Staten Island Criminal Attorney

Staten Island may be known for its peaceful neighborhoods and tight-knit communities, but even here, good people can find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a mistake, or a false accusation, the consequences of criminal charges require experienced criminal defense lawyers.

At the Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, we understand that Staten Island residents facing criminal charges need more than just legal representation – they need someone who knows the local courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies. Our firm brings a unique blend of insider knowledge and persuasive defense to every case we handle in Richmond County. 

We’ve successfully defended clients against a range of criminal charges. Our familiarity with Staten Island’s legal system and Attorney Essmidi’s experience as a former NYC prosecutor and assistant district attorney gives our clients a distinct advantage in the courtroom. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

Violent Crimes

Our firm defends against a range of violent crime charges, including kidnapping, domestic violence, child endangerment, strangulation, homicide, stalking, aggravated assault, and assault on a police officer. These charges require an aggressive criminal defense.

Theft & Property Crimes

We represent clients facing charges related to theft crimes, larceny, forgery, criminal mischief, identity theft, and robbery. Our team understands the nuances of property crime laws and works tirelessly to protect your rights.

White-Collar Crimes

Our criminal law practice extends to complex white-collar crimes, including embezzlement, Ponzi schemes, and money laundering. We provide sharp defense strategies for these cases. If you’ve been charged with a white-collar crime in Staten Island, NY, contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Fraud-Related Crimes

As a well-known criminal defense law firm, we defend against various fraud charges in Staten Island, NY, including wire fraud, tax fraud, immigration fraud, healthcare fraud, and insurance fraud. Our team is well-versed in the nuances of fraud cases and works to build strong defenses.

Drug-Related Crimes

Our firm has a track record of drug crimes, from the criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance to drug trafficking, federal drug charges, and the sale of illegal cannabis. We understand the consequences of drug offenses and fight to protect our clients in the most difficult criminal cases.

Sex Crimes

We provide discreet and effective representation for those facing sexual assault, prostitution, and public lewdness. Our approach is sensitive to the nature of these cases while aggressively defending your rights.

Gun Charges

With extensive expertise in criminal law, we defend against various weapons charges, including firearm and knife charges. We understand the subtleties of New York’s weapons laws and work hard to identify gaps in the prosecution’s case.

Driving-Related Offenses

Our Staten Island criminal defense attorneys have been representing clients facing DWI, aggravated DWI, and commercial DWI charges for years. We can challenge breathalyzer results and police procedures to build strong defenses and even a case dismissal, depending on your criminal case.

Cybercrime

Our criminal law experience helps us provide a solid defense against cybercrime charges, including tampering with computer charges. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest in cybercrime laws to provide effective representation in your best interests.

Crimes Related to Public Order

We defend against criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment, hate crimes, and protesting arrests. Our firm understands how these charges can impact your record and works to minimize their effects based on your civil or constitutional rights.

Crimes Involving Authority Violations

Our Staten Island criminal defense law firm handles cases involving probation violations, protection order violations, and conspiracy. We are aware of the nature of these offenses and work to protect our client’s rights, as violations can lead to disciplinary actions against offenders.

Federal Crimes

We provide experienced representation for federal crimes, including conspiracy and RICO charges. Lawyer Mehdi Essmidi knows how the federal court system works and uses his experience as assistant district attorney to provide a strong defense for those in Staten Island, New York.

The Criminal Justice Process

The criminal justice process can be difficult to understand, especially for those who are unfamiliar with it. Here’s what you can expect:

• At the arraignment, the charges will be read, and you’ll enter a plea—usually “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” 
• Next is discovery, where both sides gather evidence. Your criminal defense lawyers work to find anything supporting your defense and challenging the prosecution. 
• Legal motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed before trial, potentially affecting the outcome. 
• Many cases are dismissed, or a plea agreement is reached before trial. If the case goes to trial, both sides present evidence, and a judge or jury decides the verdict. If found guilty, the judge determines your sentence.

At every stage of this process, having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Attorney Essmidi and his team at The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi use the insights of a former prosecutor to guide clients through this process.

Consequences of a Conviction

Being convicted of a crime can have life-changing consequences that extend far beyond the immediate penalties of fines, probation, or imprisonment. A criminal conviction can impact nearly every aspect of your life, from personal relationships to professional opportunities.

Incarceration: Depending on the circumstances of the crime, a conviction can lead to time in jail or prison.

Fines and Restitution: Convictions often come with significant financial penalties, including fines, court costs, and restitution payments to victims.

Professional Licenses and Certifications: Many licensed professionals—such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers—may lose their professional licenses as a result of a conviction.

Driver’s License Suspension: For certain offenses like DWI, reckless driving, or drug-related charges, a conviction could result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, severely impacting your ability to work and manage daily life.

Common Criminal Defenses

The best defense strategy for a case depends on the charges against you. As criminal defense lawyers, we understand the importance of having a skilled attorney to tailor a defense specifically for you. Some possible defense strategies include:

Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you engaged in the crime. If they can’t provide enough evidence to meet this standard, a criminal defense lawyer can use that to strengthen your case.

Alibi: If it can be proved that you were somewhere else when the crime happened, this can be a powerful defense.

Self-Defense: If you were defending yourself or others from harm, this may justify actions that would otherwise be considered criminal.

Mental Incapacity or Insanity: In some cases, a mental health condition may impact your legal responsibility for a crime.

Mistaken Identity: If you were incorrectly identified as the perpetrator of a crime, our criminal defense lawyers may work on challenging this identification and present evidence in your favor.

Why Choose Us

When you’re facing criminal charges, the attorney you choose can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why clients across Staten Island choose The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi, a trusted criminal defense law firm:

Former NYC Prosecutor on Your Side: As a former prosecutor, Staten Island criminal defense attorney Mehdi Essmidi understands the strategies that the prosecution may use against you. He leverages this insight to anticipate their moves and build a customized defense.

Personalized Attention: At our firm, we recognize that every client deserves personalized attention. You’ll work directly with Attorney Essmidi, not junior attorneys or paralegals. We take the time to understand your situation and keep you informed throughout the process.

Aggressive Defense Strategy: We’re known for our aggressive defense strategies. We don’t just react to the prosecution’s moves — we proactively build a strong defense designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Wide Range of Experience: We’ve successfully defended clients against a number of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. No matter what charges you’re facing, we have the experience to defend you.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Being charged in Staten Island? Don’t wait. Every minute counts. It is essential to have legal counsel when facing criminal charges to ensure your rights are protected.

Whether you are charged with sex crimes, drug crimes, theft crimes, domestic violence, or any other violent felonies under New York Penal law, you don’t need to face this alone. Criminal defense attorney Mehdi Essmidi offers a free consultation to explore all possible legal venues. Contact us for a free consultation.

FAQs

What if I get arrested?

You have the right to remain silent until you have an attorney present. You also have the right to an attorney, so ask for one immediately. Do not answer any questions without an attorney present.

Can’t I just represent myself?

You have the right to represent yourself in court, but it’s generally not recommended. The criminal justice system is complex, and without proper legal knowledge, you may harm your case or miss opportunities for defense.

What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

In general terms, a misdemeanor is a crime that can lead to a maximum sentence of one year in jail, and a felony is a more serious crime that may result in a sentence of more than one year in prison.