The stages a case passes through
In New York, a criminal case usually begins with an arrest or a desk appearance ticket, followed by arraignment, where the charges are read, a lawyer appears, and the court addresses release and any order of protection. Felony charges generally have to be presented to a grand jury, which decides whether to indict, unless the defendant waives that step as part of an agreement. After arraignment the prosecution must turn over discovery, which can include police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements. Motions may challenge how evidence was obtained or whether the charges are legally sufficient. Many cases end in a plea or a dismissal and some go to trial, and the pace of each stage varies with the court and the charge.
Your part in building the defense
A criminal defense case depends heavily on facts a lawyer cannot learn from police paperwork alone. Tell your lawyer the names of witnesses and how to reach them, and keep messages, call logs, receipts, or location data that show where you were and what happened, sharing them with your lawyer rather than anyone else. Security camera footage is often overwritten quickly, so mention any cameras near the scene as early as possible. Do not discuss the case with the complainant, co-defendants, or on social media, and follow every release condition and order of protection exactly, because a violation can create a new charge. Keep track of every court date, since missing one can lead to a warrant.
Decisions made along the way
Early on we review the charging documents, the release terms, and whatever discovery has arrived, and explain which issues look contestable and which facts still need developing. Some decisions come quickly, such as whether to testify before a grand jury, which carries real risks and benefits and is not right for everyone. Later choices include which motions to file, whether to pursue a diversion or treatment program where one is available, and whether a plea offer or a trial better fits your goals. Collateral consequences, such as effects on immigration status, professional licenses, or employment, can matter as much as the sentence and should be weighed before any decision. You make the final calls on pleading and testifying, and our role is to make sure you make them with full information.
