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Criminal Defense Lawyer Bronx Weapon Threat Probation



This case study examines how a criminal defense lawyer Bronx successfully reduced sentencing exposure for a client charged with a serious weapon based threat offense under New York law.


The matter arose from a workplace related confrontation that escalated unexpectedly during an after hours corporate gathering in the Bronx.


Through strategic mitigation, statutory analysis, and negotiated resolution, the defense secured a probationary sentence instead of incarceration.

Contents


1. Criminal Defense Lawyer Bronx New York | Client Background and Incident Overview


Criminal Defense Lawyer Bronx New York

The client was a mid level corporate employee working for a logistics company headquartered in the Bronx, New York.


He had no prior criminal history and maintained stable employment for over eight years before the incident occurred.

The charges stemmed from a long standing workplace conflict with a colleague who was assigned to the same project team.



Workplace Tension and Escalating Conflict


Over several months, the client and the complainant experienced repeated disagreements regarding project responsibilities, deadlines, and internal reporting authority.


These conflicts created ongoing tension that management had not formally addressed.


Although disagreements were verbal, they gradually became more personal and emotionally charged.



2. Criminal Defense Lawyer Bronx New York | after Hours Incident and Criminal Charges


The incident occurred during a company sponsored dinner held at a private restaurant in the Bronx following the completion of a major project milestone.


Alcohol was present, and conversations eventually shifted toward unresolved workplace disputes.



Alleged Weapon Based Threat Involving a Dangerous Instrument


During a heated exchange, the client allegedly grabbed a pair of scissors that was on the table from the table and waved them toward the complainant while making threatening remarks.


No physical contact occurred, and no injuries were reported.


However, the complainant stated that the conduct placed him in reasonable fear of imminent physical injury.

 

Based on these allegations, prosecutors charged the client with Menacing in the Second Degree under New York Penal Law §120.14, a Class A misdemeanor involving the use or display of a dangerous instrument.



3. Criminal Defense Lawyer Bronx New York | Defense Strategy and Sentencing Mitigation


The criminal defense lawyer Bronx immediately focused on reframing the incident within its proper legal and factual context.


The defense emphasized the absence of premeditation, lack of physical harm, and the client’s otherwise law abiding history.



Legal Framing under New York Penal Law


Under New York law, a “dangerous instrument” includes any object that, under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used, or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or other serious physical injury.


The defense argued that while the object could qualify as a dangerous instrument under the statutory definition, that classification depended on the manner and circumstances of its use, and the conduct was impulsive rather than intentionally violent.

 

Key mitigation arguments included:

 

• The incident occurred during a spontaneous argument, not a planned confrontation.

• The client immediately ceased the behavior when others intervened.

• No attempt was made to advance toward or strike the complainant.



4. Criminal Defense Lawyer Bronx New York | Resolution and Probationary Outcome


Following negotiations and submission of mitigation materials, the court agreed that incarceration was not warranted.


The client accepted responsibility and demonstrated genuine remorse throughout the proceedings.



Probation Sentence and Case Outcome


The court imposed a probationary sentence with anger management counseling and compliance conditions.


In issuing the sentence, the judge cited several favorable factors:

 

• The absence of prior criminal convictions.

• Successful reconciliation and written consent from the complainant requesting leniency.

• Character reference letters submitted by coworkers and supervisors.

 

This case illustrates how a criminal defense lawyer Bronx can effectively limit sentencing exposure in weapon related threat cases by aligning factual mitigation with New York statutory standards.


09 Feb, 2026


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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