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Criminal Defense in New York & New Jersey

Experienced New York Criminal Defense Lawyer Ready to Protect Your Rights

If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a crime, you need an experienced and highly skilled New York criminal defense attorney to fight aggressively to keep your future as bright as possible. Whether this is your first time facing criminal charges or you have moved through the criminal justice system before, the process can be overwhelming, concerning, and intimidating. Having a strong and knowledgeable legal advocate by your side from the very beginning is critical to ensuring that your legal rights remain protected and upheld at every opportunity. When you partner with the Law Office of Adrienne D. Edward, P.C., you can rest assured that we will aggressively defend your freedom and future at every step of the process. 

Navigating Criminal Charges in New York

A criminal conviction can have a devastating impact on your life. Even after you have served the terms of your sentence, you may face limited employment and housing options, among other restrictions and lasting consequences. With more than two decades of legal experience in the area of criminal defense, attorney Adrienne D. Edward understands how critical it is to approach every case with dedication and attention to detail. Our law practice believes in treating each client with the care and respect they deserve during this difficult time in their lives. We will assess the specifics of your case and identify the most strategic course of action that maximizes your chances of obtaining a fair and just outcome. 

What to Do If You Are Arrested in New York

As soon as law enforcement arrests you for an alleged offense, it’s essential that you recognize your legal rights and take steps to exercise them. Every defendant has the constitutional right to remain silent, so it’s best to avoid making any statements to the authorities without an attorney present. Even if an officer claims to be “on your side” or tries to coax you into explaining “your side of the story,” you should be wary of these tactics. Officers can twist your words and use them against you in order to build their case, so it’s always best to exercise your right to remain silent and request to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Once you have contacted the Law Office of Adrienne D. Edward, P.C., and described your situation, we can step in and determine the most strategic path forward, together.

Proudly Defending New York Clients Who Are Facing Criminal Charges 

Whether you are facing DUI charges in New York or you have been accused of homicide, The Law Office of Adrienne D. Edward, P.C., is ready to get to work defending your legal rights and seeking the best possible outcome given the specifics of the case. Below are just a few of the criminal defense legal services we provide to clients throughout New York and New Jersey.

Federal Crimes

Whenever a crime takes place on federal land, involves federal agents, or crosses state lines, it will be tried within the federal court system. Federal crimes carry significant penalties, so it is essential that you contact a skilled attorney right away. As a highly qualified and experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney, Adrienne D. Edward is ready to offer you aggressive and effective representation.
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Homicide

Crimes that involve the loss of life carry the most severe and lasting penalties. If you are facing homicide charges, we can help you understand what to expect from the legal process as we prepare the strongest possible defense. It is essential that you contact our office immediately so that we can begin aggressively protecting your future.
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Guns & Firearms

Like most states, New York and New Jersey have strict requirements for obtaining and registering a gun or firearm. If you are struggling with a gun licensing issue or if you have been charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm, our office can help you resolve these matters and ensure that your Second Amendment rights are upheld.
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Drug Crimes

Crimes involving the possession, sale, manufacturing, or distribution of illegal drugs are punished severely. In general, the greater the quantity of the substance found in your possession, the more likely you are to face a lengthy prison sentence or costly fine. Depending on the details of the charges, your case may be tried in either the state or federal court. Either way, you need a highly qualified New York drug crimes defense attorney by your side to help you fight for the best possible outcome.
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Municipal Court

If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in municipal court, it is no small matter. Even minor offenses can lead to jail time, fines, probation, loss of privileges, or a criminal record that can have a lasting impact on your future. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and privileges.
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FAQs

The most important thing you can do when an officer places you under arrest is to exercise your constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent and request to speak to an attorney, and it’s a good idea to avoid making any statements to law enforcement without having a lawyer present. Even if an officer claims to be “on your side,” say as little as possible until you have had the opportunity to speak with an attorney.

Yes, the penalties for federal crimes are often more severe than the penalties for state crimes. Federal sentencing guidelines are more likely to require judges to impose mandatory minimum sentences, meaning that even first-time offenders may be sentenced to a set amount of prison time without any leeway. Additionally, those convicted in federal court are usually required to serve the full term of their sentence rather than be released on parole after a few years. Due to the serious stakes involved with federal crimes, it’s essential that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to support you through this process.

Many crimes are prosecuted by the state, but criminal offenses that violate federal law are handled by federal courts. Federal crimes like drug trafficking, federal tax fraud, or kidnapping across state lines will be handled by a federal judge in federal court, which can be daunting for first-time offenders. Hiring an experienced New York criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the federal criminal justice system is highly recommended to provide you with the support you need.

Homicide charges are among the most serious types of criminal charges, and the penalties are severe. If you are facing a homicide charge in New York, you need to contact a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer right away to start preparing a defense strategy. Depending on the specifics of your case, you can use various types of evidence, witness testimony, and other strategies to defend yourself against the criminal charges. 

The penalties for drug-related offenses in New York vary considerably, depending on the type of substance, the quantity, and whether the incident involves possession or the sale of drugs. Minor crimes are typically punishable by up to one year in jail, while crimes involving large quantities of controlled substances like narcotics can carry penalties of between 8 and 20 years to life in prison. Aggravating factors, such as repeat offenses or selling drugs near a school, can lead to more severe penalties if convicted.

In New York, drug charges are tried as either misdemeanor or felony offenses. Misdemeanor drug charges typically pertain to lower-level offenses, such as possession of a controlled substance. Possession of large quantities of drugs or selling them is usually charged as felony offenses. In New Jersey, however, lower-level drug infractions are referred to as disorderly persons offenses, while more serious crimes are called indictable crimes.

Law enforcement must have probable cause to search your vehicle. A standard traffic stop does not automatically give an officer the right to search your car. However, if the officer pulls you over for a traffic infraction and sees, hears, or smells something that gives them reason to believe you have drugs in the car, or if there are illegal drugs in plain view of the officer during the traffic stop, they have probable cause to search your vehicle. You do have the legal right to refuse a search, but the officer may continue to search your vehicle without your permission if they have a warrant or place you under arrest.

New York and New Jersey require residents to go through several steps before they can lawfully own handguns, rifles, or other firearms. The license and registration process for firearms can be confusing to navigate, so many gun charges arise when someone misunderstands these processes and finds themselves in illegal possession of a firearm. Partnering with a highly experienced criminal defense attorney is the best way for you to understand your legal rights and options.

The sooner you reach out to a trusted and highly experienced criminal defense attorney, the more time you will have to sort through the circumstances of your arrest, arraignment, and case. Having a skilled legal representative by your side at every step of the criminal justice process is the best way to ensure that your legal rights remain upheld and exercised at every opportunity. Your attorney can help you identify the most effective defense strategy that maximizes your chances of securing a fair and favorable outcome.

Facing criminal charges of any kind can be intimidating and confusing. That's why you need high-quality and reliable legal representation as soon as possible. For more than two decades, the Law Office of Adrienne D. Edward, P.C., has provided trusted and effective criminal defense attorney services to clients throughout New York and New Jersey. Call our New York office at (347) 997-3811 or our New Jersey office at (201) 420-8850 right away to get started.

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