Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve been arrested for a crime in New York. What happens between arraignment and my first Court appearance?

If you’ve been arrested for a crime in Queens, New York, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation. Your lawyer will examine the evidence against you and assess the strength of the prosecution’s case. They will also conduct a prompt investigation to find any potential defenses, witnesses, and supporting documentation or videos.

It’s important to act quickly, as valuable evidence and witnesses can be lost over time. Memories of alibi witnesses, for example, may fade and become less reliable.

Your lawyer can find out which prosecutor is handling your case and request a conference with them before your first court appearance. During this meeting, they can discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the case and explore the possibility of an early resolution.

Too often, these discussions don’t happen before the first or even second court appearance, leading to additional adjournments and waivers of rights.

In some cases, it may not be worth negotiating with the prosecutor if the offer includes a sentence that’s much higher than the minimum for the crime. In these instances, it might be more strategic to let the case go to the Grand Jury and Indictment and Supreme Court, where your lawyer can negotiate directly with a Supreme Court Justice who isn’t bound by the prosecutor’s recommendation.

In some felony cases, your lawyer may be able to convince the prosecutor that the case doesn’t merit prosecution at the felony level and should be reduced to a misdemeanor and transferred to Criminal Court for further proceedings, even if you wish to fight the case.

What is a Grand Jury?

The Grand Jury’s purpose is to evaluate evidence presented to them by the prosecution, to determine if it’s sufficient to warrant an indictment and move forward with a trial.

The Grand Jury process is typically one-sided, with witnesses for the prosecution testifying without being subjected to cross-examination. Defense witnesses, however, may be cross-examined by a prosecutor who is skeptical of their testimony. In some cases, having the client or defense witnesses testify before the Grand Jury may be a good strategy, but this depends on many factors. An experienced lawyer will consider these factors and make a recommendation to the client.

In some cases, it may be better not to have the client testify in the Grand Jury and instead preserve their defense for trial. This gives the lawyer more time to investigate the case and gather evidence, so they can present a stronger defense at trial. At trial, the prosecution bears the burden of proof and their witnesses are subject to cross-examination.

Do I have to speak to the police after an arrest?

NO! Our office strongly advises you to exercise your Fifth Amendment rights by remaining silent. Do not make any statements.

It’s important to know that you don’t have to speak to any law enforcement officers or prosecutors after your arrest. The Miranda warnings inform you that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It’s crucial to invoke these rights immediately, as anything you say can be used against you in a criminal trial or hearing.

How do I find out where a loved one is incarcerated in Queens, New York?
  1. You can go onto Inmate Locator.
  2. Type in the defendant’s name or Case Number
  3. It will give you information on which New York facility he or she is being housed in.
How do I find out information about my next court appearance?

You can click on the following link: WebCrims Search for Court Appearance

  1. On the left hand side click “Defendant”
  2. Type in defendant’s name
  3. Once you select the correct defendant in the list, you will be able to view a summary of the incident and arrest, attorney information, sentence, and next court appearance. You will also be able to view all previous court appearances, if any, the charges, and any motions that were filed.
How do I contact the courthouse where my case is?

The following is a list of Court information:

Office of the Queens County Clerk

Queens County Clerk’s Office – 88-11 Sutphin Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11435 (718) 298-1000

Courthouses in Queens County:

Queens County (Civil Court)  89-17 Sutphin Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11435 (718) 262-7100

Queens County (Criminal Court) – 125-01 Queens Blvd. Kew Gardens, NY 11415 (212) 374-5880

Office of the New York County Clerk

New York County Clerk’s Office – 141 Worth Street New York, NY 10013

Courthouses in New York County:

New York County (Civil Court) 111 Centre Street NY, NY 10013 (646) 386-5600

New York County (Criminal Cour) 100 Centre St., NY, NY 10013 (646) 386-4500

New York County (Court of Claims) 26 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, NY 10004 (518) 432-3411

Office of the Kings County Clerk

Kings County Clerk’s Office 360 Adams Street Room 189 Brooklyn, NY 11201 (347) 404-9772

Courthouses in Kings County:

Kings County (Civil Court) 141 Livingston St. Brooklyn, NY 11201 (347) 404-9123

Kings County (Criminal Court) 120 Schermerhorn St. Brooklyn, NY 11201 (646) 386-4500

Office of the Bronx County Clerk

Bronx County Clerk – 851 Grand Concourse Room 118 Bronx, NY 10451 (866) 797-7214

Courthouses in Bronx County:

Bronx County (Criminal Court) – 215 E.161st St., Bronx, NY 10451 (718) 618-310

Bronx County (Civil Court) 851 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 1045 (718) 618-256

Office of the Suffolk County Clerk

Suffolk County Clerk’s Office – 310 Center Drive Riverhead, NY 11901- 3392 (631) 852-2000

Courthouses in Suffolk County:

Suffolk County (Civil Court) – 400 Carleton Ave Central Islip, NY 11722 (631) 853-7500

Suffolk County (Criminal Court) – 210 Center Drive Riverhead, NY 11901 (631) 853-7500

Office of the Nassau County Clerk

Nassau County Clerk’s Office – 240 Old Country Road – Room 105 Mineola, New York 11501 (516) 571-2664

Courthouses in Nassau County:

Nassau County District Court 99 Main Street Hempstead, New York 11550 (516) 572-2355

Nassau County (Criminal Court) 262 Old Country Road Mineola, New York 11501 (516) 571-2800

How do I bail someone out of jail in New York?

If granted bail, the Judge most likely will give a cash or bond alternative. Most of the time, families of a defendant cannot afford cash bail. Therefore, they often go to a bail bondsman to help them.

A New York bail bond is essentially bail posted by a New York bail bond agent. The bond represents a promise by the bail bond agent to pay the amount of the bond if the defendant fails to return to court.

A New York bail bond agent will charge a fee for posting a bail bond. The fees may vary from case to case and from bail bondsman to bail bondsman. A guiding rule is to expect the bail bond fee to be about 10 percent of the bail bond amount. For example, if Bail is $1,000.00 bond, you are responsible for $100.00, which is 10%.

Also, the bail bond agent will almost always require some sort of security or collateral, such as a car or a house, for up to the full amount of the bail bond.

Some bail bondsman in Queens County are below:

Please note that our law firm does not prefer, nor suggests the use of any one particular Bail Bonds Service over the other.

Empire Bail Bonds

125-20 Queens Boulevard Kew Gardens, NY
(718) 263-1000

Ira Judelson Bail Bonds

124-26 Queens Boulevard Jamaica, NY
(718) 793-2333

AAA Bail Bonds Inc.

75 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 274-1414

Vanguard Bail Bonds of NY

125-10 Queens Boulevard Kew Gardens, NY
(718) 793-3733

I am released on bail, what should I expect now?

After you or a loved one is released on bail you should expect a next court appearance. YOU MUST ATTEND THIS COURT APPEARANCE or there will be a warrant issued for your arrest. The next court appearance can be for a number of reasons, such as: possible disposition, an offer, guilty plea, motion schedule, conference with Prosecutor and Judge, and investigation by the Prosecutor, etc.

It is important to note that when you are released on bail, you must comply with all court orders, such as orders or protection.

If you are on probation or parole, you must comply with all conditions or you will be re-arrested.

Hiring an attorney is usually the first and best step to take once you are released on bail. An experienced attorney can explain what to expect, what to do, and how to proceed.

Why should I hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Being charged with a crime is one of the most life altering events someone can experience, no matter if they are guilty or innocent.

Along with charges also comes social stigma. People who are charged or convicted with crimes are viewed in a certain way by society.

More importantly, most people do not know what rights they have or fully understand them. It is essential to have these rights explained to you by a licensed and experienced attorney. You need to know what you are entitled to so you do not make mistakes and harm your defense.

Preparing a defense starts at the arraignment. Everything you do after you are arrested has bearing on how your case will turn out. Hiring a lawyer as soon as you can is the smartest thing you can do. They will begin to prepare and mold your defense from the very second they take the case.

I am arrested in Queens, NY. How do I choose the best Criminal Defense Lawyer for me?

It is important that you trust your attorney. They are the one defending your freedom. A strong lawyer-client relationship is essential to a successful defense. Your lawyer should be available to you at all times and able to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.

How does a lawyer charge / what will be my fees?

Every law office is different in which fees they charge and how they charge them. Factors that lawyers consider are: severity of the charges, quality and quantity of the charges, evidence against you, prior conviction, and just the totality of the circumstances of your case. The lawyer will determine how much work needs to be done and what that work will entail and charge accordingly.

As for how payment can be made, most lawyers take cash, check or money order. Credit cards are taken at some law offices, but will require an extra fee of around 3%.

In criminal cases, lawyers charge was is called a “retainer”, which is a flat fee for what services will be needed. This does not mean that the initial retainer is the only fee you must pay. It is simply the initial fee and how your case progresses dictates how much money you will ultimately have to pay.

How is Mr. Cohen’s fee different from other attorneys?

Mr. Cohen takes everyone’s individual financial situation into consideration. He only charges what he thinks is 100% fair to the client. He prides himself on this fairness and vows to work with each and every client to do what is just for both him and the client.

Mr. Cohen charges a flat retainer for ALL legal services up until Hearings and Trial. He includes the Grand Jury in his fee unlike many other criminal defense attorneys.

If your case goes to hearings and trial, a separate retainer is then prepared.

Mr. Cohen accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (plus transaction fee).

What can I expect at MY consultation with Mr. Cohen?

At your consultation with Mr. Cohen, he will first explain to you in detail each and every element of what you are charged with. He will then ask you what really happened. He will listen to your side of the story while at the same time develop legal theories and defenses to help your case.

After he has explained everything to you and heard what you have to say, Mr. Cohen will give you a road map. He will basically explain each and every step from then on to make sure you understand the criminal justice process.

Lastly, he will answer each and EVERY question you have. His goal is for you to trust him and for you to leave his office with peace of mind.

Contact
Queens Criminal Defense Lawyer
Law Offices of Jeffrey D. Cohen

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According to one of the industry’s leading Legal Directories based on both Peer and Client reviews, Jeffrey D. Cohen is considered one the best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Kew Gardens.   The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jeffrey D. Cohen are amongst the best Criminal Defense Lawyers Queens, New York.  After meeting with Mr. Cohen and his team, we’d like to see if you too consider him as one of the best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Suffolk County, Nassau County and Queens County which include neighborhoods of Jamaica, Middle Village, Forest Hills, Woodside, Ozone Park, Glen Oaks, Elmhurst, Ridgewood, Jackson Heights, Bayside Queens Village, Bellerose, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, Ridgewood, Long Island City, as well as other neighborhoods in the counties of Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

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