Let an Experienced Defense Attorney Defend You
If you have been charged with a crime whether a misdemeanor, felony, or other citation, it is important that you have the right legal defense team representing your case. Even if the penalties for a conviction of your crime are light, such as a minor fine or community service, make sure that you recognize any possible long-term impacts that this conviction may have on you both personally and professionally. For instance, a simple misdemeanor conviction may not pose any serious impacts to your life at the time, but having a criminal history can impact possible future charges and court cases, interfere with your ability to get certain licenses, and more.
Therefore, it is imperative that you take any criminal charges seriously, both for the short- and long-term benefit of your life. Contact Kirsten Bennett for a free consultation so she may discuss the facts of your case. During the initial meeting, we will be able to explain how the Law Offices of Kirsten E. Bennett have handled past cases similar to your own, as well as provide you with specific advice or opinions about your current circumstances while deciding how we can work together.
Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Take a look below to learn about some of the criminal defense areas that we cover in White Plains. Whether or not your own criminal charges are exactly addressed below or not, contact us now so that we can discuss your situation directly and get an understanding of how to work together best.
Felonies
If you have been charged with a felony, it is essential that you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you build a strong defense. Felonies are the most serious crimes, including things like murder, rape, armed robbery, credit card fraud, and burglary. Felony convictions also have the most serious consequences upon conviction. A person convicted of a felony is sentenced to serve at least one year in a state or federal prison, and depending on the charges, may face a life sentence. In addition, convicted felons are stripped of many of the rights guaranteed to American citizens including the right to vote, the right to travel out of the country, and the right to own a gun. Convicted felons also have to disclose their crimes on job applications, and face deportation if they are not American citizens.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are minor crimes such as disorderly conduct, simple assault, shoplifting and trespassing, that are punishable by incarceration of less than a year in jail. Although misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, having a misdemeanor conviction on your criminal record can limit your employment options, and can still result in a jail sentence. Ensure that you receive a fair trial by letting our attorneys represent you.
Motor Vehicle Offenses
If you have been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with a suspended license, or vehicular manslaughter, we can help. We also assist clients who need to get their driver licenses restored, fight traffic tickets, and a variety of other legal processes pertaining to the New York DMV or related authorities.
Drug Crimes
Charges of trafficking, distributing or possession of illegal substances or drug paraphernalia can result in heavy fines and extended time in jail. You can rely on our knowledge of drug crimes and our history of successful results to help eliminate or minimize the charges against you.
Sexual Offenses
Rape and sexual assault cases are often among the hardest for defendants to win. Our attorneys have the experience and skills to successfully litigate these cases.
Sealing and Expungement of Records
A criminal record can prevent you from pursuing higher education, securing your dream job, or traveling abroad. We can help you eliminate past criminal charges from your record, or get those records sealed so that you can move on with your life.
Working With a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Knowing Your Rights
When you hire aggressive legal defense to help you through your criminal case, you can be confident that you are taking the right steps to ensure your rights. Going up against a New York prosecutor can be overwhelming, and without legal representation, you will be facing an experienced legal professional focused on getting convictions, not in finding a solution that works for you.
Professional Guidance
When you arrive in court for your arraignment, you will be given a variety of options to choose in order to determine how to proceed. This experience can be a whirlwind for a person who does not have professional experience with the New York courts. This is even truer given that you have just been charged with a crime, or multiple crimes, and the stress that you are feeling is likely somewhat overwhelming. Your attorney will be able to help you make sense of your charges, understand the possible penalties that you face if convicted, and the range of paths that you can take in order to reach a favorable outcome.
Experienced Representation
The American criminal justice system is complicated and confusing for someone who does not focus on it every day. When you have been charged with a crime, there are many different ways that you can reach an agreement with the courts that will avoid a conviction, and therefore a stain on your record. Depending on the nature of your charges, your criminal history, and a range of other significant factors, we will be able to work directly with the courts in order to seek alternative sentencing, reduced sentences, a plea bargain, and a range of other options that can significantly reduce the long-term impacts of these charges.
Contact Us Today
The sooner you contact us after being charged with a crime in White Plains, the more time we will have in order to build a comprehensive strategy for your circumstances. There are many different time-sensitive steps to take in order to help your case, and we will be able to take action on these steps as soon as we begin working together.
