Joseph M. Caldarera

JOSEPH M. CALDARERA

Managing Attorney
Phone: 718-878-3781

Office Location: 299 Broadway, Suite 1400, New York, NY 10007

Mr. Caldarera is the managing attorney of the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, where he oversees firm operations, litigation strategy, attorney management, and the continued expansion of the firm’s statewide practice. A former Special Victims Bureau Prosecutor with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Caldarera also leads the firm’s Criminal Defense Division and represents clients in complex state and federal criminal matters throughout New York and across the country.

In addition to representing individuals accused of crimes, Mr. Caldarera is frequently sought out by victims of crime and their families to provide guidance, advocacy, and strategic representation throughout the criminal justice process. He regularly assists victims in navigating law enforcement investigations, communicating with prosecutors, protecting their rights and interests, and ensuring their voices are heard at every stage of a case. His experience on both sides of the criminal justice system provides a unique perspective that allows him to effectively advocate for victims seeking justice, accountability, and meaningful participation in the legal process.

His reputation for strategic litigation, trial readiness, and commanding courtroom presence has made him a trusted advocate for individuals facing some of the most serious criminal allegations.

Born and raised on Staten Island, Mr. Caldarera remains actively involved in civic and community affairs throughout Staten Island and his current home of Massapequa.

Awards & Recognitions

National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDA) — Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Under 40 in New York.

Experience

Mr. Caldarera has extensive experience handling state and federal criminal defense matters, including white collar investigations, federal fraud cases, firearm and Second
Amendment-related prosecutions, violent felony defense, and complex criminal litigation.

He regularly appears in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and has handled numerous high-profile and press-covered matters. His practice extends nationally, and he routinely coordinates sophisticated defense strategies across multiple jurisdictions for clients facing federal investigations and prosecution.

Mr. Caldarera is also actively involved in community outreach initiatives and works with the Mexican Consulate to provide free legal consultations and guidance to members of the local community seeking information regarding criminal and immigration related matters.

Practice Areas

Federal Criminal Defense

Mr. Caldarera regularly handles complex federal matters in the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and Eastern District of New York (EDNY). His federal practice includes the defense of:

White Collar Crimes
Fraud and Financial Offenses
Wire Fraud
Bank Fraud
Healthcare Fraud
Money Laundering
Federal Drug Conspiracies
Firearms Offenses
Sex Offenses
Public Corruption Investigations
RICO and Organized Crime Cases

New York State Criminal Defense

Mr. Caldarera also represents clients throughout New York facing serious state criminal charges, including:

Homicide and Murder Cases
Self-Defense and Justification Cases
Assault and Violent Felonies
Special Victims and Sex Crimes Investigations
Domestic Violence Allegations
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Weapons Charges

Victim Representation

In addition to defending the accused, Mr Caladera represents victims of crime, guiding individuals and families through criminal investigations and prosecutions. He works closely with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to ensure victims’ rights are protected and their voices are heard throughout the process.

Whether facing a federal indictment, a serious felony prosecution, or seeking representation as a victim of crime, clients turn to Joe for aggresive advocacy, strategic counsel, and experienced courtroom representation.

Bar Admissions

New York
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
United States District Court for the Western District of New York

Education

Brooklyn Law School, Juris Doctor
George Mason University, B.A., Government and International Politics

Professional Memberships

Columbian Lawyers Association (Italian American Lawyers)

Media Appearances or Interviews

Attorneys On Retainer Podcast — Featured Guest Discussing Criminal Defense Practice and High-Profile Litigation, 2025.
Nationally Ranked “Top 10 Under 40” Criminal Defense Attorney, 2025.
Community Spotlight Interview — Discussion of Public Service, Criminal Prosecution Experience, Community Involvement, and Legal Career Background, 2020.
Frequent guest and legal commentator on podcasts and in New York newspapers.

Publications & Speaking Engagements

From the Front Lines: Real Client Testimonials – The AOR Association Conference, 2026

Community Involvement

Candidate for the United States House of Representatives.
Active in civic and community affairs throughout Staten Island and Massapequa.

Proven Results: 2026 Case Victories Handled by Joseph Caldarera

Case & Representation	Case Details & Strategy	Final Outcome
Attempted murder and felony criminal possession of a firearm Kings County Criminal Court, Brooklyn, New York Timeline: ~18 Months	The Stakes: Attempted murder and felony firearm charges carrying significant state prison exposure and a permanent violent felony record. The Strategy: Defense counsel conducted an early, detailed review of discovery and mitigation, challenged the prosecution’s theory, and negotiated a conditional plea that allowed the felony charge to be vacated upon compliance. Counsel coordinated with probation across jurisdictions and preserved the plea when a community service issue threatened to reinstate felony sentencing.	The attempted murder charge was dismissed. The felony firearm charge was vacated and reduced to a misdemeanor. The client was sentenced to two years’ probation with no incarceration.
Felony falsifying business records and related financial crimes Queens County Supreme Court, New York Timeline: ~3.5 Years	The Stakes: State prison exposure, a felony conviction, and restitution exceeding one million dollars. The Strategy: Defense counsel litigated pretrial motions, reviewed extensive discovery and grand jury materials, negotiated complex restitution arrangements, coordinated asset liquidation, and maintained ongoing compliance reporting to the court.	After full restitution, the client was sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge with no incarceration.

Admissions

New York State Bar