The criminal justice system has its own language and unique set of rules. You want a lawyer who fully understands criminal law and the criminal law process, and one who has successfully defended others in similar situations.
Over 25 Years of Experience in the Criminal Justice System
At the law office of Michael Paul, he brings 25 years of experience working in the criminal justice system to your case, whether you have been charged with a crime in the state or federal courts in New York. Michael Paul, a former assistant district attorney, understands how the government prepares and prosecutes criminal cases and can anticipate the arguments and strategies the prosecution will employ. He has a passion for protecting the constitutional rights of individuals facing criminal charges and will use his trial experience and negotiating skills to aggressively protect your interests.
If you have been arrested or issued a ticket for any traffic and vehicle related offense, please contact our office to seek assistance. We will work on your behalf to dismiss or reduce the charge when possible and ensure the resolution of your matter in the most expeditious manner possible.
If you have been charged for theft related offense, please contact our office at your earliest convenience for a free initial consultation. We will discuss the facts of your case and determine the best way to move forward to quickly dispose of the case when possible.
If you have been charged with fraud or a fraud related offense, please contact our office at your earliest convenience for a free initial consultation. We will discuss the facts of your case and determine the best way to move forward to quickly dispose of the case when possible.
If you have been charged with assault, please contact our office at your earliest convenience for a free initial consultation. We will discuss the facts of your case and determine the best way to move forward to quickly dispose of the case when possible.
Controlled Substances Offenses
If you have been charged with a drug related offense, please contact our office at your earliest convenience for a free initial consultation. We will discuss the facts of your case and determine the best way to move forward to quickly dispose of the case when possible.
Common Drug Offense Questions & Answers:
I was caught with drugs. Do I need to hire an attorney?
Most drug sale offenses are felonies, which could subject you to jail or prison. I, as an experienced attorney may be able to either get the charges reduced to a lesser offense, negotiate a plea deal that will keep you out of jail, get you into one of the drug diversion programs or have the charges dismissed outright.
What is plea bargaining in drug cases?
Plea bargaining is simply negotiating with the prosecutor and the judge to get the charges reduced and the punishment minimized. For example, if a person is charged with 4 separate drug charges, (sale, possession, possession with intent to sell, conspiracy, and operating under the influence of drugs), I may be able to negotiate a plea bargain to only possession. The remainder of charges would be dismissed as covered by the plea. I can then negotiate a sentence which does not involve state prison, such as community service, or a short time in the local jail together with probation (called a split sentence). Each case is evaluated based on a number of factors including the quantity and type of drug, the defendant’s role in the offense and the defendant’s prior record.
Are there any defenses to drug cases?
Yes. The most common is to challenge the search and seizure of the defendant which resulted in the police finding the drugs. If the police violated the defendants 4th amendment rights, then the court will suppress, or throw out, the drugs. The prosecution will therefore have no evidence against you, and the case will be dismissed. A suppression motion can be asserted for any amount of drugs.
What are the maximum penalties for drug convictions?
Depending on the weight and type of drug, a person could get a lengthy sentence in the state prison .The maximum in New York State is currently 30 years. In addition, as with all felonies, the defendant will not be able to drive for six months, vote, or own or possess a firearm.
Are there alternatives to jail or prison in drug cases?
Yes. Judicial Diversion programs for misdemeanors and felonies abound in New York. These programs allow the defendant to complete a drug program sometimes with a period of probation to avoid spending any time in custody. An experienced attorney can advise you of the best program available.
2009 Rockefeller Drug Law Reform
The Legislature of the State of New York has enacted historic revisions to the “Rockefeller” Drug Laws as part of the 2009-2010 budget. New York State Governor David Paterson signed the law on April 7, 2009. Many of the changes are effective immediately and apply to pending cases where the sentence was not imposed prior April 7, 2009. Here is a summary of the highlights of the reform legislation. Read More…
Homicide means conduct which causes the death of a person.
If you have been charged with a homicide offense, please contact our office at your earliest convenience for a free initial consultation. We will discuss the facts of your case and determine the best way to move forward to quickly dispose of the case when possible.
Michael Paul Attorney at Law
