Criminal Defense Lawyers in Albany, NY

An arrest in Albany County moves fast, and the fear that comes with it is real. Minor cases head to Albany City Court, while felonies go before the Albany County Court on Eagle Street. Put simply, a criminal defense lawyer represents you, protects your rights, and stands up for you through each phase of the case, from arraignment to resolution. Please do not face this alone. Reach out to our team today.

Penalties in New York depend on how a charge is classified under the state Penal Law. Actual outcomes vary with the specific charge and your record. Here is a general guide:

Assault charges cover a lot of ground, from a minor misdemeanor to a felony that carries years behind bars. How the case is charged often depends on the injuries involved and whether a weapon was present. Aggravated assault sits at the serious end, with steep fines and prison time on the table. In our experience, a single night out along Pearl Street can end in an arrest that shadows a person for years. The state moves quickly to build its case. We push back just as hard, questioning the evidence and defending your future.

Many drug cases in Albany begin with a traffic stop where the Northway (I-87) meets the Thruway (I-90), or with a search near a college campus. Even a marijuana charge can bring real penalties under New York law. A sharp lawyer can challenge how the search happened and work to lower or dismiss the charge.

Theft charges span everything from shoplifting at a Wolf Road store to grand larceny. The dollar value of what was taken usually shapes how serious the charge is. If you believe you were accused unfairly, we will comb through the facts and fight to protect your good name.

Albany’s historic Center Square brownstones and the off-campus rentals of Pine Hills both see their share of property cases. Burglary means going into a home or building to commit a crime, while trespassing means staying somewhere you have no right to be. In these tight-knit neighborhoods, a careful defense matters.

New York enforces some of the toughest weapon laws anywhere, and Albany police, the county sheriff, and the New York State Police apply the SAFE Act without much slack. A criminal possession charge might involve a handgun, an illegal knife, or any other item the law treats as a weapon. Learn how our gun and firearm team can help.

Fraud means using deception for money or gain, and as the state capital, Albany sees these cases tied to government employees, state contractors, and the many administrative agencies based here. Charges can involve identity theft, tax fraud, or benefits fraud. Our team digs deep into the records to build your defense.

Albany winters bring cold, snow, and long stretches of ice across the Capital Region. Slick roads on the Northway and the Thruway lead to more crashes, and some of those wrecks turn into criminal cases. Charges like vehicular assault and vehicular homicide may follow if a driver injures or takes a life, frequently tied to reckless or impaired driving. These are serious felonies with lasting consequences. If a winter crash on I-90 or a city street led to charges, we can walk you through your options.

Unsure which charge you face? Reach out to our team for straight answers today.

Choosing the right lawyer starts with asking good questions. Below are the ones we hear most from people facing charges in Albany and throughout the Capital Region.

This page shares general information about New York criminal law and is not legal advice. Laws and figures change, and every case is different. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.