Yonkers Criminal Defense Attorney

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Bad things can happen to good people. Maybe you made a mistake. Maybe someone got it wrong. No matter what happened, you still deserve someone to listen, stand up for you, and fight for you. That’s where New York criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell comes in.

Michael J. McConnell is a local Westchester County criminal defense attorney near Yonkers who understands what is at stake when you’ve been arrested. He is a strong fighter and will zealously represent his clients – whether this is their first arrest or if they’ve been in trouble before. 

Don’t wait a second longer to speak with a lawyer. Get a free consultation right now by calling (914) 810-0510 or messaging us here. 

If you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Yonkers or in Westchester County, you’ve come to the right place. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is just a few minutes away from Yonkers at 547 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 1D2, Ardsley, NY 10502, which is on Route 9A and is in between the Saw Mill River Parkway and Interstate 87 (NY State Thruway). 

As a criminal defense attorney, Michael J. McConnell fights for the rights of people who’ve been accused of crimes. His experience as a former New York City prosecutor gives him a tremendous amount of knowledge of how the other side thinks and how they build cases. He knows what types of things can be persuasive in getting a prosecutor to offer a fair plea deal, reduce charges, or perhaps even dismiss the case entirely in some instances. He can therefore use that knowledge to the benefit of his clients in seeking a favorable outcome on their cases. 

In New York, there are two types of criminal offenses: misdemeanors and felonies. While there are key differences between them, they are both very serious – especially since both can give you a criminal record among other serious consequences. 

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is a crime, but it is less serious than a felony. It can still lead to jail (up to 364 days in jail), probation, fines, and a record. 

Felony

A felony is a very serious crime. It can lead to years in state prison and of course a criminal record. A felony conviction can really have serious consequences related to your employment, your future, and your freedom. 

Whether You’re Facing a Misdemeanor or a Felony, You Need a Strong Advocate

As mentioned above, regardless of the type of charge you are facing, it is always a serious matter. You need a good criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what could happen and how to protect yourself.

A qualified criminal defense attorney can help with both misdemeanors and felonies. These are the most common types of charges in New York: 

Misdemeanors:

Misdemeanors are crimes, but they are not as serious as felonies. Still, they can lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

• Assault in the Third Degree – like getting into a fight
• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)
• Petit Larceny – stealing something worth less than $1,000
• Criminal Mischief – damaging someone else’s property
• Drug Possession (Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance)  – small amounts of drugs or pills
• Trespassing – being somewhere you’re not allowed to be
• Menacing – making someone feel afraid
• Harassment – bothering or threatening someone

Felonies:

Felonies are more serious crimes. They can lead to longer prison time and more serious penalties.

• Robbery – taking something by force
• Burglary – breaking into a place to steal or commit a crime
• Grand Larceny – stealing something worth more than $1,000
• Drug Sales – selling illegal drugs
• Weapons Charges – having or using illegal guns
• Assault in the First or Second Degree – serious harm to another person, including with a weapon
• Gang Assault – group attacks

If police are asking questions, if you know you’re under investigation, or if you’ve just been arrested . . . Don’t wait. Call Michael J. McConnell right away: (914) 810-0510.  

Here’s how he can help from the start:

• Help you understand your rights 
• Talk to the police or prosecutor for you so you don’t say the wrong thing
• Try to stop charges before they are filed if possible 
• Appear in court with you, including at arraignment (first appearance before a      judge) as well as future court dates 
• Start building your defense early, while evidence is fresh
• File motions, including those to suppress evidence or even dismiss the case entirely 
• Prepare for trial from day one, so that the prosecutor knows we mean      business 
• Negotiate with the prosecutor and try to get a favorable plea deal if appropriate 
• Make legal arguments at hearings to ensure your right to due process      is protected
• Take the case all the way to trial if necessary 

Michael J. McConnell takes every case seriously—big or small. He doesn’t judge. Instead, he listens, he cares, and he fights. 

Here is a simple breakdown of how a criminal case works in New York: 

• Arrest
  • The police arrest you if they believe you committed a crime.
• Arraignment
  • This is your first court date. The judge tells you the charges and asks if you plead guilty or not guilty. 
• Pre-trial
  • We obtain discovery (documents and other evidence related to your case). We talk about possible plea deals. We file motions to protect your rights.
• Trial (if needed)
  • If we don’t reach a deal, we go to trial. The judge or jury will hear the case and decide whether the prosecution has enough evidence to prove their case beyond a       reasonable doubt. 
• Sentence
  • If you are found guilty or take a plea, the judge gives a sentence. That could mean jail, probation, community service, or other punishment.
• Dismissal
  • Some cases are dropped. We work hard to make that happen when possible. 

Not every case is the same. Some move fast. Others take time. Michael J. McConnell can walk you through every step and explain everything clearly.

Life is messy. People make mistakes. Sometimes people are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes people get accused of things they didn’t do. 

We never judge. We treat every client with care and respect. You are more than your charge. You are a person—with a story.

Before we talk to the prosecutor or go to court, Michael J. McConnell will always take time to learn about you:

• Your background
• Your family
• Your job
• Your mental health or addiction history (if any)
• Your goals

This helps us show the whole picture. It might allow us to tell the prosecutor and judge why you deserve another chance. Sometimes, knowing your story makes a big difference in how your case turns out.

We meet with you. We return your calls. We answer your questions. We help you feel ready for court. We fight for the best outcome—every time.

You are not just a number. You are a person who really matters. And we treat you like one.

Yes, hiring a private criminal defense lawyer costs money. It’s not a fun subject to talk about, but we believe it is important to be open, honest, and up front about the fact that it will cost you money to hire a criminal defense attorney if you choose to do so.  

Look, there’s a lot at stake in a criminal case. These cases are always serious, which is why a good criminal defense lawyer will need to put a lot of time, energy, and effort into any given case. Taking on a case is a big commitment – for both the lawyer and the client. There’s no doubt about it. 

With that said, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell will always try to keep things fair and simple. It’s not easy talking about money, but if we are thinking about taking your case, we are going to have to talk about it. 

The good news is that you can get a free consultation, at which point we might be able to discuss a fee amount with you based on the facts of the case. Some of the factors that can influence cost include the seriousness of the charges and the expected amount of work the case will require. 

As a general matter, for most cases we typically like to charge a flat fee. That means one set price so you know what to expect – since we know almost nothing is worse than getting an unexpected bill. Depending on the case, we can sometimes offer a payment plan to help you pay the fee over time. 

With that said, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so each case might be a bit different. We will talk with you during your free consultation and explain all your options.

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is an important decision. Here are a few reasons to consider Michael J. McConnell: 

• Local – Westchester County office located near Yonkers just a short drive away. We      are just minutes away from several local courthouses. 
• Easy to Reach – Free parking. Located on Route 9A in between the Saw Mill River Parkway and I-87 (New York State Thruway). Bus-accessible.
• Experienced – Former prosecutor with criminal jury trial experience. 
• Understanding – More than anything else, Michael J. McConnell cares about his clients. He listens without judgment.
• Honest – Because you want a lawyer to tell you the truth, not just what you want      to hear.
• Fighter – There’s nothing you deserve more than a criminal defense attorney      willing to go the distance for you. 

Don’t wait. The sooner you call, the more we can help. In fact, even if you're not arrested yet—if you think something might happen—call us now.

Let us explain what we can do. The call is free. Your future is worth it.

📞 (914) 810-0510
📍 547 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 1D2, Ardsley, NY 10502
🕐Flexible Appointments | 🚗 Free Parking | 🚌Near Bus Line

You deserve someone who believes in you. Someone who will stand by you and fight for you. That’s what we do. Every day.

We know that getting arrested and charged with a crime is scary. That’s why we start with a free consultation. You can talk to us about what’s going on without paying a penny. We’ll explain your rights, your options, and how we can help.