What to Know About Violent Crime Charges in Brooklyn

Facing a violent crime charge in Brooklyn can change your life in an instant. Whether the allegations involve assault, robbery, or homicide, the consequences of a conviction are severe and permanent. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office prosecutes violent crimes with intensity, and even a single accusation can result in years behind bars, a criminal record, and lasting damage to your personal and professional life. If you are under investigation or already charged, your future depends on taking immediate action to protect your rights.

At Petrus Law, we provide aggressive, strategic, and confidential defense for individuals accused of violent crimes throughout Brooklyn. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors build these cases, and we know how to take them apart. From challenging flawed police reports to suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence, we fight to keep your record clean and your freedom intact.

Call Petrus Law today at (646) 733-4711 or visit our contact page to schedule a confidential consultation with a Brooklyn violent crime attorney who will take your case seriously.

Understanding Violent Crime Charges Prosecuted in Brooklyn

Violent crime charges in Brooklyn range from physical altercations to fatal offenses, and each carries serious criminal penalties under New York law. Prosecutors in Kings County take an aggressive stance toward these cases, often pushing for maximum sentencing, especially when weapons, injuries, or vulnerable victims are involved. Whether you are accused of a bar fight, domestic assault, or an armed robbery, you need to understand what the law actually says and how the charges can impact your future.

At Petrus Law, we have deep experience defending clients charged with a wide spectrum of violent crimes in Brooklyn criminal courts. We understand the language of the statutes, the strategies of the District Attorney’s Office, and the constitutional protections that stand between you and a life-altering conviction.

Assault and Battery Offenses Under New York Penal Law

In Brooklyn, assault charges are among the most common violent crime allegations. While New York law does not technically include the term “battery,” acts of unwanted or harmful physical contact are prosecuted under assault statutes found in New York Penal Law Article 120.

Assault in the third degree, defined under Section 120.00, is a Class A misdemeanor and is often charged when a person intentionally or recklessly causes physical injury to another. However, prosecutors may escalate the charge to assault in the second or first degree, both felonies, if a weapon was used or if the injuries were severe.

The New York State Unified Court System outlines sentencing ranges that include potential prison time, probation, fines, and mandatory counseling. A conviction for felony assault also triggers lasting consequences, including firearm bans and barriers to employment in many industries.

At Petrus Law, we evaluate whether the injuries were truly caused by our client, whether self-defense applies, and whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove intent. Our attorneys often bring in medical experts to dispute injury claims or reconstruct events using surveillance footage and witness testimony.

Robbery Charges and the Use of Force

Robbery differs from theft because it involves the use of force or the threat of force during the commission of a larceny. In Brooklyn, robbery charges are aggressively prosecuted, especially when a weapon is involved or the alleged victim suffered injuries. According to New York Penal Law § 160, robbery is classified in three degrees, with first-degree robbery carrying a potential 25-year sentence.

Robbery in the third degree, the least severe, is a Class D felony and does not require the presence of a weapon. But when a weapon is displayed, or someone suffers serious physical harm, the charge may be elevated to first-degree under Section 160.15.

These charges are often supported by surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and forensic evidence. However, the accuracy of witness identifications and the interpretation of security video can be highly flawed. The Innocence Project has reported that mistaken identity plays a significant role in wrongful convictions for violent offenses like robbery.

We challenge the prosecution’s evidence from every angle. At Petrus Law, we frequently work with forensic video analysts and private investigators to establish reasonable doubt and reduce or dismiss charges when the facts do not support the allegations.

Armed Robbery and Firearm-Related Enhancements

When a robbery involves the display or use of a firearm, the legal exposure rises dramatically. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives works alongside local law enforcement in cases involving illegal weapons, and defendants may face both state and federal charges. Possession of an unlicensed firearm during a robbery may also trigger mandatory minimums under the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act.

Petrus Law fights these enhancements by questioning the legality of the search that uncovered the weapon, the chain of custody for any physical evidence, and whether the item was actually operable under the statutory definition. We also explore every avenue to argue for severance when federal and state charges overlap, which can make a critical difference in sentencing outcomes.

Homicide and Manslaughter Allegations in Brooklyn Courts

No charge is more serious than homicide. In Brooklyn, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes homicide cases with a dedicated team of senior prosecutors. These cases often attract media coverage, emotional responses from the community, and heightened scrutiny from the court. For the accused, the stakes are life-altering.

New York Penal Law distinguishes between different types of homicide, including:

• Murder in the second degree under Section 125.25
  
• Manslaughter in the first or second degree under Sections 125.20 and 125.15
  
• Criminally negligent homicide under Section 125.10

The difference between these charges often hinges on intent, recklessness, or negligence. For example, if prosecutors believe a death occurred during the commission of a felony, they may file felony murder charges even if the defendant did not directly cause the fatal injury. Understanding this distinction is critical, especially in cases involving multiple participants or rapidly unfolding events.

At Petrus Law, we conduct our own parallel investigations, including forensic reviews of ballistics, autopsy reports, and crime scene analysis. We also consult expert witnesses and medical examiners to challenge the state’s narrative. Our goal is to dismantle the assumptions that underpin the prosecution’s case and to fight for every legal protection available to the accused.

Self-Defense and Justification in Homicide Cases

New York law recognizes that not every death results from a criminal act. The concept of justification allows someone to use force, including deadly force, when facing an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death. This principle is codified in New York Penal Law § 35.15, which outlines when deadly force is legally permissible.

Petrus Law has successfully invoked self-defense and defense-of-others arguments in high-stakes homicide cases. We often reconstruct the event using forensic pathologists, trajectory analysis, and expert testimony on human behavior under duress. This approach provides the jury with the full context needed to make an informed and fair decision.

Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Assault

Violent crime charges can also arise in the context of family or romantic relationships. In Brooklyn, domestic violence charges are prosecuted in specialized courtrooms with trained prosecutors and judges. These cases may involve allegations of assault, stalking, strangulation, or criminal contempt for violating an order of protection.

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides resources and guidance for survivors, but these resources are sometimes weaponized in family court disputes, custody battles, or retaliation. False allegations can result in wrongful arrest, forced removal from the home, and immediate family disruption.

At Petrus Law, we understand how emotionally charged and factually complex these cases can be. We carefully examine the history between the parties, uncover motives for fabrication, and subpoena all relevant communications, including text messages, voicemails, and social media activity. Our team prepares for hearings on orders of protection, bail, and pretrial motions that can significantly shape the outcome of the case.

The Role of Trauma-Informed Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in Brooklyn now uses trauma-informed practices when investigating domestic violence and sex-related violent crimes. While this can benefit genuine survivors, it may also result in law enforcement accepting a complainant’s statement without thoroughly testing its accuracy. The National Institute of Justice has acknowledged that trauma-informed interviewing is a useful tool, but it cannot replace corroborative evidence and constitutional due process.

We challenge investigations that rely solely on emotionally driven statements or fail to explore contradictory evidence. Our defense strategy includes cross-examining police and medical personnel to expose investigative shortcuts and bias.

Legal Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Charges in Brooklyn

Defending against a violent crime charge in Brooklyn requires more than just knowledge of the law. It demands a proactive, evidence-based, and constitutionally grounded strategy tailored to the unique facts of each case. Prosecutors in Kings County often pursue violent offenses with little room for negotiation. That’s why you need a defense team that understands how to dismantle the state’s case piece by piece from the moment of arrest to the final day in court.

At Petrus Law, we combine trial experience, forensic analysis, and strategic litigation to create powerful defenses for clients accused of assault, robbery, homicide, and other violent crimes. We do not rely on generic arguments or cookie-cutter tactics. Every case we handle begins with a detailed investigation and a commitment to preserving our client’s presumption of innocence.

Challenging Eyewitness Testimony in Brooklyn Criminal Trials

One of the most common forms of evidence in violent crime cases is eyewitness identification. Unfortunately, eyewitness testimony is also one of the most unreliable forms of evidence. According to the National Institute of Justice, errors in identification have contributed to hundreds of wrongful convictions nationwide. Factors such as stress, poor lighting, police suggestion, and cross-racial identification issues can all lead to mistaken identity.

At Petrus Law, we challenge the reliability of eyewitnesses through pretrial suppression hearings, known as Wade hearings, which determine whether the identification procedure was unduly suggestive. We also work with psychological experts to educate juries about the limitations of memory and perception. If the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proving the reliability of the identification beyond a reasonable doubt, we move to exclude it from trial.

Suppressing Illegally Obtained Evidence

In many violent crime cases, the police collect statements, weapons, or forensic evidence during searches and interrogations. However, the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution provide powerful protections against unlawful police conduct. When officers violate these rights, any resulting evidence may be excluded from trial.

Under Mapp v. Ohio, evidence obtained through illegal search and seizure cannot be used in court. Similarly, under Miranda v. Arizona, statements made during custodial interrogation without proper warnings are inadmissible.

We file suppression motions based on the specific facts of your case, whether police searched your car without probable cause, interrogated you without counsel, or used deceptive tactics to elicit confessions. Brooklyn courts take these violations seriously, especially when they impact the fairness of the proceedings.

Search Warrants and Warrantless Entry

Many violent crime investigations involve searches of apartments, cell phones, or vehicles. The New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 690 governs the issuance and execution of search warrants, but not every search is conducted lawfully. At Petrus Law, we scrutinize the probable cause affidavit supporting the warrant, how police executed it, and the scope of the items seized.

If law enforcement conducted a warrantless entry into your home or exceeded the scope of the warrant, we will move to exclude all resulting evidence. Our team also challenges the use of digital surveillance tools, such as cellphone tower dumps or GPS tracking, which may violate your right to privacy under Carpenter v. United States.

Using Self-Defense and Justification Under New York Law

In violent crime cases involving physical altercations or deadly force, one of the most powerful legal defenses is justification. New York law allows individuals to use force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent harm. This defense is codified in Penal Law § 35.15, which permits deadly force only under specific circumstances, such as the prevention of a forcible felony or imminent threat of death.

Our attorneys thoroughly investigate whether the accused acted in self-defense or in defense of others. We interview witnesses, collect surveillance footage, and consult with forensic pathologists to determine the angle, timing, and sequence of injuries. We also use expert testimony to explain why our client’s actions were reasonable under the stress of a violent confrontation.

Disproving the Prosecution’s Narrative

In many Brooklyn violent crime cases, the prosecution presents a simplified version of events that assumes guilt from the start. However, real-life confrontations are chaotic, fast-moving, and rarely one-sided. Our job is to reconstruct the scene accurately and introduce alternative explanations that the state’s evidence may overlook or ignore.

This includes highlighting gaps in the timeline, conflicts in witness statements, or exculpatory evidence such as 911 calls, social media activity, or medical records. We frequently work with private investigators and crime scene reconstruction experts to bring the full picture into focus.

Leveraging Mitigating Factors During Sentencing

Even when a conviction is likely or a plea deal is the most strategic choice, our work does not stop at the verdict. Sentencing in violent crime cases is where the stakes are highest, and we fight to present every mitigating factor to the court.

Under New York Penal Law Article 70, judges have discretion in determining sentencing within statutory ranges. We submit detailed sentencing memoranda that include psychological evaluations, employment history, community involvement, and letters of support. When appropriate, we advocate for alternatives to incarceration, such as intensive probation, mental health diversion, or treatment in lieu of prison.

The New York State Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives provides guidelines for community-based alternatives, which can be critical in reducing a defendant’s exposure to long-term confinement.

Post-Conviction Relief and Record Protection

If a conviction has already occurred, Petrus Law explores every available post-conviction remedy. This includes filing motions to vacate based on newly discovered evidence, ineffective assistance of prior counsel, or constitutional violations. We also pursue record sealing under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 when clients are eligible to reduce the long-term impact of a criminal record.

We understand that a violent crime conviction can impact everything from employment to immigration status. Our defense team works with civil attorneys, licensing boards, and immigration counsel to protect your rights beyond the criminal courtroom.

What to Expect During the Brooklyn Violent Crime Criminal Process

If you have been arrested for a violent crime in Brooklyn, you are not just facing legal consequences; you are entering one of the most complex and high-stakes legal systems in the country. From arraignment through trial, each stage of the criminal process carries risks and opportunities. Understanding how Brooklyn courts operate, who controls the pace of your case, and what your rights are can make a life-changing difference.

At Petrus Law, we guide clients through every phase of the criminal process with clarity, urgency, and an unwavering focus on results. Our attorneys know the inner workings of Brooklyn’s criminal courts and how to anticipate prosecutorial strategy from the outset.

The Arrest and Booking Process in Kings County

Most Brooklyn violent crime cases begin with an arrest by the NYPD, either based on probable cause at the scene or after an investigation by a specialized unit. Once arrested, the accused is taken into custody and processed through central booking, often at the Brooklyn Detention Complex or another intake facility.

During booking, law enforcement records your biographical information, photographs, and fingerprints. If you are being charged with a felony, your case will likely be fast-tracked to the Kings County Criminal Court for arraignment. The New York City Criminal Court provides limited public information about this stage, but it is critical to have an attorney involved before the first court appearance, if possible.

Petrus Law intervenes as early as arrest, working to negotiate surrender terms when appropriate, prevent illegal questioning, and prepare immediate bail arguments to reduce the risk of unnecessary pretrial detention.

Arraignment and Bail Determinations

Your first formal court appearance is an arraignment, where the charges are read, and the judge determines whether you will be released or held in custody. In Brooklyn, violent felony charges almost always lead to a bail request from the prosecutor. The judge considers several factors, including the seriousness of the allegations, the strength of the evidence, and your prior criminal record.

Under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 510.10, judges must consider the least restrictive conditions necessary to ensure your return to court. In reality, however, violent crime defendants often face cash bail, electronic monitoring, or remand.

We present strong bail arguments supported by community ties, employment, lack of flight risk, and, when appropriate, mental health factors. We also file motions to reconsider bail when new evidence emerges or circumstances change.

Bail Funds and Pretrial Supervision in Brooklyn

Several nonprofit organizations, such as The Brooklyn Community Bail Fund and The Bail Project, help low-income defendants post bail in certain cases. Although these resources are limited, Petrus Law coordinates with local support networks and pretrial service agencies to increase the chances of a client’s release.

The Role of the Grand Jury and Indictment

In felony-level violent crime cases, the District Attorney must present the case to a grand jury. A grand jury is a panel of 16 to 23 citizens who determine whether there is enough evidence to issue an indictment. This process is secret, and the defense is not allowed to attend unless the accused is invited to testify, which is a rare and strategic decision.

The Kings County District Attorney’s Office prepares grand jury presentations with carefully selected evidence and witnesses. If the grand jury votes to indict, your case proceeds to the Supreme Court for further hearings and pretrial motions.

Our team evaluates every grand jury transcript and moves to dismiss indictments when the evidence is insufficient or improperly presented. In cases where exculpatory evidence was withheld or the grand jury was misled, we seek dismissal under CPL § 210.20.

Discovery and Pretrial Motions Under CPL Article 245

Once your case is indicted, the discovery phase begins. New York’s discovery rules were overhauled in 2020 under Criminal Procedure Law Article 245, which requires prosecutors to turn over most evidence within 20 days of arraignment.

This includes police reports, body camera footage, forensic test results, witness statements, and grand jury minutes. Our firm uses these materials to build a fact-based defense strategy and to identify grounds for pretrial motions. Common motions include:

• Motions to suppress statements or physical evidence
  
  
• Motions to dismiss for lack of legal sufficiency
  
  
• Motions to preclude prejudicial or irrelevant information

Petrus Law routinely files motions to challenge lineups, interrogations, and forensic testing, especially in high-stakes Brooklyn violent crime cases where flawed evidence or procedural violations could alter the outcome.

Plea Negotiations and the Decision to Go to Trial

Not every violent crime case goes to trial. Most are resolved through plea negotiations. But a plea must only be accepted when it truly serves the client’s best interest, not because the prosecution is pushing for a quick resolution.

We analyze every offer in light of the full discovery record, the likelihood of conviction, sentencing exposure, and collateral consequences. In Brooklyn, where violent felonies often carry mandatory minimums, plea negotiations can reduce prison time, downgrade charges, or avoid post-release supervision.

Still, many clients choose to fight their charges at trial. Petrus Law prepares every case as if it is going to trial from day one. Our attorneys have defended clients against serious violent felonies in the Brooklyn Supreme Court, using expert testimony, cross-examination, and persuasive storytelling to secure acquittals and hung juries.

Understanding Brooklyn Trial Procedure

Jury trials in Brooklyn criminal courts follow procedures outlined in New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 270. A jury of twelve hears the evidence and must reach a unanimous verdict. Trial strategy involves careful jury selection, evidentiary motions, direct and cross-examination, and closing arguments.

Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and know how to communicate complex facts clearly and persuasively. Whether the charge is attempted murder, armed robbery, or felony assault, we fight to ensure the jury sees the case for what it truly is, not the prosecution’s version of events.

Speak with a Brooklyn Violent Crime Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing violent crime charges in Brooklyn, your freedom, future, and reputation are at stake. Whether you have been arrested for assault, robbery, or homicide, the prosecution is already building a case designed to convict you. You need a legal team that knows how to fight back, one that understands Brooklyn’s courts, anticipates prosecutorial tactics, and works relentlessly to protect your rights at every stage.

At Petrus Law, we don’t just respond to charges. We challenge them. We investigate aggressively, file strategic motions, and develop defenses that expose weaknesses in the state’s case. Our goal is simple: to keep you out of prison, off the permanent record, and in control of your future.

Do not face these charges alone. Contact Petrus Law today for a confidential consultation. Call (646) 733-4711 or visit our contact page to speak directly with a Brooklyn violent crime defense lawyer who is ready to stand by your side and take immediate action on your behalf.