without conditions means you are “released on your own recognizance” or “ROR.” If you’re released with conditions, that can include supervised release, electronic monitoring (e.g., ankle monitor), or some other restriction. 

If you’re not charged with a qualifying offense under CPL § 510.10(4), you’ll likely be released on your own recognizance or released with conditions (e.g., supervised release) unless you have some other type of hold or warrant (e.g., parole hold, fugitive warrant, etc.). 

Understanding Temporary Orders of Protection Issued at Arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court

If your case involves a victim, especially on a domestic violence case in the Bronx, the judge might issue a temporary order of protection telling you to stay away from that person and to have no contact with them. 

At the end of your arraignment, the judge will tell you when your next court date is. If you’re charged with a felony, your case will usually be adjourned for the prosecutor to present the case to the grand jury. 

What is your office’s approach to representing clients being held at Rikers?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell absolutely prioritizes cases where our clients are being held in custody at Rikers awaiting trial.

We take pride in moving quickly and proactively on all of our cases, but especially when someone is held on bail or is remanded. Those cases should—and certainly do—take priority.

We also provide our incarcerated clients the same high-level of communication that every other client gets. Regular contact, detailed conversations about strategy, and frequent updates are among the top things clients in custody and their family members are looking for in a criminal defense attorney, and the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell makes all of those things a priority on every case—but especially when our client is at Rikers.

Book a Call with MJM

How will your prior felony convictions impact your case in the Bronx?

In the Bronx and elsewhere in New York, a prior felony conviction can have a serious impact on any criminal case—especially if you’re charged with a felony now. 

This is because New York’s sentencing laws are very strict when it comes to “second-felony offenders” (sometimes referred to as “predicate felons”). 

For example, if you were sentenced for a prior felony conviction within the last 10 years, your mandatory minimum prison sentence for a new felony conviction can increase significantly. 

To illustrate, let’s look at someone who is charged with Robbery in the 1st Degree under PL § 160.15, which is a “Class B Violent Felony” in NY. 

  • If they have no prior felony convictions that make them a “predicate,” then the minimum sentence they face if convicted is 5 years and the maximum is 25. 
  • If they are a predicate due to a prior non-violent felony conviction, the minimum sentence jumps to 8 years and the maximum remains 25.
  • If they are a predicate from a prior violent felony conviction, the minimum sentence goes up to 10 years and the maximum remains 25. 

Also, that 10-year period doesn’t include any time you spent incarcerated, which means even a felony conviction that seems very old could potentially still count.

For example, if you were sentenced on your prior felony in 2008 but spent 10 years in state prison for it and have only been out since 2018, a new felony committed in May 2026 would still be well within the 10-year period. 

In contrast, when you’re facing only misdemeanor charges, a prior criminal record does not mandate harsher punishments under the law. 

In other words, if you’re convicted of a misdemeanor and have a prior record, a judge in the Bronx can definitely consider your prior convictions, but they are not bound by law to impose any sort of mandatory minimum sentence. 

As a practical matter, many judges in the Bronx and elsewhere in New York will strongly consider someone’s record or lack thereof when it comes to sentencing on a misdemeanor. The general rationale is that a first-time offender might deserve more leniency than someone who has past convictions. 

With that said, the maximum jail sentence someone can get on a misdemeanor is 364 days, and there is no required minimum. Thus, even with a criminal record, it’s possible to not even go to jail for a misdemeanor conviction as you could instead get probation, a treatment program, or any other such condition. 

Will I go to prison for a gun charge in the Bronx?

The answer to this will always be highly fact specific based on the unique circumstances of the case, including the overall strength of the DA’s case, the exact charges, the defendant’s prior criminal record or lack thereof, and in some cases whether any mitigating circumstances exist. 

The NYPD and the Bronx DA Take Gun Cases Seriously

For context, it’s important to understand that taking guns of the street is still a top priority for the NYPD in 2026 just as it was in recent years, particularly within local Bronx precincts such as the 40th, 42nd, and 44th precincts. 

On top of that, and given the problem of gun violence in the Bronx, it should be no surprise that the Bronx DA’s Office treats gun possession cases very seriously and continues to aggressively prosecute them.

New York’s Gun Laws are Very Strict

Finally, and perhaps the most important thing to know, is that many firearms possession offenses in New York carry harsh sentences and mandatory prison time upon conviction. 

CPW 2 Charge with No Prior Felony Convictions

For example, one of the most common types of gun charges in Bronx County is Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree under PL §265.03, which is what you’ll usually be charged with if the cops find a loaded gun on you. If you get convicted, the judge is required to give you mandatory state prison time of at least 3.5 years—even if this is your first offense. 

Of course, that is just the minimum authorized sentence. The maximum would be 15, though in practice it is uncommon for a judge to give a first-time offender the max, especially if all they did was simply possess the firearm. 

CPW 2 Charge with Prior Felony Convictions

Things get significantly worse if you’re charged with CPW 2 and have prior felony convictions as the potential mandatory minimums can increase. 

For just one example, if you’re considered a second felony offender from a prior violent felony conviction, that means a conviction for CPW 2 (a class C violent felony) requires a minimum of 7 years in state prison. 

Ways to Beat a Gun Charge in the Bronx

As you can see, a gun charge in the Bronx is very serious because it often has the potential for lengthy mandatory prison sentences. But those punishments only apply if you’re convicted, which is why it’s important to have a strong strategy in place to fight the case from day one. 

Challenging Illegal Stops and Frisks by the NYPD

For example, if the gun was recovered after an unlawful stop and frisk, your attorney can argue for the evidence to be suppressed (i.e., thrown out). If the judge agrees, the DA won’t be able to use that evidence against you and the case can be dismissed. 

Finding Reasonable Doubt on Gun Possession Cases in NY

Also, there might be possible defenses to your case regarding whether you truly “possessed” the firearm. Key questions a good gun possession lawyer in the Bronx will consider in building a strong defense to a CPW 2 case include: 

  • Where was the firearm found? 
  • Who has control of that area? 
  • Did it belong to someone else? 
  • Did the cops test if for DNA?
  • Was your DNA on it?  
  • If they say your DNA was on it, was it properly collected?
  • Was the DNA tested following proper lab protocol? 
  • Is “secondary transfer” of DNA possible here? 
  • Are there any issues with the NYPD’s chain of custody? 

Depending on the circumstances and the answers to those questions (as well as countless others), there might not be enough evidence that you had either actual or constructive possession. 

Mitigation: How to Get a Great Outcome on a Gun Case Even When the Case Against You is Strong

Yet even if the DA’s case against you appears strong, there still may be options available—especially if you have no prior criminal record. 

Gun Diversion Programs

For example, if you’re a young adult faced with a first-time gun arrest where the gun wasn’t used to commit another crime, you might be eligible for a diversion program offering an alternative to incarceration where upon successful completion of a program you might be allowed to avoid jail time and have your charges reduced.

There are also other circumstances where the DA or the judge might consider mitigation to either reduce the amount of prison time you get or to avoid it entirely. 

Mitigation for Survivors of Domestic Violence in Firearms Possession Cases

A great example of mitigation on a gun case might be a situation where a survivor of serious domestic violence unlawfully possessed a gun simply to protect herself from the abuser as a potential last resort. In cases like that: 

  • Prosecutors will sometimes strongly consider this a mitigating factor in making a favorable plea offer—perhaps one that doesn’t include incarceration. 
  • And even if they don’t, a defense attorney can ask the judge at sentencing to depart from the harsh mandatory minimums by relying on the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA) if applicable. 

The Dual-Path Strategy: Top Gun Possession Lawyers Know How to Litigate and Mitigate Gun Possession Cases

The key takeaway is this: If you’re facing a gun charge in the Bronx, you’re certainly facing a serious charge that carries the potential for prison time, including harsh mandatory minimums if convicted. But there are options through both litigation (fighting the case in court) and mitigation (convincing the DA and judge that you deserve a second chance). A good criminal defense attorney in the Bronx will always be sure to explore both paths as part of a holistic strategy tailored to the facts of your case. 

Speak with a Bronx Gun Possession Lawyer Today

What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony assault in the Bronx?

The difference between a misdemeanor assault and a felony assault in the Bronx will often come down to one or more of the following things: 

  • How serious is the injury? 
  • What was the defendant’s intent? 
  • Was a weapon used? 
  • Is the victim part of a protected class (e.g., cops, MTA employees, NYCHA workers, nurses, EMTs, teachers, people 65 years old or more assuming you’re more than 10 years younger than them, etc.)? 

Here are some common examples to further illustrate the distinction between what typically gets charged as a misdemeanor assault versus a felony assault in the Bronx: 

  • Assault 3 (misdemeanor): 
    • Routine fist fights. 
    • Domestic violence without serious injuries.  
    •  Punching an opposing fan in the bleachers at a Yankee game. 
  • Assault 2 (felony):
    •  Slashing someone with a box cutter. 
    • Punching or kicking an NYPD officer during an arrest. 
    • Hitting someone with an object causing physical injury (e.g., cane, stick, glass bottle, baseball bat, etc.).
  • Assault 1 (felony):
    • Stabbing someone in their stomach or other vulnerable area.
    • Shooting someone and causing serious physical injury.
    • Bashing someone over the head repeatedly with a metal pipe and fracturing their skull.

In many assault cases, it can be a very close call regarding these different degrees. Things can turn on the most minor of details. 

For example, things like “intent” and the difference between “serious physical injury” versus “physical injury” can be the difference in whether you’re convicted or for how long you go to prison. 

The right of self-defense can also play an important role in beating an assault case. The rules regarding self-defense can be very nuanced and complex, but if you acted in lawful self-defense, that can be a complete defense to the charge. 

The unfortunate reality is that prosecutors in New York often overcharge when it comes to assault cases, meaning they might charge someone with Assault 2 when the case is in reality at best an Assault 3. (Or maybe not even an assault at all.) This is often done to apply coercive pressure to force the defendant into pleading guilty instead of exercising their right to a trial. 

A good criminal defense attorney will challenge every part of the DA’s case from the start. With the right strategy in place, a client will be better informed as to what the DA might actually be able to prove at trial versus what they might not. And knowing that is the key to evaluating whether you’re being offered a fair plea deal or if you might want to take your case to trial. 

Ready to speak with a Bronx criminal defense lawyer now? Give us a call 24/7.

Momentum can build against you really fast after an arrest, which makes having the right legal strategy in place from the start is critical.

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense criminal defense lawyer in the Bronx who is a former NYC prosecutor and is dedicated to providing high quality legal representation that puts his clients first, make Michael J. McConnell your first call at (914) 810-0510 for a free and confidential consultation. 

Page last updated May 27th, 2026.

Bronx Criminal Lawyer

Find a Bronx Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight Your Case

Things move fast after an arrest in the Bronx, which is why it is so important to make sure you have a trusted criminal defense lawyer by your side who is willing to fight for you from the start.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell makes it easy for you to hire a criminal defense lawyer in the Bronx when you need one the most. Here’s our approach:

  • Free and confidential consultations
  • 24/7 Availability for night and weekend arraignments
  • Clear and transparent fee structures
  • Payment plans available for qualified cases

When you hire Michael J. McConnell as your criminal defense lawyer, you get a relentless advocate and former NYC prosecutor who puts his clients from start to finish.

So don’t wait to get the strong legal representation that you deserve if you’re facing criminal charges in the Bronx. We are ready to fight for you, your freedom, and your future. 

Call Now

What types of criminal cases does your office focus on?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell regularly provides skilled criminal defense legal representation in the Bronx and the surrounding area for all levels of felony and misdemeanor charges, with a primary focus on felony charges related to gun possession, narcotics, sex crimes, robbery, domestic violence, and assaults. 

Sign Up for a Free Consultation

Why do clients choose the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell?

The clients who hire Michael J. McConnell in the Bronx and elsewhere are usually looking for a results-oriented criminal defense attorney with prior experience as a prosecutor who puts his clients first through clear communication and relentless preparation.

As shown by publicly available 5-Star reviews on Google, Justia, and Yelp, past clients of the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell have highlighted some of the most important qualities people are looking for in hiring a criminal defense attorney, including:

  • genuine care for his clients
  • clear and constant communication that keeps clients fully informed every step of the way
  • a relentless work ethic
  • integrity and honesty

What truly makes the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell stand out is our commitment to a higher level of personalized service for clients. To learn more about the value we can provide you if you’re facing felony charges in the Bronx, sign up for a free case evaluation with criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell today.

Attorney Bio

What is Your Approach to Fee Structure and Cost?

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we try to make it as easy as possible for people to get the quality legal representation they deserve by being clear, straightforward, and transparent about cost.

While the exact cost can vary based on the unique facts of a case, the seriousness of the charges, and the amount of work expected on such a case (including whether it goes to trial or not), we are very upfront and direct about what it will cost if you decide you want to hire us after a free consultation.

In general, here is a helpful breakdown of our office’s philosophy and approach to fee structure and cost for legal representation on criminal cases that we handle.

Flat Fees Provide Clarity, Simplicity, and Certainty Regarding Cost

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell offers flat fees on all misdemeanors and some of the most common felonies, which avoids the uncertainty of hourly billing. We do this because most clients want clarity and predictability regarding the exact cost, and flat fees provide that by ensuring there are no surprise bills.

Payment Plans Available for Select Cases

Payment plans can be offered for qualifying cases and clients when we are hired early enough in the case. A payment plan often makes paying for quality legal representation more affordable because you don’t need to pay everything all at once.

Payment plans can be great options for working parents, college students, and young professionals because it gives them the flexibility to stretch out their payments over a longer period of time.

For example, let’s say the flat fee for your case is $10,000 with a separate fee for trial if necessary. Instead of paying $10,000 all at once, a payment plan might allow you to pay $5,000 upfront and then make 5 monthly payments of $1,000.

All Common Payment Methods Accepted

We accept all the regular payment methods, including credit card, cash, check, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, and others.

Written Agreement Outlining the Exact Cost and Precise Scope of Legal Representation

If you want to hire us after a free consultation, we will tell you exactly what your case is going to cost. You will get a straightforward written agreement with easy to understand language stating the exact fee structure and what the representation includes.

How to Find Out How Much Your Case Will Cost

Simply give us a call. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell offers free consultations by phone, so it costs you nothing to find out how much your case in the Bronx will cost.

Call MJM

When should you hire a private criminal defense lawyer in Bronx County, NY?

The best time to hire a criminal defense lawyer is as early as possible, including before an arrest if you’ve been contacted by the NYPD for questioning or to turn yourself in regarding an I-Card.

The main reason for this is that the sooner a trusted criminal defense lawyer is involved, the more they can do to protect your rights.

Top Signs You Should Call a Criminal Lawyer Even if You Haven’t Been Arrested Yet

Here are a few examples of situations where you will want to call a lawyer before you do anything else:

  • a detective from the NYPD’s Special Victim’s Unit calls you asking you to “come down to tell your side of the story”
  • the NYPD Warrants Squad knocks on your mother’s door asking if you’re home
  • a domestic violence officer (DVO) from the 50th Precinct tells you that you have an I-Card
  • you see your photo on a wanted flyer for an alleged robbery in Soundview
  • the NYPD’s 40th Precinct shares a video of you on their social media related to an alleged shooting in Mott Haven
  • your boss is asking you about money or property that is missing
  • your friend got arrested for an auto theft ring that you were also involved in

The biggest mistakes people make in these situations is trying to explain their side to the police without a lawyer present. People who are totally innocent can often be tricked by police in ways they didn’t expect, which is why it is so important to get a lawyer first.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Hiring an Attorney After an Arrest in the Bronx

Sometimes an arrest happens unexpectedly. In that case, contacting a qualified criminal attorney as soon as possible after an arrest is critical.

For example, when we are hired immediately after an arrest, we can be available for your arraignment and be prepared to argue for your release. We can also conduct our own investigation into the facts while everything is still fresh, which can pay off in a big way later on.

Hiring an Attorney After You’ve Been Indicted by the Grand Jury

If you’re charged with a felony, an indictment means that the Bronx District Attorney’s Office presented enough evidence to convince a grand jury that there was reasonable cause that you committed a crime.

While an indictment is not even close to the same thing as a conviction, it is a clear sign that the case is serious since an indictment is a critical step towards trial on a felony case in New York.

Once indicted, your case will move to Bronx Supreme Court, at which point you will be arraigned again at what is called your “Supreme Court Arraignment” or “SCA.”

It is very common for clients who did not hire a paid criminal defense lawyer initially to begin looking for one after they have been indicted.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell regularly takes on new cases in the Bronx and elsewhere in the NYC area post-indictment, so if you have an upcoming Supreme Court Arraignment, you can book a free consultation today.

Hiring an Attorney for Hearings and Trial Only

If you want to hire a private criminal defense attorney to fight your case, it is always recommended that you do so as early in the process as possible. However, there are times when someone is either unable or unwilling to hire a paid attorney initially but then circumstances change.

Sometimes clients facing criminal charges don’t ever get the plea deal that they had hoped for. Other times they were expecting the case to get dismissed and it never did. Or perhaps they have had a breakdown in communication with their attorney and want someone new.

Whatever the reason, it is not at all uncommon for people facing criminal charges in the Bronx to hire a lawyer during the later stages of the case for hearings or trial.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is available to take late-stage criminal cases in the Bronx and elsewhere in NYC. We embrace taking on tough cases, including older ones where the odds seem stacked against our clients.

For example, Michael J. McConnell recently secured a major win this year for a Bronx client who hired us two years into his case. At the time he hired us, he had been remanded at Rikers Island for over 7 months on a gun charge after an involuntary return on a warrant and was facing a possible sentence of 7 to 15 years in prison if convicted due to his status as a second violent felony offender. We won a suppression hearing by showing that the officers from the NYPD’s 40th Precinct had illegally stopped and frisked him, which led to his case being dismissed and sealed.

Our prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and will depend on its own facts. However, the point is that it is possible to hire the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell to fight your case in the Bronx even if your case is several months or even several years old.  

What happens after an arrest in Bronx, NY?

After you’re arrested, you’ll be brought back to the precinct for processing (fingerprinting, arrest photographs, etc.). 

You’ll then be brought to Bronx Central Booking until your first court appearance (“arraignment”) in Bronx Criminal Court located at 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451, which is several blocks from Yankee Stadium.

How long will someone be in police custody before their first court appearance?

The arrest to arraignment timeline is supposed to be 24 hours or less, but unfortunately it can sometimes take a little longer. Arraignments in the Bronx run from 9:00 am until 1:00 am every day, including weekends and holidays. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is generally available on short notice to appear at arraignments in Bronx Criminal Court.

What is a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”)?

In some cases—particularly misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies—the NYPD might release you from the precinct with a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”) that directs you to come back to Bronx Criminal Court to face charges on a future date. 

The benefit of a DAT is that you don’t have to wait 24 or so hours in custody. However, you’re still facing criminal charges, so it’s important to understand that it’s still serious.

What happens at an arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court?

The purpose of an arraignment is mainly to inform you of what you’re accused of, and for the judge to decide whether to release you, set bail, or remand you to custody. 

If you haven’t hired a lawyer yet, you’ll get a public defender or an 18B attorney appointed to represent you in court. 

Understanding ROR, Bail, and Remand

If you’re charged with a qualifying offense under CPL § 510.10(4)—especially a violent felony or a sex crime—the Bronx District Attorney’s Office might ask the judge to set high bail or even to consider remand. Your attorney will then make arguments for why you should be released (e.g., you’re not a flight risk, strong ties to the community, etc.). 

The judge will then decide whether to set bail, remand you, or release you.

  • “Bail” means that you’ll be held at Rikers Island until someone pays the bail to get you released. 
  • “Remand” means that you’ll be held at Rikers without the ability to pay bail (i.e., you’re stuck in custody regardless of how much you can pay). 
  • “Release” can be with or without conditions.

A release without conditions means you are “released on your own recognizance” or “ROR.” If you’re released with conditions, that can include supervised release, electronic monitoring (e.g., ankle monitor), or some other restriction. 

If you’re not charged with a qualifying offense under CPL § 510.10(4), you’ll likely be released on your own recognizance or released with conditions (e.g., supervised release) unless you have some other type of hold or warrant (e.g., parole hold, fugitive warrant, etc.). 

Understanding Temporary Orders of Protection Issued at Arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court

If your case involves a victim, especially on a domestic violence case in the Bronx, the judge might issue a temporary order of protection telling you to stay away from that person and to have no contact with them. 

At the end of your arraignment, the judge will tell you when your next court date is. If you’re charged with a felony, your case will usually be adjourned for the prosecutor to present the case to the grand jury. 

What is your office’s approach to representing clients being held at Rikers?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell absolutely prioritizes cases where our clients are being held in custody at Rikers awaiting trial.

We take pride in moving quickly and proactively on all of our cases, but especially when someone is held on bail or is remanded. Those cases should—and certainly do—take priority.

We also provide our incarcerated clients the same high-level of communication that every other client gets. Regular contact, detailed conversations about strategy, and frequent updates are among the top things clients in custody and their family members are looking for in a criminal defense attorney, and the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell makes all of those things a priority on every case—but especially when our client is at Rikers.

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How will your prior felony convictions impact your case in the Bronx?

In the Bronx and elsewhere in New York, a prior felony conviction can have a serious impact on any criminal case—especially if you’re charged with a felony now. 

This is because New York’s sentencing laws are very strict when it comes to “second-felony offenders” (sometimes referred to as “predicate felons”). 

For example, if you were sentenced for a prior felony conviction within the last 10 years, your mandatory minimum prison sentence for a new felony conviction can increase significantly. 

To illustrate, let’s look at someone who is charged with Robbery in the 1st Degree under PL § 160.15, which is a “Class B Violent Felony” in NY. 

  • If they have no prior felony convictions that make them a “predicate,” then the minimum sentence they face if convicted is 5 years and the maximum is 25. 
  • If they are a predicate due to a prior non-violent felony conviction, the minimum sentence jumps to 8 years and the maximum remains 25.
  • If they are a predicate from a prior violent felony conviction, the minimum sentence goes up to 10 years and the maximum remains 25. 

Also, that 10-year period doesn’t include any time you spent incarcerated, which means even a felony conviction that seems very old could potentially still count.

For example, if you were sentenced on your prior felony in 2008 but spent 10 years in state prison for it and have only been out since 2018, a new felony committed in May 2026 would still be well within the 10-year period. 

In contrast, when you’re facing only misdemeanor charges, a prior criminal record does not mandate harsher punishments under the law. 

In other words, if you’re convicted of a misdemeanor and have a prior record, a judge in the Bronx can definitely consider your prior convictions, but they are not bound by law to impose any sort of mandatory minimum sentence. 

As a practical matter, many judges in the Bronx and elsewhere in New York will strongly consider someone’s record or lack thereof when it comes to sentencing on a misdemeanor. The general rationale is that a first-time offender might deserve more leniency than someone who has past convictions. 

With that said, the maximum jail sentence someone can get on a misdemeanor is 364 days, and there is no required minimum. Thus, even with a criminal record, it’s possible to not even go to jail for a misdemeanor conviction as you could instead get probation, a treatment program, or any other such condition. 

Will I go to prison for a gun charge in the Bronx?

The answer to this will always be highly fact specific based on the unique circumstances of the case, including the overall strength of the DA’s case, the exact charges, the defendant’s prior criminal record or lack thereof, and in some cases whether any mitigating circumstances exist. 

The NYPD and the Bronx DA Take Gun Cases Seriously

For context, it’s important to understand that taking guns of the street is still a top priority for the NYPD in 2026 just as it was in recent years, particularly within local Bronx precincts such as the 40th, 42nd, and 44th precincts. 

On top of that, and given the problem of gun violence in the Bronx, it should be no surprise that the Bronx DA’s Office treats gun possession cases very seriously and continues to aggressively prosecute them.

New York’s Gun Laws are Very Strict

Finally, and perhaps the most important thing to know, is that many firearms possession offenses in New York carry harsh sentences and mandatory prison time upon conviction. 

CPW 2 Charge with No Prior Felony Convictions

For example, one of the most common types of gun charges in Bronx County is Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree under PL §265.03, which is what you’ll usually be charged with if the cops find a loaded gun on you. If you get convicted, the judge is required to give you mandatory state prison time of at least 3.5 years—even if this is your first offense. 

Of course, that is just the minimum authorized sentence. The maximum would be 15, though in practice it is uncommon for a judge to give a first-time offender the max, especially if all they did was simply possess the firearm. 

CPW 2 Charge with Prior Felony Convictions

Things get significantly worse if you’re charged with CPW 2 and have prior felony convictions as the potential mandatory minimums can increase. 

For just one example, if you’re considered a second felony offender from a prior violent felony conviction, that means a conviction for CPW 2 (a class C violent felony) requires a minimum of 7 years in state prison. 

Ways to Beat a Gun Charge in the Bronx

As you can see, a gun charge in the Bronx is very serious because it often has the potential for lengthy mandatory prison sentences. But those punishments only apply if you’re convicted, which is why it’s important to have a strong strategy in place to fight the case from day one. 

Challenging Illegal Stops and Frisks by the NYPD

For example, if the gun was recovered after an unlawful stop and frisk, your attorney can argue for the evidence to be suppressed (i.e., thrown out). If the judge agrees, the DA won’t be able to use that evidence against you and the case can be dismissed. 

Finding Reasonable Doubt on Gun Possession Cases in NY

Also, there might be possible defenses to your case regarding whether you truly “possessed” the firearm. Key questions a good gun possession lawyer in the Bronx will consider in building a strong defense to a CPW 2 case include: 

  • Where was the firearm found? 
  • Who has control of that area? 
  • Did it belong to someone else? 
  • Did the cops test if for DNA?
  • Was your DNA on it?  
  • If they say your DNA was on it, was it properly collected?
  • Was the DNA tested following proper lab protocol? 
  • Is “secondary transfer” of DNA possible here? 
  • Are there any issues with the NYPD’s chain of custody? 

Depending on the circumstances and the answers to those questions (as well as countless others), there might not be enough evidence that you had either actual or constructive possession. 

Mitigation: How to Get a Great Outcome on a Gun Case Even When the Case Against You is Strong

Yet even if the DA’s case against you appears strong, there still may be options available—especially if you have no prior criminal record. 

Gun Diversion Programs

For example, if you’re a young adult faced with a first-time gun arrest where the gun wasn’t used to commit another crime, you might be eligible for a diversion program offering an alternative to incarceration where upon successful completion of a program you might be allowed to avoid jail time and have your charges reduced.

There are also other circumstances where the DA or the judge might consider mitigation to either reduce the amount of prison time you get or to avoid it entirely. 

Mitigation for Survivors of Domestic Violence in Firearms Possession Cases

A great example of mitigation on a gun case might be a situation where a survivor of serious domestic violence unlawfully possessed a gun simply to protect herself from the abuser as a potential last resort. In cases like that: 

  • Prosecutors will sometimes strongly consider this a mitigating factor in making a favorable plea offer—perhaps one that doesn’t include incarceration. 
  • And even if they don’t, a defense attorney can ask the judge at sentencing to depart from the harsh mandatory minimums by relying on the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA) if applicable. 

The Dual-Path Strategy: Top Gun Possession Lawyers Know How to Litigate and Mitigate Gun Possession Cases

The key takeaway is this: If you’re facing a gun charge in the Bronx, you’re certainly facing a serious charge that carries the potential for prison time, including harsh mandatory minimums if convicted. But there are options through both litigation (fighting the case in court) and mitigation (convincing the DA and judge that you deserve a second chance). A good criminal defense attorney in the Bronx will always be sure to explore both paths as part of a holistic strategy tailored to the facts of your case. 

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What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony assault in the Bronx?

The difference between a misdemeanor assault and a felony assault in the Bronx will often come down to one or more of the following things: 

  • How serious is the injury? 
  • What was the defendant’s intent? 
  • Was a weapon used? 
  • Is the victim part of a protected class (e.g., cops, MTA employees, NYCHA workers, nurses, EMTs, teachers, people 65 years old or more assuming you’re more than 10 years younger than them, etc.)? 

Here are some common examples to further illustrate the distinction between what typically gets charged as a misdemeanor assault versus a felony assault in the Bronx: 

  • Assault 3 (misdemeanor): 
    • Routine fist fights. 
    • Domestic violence without serious injuries.  
    •  Punching an opposing fan in the bleachers at a Yankee game. 
  • Assault 2 (felony):
    •  Slashing someone with a box cutter. 
    • Punching or kicking an NYPD officer during an arrest. 
    • Hitting someone with an object causing physical injury (e.g., cane, stick, glass bottle, baseball bat, etc.).
  • Assault 1 (felony):
    • Stabbing someone in their stomach or other vulnerable area.
    • Shooting someone and causing serious physical injury.
    • Bashing someone over the head repeatedly with a metal pipe and fracturing their skull.

In many assault cases, it can be a very close call regarding these different degrees. Things can turn on the most minor of details. 

For example, things like “intent” and the difference between “serious physical injury” versus “physical injury” can be the difference in whether you’re convicted or for how long you go to prison. 

The right of self-defense can also play an important role in beating an assault case. The rules regarding self-defense can be very nuanced and complex, but if you acted in lawful self-defense, that can be a complete defense to the charge. 

The unfortunate reality is that prosecutors in New York often overcharge when it comes to assault cases, meaning they might charge someone with Assault 2 when the case is in reality at best an Assault 3. (Or maybe not even an assault at all.) This is often done to apply coercive pressure to force the defendant into pleading guilty instead of exercising their right to a trial. 

A good criminal defense attorney will challenge every part of the DA’s case from the start. With the right strategy in place, a client will be better informed as to what the DA might actually be able to prove at trial versus what they might not. And knowing that is the key to evaluating whether you’re being offered a fair plea deal or if you might want to take your case to trial. 

Ready to speak with a Bronx criminal defense lawyer now? Give us a call 24/7.

Momentum can build against you really fast after an arrest, which makes having the right legal strategy in place from the start is critical.

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense criminal defense lawyer in the Bronx who is a former NYC prosecutor and is dedicated to providing high quality legal representation that puts his clients first, make Michael J. McConnell your first call at (914) 810-0510 for a free and confidential consultation. 

Page last updated May 27th, 2026.