Criminal Defense for State-Level Charges in New York City

New York City state crime indictments move fast and hit hard. You may be arrested at the 40th Precinct in The Bronx, or booked at the Midtown North station in Manhattan, but prosecutors begin building their case before you even make bail. At Petrus Law, we move with the same sense of urgency. We defend defendants charged under New York State law in all five boroughs, felonies and serious misdemeanors adjudicated in Supreme Court. Our attorneys practice in courtrooms all over Kings County, Richmond County, and more on a daily basis, dealing with high-volume state dockets and tough assistant district attorneys.

We oppose every element of the state’s argument. From illegal search and seizure to questionable probable cause, we move swiftly to suppress evidence and take control in your interest. Time is not on your side, do not wait until there is an indictment to lose options. Learn how state-level prosecutions are structured by reviewing New York’s criminal procedure law through the Unified Court System.

Call (646) 733-4711 now to speak with a criminal defense attorney who knows New York City courts inside and out. Your case won’t fix itself. We’re ready to start the defense today.

Common State Crimes Prosecuted in NYC Courts

New York City state crime cases often begin with rushed investigations and end with life-altering consequences. Charges under state law differ from federal prosecution and are typically handled in borough-based trial courts like Manhattan Criminal Court or Queens County Supreme Court. Whether you are facing allegations related to property offenses, violent behavior, or controlled substance possession under Title 21 USC §812, the state has the full weight of local law enforcement and the district attorney behind it.

Each borough sees high volumes of arrests every day. In Brooklyn, these range from offenses near Prospect Heights to the busy streets of East Flatbush. In The Bronx, precincts around the Grand Concourse see daily state-level prosecutions. Petrus Law appears in these courthouses regularly, defending against an array of serious allegations tied to New York state statutes.

To understand the full scope of these offenses, review how New York’s Penal Law defines criminal conduct and outlines punishment.

Theft and Property Crime Allegations in NYC

These charges are often filed quickly after retail loss prevention or NYPD officers claim someone took or tampered with property. State charges typically depend on the alleged value and context.

Shoplifting and Petit Larceny in NYC

Shoplifting cases in boroughs like Queens or Staten Island often rely on surveillance footage or witness statements from retail employees. These charges are filed under Penal Law §155.25 and carry jail time even for first-time offenders. We often see overcharging in these cases and challenge both probable cause and store security procedures.

Burglary and Trespass in New York City

Burglary involves unauthorized entry into a building with intent to commit another crime, while trespass covers unlawful entry without intent. These cases usually stem from arrests near construction sites, commercial spaces, or public housing units. We examine the location, evidence chain, and whether law enforcement had grounds for detention.

Assault and Other Violent State Offenses

Assault cases range from disputes inside apartment buildings to public altercations near nightlife districts. Prosecutors often seek the highest possible charge under New York State law.

Simple Assault and Misdemeanor Charges

Third-degree assault under Penal Law §120.00 is a common New York City state crime and often results from minor fights or domestic disputes. The law requires evidence of physical injury, not just contact. We challenge officer observations and medical documentation to reduce these charges.

Felony Assault Allegations in Borough Courts

Felony assault cases often involve claims of intent or the presence of a weapon. Prosecutors in courts like Bronx County Hall of Justice or Kings County Supreme Court aggressively pursue these cases. We move quickly to uncover exculpatory evidence, file suppression motions, and interview key witnesses.

Charges Tied to Controlled Substances Under Title 21 USC

State prosecutors file charges when the alleged offense involves possession or intent related to controlled substances not handled by federal agencies. These are frequently charged under NY Penal Law §220.

Criminal Possession Under State Law

Possession charges filed in NYC courts often stem from stop-and-frisk tactics or traffic stops. Our defense examines the search validity, the chain of custody, and lab results. We also review the classification under 21 USC Part D to challenge the prosecutor’s interpretation of the substance involved.

Intent to Sell or Distribute

Intent to distribute is a serious state charge that does not require an actual sale. Officers may allege distribution based on packaging, cash found, or location. These charges often come from NYPD narcotics units working in high-traffic areas like Midtown or East New York. We scrutinize every detail, from confidential informant reliability to surveillance legality.

Offenses Involving Weapons and State Firearm Laws

Gun and weapon possession cases carry mandatory sentencing under state law, especially in boroughs with high enforcement like The Bronx and Brooklyn.

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in NYC

Under Penal Law §265, even legal gun owners from outside New York can face felony charges for possession without a city-issued permit. These cases frequently result from traffic stops near the George Washington Bridge or at the Holland Tunnel. We evaluate how the firearm was discovered and whether NYPD followed required procedures.

Knife and Other Weapon-Related Offenses

Possession of gravity knives, switchblades, or other prohibited items often leads to misdemeanor or felony charges in Manhattan and Queens. Officers may misidentify legal tools as weapons. We challenge the classification and demonstrate lawful use or possession.

Defending Felony Allegations Under State Law In New York City

Felony charges filed under New York State law place your freedom at risk from the moment of arrest. Prosecutors in all five boroughs move aggressively when felony accusations involve weapons, threats, violence, or property over a defined value threshold. These charges are not handled in local criminal court for long. Instead, they are quickly bumped to Supreme Court divisions in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, or Staten Island.

Our defense attorneys at Petrus Law appear in these high-volume felony courts every day. We know how to challenge the state’s timeline, suppress unlawful evidence, and apply pressure in pretrial stages. Whether your case starts near Canal Street or in Jamaica, Queens, we fight for control early and refuse to let prosecutors dictate the path forward. Learn more about felony classifications under New York Penal Law.

We file discovery demands on day one, analyze weaknesses in the complaint, and identify every opportunity for dismissal or charge reduction. Felony cases often hinge on police procedure, witness credibility, and how evidence was handled. That is where we apply the pressure.

Felony Charges Often Start With Arrests In NYC Neighborhoods

Felonies are charged at the state level for a wide range of allegations. These include violent acts, major property offenses, and criminal behavior involving controlled substances under 21 USC §812. Arrests happen in apartment buildings, parks, subways, and even office buildings. Officers rarely wait for warrants. Instead, they act based on street-level information or calls from the public.

Brooklyn And The Bronx See High Rates Of State Felony Arrests

In neighborhoods like Crown Heights and Mott Haven, felony enforcement levels remain high. NYPD precincts in these areas funnel arrests into central booking, where cases move fast through the system. Our attorneys frequently appear at Kings County Supreme Court and the Bronx Hall of Justice, handling cases that arise in densely policed corridors.

We begin every defense by investigating the arrest conditions. If your stop, search, or detention involved misconduct, we use that as leverage to file suppression motions and challenge the entire foundation of the case.

Many Queens And Manhattan Felonies Involve Surveillance Evidence

State felony charges filed in Manhattan or Queens often come with video surveillance or phone data. These cases include serious allegations like burglary, robbery, or unlawful possession. Prosecutors depend on tech-based evidence from buildings, traffic cameras, or cell tower records. But that data does not tell the full story.

We subpoena footage, identify digital gaps, and force the state to prove the connection between you and the alleged event. In many felony prosecutions, surveillance is incomplete or lacks a clear chain of custody. We expose that weakness and make sure it becomes part of the defense strategy.

Felony Convictions Bring Serious Penalties Under State Law

A felony under New York Penal Law carries mandatory sentencing risks and can limit your future long after the case ends. Convictions impact housing, employment, and professional licensing. Courts consider these charges more serious than misdemeanors, and prosecutors often refuse early offers.

Class D And Class E Felonies Are Common In NYC Supreme Courts

Lower-level felony charges still carry years in prison. Class D and E felonies appear frequently in the Supreme Courts across NYC. These may involve possession under Part D of Chapter 13, assault with minor injury, or property offenses above the misdemeanor threshold.

Judges in these cases often grant probation or alternative sentencing—but only with the right defense plan. Our firm builds those plans from day one, presenting evidence of employment, family obligations, and lack of prior convictions to push for non-custodial outcomes.

Class B And Class C Felonies Carry Mandatory Prison Terms

More serious charges involve violence, weapons, or major theft. Class B felonies can result in 25 years behind bars. Class C charges often bring mandatory sentencing and fewer opportunities for diversion. These charges are aggressively prosecuted, especially in gun cases or serious assaults.

We prepare these cases with full courtroom defense in mind. That means interviewing witnesses, identifying procedural mistakes, and leveraging every constitutional protection available. When prison is on the table, we work to reduce the charge or force the prosecution to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Timing And Defense Strategy Matter In New York State Felony Cases

The decisions you make early in a felony case shape the outcome. State prosecutors move fast to get grand jury indictments, limit your bail options, and tighten the evidence against you. Without fast legal action, you fall behind.

Suppression Motions Can Change The Direction Of A Felony Case

In many felony prosecutions, the entire case rests on evidence collected through questionable searches or seizures. If that evidence is tossed out, the state loses its foundation. We file suppression motions early—before the state builds momentum. These motions challenge how officers found property, obtained statements, or executed warrants.

Our legal team knows how local judges rule on these issues and what strategies work best in each courtroom. This insight helps us move quickly and aggressively in your favor.

Early Negotiation Often Leads To Better Outcomes

When the defense has leverage, plea negotiations become productive. Prosecutors who realize they cannot prove the case start offering reductions or diversion. That leverage only exists if your lawyer has already filed motions, interviewed witnesses, and shown the state their case has holes.

At Petrus Law, we approach every felony case as if it is going to trial. That approach forces prosecutors to respond. In many cases, it leads to dismissed charges or outcomes that keep you out of jail and off a permanent record.

Search And Seizure Issues In New York City State Crime Cases

Illegal searches are a major factor in many New York City state crime prosecutions. When police overstep during traffic stops, apartment entries, or street-level encounters, the resulting evidence can become the cornerstone of the state’s case. That includes items connected to property crimes, controlled substances under Title 21 USC §812, or weapons recovered during pat-downs.

At Petrus Law, we move quickly to identify and challenge unconstitutional search practices. If police entered your space without a warrant or proper consent, we file suppression motions that target every piece of evidence obtained. Timing matters. The sooner we file, the more control we keep over the direction of your defense.

For an overview of what law enforcement must follow under the Fourth Amendment, review the Legal Information Institute’s explanation of search and seizure law.

Unlawful Searches Happen Frequently In NYC Felony Arrests

Police in New York City often justify searches using vague suspicion or flawed tips. Officers may search vehicles, backpacks, or apartments claiming they saw something in plain view or had verbal permission. These cases frequently start near subways, parks, or housing developments where surveillance is limited and enforcement is aggressive.

Traffic Stops Often Lead To Improper Searches

Many state crime prosecutions start with a traffic stop. Officers claim a broken taillight, then escalate the encounter to a vehicle search. Without probable cause or consent, this kind of search violates your rights. Yet prosecutors still build entire cases on what police say they found inside the vehicle.

Our defense team obtains dashcam footage, radio logs, and field reports to uncover inconsistencies. If the search lacked justification under New York or federal law, we fight to suppress the evidence and weaken the prosecution’s case before it reaches a jury.

Apartment And Building Searches Require A Valid Warrant

Warrantless entries into apartments or common areas happen more often than most people realize. In buildings across Queens, The Bronx, and Brooklyn, NYPD officers conduct vertical patrols that lead to arrests. But unless they see something illegal in plain sight or have valid consent, the entry may be unconstitutional.

We examine warrant paperwork, timing of entry, and body camera footage to evaluate whether the law was followed. In many of these cases, our motions to suppress lead to dismissals or major charge reductions.

Suppression Motions Are Critical In State-Level Criminal Defense

New York judges may exclude evidence if it was gathered in violation of your constitutional rights. That exclusion weakens the prosecution and often opens the door to reduced charges or full dismissal. But to get that result, your attorney must act early and aggressively.

How Suppression Changes State Felony Outcomes

When the court suppresses evidence, prosecutors lose leverage. In felony cases involving controlled substances under Part D of Subchapter I, weapons, or stolen items, suppression may gut the state’s ability to proceed. If the state cannot use what was seized, the case often falls apart.

We regularly file suppression motions in Manhattan, Kings County, and Bronx Supreme Court. These filings require precision and supporting facts, so we begin investigation immediately after being retained.

Courts Require Strong Legal Arguments And Detailed Evidence

To succeed in suppression hearings, your attorney must present a strong record. That includes detailed timelines, supporting documents, and testimony from key witnesses. Many attorneys fail because they do not dig deep enough or prepare early enough.

At Petrus Law, we invest time up front to build the right argument. That strategy has helped us secure favorable rulings across every borough in New York City. You only get one shot at suppressing illegally obtained evidence—so it must be done right the first time.

Strategic Pressure On Prosecutors Starts With Challenging The Evidence

Every suppression motion we file shifts momentum. It forces the prosecutor to defend their case before trial and reveals weaknesses in their investigation. That pressure often leads to plea offers, charge reductions, or dismissal.

Filing Early Keeps The Defense In Control

The first 30 days after arraignment matter. Prosecutors want to control the process by avoiding hearings and moving straight to trial. Filing a motion early disrupts that plan. We control the calendar, frame the narrative, and put the state on defense.

Weak Evidence Should Never Decide Your Future

If the state cannot explain how they obtained the evidence, they should not be allowed to use it. When we file suppression motions, we hold the prosecution accountable for every action taken by police.

We do not let procedural shortcuts ruin your record or take away your freedom. Our attorneys push for the full protection of your constitutional rights, no matter how aggressive the arrest may have been.

Defending Assault Allegations In New York City State Courts

Assault charges filed under New York State law carry serious consequences in every borough. These cases often involve fast arrests, minimal investigation, and one-sided narratives pushed by prosecutors. Whether the arrest happened after a bar fight in Manhattan or during a domestic dispute in Brooklyn, the charge alone can lead to job loss, travel restrictions, or family court problems before a conviction is even reached.

At Petrus Law, we respond immediately to assault allegations charged under New York Penal Law §120. We identify weaknesses in the state’s version of events, examine police reports for errors, and challenge the credibility of any medical documentation. State prosecutors aggressively pursue assault convictions. Our role is to expose what they cannot prove.

For a detailed overview of the legal elements of assault under state law, review the New York State Assembly statute index.

New York City Sees Constant Assault Arrests Under State Law

NYPD officers make thousands of assault arrests every year. Many come from 911 calls where both parties are injured, or from heated arguments that escalate before officers arrive. Once law enforcement gets involved, the chance to explain disappears. Police decide who gets arrested and prosecutors decide how hard to push.

Misdemeanor Assault Often Starts With Conflicting Stories

Third-degree assault is the most common misdemeanor charge under state law. It often stems from physical contact with no serious injury. These arrests happen fast and are frequently based on incomplete statements or limited witness input.

Our defense focuses on inconsistencies in the initial complaint. We pull 911 call logs, body cam footage, and medical records to challenge the idea that injury or intent even occurred. These early facts often create leverage for dismissal or reduction.

Felony Assault Brings Pressure From Prosecutors

When prosecutors charge assault in the second degree or higher, they claim serious physical injury or use of a weapon. These cases move to Supreme Court and carry years of prison exposure. They often involve alleged victims who testify, hospital staff who submit reports, and police officers who oversimplify what happened.

We push back hard by reviewing medical records, hiring independent experts, and preparing cross-examination that exposes exaggeration. Many of these cases fall apart under real scrutiny.

Strategic Defense Against State-Level Assault Charges

Assault charges under New York State law are built on interpretation. Prosecutors argue that intent was clear, that harm was substantial, and that you were the aggressor. We attack each of those points by building a timeline that contradicts the state’s claims and forces them to prove every detail.

Self Defense Remains A Powerful Legal Strategy

Many clients face arrest even when they were simply protecting themselves. In dense environments like the Bronx or Harlem, street confrontations happen fast and without warning. If you acted to defend yourself or someone else, the law gives you the right to use reasonable force.

We build these defenses using witness statements, surveillance footage, and neighborhood context. Self defense is not about avoiding conflict, it is about proving you were not the aggressor under the law. That difference changes everything in the courtroom.

Lack Of Intent Can Dismantle Assault Allegations

New York State law requires that the accused act knowingly or intentionally to cause injury. Many arrests involve incidental contact, accidental outcomes, or moments of panic. When the state cannot show clear intent, they cannot meet their burden.

We highlight gaps in the complaint, show how actions were misunderstood, and use witness inconsistencies to cast doubt on the prosecution’s version. This strategy often leads to reductions from felony to misdemeanor, or complete dismissal.

Assault Convictions Carry Consequences Beyond Court

The punishment for a state assault conviction goes far beyond jail. Convicted individuals lose access to employment, public housing, education programs, and certain professional licenses. Immigration status and family law rights are also at risk.

State Assault Charges Trigger Collateral Damage

Even if probation or conditional discharge is granted, an assault conviction still creates a public record. Employers in New York often deny opportunities based on any violent history. Licensing boards for security work, healthcare, real estate, and law also take disciplinary action based on a single conviction.

We work to avoid that outcome by challenging the charges at every level and pushing for resolutions that do not create a lifelong barrier. Our defense is built around protecting your record, not just avoiding jail.

Assault Charges Often Appear During Family Court Cases

In many cases, an assault arrest becomes part of a larger legal battle in family court. A parent involved in a custody or visitation dispute may suddenly face restrictions based on the assault case, even before it reaches a plea or trial.

We coordinate with your family court attorneys and protect your standing in both systems. An assault case that is not managed properly can take your children, housing, and future. That is why we act immediately.

Take Immediate Action On Your New York City State Crime Case

If you face state-level charges anywhere in New York City, the next move you make matters. Delay only helps the prosecution. At Petrus Law, we intervene fast to protect your rights and challenge the evidence before it locks into place. Whether you are charged with assault, weapon possession, or an offense listed under Title 21 USC §812, we build a strategic plan that fits your case and your goals.

Call (646) 733-4711 now to speak directly with a criminal defense attorney who understands how New York courts work. You can also visit us online to learn how we handle felony and misdemeanor cases across all five boroughs. We know how to push back. We are ready to start now.