Bronx Criminal Attorney
Schedule a Free ConsultationBeing charged with a crime in the Bronx will keep you up at night. New York laws and the Bronx courts are complicated, and a dedicated criminal defense attorney who knows the local procedures is required.
As a former New York City Prosecutor, attorney Mehdi Essmidi has the legal experience and knows what the other side is looking for. From misdemeanors to felonies, our law office creates a customized defense plan for every client. Don’t let charges dictate your future. Call us today for a free consultation.
Our Bronx Criminal Defense Strategy
At The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, we know being charged with a crime in the Bronx can be scary. Our criminal defense approach is based on experience, hard work, and familiarity with the Bronx criminal justice system. Here are the advantages of working with us:
Customized Defense Plans: We know every case is different, with its facts and limitations. That’s why we build a tailor-made defense for you. Our team, led by Bronx criminal defense lawyer Mehdi Essmidi, reviews every aspect of your case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Using Insider Information: As a former assistant district attorney, Mehdi Essmidi knows what the other side is looking for. This insight allows us to outsmart the prosecution and build a top-notch defense for our clients.
Tenacious Representation: When facing criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felony charges, we approach every case with the same level of dedication and criminal law experience. We genuinely want the best result for you.
Criminal Defense Services
Unlike large law firms, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. We’ve been serving residents in the Bronx for years, and we spare no resources in our defense plans. Led by an experienced criminal defense attorney, we can handle all types of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Here’s a list of some of the services we offer:
Assault
Assault charges in the Bronx can be misdemeanors or felonies. We defend clients against these charges, investigating every aspect of the incident to develop a defense strategy.
Drug Charges
New York drug laws are complicated and always changing. We stay up-to-speed with the latest developments to defend against drug possession, distribution, trafficking charges, illegal sale of cannabis, and illegal sale of prescriptions for controlled substances. Contact us if you’ve been charged.
DWI
A DWI in the Bronx can have serious consequences. Our DWI lawyer, Mehdi Essmidi, reviews every aspect of your arrest, from the traffic stop to the field sobriety tests, to protect your rights and driving privileges.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence allegations are highly emotional and can profoundly impact your personal life, even leading to child custody matters. We approach these sensitive cases with a deep understanding of New York domestic violence laws.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault allegations require a strong and discreet response. We investigate the allegations, challenge the evidence, and defend your reputation throughout the process.
White-Collar Crimes
From fraud to embezzlement, white-collar crimes involve complex financial transactions. Our experience as former prosecutors gives us an upper hand in building defenses for these complex cases.
Theft and Larceny
Whether you’re facing identity theft charges or more serious larceny allegations, we can work on a solid defense to protect you and your future.
Weapons Charges
New York’s weapons laws are tough. We use our familiarity with local and state weapons laws to defend against weapons charges in the Bronx.
Additional Services
Our criminal defense practice includes:
Defenses We May Use in the Bronx
At The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmid, we use our experience as former prosecutors to build a sound defense strategy for our clients. Here are some of the defenses we may use depending on your case:
Constitutional Violations
We review every aspect of your arrest and the evidence collection process. If the police violated your rights, such as an illegal search or seizure, we may challenge the evidence.
No Probable Cause
If the police didn’t have reason to stop, search, or arrest you, we may challenge the legality of their actions and get the charges dropped.
Misidentification
In cases where eyewitness testimony is key, we review the identification process and challenge any bad identifications.
Self Defense
For assault charges, we may argue you acted in self-defense or defense of others if the facts support that.
Insufficient Evidence
We review the prosecution’s evidence and get the charges dismissed if there isn’t enough evidence to support the charges against you.
Alibi
If you were in a different place else when the incident happened, we may build an alibi defense.
Entrapment
In some cases, especially drug cases, we may argue the police induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have committed otherwise.
Challenging Forensic Evidence
We work with expert witnesses to challenge the reliability and interpretation of forensic evidence, such as DNA or fingerprint analysis.
Plea Bargaining
When possible, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, always seeking the best possible result for our clients.
Mental Health Defenses
In some cases, we may use defenses related to mental health issues or diminished capacity.
Statute of Limitations
If the charges were filed outside the time limit and, file a motion to dismiss if the statute of limitations has run.
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested
Being arrested in the Bronx can be frightening. However, how you handle the situation can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. At The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, we advise our clients to do the following if they are arrested:
Stay Calm: You may feel anxious or upset, but stay calm and don’t resist arrest. Cooperate with the police, but remember you have rights.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Tell the officers you want to exercise that right, and you won’t answer questions without a Bronx criminal defense lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.
Ask for an Attorney: Call a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. This should stop any further questioning until your attorney is present.
Don’t Talk About Your Case: Don’t discuss your case with anyone besides your Bronx criminal defense lawyer. Remember, jail phone calls are often recorded and can be used as evidence.
Show Up to Court: Missing a hearing date can lead to additional charges or a warrant for your arrest. Make sure to show up to all court appearances or have your attorney request an adjournment if needed.
The Criminal Justice Process
The New York criminal justice process can be complex, especially for those who are unfamiliar with it. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:
Arrest: This is the initial stage, where law enforcement takes you into custody. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and to an attorney.
Arraignment: This is your first court appearance. The charges against you will be read, and you’ll be asked to enter a plea. Typically, pleas are “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.”
Discovery: This is the pre-trial phase, where both sides gather evidence for their case.
Pre-Trial Motions: These are legal arguments made before trial that can affect how the trial proceeds or whether it proceeds at all. Common pre-trial motions include motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
Trial: If your case goes to trial, both sides plead their case before a judge or jury, who will then decide your guilt or innocence based on the evidence.
Sentencing: If you’re found guilty, the judge determines your sentence.
Call an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you were charged with a crime, don’t wait. Our Bronx criminal defense attorneys can fight for your rights and get you the best possible result. At The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, we spare no resources and see every NY client as someone deserving of a defense. When you hire our services, you can rest assured you are not just another case number to our criminal defense attorneys. Contact us for a free consultation.
FAQs
What if I’m arrested in the Bronx?
If you’re arrested, stay calm, assert your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Don’t talk to the police or anyone else about your case until your Bronx criminal defense lawyer is present. Remember, anything you say will be used against you.
Can a lawyer get my charges dropped or reduced?
While no attorney can guarantee an outcome, we investigate your case, find weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate for dismissal or reduction of charges. Whether you were charged with a misdemeanor or felony in the Bronx, our goal is to get you the best possible result through negotiation, plea bargaining, or trial.
Will my case go to trial?
Not all criminal cases go to trial. Many are resolved through negotiations, plea deals, or dismissals. But if the case does go to trial, we’ll be ready to defend you in court and work with you every step of the way.
What are my rights during the investigation?
You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and protection from unlawful searches and seizures. If your rights were violated at any point during the investigation, we may be able to use that in your defense.
Can a criminal conviction be removed from my record?
In New York, some convictions can be sealed under certain circumstances, such as being crime-free foten10 years after the conviction. Criminal defense attorney Mehdi Essmidi can review your case and determine if you’re eligible for sealing or expungement.
How a Bronx criminal defense lawyer can help?
A Bronx criminal defense lawyer will know the local laws, the court, and the players in the system, such as judges and prosecutors. That local knowledge can be an advantage in crafting a defense strategy for your case.