The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnellThe Law Office of Michael J. McConnellThe Law Office of Michael J. McConnell

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnellThe Law Office of Michael J. McConnellThe Law Office of Michael J. McConnell
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    • Home
    • About
    • Criminal Defense
    • Practice Areas
      • Assault
      • Desk Appearance Tickets
      • Drug Crimes
      • DWI
      • Felony Charges
      • Forcible Touching
      • Grand Larceny
      • Gun Charges
      • Personal Injury
      • Protest Arrests
      • Reckless Endangerment
      • Resisting Arrest
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      • Self Defense
      • Shoplifting
      • Trespass
      • Violent Felonies
      • Weapons Possession
      • Workers' Compensation
    • Contact
    • Blog
  • Home
  • About
  • Criminal Defense
  • Practice Areas
    • Assault
    • Desk Appearance Tickets
    • Drug Crimes
    • DWI
    • Felony Charges
    • Forcible Touching
    • Grand Larceny
    • Gun Charges
    • Personal Injury
    • Protest Arrests
    • Reckless Endangerment
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Robbery
    • Self Defense
    • Shoplifting
    • Trespass
    • Violent Felonies
    • Weapons Possession
    • Workers' Compensation
  • Contact
  • Blog

Yonkers Criminal Defense Lawyer

Arrested in Yonkers? Call Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. McConnell Right Now.

If you’ve been arrested in Yonkers or contacted by the police to “come in and talk,” the time to speak with a criminal defense attorney for a free consultation is right now. 

Not tomorrow. Not months from now. Right now. 


Call (914) 810-0510 to request your free consultation. Too much is at stake to wait. 


It’s late at night or a holiday? We answer 24/7, including all holidays. 


Not sure if you can afford a lawyer? The first consultation is free, so there’s no downside to calling. Let’s see if we can make it work. 


The charges are serious and you’re worried about being judged? I promise to meet you with nonjudgment and compassion. No matter what you’re accused of, it’s my job to help good people just like you who find themselves in a tough situation. 


The criminal justice process moves fast after an arrest. You need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Yonkers who will protect your rights from day one. 


Someone who is 100% on your side from the start.


Someone who is going to push back against police and prosecutors who all too often rush to judgment. 


And someone who is relentlessly focused on protecting your future. 


If you hire me, you’ll get a dedicated local criminal defense lawyer who will:


· meet you with nonjudgment


· give you clear and direct answers


· and be thoroughly prepared to fight for you


I’m also a former prosecutor, so I know how the other side works, which allows me to see the case from all angles and find key weaknesses in their case. 


So here’s the deal: if you or a loved one is facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges in Yonkers, just give me a call. The sooner I’m on the case, the easier it is for me to help you. 


No matter what you’re up against, you deserve a strong defense. Let’s build one together starting right now. 

Free Consultation with Yonkers Criminal Lawyer

Understanding the Difference Between Misdemeanor and a Felony Charges in Yonkers, NY

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’s less serious than a felony. It can still lead to jail (up to 364 days in jail), probation, fines, and a criminal record. 


Felony


A felony is a very serious crime. It can lead to a year or more 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


Regardless of the type of charge you’re facing, it’s always a serious matter. You need a strong criminal defense lawyer to help you understand what could happen and how to protect yourself.

Types of Felony and Misdemeanor Cases I Handle

I defend clients charged with both felonies and misdemeanors, including offenses such as:


· Assault (all degrees – from bar fights to stabbings and everything in between)

· Burglary 

· Criminal Contempt (violation of an order of protection)

· Criminal Obstruction of Breathing

· Criminal Possession of a Weapon (gun possession and other dangerous instruments)

· Criminal Mischief

· Domestic Violence Offenses

· Drug Crimes (controlled substances and narcotics offenses) 

· DWI

· Endangering the Welfare of a Child

· Falsely Reporting an Incident

· Forcible Touching 

· Fraud

· Gang Assault

· Grand Larceny (stealing something over $1,000)

· Harassment 

· Menacing (usually from threatening someone with a weapon)

· Patronizing

· Petit Larceny

· Obstructing Governmental Administration

· Resisting Arrest

· Robbery

· Stalking

· Strangulation

· Unlawful Surveillance

· Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle


Regardless of what you’re charged with, you deserve a strong defense. As a former prosecutor, I have experience handling these types of cases on both sides. This allows me to see a case from all angles and build a strategic defense from the start. 


So if you’ve been charged with any type of crime in Yonkers from a misdemeanor to a serious violent felony, you can call me at (914) 810-0510 to request a free and confidential consultation. 

My Core Values & What My Clients Can Expect

There are three foundational principles at the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell:


#1. Non-Judgment: No matter what you’re accused of, you deserve respect, dignity, and someone on your side. I do not judge my clients. Period. I’ll meet you with compassion from the moment you first speak with me. I’m always on your side. 


#2. Clear and Direct Communication: I’ll always make sure that you know what is happening, what is coming next, what your options are, and what the strategy is. No guessing. No confusion. No trying to figure it all out on your own. You’ll hear from me a lot. We’re in this together. 


3. Thorough Preparation: I prepare from day one as if your case is going to trial. While many cases resolve before trial, being prepared throughout ensures we are ready to go when we need to. It also gives us leverage to seek a better deal from the prosecutor when they know we’re prepared to take it all the way if necessary.  

See What My Clients Are Saying

The Benefit of Hiring a Former Prosecutor as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

My prosecutorial experience as a former assistant district attorney is a major advantage for me now that I’m a criminal defense attorney. Here’s why:


· I understand how prosecutors review cases, which helps me gameplan for their next moves in court. 

· I know how prosecutors think, including what weaknesses they might worry about in their case and what things matter to them when deciding whether to offer a favorable plea deal. 

· I know how they try to downplay or sometimes hide the weaknesses in their cases, including in cases that appear to look strong on paper. 

All of this allows me to:

· Speak their language when negotiating

· Anticipate their strategy

· Challenge the case from angles others may miss


Having knowledge of how your adversary does things is beneficial in virtually every endeavor, but especially in a courtroom. The skills, training, and experience that I gained as a prosecutor make a big difference for the people that count on me to represent them when they have so much on the line. 

Attorney Bio

A Simple Breakdown of How the Criminal Justice Process Works in New York

The criminal system can feel overwhelming. Here’s a very basic outline of the different stages of a case:


Arrest: Police take you into custody based on someone accusing you of committing a crime. Don’t speak to police after arrest. Anything you say can be used against you. You have a right to remain silent. Use it. 


Arraignment: This is the first court appearance. You go in front of a judge and are told what you are charged with. Bail or release conditions are set. 


For most non-violent offenses, you’ll be released on your own recognizance (ROR), especially if it’s your first ever arrest. This means you’ll walk out of court and come back on your own for the next court date.


For more serious offenses (such as violent felonies), you might have bail set or be remanded. Depending on a number of factors, including the exact charge and your criminal record, bail could be set really high or relatively low. If you’re remanded or bail is set so high that you cannot pay it, you’ll be in custody while your case continues. 


Pre-Indictment and Preliminary Hearings (Felonies Only): This is a very critical window. Evidence can be challenged at what is called a “preliminary hearing.” The purpose of the hearing is for a judge to determine whether there is enough evidence to have “reasonable cause” that you committed a felony. While this is a very low standard compared to what is required at trial (“proof beyond reasonable doubt”), the hearing can be a great opportunity for a skilled criminal defense lawyer to pin down witness testimony early and expose weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. Sometimes charges can be reduced or even dismissed at this stage. In other cases, this stage can be a very good time for plea negotiations as well if you’re seeking a favorable deal. 


Grand Jury (Felony Cases): A group of citizens decides whether there is enough evidence to indict you for a felony offense. The standard is low (“reasonable cause”), so it doesn’t take much to get an indictment. If you’re indicted, your case will be transferred from Yonkers City Court to Westchester County Court in White Plains. 


Discovery, Motion Practice, and Hearings: New York’s current discovery laws require prosecutors to turn over evidence a lot earlier than before. This may include key items like:


· Body-camera footage from the Yonkers Police Department

· Witness statements 

· Police paperwork

· Lab reports

· Medical records

· Search warrants

· Video surveillance footage


A knowledgeable defense attorney will also consider filing motions, which are essentially written legal arguments made to the judge. 


Typical motions might include arguments challenging the validity of the stop, the arrest, the search, the collection of certain evidence, the voluntariness of any statements you made to police, and much more. 


After the judge makes a decision on the motions filed, there may be certain hearings ordered. 


For example, if there are factual disputes regarding how the search went down that recovered a firearm, there might be a hearing ordered on whether such evidence should be suppressed as a result of unlawful police conduct. 


These hearings can be really critical because if certain evidence gets suppressed (i.e., “thrown out”), the prosecutor might no longer have much of a case. 


Negotiations with the DA’s Office: It is almost always best practice for a criminal defense attorney to have early and consistent contact with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office throughout the life of a case. 


Sometimes talking with prosecutors can lead to: 


· A dismissal

· A reduced charge

· Diversion (only applies in limited situations)

· A plea offer


If both sides reach a resolution that works for everyone, that’s great. However, whether to take a plea deal or not is always the client’s decision. 


The key is that a good criminal defense lawyer will always make sure the client is fully informed of their options, the strength of the case, the consequences of plea, the risks of going to trial, and much more. 


Trial: If the case proceeds and the prosecutor doesn’t offer you a deal that you find acceptable, there will be a trial. 


You have a right to a trial by a jury of your peers. They will be tasked with deciding whether the prosecutor has enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt or not. 

The jury’s choices in a criminal case are therefore: 1) Guilty; or 2) Not Guilty. 


In other words, a trial is not about proving innocence. The burden of proof is entirely on the prosecution. In order to convict you, they must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard of proof in our legal system. 


Sentencing: If convicted or if you plead guilty at any point, the judge decides your sentence. 

In some cases, jail or prison could be the sentence. In others, something like probation or some other condition might be appropriate. 


A lot goes into sentencing, but factors that matter most are usually the type of crime you were convicted of as well as your prior criminal record. 


A thorough criminal defense attorney will diligently prepare for sentencing and advocate for a lower sentence by providing mitigating information to the judge where possible. 

Common Charges in Yonkers and How to Defend Against Them

Below are some of the most common criminal offenses in Yonkers and elsewhere in Westchester County. 


Remember: this is not legal advice. It is only general guidance. Every case is unique, so be sure to speak privately with a qualified criminal defense attorney about your case. 


Assault Charges in Yonkers, NY


Assault charges in New York range from Assault in the Third Degree (which is a “Class A misdemeanor”) to Assault in the First Degree (which is a “Class B violent felony). Here is a brief explanation of the different degrees of assault under the New York Penal Law. 


Assault in the 3rd Degree under Penal Law Section 120.00: This is a “Class A misdemeanor” punishable by up to 364 days in jail. It is generally charged for routine fights such as fist fights and bar fights. It’s also commonly charged for domestic violence incidents. 


Here’s what the prosecutor must prove if you’re charged with Assault 3 in Yonkers: 


· Requires proof of physical injury (this means more than just minor discomfort)

· Intent; recklessness; or criminal negligence (with a weapon)


Common defenses:


· Self-defense

· Lack of intent

· No physical injury

· False accusation

· Mistaken identity 


If you’ve been charged with Assault 3 following an arrest from a bar fight in Westchester County or some similar type of incident, there is a lot that a proactive criminal defense attorney can do from the start to build the strongest possible defense. 


Assault in the Second Degree under Penal Law Section 120.05: This is a “Class D violent felony” punishable between 2 to 7 years in prison if convicted. The minimum sentence can increase beyond 2 years depending on your prior felony record. 


Assault 2 is often charged when one or more of the following applies:


· There’s a serious injury

· A weapon is used

· A victim is part of a protected class (police, healthcare worker, bus driver, etc.)


Key defense considerations include:


· Whether injuries qualify as “serious” 

· Whether force used was in self-defense

· Whether a weapon was actually used

· Whether the allegations are exaggerated or simply false


Assault in the First Degree under Penal Law Section 120.10: This is a “Class B violent felony” punishable between 5 to 25 years in prison if convicted. The minimum sentence can increase beyond 5 years depending on your prior felony record. 


There are several different ways Assault 1 can be charged, but the most common is when you’re accused of intentionally causing serious physical injury with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. 


Defense strategies may include challenging things like:


· Injury classification (was the injury serious?)

· Causation (was it your conduct that caused the injury?)

· Justification (does self-defense apply?)


As a prosecutor, I gained a tremendous amount of experience prosecuting assault cases of all levels. I’ve successfully used that insight to craft proactive defense strategies for clients accused of assault, which has led to a number of favorable outcomes, including dismissals. 


So if you’re looking for a New York criminal defense lawyer for an assault charge, you’re in the right place. Give me a call today.  


Criminal Possession of a Weapon (CPW) and Gun Possession Charges 


If you unlawfully possess certain weapons like knives or guns, the charge you’ll likely face is Criminal Possession of a Weapon (CPW). 


Weapons charges (especially those involving firearms) are taken seriously very seriously in Westchester County as well as the rest of New York. 


If you face these charges, the Westchester DA’s Office is likely to aggressively prosecute the case even if it is your first ever arrest because of broader public policy concerns about gun violence and trying to deter others from possessing firearms unlawfully. 


A charge for CPW can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on things like what type of weapon was used, whether you have a prior criminal record, and/or what you’re alleged to have done with the weapon. 


There are four degrees of CPW in New York:


· CPW 4th Degree under PL § 265.01: Misdemeanor most often charged when you unlawfully possess certain prohibited weapons like a stun gun, switchblade knife, or other dangerous instruments. 


· CPW 3rd Degree under PL § 265.02: Felony typically charged when you unlawfully have certain prohibited firearms, or have prior convictions and commit some other offense involving a weapon. 


· CPW 2nd Degree under PL § 265.03: Felony usually charged when you’re caught with a loaded gun outside your home or business without a proper license or permit.


· CPW 1st Degree under PL § 265.04: Felony involving either: 1) possession of explosive substances with the intent to use them unlawfully against another person or property; or 2) possession of 10 or more firearms. 


Common CPW defenses might include:


· Illegal stop or search

· No proof of possession

· Absence of knowledge

· Chain of custody issues

· Lack of operability


Gun cases and other weapons cases are a lot more complex than you might think. What might seem like a straightforward possession case can get really complicated. A thorough defense lawyer with experience handling gun possession cases on both sides of the courtroom will carefully examine all of the facts and evidence to identify the strongest possible defense for your case. 


Robbery Charges 


Robbery involves forcible stealing. There are three different degrees of robbery in New York – all of which are felonies. 


Robbery in the 3rd Degree under PL § 160.05: This is a “Class D felony” that occurs when you “forcibly steal property.” This is the most basic robbery charge and doesn’t require that you use a weapon or cause any type of injury. For example, if you rob someone with your bare hands (e.g., pushing someone and snatching their purse), you’ll probably face this charge. 


Robbery in the 2nd Degree under PL § 160.10: This is a “Class C violent felony” that can occur a few different ways, but it’s most commonly charged when you’re accused of “forcibly stealing property” and “in the course of the commission of the crime or the immediate flight therefrom” you either: 


· Cause physical injury to non-participant in the crime (usually the alleged victim of the robbery); or

· Display what appears to be a firearm; or

· Are aided in the robbery by someone else who is “actually present” with you. 


Robbery in the 2nd Degree is a serious charge even if this is your first ever arrest. 


For example, even if you have no prior criminal record, if you’re convicted of Rob 2, you face mandatory prison time. The absolute minimum a judge could sentence you to is 3.5 years. The maximum is 15 years. 


If you have a prior felony record, your sentence could be much higher. For example, if you’re classified as a non-violent predicate felon, the minimum sentence jumps to 5 years. If you’re classified as a violent predicate felon, the minimum sentence jumps to 7 years. 


So if you’re charged with Second Degree Robbery in Yonkers, you need to move fast to protect your rights by immediately calling a trusted criminal defense attorney for a free consultation who can help you understand your options. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the more we can usually help you. 


Robbery in the 1st Degree under PL § 160.15: This is a “Class B Violent Felony” that usually is charged when you forcibly steal property and in the course of the crime or the flight from it you either: 


· Cause “serious physical injury” to a non-participant 

· Were “armed with a deadly weapon”

· Used or threatened the immediate use of a dangerous instrument

· Or displayed a firearm (an affirmative defense to this is if such firearm was not a loaded weapon from which a shot could be discharged capable of causing death or serious physical)


First Degree Robbery in New York is obviously a very serious offense. Upon conviction, even a first-time offender faces between 5 to 25 years. A non-violent predicate felon faces a minimum of 8, and a violent predicate felon faces a minimum of 10. 


Criminal Contempt (Violating an Order of Protection)


Criminal contempt is most often charged when someone violates an “Order of Protection” or what some people might call a “restraining order.” 


These orders of protection are typically issued in both criminal cases and family court settings. They will often prohibit you from even speaking to or going anywhere near the protected party. 


If you disobey an order of protection, you could be charged with criminal contempt. And depending on the facts, you could be charged with misdemeanor contempt (PL § 215.50) or felony contempt (PL § 215.51 or 215.52). 


This charge is most common in domestic violence cases, but it can also be charged in other types of cases as well. 


It doesn’t take much to commit criminal contempt. For example, if you were charged with Assault in the 3rd Degree in Yonkers City Court for a domestic violence incident and the judge issued a “full stay away” temporary order of protection (“TOP”), that means you cannot contact the alleged victim at all. If you do, even if just texting them to say “hello” or “sorry,” you can get hit with new charges for criminal contempt. 


If you were arrested in Yonkers for violating an order of protection and charged with criminal contempt, you should immediately contact a local criminal defense lawyer for a free case evaluation. 


Some of the things a lawyer will explore for you include:


· Whether the order was clear

· Whether there was actual contact

· Whether conduct was intentional versus accidental 


These cases can move really quick and it is not uncommon for prosecutors to treat them very seriously, especially in DV cases. So don’t wait to get help. Call (914) 810-0510 right now to speak with me about your case. 


Other Common Charges


Strangulation (PL § 121.12 and 121.13) and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing (PL § 121.11): Medical proof is critical. Injury level often determines charge severity. These charges are most common in Yonkers domestic violence cases. Strangulation is a felony; criminal obstruction of breathing is a misdemeanor. 


Grand Larceny and Petit Larceny (PL Article 155): Intent and value matter. Surveillance and statements are often the core evidence. Grand larceny is a felony (PL § 155.30, 155.35, 155.40, and 155.42); petit larceny (PL § 155.25) is a misdemeanor. If you steal something valued over $1,000, you’ll likely be charged with grand larceny. 


Resisting Arrest (PL § 205.30) and Obstructing Governmental Administration (PL § 195.05): Both are misdemeanors. The Yonkers Police Department may charge these crimes when officers allege you didn’t comply with their orders, including during an arrest. As a former prosecutor turned criminal defense lawyer, I know these charges are often baseless and police throughout New York routinely use them to justify their own misconduct, including excessive force. For that reason, these charges should always be looked at skeptically. 


Menacing (PL § 120.15, 120.14, and 120.13): Can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the degree that is charged. In these cases, context really matters. It’s typically charged when someone says you threatened them, so challenging the reliability and credibility of the alleged victim is critical. 


Forcible Touching (PL § 130.52) and Other Sex Offenses (PL Article 130): These cases are always treated very seriously by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony sex crime in Yonkers, you have a lot at stake – including your freedom and your reputation. These cases are often word-against-word. Evidence review and credibility challenges can be key. As a former prosecutor and now as a criminal defense lawyer, I know that these cases require a lot of up-front work on both sides. In other words, a good criminal defense lawyer will always conduct their own independent investigation into the facts as soon as they get the case. You cannot afford to sit back and wait for the prosecutor’s version of events. 


DWI and DWAI (VTL § 1192): A Yonkers DWI lawyer can challenge everything from testing, procedure, and whether there was a lawful basis to pull you over in the first place. 

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Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Hire a Lawyer

Waiting or procrastinating is almost never a wise thing to do, particularly when you’re facing criminal charges where things move fast and you can suffer great harm if your rights aren’t protected early enough. 


Especially if you haven’t yet been arrested yet but know that you are under investigation or have been asked by the Yonkers Police Department to “come down and talk to us so that we can get your side,” it can really make a difference if you contact a lawyer before an arrest is made.


When I’m involved early, I can:


· Protect your rights before you talk to police (i.e., your right to remain silent and right to counsel)


· Conduct my own independent investigation into the facts instead of getting stuck with law enforcement’s version of events


· Challenge improper evidence collection


· Prepare a strong argument for release at arraignment (ROR) or lower bail in the event the charge is bail eligible


· Send letters of preservation for critical exculpatory evidence such as video footage that might help you


· Prepare a mitigation packet early if necessary


· Negotiate with prosecutors pre-indictment when we’ll likely have more options to work out a favorable plea deal if appropriate 


· Begin preparing for trial from day one by coming up with a strong defense tailored to the unique facts of your case


In my experience, I find that many people hesitate to speak with a lawyer when they’re facing criminal charges for one or more of the following reasons:


1. They’re just unsure what to do;


2. They have a false sense of trust that the police and prosecutors will see through a false allegation; 


3. They’re afraid of being judged (i.e., they find it embarrassing to tell another person – i.e., a lawyer – about what they’re accused of); 


4. They’re not sure if they can afford it; or


5. They’re under the impression that their case is hopeless and that they have no choice but to plead guilty. 


If you find yourself in one (or more) of those categories, I want you to know that when you call me, you’ll speak with an attorney who will:


1. Give you clear and direct answers on the process, what you’re facing, and what the next steps are;


2. Explain why police and prosecutors might have jumped to conclusions and what we can do about it now; 


3. Treat you with the utmost respect, dignity, and compassion. Whatever you’re accused of, I’ll never judge you. Sometimes people are falsely accused of heinous things. Other times people make a one-time mistake. And yet other times there are just good people who were going through something difficult who made a series of bad decisions. Whatever you’re accused of, you deserve a strong defense from someone who cares. I’ll make clear to you that I’m not here to judge. I’m here to help you. 


4. If you’re not sure whether you can afford a private criminal defense attorney, why not call to find out? The first consultation is always free, so there’s no harm in calling. And look, I absolutely love what I do. I love helping people. Yes, it’s going to cost money. (After all, I do need to keep the office lights on.) But let’s see if we can try to make it work. Each case and client is different. I don’t use a “cookie cutter” fee structure, and we can explore all options if we are the right fit for each other. 


5. It is rare that a case is totally hopeless. You made a confession? Maybe there’s an argument it was involuntary or in violation of your Miranda rights. Incident is on video? Maybe it doesn’t capture the whole incident or there is missing context to what happened. Multiple witnesses against you? Maybe there are reasons to question their reliability. Plus, even if the prosecutor truly does have a strong case, perhaps we can pursue mitigation opportunities that reduce your level of culpability or help show the prosecutor that you’re deserving of a second chance. The bottom line is that you have options, even when you think you don’t. 


Regardless of what stage your case is at now – whether you haven’t been arrested yet, were just arrested yesterday, were just indicted, or are scheduled for trial – I encourage you to give me a call. I’ll speak with you as long as you need to understand your options and how I can help. 


I’m ready to fight for you, but I can’t start doing that until you pick up the phone. Don’t wait. Call (914) 810-0510 today. 

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

 In Yonkers and Westchester County in general, the cost for a criminal defense lawyer can vary significantly based on a number of factors as outlined below. Every attorney will have their own fee structure, so to find out what it will cost for your case you’ll really just need to pick up the phone and call. 


Fees vary based on things such as:


· The charges (there’s a big difference between a non-violent misdemeanor and a serious violent felony)


· The amount of work anticipated (e.g., a case with voluminous discovery or complex motion practice will typically cost a lot more)


· Whether the case is likely to go to trial 


Typical ranges in the Yonkers area:


  • Misdemeanors: A few thousand dollars
  • Felonies: Several thousand to significantly more
  • Serious, violent, or complex cases: Fees may be double or triple depending on the scope of the expected litigation


The reality is that hiring a private criminal defense lawyer costs money. Just think about what is at stake in these cases and the amount of work that goes into each case. 


Especially if you want good legal representation where the attorney is doing everything in their power to represent you, this is not something that comes cheap. 


It’s not just showing up for court appearances. It’s hours of discovery review, client strategy sessions, negotiating with the prosecutor, performing legal research, writing motions to dismiss the case or suppress evidence, preparing for hearings and trial, and much more. When you start doing the math a bit (i.e., the amount of time spent multiplied by even a low hypothetical hourly rate), you can see why it simply costs what it costs. 


Look, I really love being a criminal defense lawyer and all that comes with it. The one thing I hate? Talking about money. 


I wish I could do this for free as what draws me to this line of work is the ability to help real people, not the paycheck. (After all, there are far more lucrative legal jobs like working for big corporations who will pay attorneys top dollar to prey on the powerless.) But in order to help people, I need to be able to keep the lights on. 


When you call me for your free consultation, we are going to have to talk about money. I might not like talking about it. You might not like talking about it. But we will, of course, need to talk about it. 


What I will give you is a clear, straightforward, and transparent answer on cost. If you’re going to be paying for legal services, the last thing you want are surprise bills later on. If I take on your case, you’ll get an engagement letter that clearly outlines the cost and scope of the representation. If you have any questions, I’ll answer every single one of them. 


A common question I get is, “do you offer payment plans?” The answer is yes, but only for certain qualified cases and qualified clients. In those situations, someone will typically pay an initial deposit to be followed by an agreed upon payment plan. 


I cannot offer that in every case, and it typically can only be offered if I’m hired early in the case. And ultimately if you cannot afford private counsel, you’ll have a public defender assigned to represent you by the court at zero cost to you as the constitution gives you a right to counsel regardless of your ability to pay.


But if you’re looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer near Yonkers, you can contact my office right now to request a free and confidential consultation where I’ll provide you with a personalized fee proposal for legal representation. 

Speak with a Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

You don’t have to go through this alone. You don’t have to guess what comes next. 


I know it feels like the whole system is against you. It feels like everyone has rushed to judgment and made up their minds. 


I understand what you’re going through and I know how to fight back. I’m always on your side and am ready to stand up for you. 


If you’re ready to take the next step, give me a call right now. Let’s build a strong defense from day one. 


Page last updated: 11/27/25

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Frequently Asked Questions After an Arrest in Yonkers, NY

Here are some of the most common questions people have after they've been contacted or arrested by the Yonkers Police Department. 

It is generally advised that you don’t speak to the police or try to explain your side. Call a lawyer immediately. You have a right to remain silent, and your silence cannot be used against you. If you talk to the cops, your words can be used against you, including in ways that you wouldn’t think possible. Even things that you think might help you will be twisted and turned against you. Never talk to the cops without speaking to a lawyer first.  


Misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in jail. Felonies carry more than 1 year and sometimes many years of potential prison exposure. Felonies also have more serious long-term consequences.


It depends on the charge, your record, and the evidence. Many misdemeanors and non-violent felonies can resolve without jail, especially for first time offenders. More serious crimes like violent felonies sometimes carry mandatory prison time upon conviction. But even misdemeanors and non-violent felonies can result in jail or prison time depending on what you’re accused of and your prior criminal record. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand what you’re potentially facing as well as what is most realistic in your situation based on experience. 


The bail laws in New York are complex and have been the subject of significant change in recent years. Some offenses are eligible for monetary bail, others are not. The judge decides based on several factors. A qualified criminal defense attorney can make a big difference at this stage by coming to arraignment thoroughly prepared with strong arguments asking for a client’s release.  


Call my office or submit a short contact form by clicking here. The consultation is free and confidential. You can call 24/7 to schedule your consultation. If scheduled in advance, we can do the consultation by phone, video call, or in person at my office. 


Sometimes cases can be dismissed in Yonkers City Court when there is a lack of evidence or procedural issues, including those related to CPL § 30.30’s requirements for a speedy trial. A knowledgeable defense attorney will be able to spot the types of issues that could get your case dismissed. 


Some cases end quickly. Others take months or longer. Some might even take a year, or two, or even more. Timing depends on the type of charge, motions, evidence, the progress of plea negotiations, and so much more. Speaking with a lawyer about your individual case in a confidential and private setting will often help you get a better idea, so don’t hesitate to make that call. 


 That happens often. This is why I never rely on what is said in police reports. I simply don’t trust the police to do a fair, thorough, and unbiased investigation. I conduct my own investigation in each case so that we can challenge the narrative being claimed by law enforcement.  


Possibly. Criminal cases can have a number of “collateral consequences” which can include issues related to immigration, employment, and professional licensing. Early action helps protect your future. Even a misdemeanor conviction can lead to a criminal record, so don’t make the mistake of thinking any criminal charge isn’t serious. Aggressively fighting criminal charges is what I do every day for my clients, because I know and care about what is at stake for their future. 


Yonkers City Court is located at 100 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. 


If you plan to drive to your court appearance, there is parking lot on site where you can pay to park as well as metered street parking nearby. The parking lot is very tight with small spaces, so be sure to arrive early as finding a spot in that lot can often be very difficult – especially if you have a larger SUV. 


If you plan to use public transit to get to your next court appearance at Yonkers City Court, you can also get there by using the Metro-North train and the Bee-Line bus system. 


If you need to contact Yonkers City Court for any reason, including to find out or confirm your next court date, there are several phone numbers you can call:


· The Main Phone Number for Yonkers City Court is (914) 831-6450.

· For criminal matters, there is a dedicated phone number, which is (914) 831-6930.

· For traffic matters, the dedicated phone number is (914) 831-6910. 


Yonkers City Court is generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM except for certain holidays. 


It is also important that you appear on the date and time specified for your next court date. If you fail to appear, a bench warrant can be ordered for your arrest.


If you have an upcoming court date in Yonkers City Court for a criminal matter and are seeking legal representation, you can call the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell at (914) 810-0510 for a free consultation.  


 New York allows record sealing in certain cases. Call to see if you qualify. 


Almost always the answer is absolutely not. Innocent people talk themselves into problems all the time. The things you tell the police that you think help you will be manipulated and used to make you look guilty. 


For example, let’s say the cops accuse you of robbery but have a weak case since the victim isn’t sure it was you. The cops bring you in to “tell your side of the story” and you tell them that you walked past the victim but didn’t rob them. 


Well, without your statement, they might not have even been able to prove you were in the same area as the victim let alone were the one who robbed him. Yet by your statement that you thought helped you, they now have an admission that puts you right at the scene of the crime. 


Will that be enough by itself to push the case beyond a reasonable doubt? Probably not – but guess what? It certainly didn’t help you. And in fact it might really hurt and make things a lot more difficult than they need to be. 


Why take an unnecessary risk like this? What do you gain? The answer is usually nothing. 


And if there is a rare situation where it makes sense to talk to the police, why not consult with a lawyer first to make sure and have them with you when you make the statement? 


Disclaimer

The content on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, be sure to contact an attorney to speak with them privately about your particular situation. As always, past results don't guarantee future outcomes.

Copyright © 2025 The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, Phone: (914) 810-0510, Address: 547 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 1D2, Ardsley, NY 10502 - All Rights Reserved. 

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