FAQ - CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Q: What kind of cases do you handle?

A: We focus on criminal defense in New York City courts. We do not handle cases in New Jersey or upstate New York.

Q: Was I arrested?

A: Technically speaking, it can be said that you've been arrested anytime you are with a police officer and you are not free to leave. More often, you've been arrested if you've been handcuffed, fingerprinted, and/or photographed. An arrest in NYC usually results in one or many court appearances.

Q: How much are your fees?

A: We charge flat rates. This means that instead of billing for every hour of work, we charge a flat fee for time spent defending our client's cases. Because every case is different, we typically consult with clients first to make sure we are the right fit for our client's needs and from there, fees can be determined.

Q: I would like to come in for a case evaluation. How does this work?

A: Please call us at (917) 640-3549, email us at mail@fattorelaw.com.

Q: What will the outcome of my case be?

A: During the case evaluation, our firm will discuss the charges you are facing, the implications, and what it will take to succeed. Because every case is different a consultation is needed to provide you with a general sense of what the outcome might be.

Q: The police never read me my rights. Do they have to?

A: A failure to read you your Miranda rights may help your case. Contact us to discuss this issue if you are looking to retain an attorney.

Q: I'm not a citizen. Will I face immigration consequences now that I've been arrested?

A: There may be immigration consequences following arrest. If you are looking to retain an attorney for your criminal case, contact us about your criminal case and the immigration issues because we can assist with both. If your criminal case is over, you should look online or elsewhere for an immigration lawyer to help you with this issue.

Q: What is DWI?

A: DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated and is an umbrella term which refers to offenses related to operating a motor vehicle while affected by a substance such as alcohol. Such offenses are commonly charged under VTL § 1192.1, 1192.2, 1192.3, and/or 1192.4.

Q: Will I go to jail?

A: You might face incarceration for any criminal offense. With a skilled New York City Criminal Defense Lawyer defending you, you can get a more realistic understanding of this risk and the different ways you can fight back. We can take steps to avoid jail and a criminal record. However, the penalties that you face depends on the facts and circumstances of your case. No single circumstance controls though. For example, even if the allegations in your case are not that serious, you may face serious consequences if it is not your first time being arrested, or if your attorney does not take advantage of certain provisions in the law.

Q: Should I take my case to trial?

A: Our firm will explore all possible defenses that exist in your case and give you an honest assessment of your chance of success at trial. We carefully prepare each case as if it were going to trial and we are ready to try your case if you elect this option. Not only does this strategy give you more time to make the decision, it also allows for the best possible outcome even if you choose not to go to trial.