Queens County Criminal Defense Lawyer

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If you’ve been arrested in Queens, you might feel scared, confused, and uncertain. You likely have lots of questions and want clear answers on what to expect. 

This is the moment when a dedicated criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference. Someone who is willing to take the time to listen to you, understand your biggest concerns, and give you straight answers and a gameplan moving forward.

I’m a criminal defense lawyer who represents individuals charged with crimes in Queens and the rest of NYC. I understand what you’re going through and I’m ready to help. 

So don’t wait to give me a call. I offer free consultations, and my office answers calls 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

When we speak, I’ll listen to you with compassion and non-judgment. I’ll answer your questions and explain how I can help. 

Let’s begin building a strong defense for you today. Call now for a free consultation. 

I’m a former prosecutor, and I bring that experience to every case. I know how police and prosecutors think. I know how they build cases. I know their playbook, their tactics, and how they try to downplay or hide the weaknesses in their case. As a defense lawyer, I use that insight to see a case from every angle, so that I can build the strongest defense possible for you.

All of my work is guided by three core values:

1. Non-Judgment

I meet every client with respect, compassion, and understanding. I know that many accusations are false. I know the police often rush to judgment. And even when someone makes a mistake, that does not make them a bad person. You deserve dignity and a strong defense. 

2. Clear, Direct Communication

I believe clients must be able to make informed choices. I explain the possible outcomes based on the charges, evidence, and the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Honesty and transparency are essential to the way I practice law. You will always know what to expect, and you will always be welcome to talk openly with me. Many clients say that my ability to communicate clearly is what helped them stay calm in a very stressful time.

3. Thorough Preparation from Start to Finish

Early action matters, which is why you need an attorney who will begin building a strong defense from day one. After all, memories fade. Video disappears. Evidence gets lost. If you wait, you can lose key information forever. I work quickly to secure evidence, talk to witnesses, and map out a game plan. When prosecutors see that you are prepared from the start, it sends a clear message that you mean business. In some cases, that level of preparation can lead to better offers or faster dismissals.  And if your case does go to trial, we will be thoroughly prepared. 

The simple answer: as early as possible.

In fact, the best time to call a New York City criminal defense attorney is before you speak with the police and even before an arrest if you can.

For example, you might one day get a call from your local NYPD precinct with a detective saying something to you like:  

· “We just want to hear your side.”

· “If you come in and talk, we can put in a good word with the DA.”

· “The judge will go easier on you if you cooperate.”

These statements are often at best highly misleading and at worst absolute lies. Police don’t control prosecutors. Nor do they control judges. They use these lines to get you to make statements that they can twist and use against you. Innocent people in particular often get trapped this way. 

If officers want you to come to the precinct, call me first. I can invoke your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer. I can also help control the surrender process when needed so that you might be able to voluntarily turn yourself in rather than face the potential embarrassment of being arrested at your home, at work, or in public. 

With that said, sometimes the police show up at a scene and arrest you right away. If that happens, you or a family member should call me immediately so your rights are protected from the start.

There are also cases that I take after arraignment, before the next court date, or even many months later. But the earlier you call, the more I can often help build a strong defense. 

Also, if I take your case early in the process as opposed to months later as the case is closer to trial, the more likely I am able to offer flexible payment plans, which are usually only possible when I am hired at the beginning of a case. With that said, I cannot offer payment plans in every case, but for certain qualifying cases and clients I might be able to do so if involved early enough.

So whether you’ve been contacted by a detective from the 110th Precinct or another precinct in Queens, have already been arrested, or have already had a few court dates, I want you to give me a call now for a free consultation. 

I handle all levels of misdemeanors and felonies. This can include the following types of common criminal offenses:  

Misdemeanors

· Assault in the Third Degree (PL 120.00)

· Domestic Violence-Related Offenses (various PL sections depending on conduct)

· Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (PL 145.00)

· Criminal Obstruction of Breathing (PL 121.11)

· Forcible Touching (PL 130.52)

· Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree (PL 130.55)

· Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (PL 215.50)

· Petit Larceny (PL 155.25)

· DWI / DWAI (Vehicle and Traffic Law §§ 1192–1193)

· Menacing in the Third Degree (PL 120.15)

· Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (PL 265.01)

Felonies

· Assault in the First Degree (PL 120.10)

· Assault in the Second Degree (PL 120.05)

· Gang Assault in the First Degree (PL 120.07)

· Gang Assault in the Second Degree (PL 120.06)

· Burglary in the First, Second, or Third Degree (PL 140.30, 140.25, 140.20)

· Robbery in the First, Second, or Third Degree (PL 160.15, 160.10, 160.05)

· Strangulation in the First or Second Degree (PL 121.13, 121.12)

· Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (All Felony Levels) (PL 220)

· Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance (All Felony Levels) (PL 220)

· Criminal Possession of a Weapon (All Felony Levels) (PL 265.02, 265.03, 265.04)

· Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (PL 215.51)

· Grand Larceny (All Degrees) (PL 155.30, 155.35, 155.40, 155.42)

If you or a loved one are charged with any of these crimes in Queens County, you can call my office 24/7 for a free consultation. 

Each case is different, so every defense depends on the unique facts of the case. But here are some of the most common defenses you’ll see:  

· Self-Defense: You have the right to protect yourself or someone else from harm under certain conditions.

· Mistaken Identity: It’s a lot easier than you think to get mistakenly identified as a perpetrator of a crime. Poor lighting, fast movements, unreliable witnesses, racial bias, and more can lead to a mistaken identification. 

· False Allegations: Some accusations come from anger, jealousy, revenge, or misunderstandings. This is common in domestic violence and family-related cases.

· Police Rush to Judgment: Officers often decide what they think happened before they even investigate. This can lead to sloppy or biased police work.

· Lack of Intent: Many crimes require proof of intent. If the prosecutor cannot show that you had the required intent, they cannot prove their case.

· Lack of Injury: For many assault charges, the terms “physical injury” and “serious physical injury” have very strict legal definitions. If the alleged injury does not meet the legal definition, the charge cannot stand.

These are only some defenses. There could be many more depending on your case, so if you want to find out whether you might have a good defense to the charges you face in Queens Criminal Court, give me a contact me today for a free case evaluation. 

People hire a criminal defense lawyer because they want protection, answers, and a plan. Here’s what most clients want in a criminal defense lawyer: 

Frequent Updates: You want to hear from your attorney early and often. You want to know the status of your case. You want to know what your lawyer is doing. I give regular updates and encourage questions at any time.

Guidance Through a Very Scary System: The criminal justice system in Queens County Criminal Court can feel intimidating. It can feel designed to scare you into pleading guilty. This pressure can come from:

· The seriousness of the charges and the potential for incarceration

· Police intimidation

· Overcharging by prosecutors

· Long delays between court dates

· Strict orders of protection

· Threats of bail

· Supervised release check-ins

· Ankle monitors

· The stress of being labeled a “defendant” or a “criminal”

The system in some ways is designed to get people to panic and accept a bad deal simply because they want the case to be over. A calm, steady, and informed approach is what I always take, so that way my clients can make informed choices throughout their case. 

Honesty Without Fear-Tactics: I will always tell you the truth. If there is a risk, I will tell you. If you are in a strong position, I will tell you that too. My job is to remove unnecessary fear and replace it with knowledge and a plan. I’ll never sugarcoat things, but I also don’t see it as my job to unnecessarily scare you. Yes, I have to tell you the authorized sentence ranges for the charges you face. Yes, I have to tell you if the prosecutor has a strong case. But I also have an obligation to give you an accurate assessment of your entire case and situation, and this means letting you also know what options you have and what the most realistic outcomes are. 

A Clear Game Plan: Knowing what comes next makes the entire process less stressful. I explain every step of the process:

· Arraignment

· Grand Jury Indictment (felonies only)

· Discovery

· Motion practice

· Plea Negotiations

· Hearings

· Trial

I strive to provide my clients with clear communication and diligent preparation so that they feel safe, supported, and informed every step of the way. 

Hiring a private criminal defense lawyer costs money, and the price varies widely based on a number of factors. Factors that affect the fee include:

· The type of charges

· The complexity of the case

· The expected amount of work

· The attorney’s experience

· Whether the case may go to trial

· The amount of discovery 

· Whether experts or investigators are needed

· The client’s goals

Given that there are so many variables, it’s not easy to give exact numbers. However, here are some general expectations regarding cost: 

· Most misdemeanors will usually cost several thousand dollars. 

· Less serious felonies will cost more than misdemeanors and can range from several thousand dollars to much higher depending on complexity.

· Serious and violent felonies, or cases with heavy discovery or major prison exposure, can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.

These ranges are not meant to scare you. They are meant to give you a realistic sense of what private representation costs in a criminal case. 

The truth is that nobody ever wants to have to pay a criminal defense lawyer. That’s mainly because nobody ever wants to be arrested and charged with a crime in the first place. But when you find yourself in that situation and are looking for legal representation, the reality is that it takes what it takes. 

There’s just so much at stake in these cases and they truly require a lot of work. Clients are absolutely right to expect their attorney to put in the time it takes to get them the best possible outcome under the circumstances. And the reality is that an attorney’s time in the NYC area doesn’t come cheap. 

I often have clients call me who doubt they will be able to afford a lawyer, but sometimes if both sides really want to work together there’s a way to make it work. Here’s how I tend to approach the issue: 

I don’t take a one-size-fits-all or “cookie cutter approach” to fees. It will vary based on the case and some of the factors mentioned above. In certain qualifying cases and for qualified clients, I may offer a payment plan, but this will also usually only apply when the case is at an early stage. If trial is around the corner, a payment plan usually does not work because all the work must be done immediately.

If you call me, I will walk you through the fee clearly and honestly. Many people worry they cannot afford a lawyer, but once we talk, we might find a way to make it work if the case is a good fit. 

And remember: your first consultation is always free. It costs nothing to call to at least find out.

I also want you to know that if you cannot afford a private lawyer at all, the court will appoint a public defender at no cost to you. You always have a right to legal representation. So no matter what, you’ll have someone to represent you in court in a criminal case. 

If you are facing criminal charges in Queens County, don’t wait to speak with a criminal defense lawyer. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is available to answer your call 24/7 if you’ve been arrested in Queens – including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

I take great pride in fighting for my clients with honesty, compassion, and relentless effort. I will meet you with zero judgment and total respect. Helping people is why I became a criminal defense lawyer, and I care deeply about the work I do.

If you are charged with a crime in Queens County, just call me. I am here to help you every step of the way.

Legal Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Fore legal advice, contact an attorney and speak with them privately about your unique situation.