Call 24/7 to Speak with a Local Criminal Defense Lawyer

Nothing turns your world upside down like an arrest. All it takes is one accusation—perhaps one that’s completely false. Next thing you know, you’re in handcuffs facing serious criminal charges in Yonkers City Court that seriously threaten your freedom and your future.

If you’re looking for a local criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor who is laser focused on going the distance for his clients and delivering real results, you’re in the right place.

When you hire Michael J. McConnell, you get a dedicated local criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor who understands what is at stake for his clients and is relentless is fighting to protect them.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is available to take your call 24/7 if you or someone you know has been arrested in Yonkers. All you have to do is call (914) 810-0510 for a free and confidential consultation.

Book Your Consultation Now

What types of criminal cases does your office handle?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell aggressively defends people in Yonkers and the surrounding area who are facing serious criminal charges such as gun possession, drug crimes, robbery, domestic violence offenses, sex crimes, assault, grand larceny, DWI, and more. 

We have successfully defended a wide range of clients from all walks of life from felony and misdemeanor charges. This includes individuals with prior felony convictions on their record to those who have been arrested for the first time, including college students, teachers, healthcare workers, and small business owners.

What makes Michael J. McConnell the right Yonkers criminal defense lawyer for you?

Clients who hire Michael J. McConnell are typically looking for an attorney with prior experience as a prosecutor who also has a strong reputation as a dedicated criminal defense lawyer of putting clients first through clear communication, transparent fee structures, and thorough preparation that is focused on delivering real results in court.

According to 5-Star Reviews on 5-star reviews on Google and other platforms like Yelp and Justia, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell has a strong and proven track record of delivering for his clients and coming up big when it matters most.

Among the top reasons clients have praised criminal defense attorney Michael J. McConnell include things such as his thorough and aggressive advocacy, highly proactive approach, professionalism and transparency, clear communication, fair prices, and prior experience as a prosecutor.

Call Now

How Much Does It Cost to Hire the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell for a Criminal Case in Yonkers, NY?

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we believe that hiring and paying for a criminal defense lawyer should always be clear, straightforward, and transparent.

While the exact cost of a case can vary based on its unique facts and complexities, we do our best to offer fair and affordable solutions for our services in the following ways.

First, we always provide you with a formal written agreement that outlines the scope of our representation and the cost in simple and clear language that is easy to understand.

Second, we offer flat fees on all misdemeanors and most felonies so that our clients know exactly what the case is going to cost from the start without having to worry about surprise bills.

Third, we can sometimes offer payment plans for certain qualifying cases and clients. In general, it is easier for us to accept payment plans when we are hired at the early stages of a criminal case in Yonkers (e.g., before turning yourself in, immediately after an arrest, or before your first court appearance on a “Desk Appearance Ticket” or “DAT”).

Fourth, we accept all of the common payment methods, including credit card, cash, check, Zelle, and more.

To learn more about how much it will cost to hire the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, you can call us 24/7 at (914) 810-0510 to request a free case evaluation.

What Should You Expect at a Free Consultation?

Calling a lawyer after an arrest can feel intimidating, but it is often the best thing to do.

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we will always meet you with compassion, non-judgment, and understanding from the second you first call us regardless of what you’re accused of.

During your free consultation, you will speak directly with criminal defense attorney Michael J. McConnell. This conversation will be private and confidential. He will listen you carefully and with compassion.

After learning about your unique situation, Michael J. McConnell will calmly and clearly help you understand the next steps in the process and how he can help.

If you decide you want to hire him to represent you, he will provide you with a transparent fee structure that will be detailed in writing so that you know exactly what your case will cost from day one

Most of our free consultations these days are done by phone, but we can also schedule them in person at our office if preferred.

Additionally, if you need to schedule the consultation for a weekend or at night due to your work schedule, class schedule, or other commitments, we are almost always able to accommodate that with ease.

After all, many of our clients in Yonkers and elsewhere are working professionals and parents, so we fully understand why you might prefer an 8 pm phone call rather than an in person meeting at 2 pm on a Wednesday.

Whatever you need, we can work with you. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to speak with a local criminal defense attorney when you most need it.

Sign Up for Your Free Consultation

What should I do if I’m contacted by the Yonkers Police Department?

It is always recommended that you contact a local criminal defense attorney immediately if you’re contacted by law enforcement in Yonkers, including by detectives with the special victims unit or the warrants squad.

You also should know that you have a right to remain silent and to have a lawyer. If you speak to detectives without seeking legal advice first, you risk having your words twisted against you in court to make you look guilty—even if you’re actually innocent. 

In fact, according to the nationally renowned Innocence Project, false confessions are a common cause of wrongful convictions. A big reason for this is police trickery and deception, which is why having a lawyer by your side before agreeing to speak to police or turn yourself in is critical.  

What happens after someone is arrested in Yonkers?

The cops will bring you back to the precinct for arrest processing (fingerprinting, mugshots, etc.). How things proceed from there can vary depending on what you’re accused of.

In some cases (generally misdemeanors), the Yonkers Police might give you a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”) that tells you to show up in court on a future date for your arraignment.

In other cases (particularly more serious felonies as well as various misdemeanors), you will be held in custody until your arraignment in Yonkers City Court, which typically happens within 24 hours.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell takes phone calls 24/7 and is generally available to cover an arraignment in Yonkers City Court if hired immediately after an arrest.

Call a Yonkers Criminal Defense Lawyer

What happens at your first appearance in Yonkers City Court and will the judge set bail?

The first appearance in Yonkers City Court located at 100 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701 is called an arraignment. This is when you will be informed of the charges you’re facing, and the judge will decide whether to release you or set bail. 

Whether the judge releases you on your own recognizance (ROR) or with conditions as opposed to setting bail will depend on several factors, including:

  • the exact charges you’re accused of
  • your prior criminal record and bench warrant history
  • and an overall assessment of your likelihood to return to court if released

Under CPL § 510.10, a defendant must usually be released from custody after arraignment unless the offense is considered a “qualifying offense” making it bail-eligible, which then gives the judge discretion to set bail.

For most misdemeanors and non-violent offenses in New York, a defendant is often released on their own recognizance (ROR) or with conditions, but there are exceptions. 

For more serious offenses—such as violent felonies and others listed in CPL § 510.10(4)—the judge might set bail or remand the defendant to custody. 

If bail is set, once it is paid you can be released. If you’re remanded, you will be in custody unless or until a judge finds there has been a change in circumstances to justify release or to set bail. 

One of the worst mistakes to make after an arrest is to assume that you or your loved one will be released. With so much at stake, it is important to reach out to an attorney before the case gets into court.

What happens next after an arraignment in Yonkers?

The next step after your arraignment in Yonkers City Court depends on whether your case is a felony or misdemeanor. 

If you’re charged with a felony, the case might be adjourned for a preliminary hearing (sometimes referred to as a “felony hearing”). 

If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, the case might be adjourned about a month or so for the prosecutor to turn over discovery (i.e., the evidence against you) to your lawyer or for other routine purposes. 

Here is a basic outline of the process in many criminal cases in Yonkers:

Pre-Indictment and Preliminary Hearings (Felony Only) 

This is a very critical window in a felony case. This hearing isn’t a trial, but it is a chance for your lawyer to start challenging the DA’s case. 

The purpose of the felony hearing is for the judge to decide whether there is “reasonable cause” that you committed a felony. This is a low standard compared to what is required at trial (“proof beyond a reasonable doubt”), but if the evidence is totally lacking it’s possible to get the charges dismissed or reduced to misdemeanor. 

Even if the judge finds “reasonable cause,” the hearing is a great opportunity for a skilled defense attorney to pin down witness testimony early and expose weaknesses in the case. For that reason, this pre-indictment stage is often a good opportunity to gain leverage for plea negotiations if you’re seeking a favorable deal. 

Grand Jury (Felony Only)

The purpose of the grand jury is for a group of citizens to decide whether there is enough evidence to indict you for a crime. The standard is very low (“reasonable cause”), so it doesn’t take much to get an indictment.

The grand jury is also a secret proceeding by design in New York. It is just the prosecutor, the grand jurors, and a court reporter. There is no judge present. Neither the defense attorney nor the defendant will be there—with the only exception being if the defendant chooses to testify, which is a major strategic decision that must be made carefully. (And even then, the defendant is only present during the time he or she testifies—not for the rest of the grand jury presentation.)

If you’re indicted, that means your case will proceed in Westchester County Court in White Plains.

It’s also important to know that a grand jury indictment doesn’t mean you’ve been found guilty. It’s simply a necessary step the prosecutor must take on a felony before they can even get to the trial stage.

With that said, an indictment is a sign that things might start moving very fast on a collision course towards trial, which makes it critical to have an attorney at this point who is truly on top of your case and communicating with you about what the expected next steps are. 

Discovery, Motion Practice, and Hearings

This pre-trial stage applies to both misdemeanors and felonies in New York. 

Discovery is when the Westchester DA’s Office sends your attorney the evidence against you, which might include things like:

  • Body camera footage from the Yonkers Police Department
  • 911 call recordings
  • Witness statements
  • Police paperwork
  • Lab reports and DNA results
  • Medical records
  • Search warrants
  • Video surveillance footage

Motion practice is where a defense attorney will file written legal arguments challenging things like the validity of the stop, the arrest, the collection of evidence, the voluntariness of any statements you made to the cops, suggestive identification procedures, and more. 

Pre-trial hearings might be ordered by the judge following motion practice to resolve certain issues before trial. 

Here are a few helpful examples of what these pre-trial hearings might address:

  • In a gun possession case, there might be a hearing on whether the police violated your 4th Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search of your vehicle. 
  • If you’re accused of an armed robbery, there might be a hearing on whether the alleged victim’s pre-arrest identification of you was tainted by unfair and suggestive procedures. 
  • If you’re accused of stabbing someone, there might be a hearing on whether your supposed “confession” to police was unlawfully obtained in violation of your Miranda rights.

These hearings can be really important because if certain evidence gets suppressed (i.e., “thrown out”), the DA might no longer have much of a case—which can sometimes lead to a dismissal.

Negotiations with the DA’s Office

It’s always best practice for a criminal defense attorney to have early and consistent contact with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office throughout the case. 

Sometimes talking with prosecutors early can lead to a dismissal, reduced charges, diversion (only applies in limited situations), or a favorable plea offer. 

If both sides reach a resolution that works for everyone, that’s great. However, whether to take a plea deal 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 the plea, the possible risks and rewards of going to trial, and much more. 

Trial

Criminal defendants have a constitutional right to a trial by a jury of their peers. However, it can often take anywhere between several months to one or more years for a criminal case to go to trial. 

At trial, the DA cannot convict you unless they have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—which is the highest standard in our legal system. 

At the conclusion of the trial, the jury will have two choices: 

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. If they don’t have enough evidence, the jury will be instructed to find you not guilty. 

Sentencing 

If you’re convicted at trial or if you plead guilty at any point, you will be sentenced by the judge. In some cases, jail or prison could be the sentence. In others, it could be probation or some other condition. 

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.

How likely am I to go to jail?

This is among the most common and important questions clients ask their lawyer, but every case is different and must be evaluated on its own terms. Only the attorney handling the case is in a position to evaluate something like this.

With that said, there are some general things to consider. For example:

  • Misdemeanors carry potential jail time (e.g., 364 days maximum for a Class A misdemeanor), but there is no mandatory minimum. This means that if you’re convicted of, say, Assault in the 3rd Degree under PL § 120.00, the judge has discretion to give you up to 364 days in jail or no jail at all—perhaps something like probation or some other condition. While judges will likely consider your prior criminal record when sentencing you on a misdemeanor, they are not required to impose jail time just because you have past convictions. 
  • Felony sentencing in New York is very complex. In some cases, a prison sentence is mandatory upon conviction even if this is someone’s first arrest (e.g., most violent felonies, certain sex offenses, and high-level narcotics charges). In other cases, it’s possible to avoid incarceration for a felony conviction such as certain non-violent offenses—particularly if you don’t have a prior record. The biggest concern for possible incarceration comes when someone has a prior felony conviction that makes them a predicate or “second felony offender” for sentencing purposes as New York’s sentencing laws significantly restrict plea bargaining in these situations, which often makes prison mandatory and for lengthier periods.

It’s vital to have an attorney who takes the time to explain to you how New York’s sentencing laws might apply to your particular case so that you can make fully informed choices about major decisions such as whether to go to trial versus taking a plea deal. 

What should I do if the cops found a loaded gun or drugs on me after an illegal stop and frisk in the City of Yonkers?

It is always important to have detailed conversations with your attorney from day one about what happened before, during, and after any stop and frisk that led to an arrest for possessing a firearm or narcotics. Here’s why:

If your 4th Amendments were violated by an illegal stop and frisk, your attorney can move to suppress that evidence. If the judge agrees, that evidence can be precluded at trial, which in effect could lead to a dismissal of your case. 

Michael J. McConnell regularly handles firearms and narcotics charges that result from both pedestrian and vehicle stops by police. From his experience as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense lawyer, he is very familiar with the tactics, tricks, and sometimes outright lies that cops use when conducting stops and frisks. 

For example, cops have been known to “tailor” their police reports and testimony to provide a basis for the stop and frisk that didn’t really exist. Some of the specific things that Michael J. McConnell will look for in these cases include:

  • Cops claiming they saw an “L-shaped bulge” from a distance and vantage point that would have made such an observation physically impossible. 
  • Officers asserting—contrary to their body worn camera footage—that they observed the driver of the vehicle making “furtive movements” that they then used to justify a search.
  • Cops claiming they pulled a car over for a traffic infraction that is clearly contradicted by other evidence—including sometimes nearby video surveillance. 

The bottom line is that it’s important to understand that even if Yonkers cops find something incriminating on you such as a loaded gun or cocaine, there are still ways to fight these cases by challenging how they found evidence. Having the right criminal defense attorney who is willing to carefully scrutinize every step the police took can make all the difference. 

Where is Yonkers City Court located and how can I contact the Court?

Yonkers City Court is located at 100 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. It is immediately across the street from St. Joseph’s Medical Center and a block away from Yonkers City Hall.

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 and several other parking garages in the vicinity. The onsite 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. The Yonkers train station is about a 10-15 minute walk from Yonkers City Court.

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.  

Want to Learn More About How We Can Help? Give Us a Call 24/7.

If you’ve read this far, the chances are good that you’re looking for a local criminal defense lawyer who will relentlessly fight for you or someone you really care about.

When you hire Michael J. McConnell, you get a local criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor who is client-focused, results-oriented, and absolutely relentless in going the distance for his clients. 

Whatever you’re charged with, you deserve strong legal representation that puts you first. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell prioritizes our clients through adherence to 3 core values: 

1. Non-judgment: Your past doesn’t define you. The charges don’t define you. We will listen to you with compassion and without judgement. We will be fully on your side. 

2. Clear and direct communication: You deserve to be informed every step of the way. Clear legal advice and regular communication with your attorney are essential.

3. Thorough preparation: Winning comes through preparation. You deserve an attorney who is committed to doing the upfront work that it takes to fight serious criminal charges. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, give the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell a call today at (914) 810-0510 to request a free consultation. We answer 24/7—including nights, weekends, and holidays. Let’s fight this together. 

Page last updated 5/22/2026.

Contact a Trusted Westchester County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Yonkers Criminal Defense

Call 24/7 to Speak with a Local Criminal Defense Lawyer

Nothing turns your world upside down like an arrest. All it takes is one accusation—perhaps one that’s completely false. Next thing you know, you’re in handcuffs facing serious criminal charges in Yonkers City Court that seriously threaten your freedom and your future.

If you’re looking for a local criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor who is laser focused on going the distance for his clients and delivering real results, you’re in the right place.

When you hire Michael J. McConnell, you get a dedicated local criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor who understands what is at stake for his clients and is relentless is fighting to protect them.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is available to take your call 24/7 if you or someone you know has been arrested in Yonkers. All you have to do is call (914) 810-0510 for a free and confidential consultation.

Book Your Consultation Now

What types of criminal cases does your office handle?

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell aggressively defends people in Yonkers and the surrounding area who are facing serious criminal charges such as gun possession, drug crimes, robbery, domestic violence offenses, sex crimes, assault, grand larceny, DWI, and more. 

We have successfully defended a wide range of clients from all walks of life from felony and misdemeanor charges. This includes individuals with prior felony convictions on their record to those who have been arrested for the first time, including college students, teachers, healthcare workers, and small business owners.

What makes Michael J. McConnell the right Yonkers criminal defense lawyer for you?

Clients who hire Michael J. McConnell are typically looking for an attorney with prior experience as a prosecutor who also has a strong reputation as a dedicated criminal defense lawyer of putting clients first through clear communication, transparent fee structures, and thorough preparation that is focused on delivering real results in court.

According to 5-Star Reviews on 5-star reviews on Google and other platforms like Yelp and Justia, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell has a strong and proven track record of delivering for his clients and coming up big when it matters most.

Among the top reasons clients have praised criminal defense attorney Michael J. McConnell include things such as his thorough and aggressive advocacy, highly proactive approach, professionalism and transparency, clear communication, fair prices, and prior experience as a prosecutor.

Call Now

How Much Does It Cost to Hire the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell for a Criminal Case in Yonkers, NY?

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we believe that hiring and paying for a criminal defense lawyer should always be clear, straightforward, and transparent.

While the exact cost of a case can vary based on its unique facts and complexities, we do our best to offer fair and affordable solutions for our services in the following ways.

First, we always provide you with a formal written agreement that outlines the scope of our representation and the cost in simple and clear language that is easy to understand.

Second, we offer flat fees on all misdemeanors and most felonies so that our clients know exactly what the case is going to cost from the start without having to worry about surprise bills.

Third, we can sometimes offer payment plans for certain qualifying cases and clients. In general, it is easier for us to accept payment plans when we are hired at the early stages of a criminal case in Yonkers (e.g., before turning yourself in, immediately after an arrest, or before your first court appearance on a “Desk Appearance Ticket” or “DAT”).

Fourth, we accept all of the common payment methods, including credit card, cash, check, Zelle, and more.

To learn more about how much it will cost to hire the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, you can call us 24/7 at (914) 810-0510 to request a free case evaluation.

What Should You Expect at a Free Consultation?

Calling a lawyer after an arrest can feel intimidating, but it is often the best thing to do.

At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we will always meet you with compassion, non-judgment, and understanding from the second you first call us regardless of what you’re accused of.

During your free consultation, you will speak directly with criminal defense attorney Michael J. McConnell. This conversation will be private and confidential. He will listen you carefully and with compassion.

After learning about your unique situation, Michael J. McConnell will calmly and clearly help you understand the next steps in the process and how he can help.

If you decide you want to hire him to represent you, he will provide you with a transparent fee structure that will be detailed in writing so that you know exactly what your case will cost from day one

Most of our free consultations these days are done by phone, but we can also schedule them in person at our office if preferred.

Additionally, if you need to schedule the consultation for a weekend or at night due to your work schedule, class schedule, or other commitments, we are almost always able to accommodate that with ease.

After all, many of our clients in Yonkers and elsewhere are working professionals and parents, so we fully understand why you might prefer an 8 pm phone call rather than an in person meeting at 2 pm on a Wednesday.

Whatever you need, we can work with you. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to speak with a local criminal defense attorney when you most need it.

Sign Up for Your Free Consultation

What should I do if I’m contacted by the Yonkers Police Department?

It is always recommended that you contact a local criminal defense attorney immediately if you’re contacted by law enforcement in Yonkers, including by detectives with the special victims unit or the warrants squad.

You also should know that you have a right to remain silent and to have a lawyer. If you speak to detectives without seeking legal advice first, you risk having your words twisted against you in court to make you look guilty—even if you’re actually innocent. 

In fact, according to the nationally renowned Innocence Project, false confessions are a common cause of wrongful convictions. A big reason for this is police trickery and deception, which is why having a lawyer by your side before agreeing to speak to police or turn yourself in is critical.  

What happens after someone is arrested in Yonkers?

The cops will bring you back to the precinct for arrest processing (fingerprinting, mugshots, etc.). How things proceed from there can vary depending on what you’re accused of.

In some cases (generally misdemeanors), the Yonkers Police might give you a Desk Appearance Ticket (“DAT”) that tells you to show up in court on a future date for your arraignment.

In other cases (particularly more serious felonies as well as various misdemeanors), you will be held in custody until your arraignment in Yonkers City Court, which typically happens within 24 hours.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell takes phone calls 24/7 and is generally available to cover an arraignment in Yonkers City Court if hired immediately after an arrest.

Call a Yonkers Criminal Defense Lawyer

What happens at your first appearance in Yonkers City Court and will the judge set bail?

The first appearance in Yonkers City Court located at 100 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701 is called an arraignment. This is when you will be informed of the charges you’re facing, and the judge will decide whether to release you or set bail. 

Whether the judge releases you on your own recognizance (ROR) or with conditions as opposed to setting bail will depend on several factors, including:

  • the exact charges you’re accused of
  • your prior criminal record and bench warrant history
  • and an overall assessment of your likelihood to return to court if released

Under CPL § 510.10, a defendant must usually be released from custody after arraignment unless the offense is considered a “qualifying offense” making it bail-eligible, which then gives the judge discretion to set bail.

For most misdemeanors and non-violent offenses in New York, a defendant is often released on their own recognizance (ROR) or with conditions, but there are exceptions. 

For more serious offenses—such as violent felonies and others listed in CPL § 510.10(4)—the judge might set bail or remand the defendant to custody. 

If bail is set, once it is paid you can be released. If you’re remanded, you will be in custody unless or until a judge finds there has been a change in circumstances to justify release or to set bail. 

One of the worst mistakes to make after an arrest is to assume that you or your loved one will be released. With so much at stake, it is important to reach out to an attorney before the case gets into court.

What happens next after an arraignment in Yonkers?

The next step after your arraignment in Yonkers City Court depends on whether your case is a felony or misdemeanor. 

If you’re charged with a felony, the case might be adjourned for a preliminary hearing (sometimes referred to as a “felony hearing”). 

If you’re charged with a misdemeanor, the case might be adjourned about a month or so for the prosecutor to turn over discovery (i.e., the evidence against you) to your lawyer or for other routine purposes. 

Here is a basic outline of the process in many criminal cases in Yonkers:

Pre-Indictment and Preliminary Hearings (Felony Only) 

This is a very critical window in a felony case. This hearing isn’t a trial, but it is a chance for your lawyer to start challenging the DA’s case. 

The purpose of the felony hearing is for the judge to decide whether there is “reasonable cause” that you committed a felony. This is a low standard compared to what is required at trial (“proof beyond a reasonable doubt”), but if the evidence is totally lacking it’s possible to get the charges dismissed or reduced to misdemeanor. 

Even if the judge finds “reasonable cause,” the hearing is a great opportunity for a skilled defense attorney to pin down witness testimony early and expose weaknesses in the case. For that reason, this pre-indictment stage is often a good opportunity to gain leverage for plea negotiations if you’re seeking a favorable deal. 

Grand Jury (Felony Only)

The purpose of the grand jury is for a group of citizens to decide whether there is enough evidence to indict you for a crime. The standard is very low (“reasonable cause”), so it doesn’t take much to get an indictment.

The grand jury is also a secret proceeding by design in New York. It is just the prosecutor, the grand jurors, and a court reporter. There is no judge present. Neither the defense attorney nor the defendant will be there—with the only exception being if the defendant chooses to testify, which is a major strategic decision that must be made carefully. (And even then, the defendant is only present during the time he or she testifies—not for the rest of the grand jury presentation.)

If you’re indicted, that means your case will proceed in Westchester County Court in White Plains.

It’s also important to know that a grand jury indictment doesn’t mean you’ve been found guilty. It’s simply a necessary step the prosecutor must take on a felony before they can even get to the trial stage.

With that said, an indictment is a sign that things might start moving very fast on a collision course towards trial, which makes it critical to have an attorney at this point who is truly on top of your case and communicating with you about what the expected next steps are. 

Discovery, Motion Practice, and Hearings

This pre-trial stage applies to both misdemeanors and felonies in New York. 

Discovery is when the Westchester DA’s Office sends your attorney the evidence against you, which might include things like:

  • Body camera footage from the Yonkers Police Department
  • 911 call recordings
  • Witness statements
  • Police paperwork
  • Lab reports and DNA results
  • Medical records
  • Search warrants
  • Video surveillance footage

Motion practice is where a defense attorney will file written legal arguments challenging things like the validity of the stop, the arrest, the collection of evidence, the voluntariness of any statements you made to the cops, suggestive identification procedures, and more. 

Pre-trial hearings might be ordered by the judge following motion practice to resolve certain issues before trial. 

Here are a few helpful examples of what these pre-trial hearings might address:

  • In a gun possession case, there might be a hearing on whether the police violated your 4th Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search of your vehicle. 
  • If you’re accused of an armed robbery, there might be a hearing on whether the alleged victim’s pre-arrest identification of you was tainted by unfair and suggestive procedures. 
  • If you’re accused of stabbing someone, there might be a hearing on whether your supposed “confession” to police was unlawfully obtained in violation of your Miranda rights.

These hearings can be really important because if certain evidence gets suppressed (i.e., “thrown out”), the DA might no longer have much of a case—which can sometimes lead to a dismissal.

Negotiations with the DA’s Office

It’s always best practice for a criminal defense attorney to have early and consistent contact with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office throughout the case. 

Sometimes talking with prosecutors early can lead to a dismissal, reduced charges, diversion (only applies in limited situations), or a favorable plea offer. 

If both sides reach a resolution that works for everyone, that’s great. However, whether to take a plea deal 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 the plea, the possible risks and rewards of going to trial, and much more. 

Trial

Criminal defendants have a constitutional right to a trial by a jury of their peers. However, it can often take anywhere between several months to one or more years for a criminal case to go to trial. 

At trial, the DA cannot convict you unless they have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—which is the highest standard in our legal system. 

At the conclusion of the trial, the jury will have two choices: 

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. If they don’t have enough evidence, the jury will be instructed to find you not guilty. 

Sentencing 

If you’re convicted at trial or if you plead guilty at any point, you will be sentenced by the judge. In some cases, jail or prison could be the sentence. In others, it could be probation or some other condition. 

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.

How likely am I to go to jail?

This is among the most common and important questions clients ask their lawyer, but every case is different and must be evaluated on its own terms. Only the attorney handling the case is in a position to evaluate something like this.

With that said, there are some general things to consider. For example:

  • Misdemeanors carry potential jail time (e.g., 364 days maximum for a Class A misdemeanor), but there is no mandatory minimum. This means that if you’re convicted of, say, Assault in the 3rd Degree under PL § 120.00, the judge has discretion to give you up to 364 days in jail or no jail at all—perhaps something like probation or some other condition. While judges will likely consider your prior criminal record when sentencing you on a misdemeanor, they are not required to impose jail time just because you have past convictions. 
  • Felony sentencing in New York is very complex. In some cases, a prison sentence is mandatory upon conviction even if this is someone’s first arrest (e.g., most violent felonies, certain sex offenses, and high-level narcotics charges). In other cases, it’s possible to avoid incarceration for a felony conviction such as certain non-violent offenses—particularly if you don’t have a prior record. The biggest concern for possible incarceration comes when someone has a prior felony conviction that makes them a predicate or “second felony offender” for sentencing purposes as New York’s sentencing laws significantly restrict plea bargaining in these situations, which often makes prison mandatory and for lengthier periods.

It’s vital to have an attorney who takes the time to explain to you how New York’s sentencing laws might apply to your particular case so that you can make fully informed choices about major decisions such as whether to go to trial versus taking a plea deal. 

What should I do if the cops found a loaded gun or drugs on me after an illegal stop and frisk in the City of Yonkers?

It is always important to have detailed conversations with your attorney from day one about what happened before, during, and after any stop and frisk that led to an arrest for possessing a firearm or narcotics. Here’s why:

If your 4th Amendments were violated by an illegal stop and frisk, your attorney can move to suppress that evidence. If the judge agrees, that evidence can be precluded at trial, which in effect could lead to a dismissal of your case. 

Michael J. McConnell regularly handles firearms and narcotics charges that result from both pedestrian and vehicle stops by police. From his experience as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense lawyer, he is very familiar with the tactics, tricks, and sometimes outright lies that cops use when conducting stops and frisks. 

For example, cops have been known to “tailor” their police reports and testimony to provide a basis for the stop and frisk that didn’t really exist. Some of the specific things that Michael J. McConnell will look for in these cases include:

  • Cops claiming they saw an “L-shaped bulge” from a distance and vantage point that would have made such an observation physically impossible. 
  • Officers asserting—contrary to their body worn camera footage—that they observed the driver of the vehicle making “furtive movements” that they then used to justify a search.
  • Cops claiming they pulled a car over for a traffic infraction that is clearly contradicted by other evidence—including sometimes nearby video surveillance. 

The bottom line is that it’s important to understand that even if Yonkers cops find something incriminating on you such as a loaded gun or cocaine, there are still ways to fight these cases by challenging how they found evidence. Having the right criminal defense attorney who is willing to carefully scrutinize every step the police took can make all the difference. 

Where is Yonkers City Court located and how can I contact the Court?

Yonkers City Court is located at 100 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. It is immediately across the street from St. Joseph’s Medical Center and a block away from Yonkers City Hall.

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 and several other parking garages in the vicinity. The onsite 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. The Yonkers train station is about a 10-15 minute walk from Yonkers City Court.

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.  

Want to Learn More About How We Can Help? Give Us a Call 24/7.

If you’ve read this far, the chances are good that you’re looking for a local criminal defense lawyer who will relentlessly fight for you or someone you really care about.

When you hire Michael J. McConnell, you get a local criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor who is client-focused, results-oriented, and absolutely relentless in going the distance for his clients. 

Whatever you’re charged with, you deserve strong legal representation that puts you first. The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell prioritizes our clients through adherence to 3 core values: 

1. Non-judgment: Your past doesn’t define you. The charges don’t define you. We will listen to you with compassion and without judgement. We will be fully on your side. 

2. Clear and direct communication: You deserve to be informed every step of the way. Clear legal advice and regular communication with your attorney are essential.

3. Thorough preparation: Winning comes through preparation. You deserve an attorney who is committed to doing the upfront work that it takes to fight serious criminal charges. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, give the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell a call today at (914) 810-0510 to request a free consultation. We answer 24/7—including nights, weekends, and holidays. Let’s fight this together. 

Page last updated 5/22/2026.

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