The Importance of Identifying the Reason Behind the False Accusation When Fighting Criminal Charges
It’s true that a criminal defendant in New York is presumed innocent unless and until they’re proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. And trust me, every criminal defense lawyer during trial will be sure to hammer that point home during jury selection, opening statement, and closing argument. But that...
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4th Amendment Case Law Update: Chatrie v. United States
On June 29th, 2026, the United States Supreme Court decided a major Fourth Amendment case in Chatrie v. United States. The Court held that an individual retains a “reasonable expectation of privacy” in their historical cell phone location records even though said records are stored by a third party such as...
4th Amendment Case Law Update: Chatrie v. United States Continue reading…
Second Amendment Case Law Update: United States v. Hemani
On June 18th, 2026, the United States Supreme Court unanimously decided that the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibited a prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) of an unlawful user of marijuana who simply possessed a firearm in his home in the case of United States v. Hemani, 608 U.S. ____...
Second Amendment Case Law Update: United States v. Hemani Continue reading…What to Know if You’re Arrested for CPW 2 When Driving Through NY
By: Michael J. McConnell, NY Criminal Defense Lawyer If you’ve been arrested for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree under Penal Law Section 265.03(3) while visiting New York, it’s important to know that you’re charged with a Class C Violent Felony that is punishable by at...
What to Know if You’re Arrested for CPW 2 When Driving Through NY Continue reading…Building a Strong Defense from Day One
By: Michael J. McConnell, NY Criminal Defense Attorney When someone hires me right after being arrested, my job begins immediately. The first step is to meet with the client (often as soon as possible after the arrest) to explain exactly what they’re charged with, what those charges mean, and...
Building a Strong Defense from Day One Continue reading…Fighting Confirmation Bias in a Criminal Case
By: Michael J. McConnell, NY Criminal Defense Attorney When police or prosecutors decide someone is guilty, they often start looking only for facts that fit that idea. This is called confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is something that impacts all of us. We’re human after all. But...
Fighting Confirmation Bias in a Criminal Case Continue reading…Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before an Arrest
By: Michael J. McConnell, New York Criminal Defense Attorney and Owner of the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell Getting a call from a detective with the NYPD or having someone from the NYPD warrants squad banging on your door can be startling. You might not be sure what...
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before an Arrest Continue reading…Lying Witnesses: A Dangerous Threat to Justice in Criminal Cases
By: Michael J. McConnell, Criminal Defense Attorney Dedicated to Fighting for the Wrongfully Accused in NYC and the Surrounding Areas Few things are more dangerous to the integrity of our criminal justice system than lying witnesses. False testimony — whether it’s subtle or bold, intentional or misguided — has...
Lying Witnesses: A Dangerous Threat to Justice in Criminal Cases Continue reading…Lying Witnesses: A Dangerous Threat to Justice in Criminal Cases
By: Michael J. McConnell, Criminal Defense Attorney Dedicated to Fighting for the Wrongfully Accused in NYC and the Surrounding Areas Few things are more dangerous to the integrity of our criminal justice system than lying witnesses. False testimony — whether it’s subtle or bold, intentional or misguided — has...
Lying Witnesses: A Dangerous Threat to Justice in Criminal Cases Continue reading…Why You Shouldn’t Talk to the Cops if You’re Arrested
By: Michael J. McConnell, Criminal Defense Attorney in New York Getting arrested is often a scary experience. It is normal to feel nervous, confused, and maybe even angry. Human nature in that situation is to want to explain yourself. To tell the police your side of the story. Maybe...
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