An order of protection, commonly called a "restraining order", is a court-issued directive that requires one person to stay away from another or to refrain from certain conduct. In New York, orders of protection are issued in criminal cases, family court proceedings, and sometimes in connection with divorce actions. They are meant to protect victims of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, and other offenses. But what happens when someone is accused of violating an order of protection? In New York, even a minor violation can result in criminal contempt charges and the consequences can be severe, including felony prosecution and years in state prison. What Is an Order of Protection? An order of protection in New York can include a wide range of conditions. The court may order the subject of the order to: Stay away from the protected person (a "full" order of protection) Refrain from contacting the protected person by phone, text, email, social…
Read MoreA criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life, affecting your ability to find a job, secure housing, obtain professional licenses, and even volunteer at your child's school. But many people in New York do not realize that they may be eligible to have their criminal records sealed, effectively hiding past convictions from most background checks. New York has taken significant steps in recent years to give people a second chance. If you have a criminal record and want to move forward with your life, understanding New York's record sealing laws is essential. What Does It Mean to "Seal" a Criminal Record? When a criminal record is sealed in New York, it is not erased or expunged. The record still exists, but it is removed from public view. This means that most employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and members of the public will not be able to see the sealed…
Read MoreReckless endangerment is one of the most broadly applied criminal charges in New York. Prosecutors use it when they believe someone's conduct created a serious risk of injury or death to another person even if no one was actually hurt. Because the charge focuses on the risk of harm rather than actual harm, reckless endangerment cases can arise from a wide range of situations, and people are sometimes shocked to learn they are facing criminal charges for conduct they did not think was dangerous. If you have been charged with reckless endangerment in New York City, understanding the law and its penalties is the first step toward building an effective defense. Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree. NY Penal Law § 120.20 Under NY Penal Law § 120.20, a person commits reckless endangerment in the second degree when they recklessly engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury…
Read MoreBeing accused of criminal trespass in New York can feel overwhelming, especially if you believe you had every right to be where you were. But in New York, trespass is more than a simple "no trespassing" violation. Depending on the circumstances, you could face anything from a violation-level offense to a serious felony charge that carries years in state prison. If you or someone you love has been charged with criminal trespass in New York City, it is critical to understand the law, the potential penalties, and the defenses that may be available to you. How New York Law Defines Criminal Trespass Under New York law, criminal trespass occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a building, dwelling, or other premises. The key phrase is "knowingly enters or remains unlawfully" – meaning the prosecution must prove you were aware that you did not have permission or authority to be on…
Read MoreAssault charges in NYC can carry life-changing legal consequences that require swift legal intervention on behalf of a qualified criminal defense attorney. Assault convictions come with legal consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom and are likely to change your life in many different ways. Even a misdemeanor assault charge here in New York comes with a potential criminal record, which is likely to challenge your ability to find meaningful employment or housing. As such, the costs of retaining a qualified attorney remain small in comparison to the legal challenges you are facing. Look to an attorney who can aggressively fight on your behalf and protect your best interests during this complex process. A free consultation call from a qualified attorney or law firm can not only help you better understand what’s at stake, but also how an attorney can assist in your case. The Basics of Assault in New York…
Read MoreNYC burglary charges remain complex matters that require the services of a criminal defense attorney. The charge of burglary in New York is a felony, carrying with it the possibility of more than a year in either state or federal prison. In the long term, these charges come with extensive restrictions on your civil rights, including voting rights, and restrictions on owning and purchasing firearms. More importantly, the information about your criminal record can be accessed by employers years after you have served your time in prison, often limiting your ability to work and find housing. As such, in any event, if you are facing burglary charges here in New York City, your best option is to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney to defend your legal rights and develop a defense strategy entirely unique to your case. Article Summary Burglary, theft (larceny), robbery, and trespassing are uniquely different…
Read MoreBeing arrested in New York City remains a stressful and confusing event, especially if it is your first experience with the city’s criminal justice system. Should you be charged with a crime here in New York, it does not mean you are guilty. In fact, it is the very first step in a long legal process. Understand the process and explore how you should behave when you are arrested here in NYC. Step-By-Step: The First 72 Hours After An Arrest in NYC Let’s review exactly what happens after an arrest in New York City in an effort to help you better understand the criminal justice system. Initial Arrest in New York City Should law enforcement have probable cause that you have committed a crime or have observed you committing a crime, you will be handcuffed and placed under arrest. In some circumstances, you could be placed under arrest as a…
Read MoreThose facing complex criminal charges have the right to what is known as a New York public defender to represent their rights throughout the criminal justice system. These are attorneys who are appointed to those who can’t afford legal representation and come at no cost to the defendant. There are risks for accepting this free legal representation, as some public defenders may simply not have the time or resources to support your best interests. Explore reasons as to why, should you be able to afford it, you need to hire a private criminal defense attorney as opposed to the court-appointed public defenders that come at no charge. Key Takeaways From This Article Why Public Defenders Are Important To New York’s Criminal Justice System Considering The Heavy Workload of Public Defenders in New York Why Hiring a Private Attorney Remains In Your Best Interests Understanding The Role of Public Defenders in…
Read MoreCriminal charges in New York can be prosecuted in state or federal court, and the distinction has significant legal consequences. State and federal criminal cases differ in investigative agencies, procedures, penalties, and sentencing exposure. For defendants, understanding these differences is critical when choosing a criminal defense lawyer in New York City. Lawyers experienced in both state and federal criminal defense are better equipped to adapt strategy, anticipate escalation, and protect clients facing serious or complex criminal allegations. Key Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Charges State and federal prosecutions differ in: Investigating authorities Procedural rules Charging standards Sentencing guidelines Case timelines Federal cases often involve longer investigations and higher potential penalties. Why Experience in Both Courts Matters Lawyers who handle both state and federal cases understand: When federal involvement may arise How strategy must shift between systems How to prepare for extended investigations This experience reduces uncertainty and improves defense…
Read MoreWhen comparing NYC criminal defense lawyers, one of the most important factors is whether the lawyer has prior experience as a prosecutor. Former prosecutors understand how criminal cases are charged, evaluated, and negotiated from inside the justice system. This insight can directly influence defense strategy, risk assessment, and courtroom decision-making. In New York City, where prosecutors handle high case volumes and complex matters, lawyers with prosecutorial backgrounds often bring a strategic advantage that strengthens criminal defense representation from the earliest stages of a case. How Prosecutors Build Criminal Cases in New York Prosecutors are trained to assess cases based on: Evidence strength Legal viability of charges Resource allocation Likelihood of conviction Understanding these priorities allows defense lawyers to predict how a case may proceed and where challenges are most effective. What Former Prosecutors Bring to Criminal Defense When former prosecutors transition into defense work, they bring: Insight into charging thresholds…
Read MoreWhen people search for the best NYC criminal defense lawyers, they are typically looking for lawyers who meet objective, experience-based standards — not marketing claims. In New York City, criminal defense cases move quickly and carry serious consequences, which makes experience, preparation, and courtroom credibility essential. The best NYC criminal defense lawyers are often defined by decades of criminal law experience, trial-ready defense strategies, and insight into how prosecutors build and pursue cases. Understanding these criteria helps individuals make informed decisions when selecting legal representation for serious criminal charges. Experience Is the Foundation of the Best NYC Criminal Defense Lawyers Experience in criminal defense is not theoretical — it is earned through years of handling real cases in real courtrooms. Lawyers with extensive criminal law backgrounds understand how cases develop, where risks arise, and when early intervention can change outcomes. The best NYC criminal defense lawyers typically have: Longstanding criminal…
Read MoreIf you are searching for NYC criminal defense lawyers, you need more than legal representation — you need a defense strategy built by someone who understands exactly how prosecutors think, charge cases, and pursue convictions. Criminal cases in New York City move fast, and the decisions made in the earliest stages can permanently impact your freedom, reputation, and future. The Law Offices of Julie Rendelman provides strategic, aggressive, and highly personalized criminal defense representation for individuals facing serious criminal charges in New York City. Backed by over 25 years of criminal law experience, the firm is led by a former longtime prosecutor who brings insider knowledge, courtroom authority, and trial-ready advocacy to every case. People searching for the best NYC criminal defense lawyers are typically looking for proven courtroom skill, strategic thinking under pressure, and credibility that prosecutors respect. With decades of experience and former prosecutor insight, the firm is…
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Sex crimes in New York remain complex legal matters that always call for the services of a qualified attorney. Defending your innocence against any kind of sex offense in NYC remains an incredibly serious matter, where prosecutors have historically shown very little leniency in such cases. Defending your innocence in such matters should begin the moment you are arrested or investigated for such crimes. Take these matters seriously and look to an attorney who can craft a legal defense and help to reduce the legal consequences you are facing. How New York Law Defines Sex Crimes Article 130 of New York’s criminal code articulates the many different sex offenses you can be charged and convicted of. It also carefully defines both “sexual contact” and “sexual conduct,” working to classify criminal matters with important context. Sexual contact is defined as “any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a…
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Julie Rendelman Is Your Felony Defense Attorney in New York Working with a felony defense attorney in New York is your best strategy for addressing the very serious nature of felony crimes. Facing a felony charge is a remarkably serious matter that could result in not only extensive jail time, but also restrict your rights and change your life forever. Looking to a criminal defense attorney to formulate a strategy that puts your best interests first can, potentially, lessen the consequences and help you formally move on from these matters. Felony crime comes in many different forms, including everything from white collar crimes such as fraud, to violent crimes, including sexual assault and other crimes that cause serious injuries to others. Felony crimes have the potential to see those convicted experience more than a year of jail time, and in some cases, life in prison. These crimes are considered a…
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Grand Larceny in New York: Representation Working For You Grand larceny is used as a general term to represent a wide range of different crimes, referring to the theft of property over $1,000, considered a felony crime. Larceny, as a legal concept, can include the theft of any kind of property, including everything from collectibles, vehicles, cash, or even firearms. Under the $1,000 threshold, the crime becomes a misdemeanor, while still falling under the term larceny. The term “larceny” is a broad term to include an incredible variety of different white-collar crimes as well. All of these crimes fall within four different degrees of severity, each with its own unique set of legal consequences. Theft, of course, comes in many different forms, and can also include theft against an employer, theft of a bank, the state, or friends and family. Larceny and Investment Fraud in New York Investment fraud has…
Read MoreBrass knuckles might look like something out of an action movie or a collector’s case, but in New York, simply having them in your possession can lead to criminal charges. Brass knuckles in New York are illegal. Whether you bought them online for self-defense, received them as a gift, or keep them as part of a collection, it’s important to understand how New York state law treats them. What Are Brass Knuckles? Brass knuckles, also called knuckle dusters, are handheld weapons that fit over the knuckles. They’re usually made of metal, as the name implies, but they also come in plastic, polymer, and composite materials. Their purpose is to enhance the impact of a punch by concentrating force onto a smaller area, which can lead to serious injuries. Though they’re occasionally marketed as collectibles or self-defense tools, the law views these as illegal, regardless of intent or material. If it…
Read MoreDriving under the influence is considered a serious offense in the state of New York and involves substantial legal and personal consequences. Like other states, New York differentiates different levels of DWI offenses based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. Each level comes with different consequences, with higher BACs and repeat offenses leading to more severe penalties. If you’re facing a DWI in New York, it’s important to understand the potential ramifications of a conviction. Here’s an overview of the consequences of a first-time DWI offense in New York, as well as the repercussions of repeat offenses. DUI vs DWI in New York Unlike many other states, New York does not, in many aspects, differentiate in the usage of the terms DUI and DWI. The former, DUI, stands for driving under the influence, while the latter, DWI, stands for driving while intoxicated. New York uses DUI/DWI as an umbrella…
Read MoreCriminal Possession of a Weapon It has happened many times to people who visit New York City. They come from states like Maine or Vermont, which allow residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit, and get in serious trouble when firearms and other weapons are found in their possession. Compared to some states, weapons possession in New York is heavily regulated. Firearms provisions are especially strict, and became even more so in 2013, when the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (NY SAFE) was passed. What is Criminal Possession of a Weapon? The crime of Criminal Possession of a Weapon is not limited to guns: it also includes the weapons listed below. Blackjacks Brass knuckles Dart guns Stun guns Slingshots Switchblades Concealed swords Criminal Possession of a Weapon—the degrees In New York, the offense of Criminal Possession of a Weapon has four degrees. The fourth degree version…
Read MoreIf you’re in trouble with the law in Brooklyn, it is imperative that you spend the time to find the best criminal defense attorney. Picking the right attorney can mean the difference between a permanent criminal conviction versus a clean record. When looking for an attorney, you want someone who understands the crime you are accused of and has the expertise and passion to fight for you. You also want an attorney who is confident in their abilities and knows their way around a Brooklyn courtroom. Public Defender vs. Private Attorney: Key Differences When thinking about retaining an attorney, some will consider waiting for a public defender to take their case. There are positives and negatives to having a public defender as your attorney. Obviously, a public defender is completely free. In addition, the hiring of an expert or investigator through a public defender is also free. But there are…
Read MoreDrug Possession Charges in New York When you leave the house, do you sometimes carry a bottle of the OxyContin that your doctor prescribed for your chronic back pain? If so, then be prepared to prove that you hold a valid prescription, as OxyContin is classified as a controlled substance in New York, and illegal possession can incur life-changing penalties. If you are facing drug possession charges in New York, you need an experienced NYC drug possession lawyer. The History of Drug Possession Laws in New York Drug possession laws in New York have traditionally been harsh compared to those in other states. When the Rockefeller Drug Laws took effect in 1973, the penalty for selling two ounces or more of certain drugs such as marijuana or heroin was upgraded to a minimum of 15 years in prison. In 1977 the section related to marijuana was repealed, but otherwise, New…
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