Queens
Criminal Defense
Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Queens

Facing a criminal charge of any kind is a situation that no one wants to experience. If you are arrested in Queens on any charge, it is vital to know your rights and what you can do in this situation. A Queens criminal defense attorney is a necessary asset if you intend to fight the charges against you. Whether you know you have broken the law, or if you have been wrongfully accused of a crime you did not commit, legal representation is paramount when it comes to defending your rights.

At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we understand how stressful this situation can be for anyone who experiences it. Our team has years of experience handling the most difficult criminal defense cases and knows how Queens, NY, prosecutors pursue convictions. We will put this experience to work in defending you, ideally helping you secure a case dismissal or acquittal if at all possible. Facing a criminal conviction can feel like a hopeless situation, but it is not hopeless at all when you have the right Queens criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Important Steps to Take After an Arrest in Queens

Every American citizen has certain constitutional and civil rights that come into play during an arrest. If the police arrest you for any reason, they must read you your Miranda rights during the arrest, usually as they place the handcuffs on you and move you to their squad car. These Miranda rights include the two most important rights that you must exercise at this time: your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel.

Anything you say while in police custody could potentially work against you as evidence in the prosecution’s favor. Even if you have been wrongfully arrested for a crime you did not commit, resist the urge to attempt to plead your case. Ultimately, the police seek convictions and look for any reason to use your own words against you during the arrest and booking procedures. It is always best to exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present.

Queens Crime Rate 2026 vs 2025 (Year to Date*)

Crime	2026 (YTD*)	2025 (YTD*)	% Change
Murder	17	18	-5.6%
Rape	121	103	+17.5%
Robbery	627	639	-1.9%
Assault	1,412	1,490	-5.2%
Burglary	507	811	-37.5%
Larceny	2,264	2,121	+6.7%
Auto Theft	1,009	917	+10.0%
Total	5,957	6,099	-2.3%

Source: Borough and Precinct Crime Stats – NYPD

Data covers January 1 to April 5; figures for 2026 are compared to the same period in 2025.

For a more in-depth analysis of the recent crime trends in Queens, you can read our latest blog post: Queens crime rate.

Successful Queens Criminal Case Results in 2026

Assault Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Court: Queens County Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Joseph Caldarera

The Situation: An early adulthood client faced a third degree misdemeanor assault charge stemming from a domestic dispute, threatening jail time and a permanent record affecting future education and job opportunities.

The Defense: Counsel built a robust mitigation package highlighting the client’s educational background, family support, and lack of criminal history. Defense used these factors to navigate intense credibility disputes and cross complaint allegations.

Timeline: Resolved in approximately 3 weeks.

The Victory: The entire complaint was dismissed and the case was fully sealed, allowing the client to protect their record at a critical developmental stage.

Felony Financial Crime Resolved Without Incarceration

Court: Queens County Supreme Court, New York

Handled By: John Fink & Joseph Caldarera

The Situation: The client faced severe state prison exposure, a felony conviction, and high value financial allegations involving falsifying business records with restitution figures exceeding one million dollars.

The Defense: Defense counsel launched aggressive pretrial motions, reviewed extensive grand jury discovery data, and navigated highly complex restitution logistics including the strategic liquidation of assets.

Timeline: Resolved over approximately 3.5 years.

The Victory: Following full restitution processing, the client secured a stable two year conditional discharge with absolutely no jail time, concluding a long running felony prosecution.

Petit Larceny Dismissed

Court: Queens Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Joseph Caldarera

The Situation: The client faced a permanent criminal record and restrictive court supervision under a misdemeanor petit larceny theft allegation.

The Defense: Defense counsel directly managed the active court conditions and used the client’s minimal criminal history to negotiate a diversionary avenue with prosecutors.

Timeline: Resolved in approximately 2 months.

The Victory: A six month Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACOD) was granted, successfully wiping the charges clean upon compliance.

Forcible Touching Reduced to Violation

Court: Queens Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Joseph Caldarera

The Situation: The client faced jail exposure, severe collateral employment disruptions, and a permanent sex offense conviction stemming from a Class A misdemeanor forcible touching charge.

The Defense: Counsel prepared an exhaustive trial posture with mock cross examinations, tracked treatment compliance, and targeted weaknesses in the credibility based allegations to force a reduction.

Timeline: Resolved over approximately 21 months.

The Victory: The misdemeanor criminal charge was completely withdrawn, resolving the entire matter as a non criminal disorderly conduct violation with zero jail time.

Felony DWI Reduced to Misdemeanor With No Jail

Court: Queens County Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: John Fink

The Situation: Due to prior history, a client faced an E Felony DWI charge with potential incarceration, asset loss, license revocation, and job termination within Customs and Border Protection.

The Defense: Counsel audited body camera footage to identify Miranda and driving observation defects. Defense secured a hardship driving license and mapped out a program compliance track to dismantle the felony tier.

Timeline: Resolved in approximately 9 months.

The Victory: The felony exposure was completely eliminated. The client pled to a misdemeanor DWI with no jail time, effectively safeguarding his job and pension status.

Weapon Possession Charge Resolved With ACOD at Arraignment

Court: Queens County Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Scott Migden

The Situation: A lawful permanent resident faced a Class A misdemeanor weapon possession charge after security located an extendable baton in his backpack at JFK Airport, risking deportation and TLC license suspension.

The Defense: Counsel isolated the immigration risks and highlighted mitigating points like the client’s medical vulnerabilities and clean record, establishing that the item was an isolated purchase meant strictly for travel safety.

Timeline: Fast tracked and resolved inside of 3 months.

The Victory: A six month Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACOD) was finalized directly at arraignment, entirely insulating the client’s green card status from a criminal conviction.

Domestic Violence Related Misdemeanor Dismissed on Speedy Trial Grounds

Court: Queens Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: John Fink

The Situation: The client faced a Class A misdemeanor charge for allegedly violating a restraining order, exposing her to jail time, an active protective order, and structural risks to her DACA status.

The Defense: Counsel entered an immediate not guilty plea and meticulously audited prosecution compliance regarding discovery mandates and Certificate of Compliance windows, tracking statutory delay targets under CPL 30.30.

Timeline: Resolved in approximately 3 months.

The Victory: The matter was fully dismissed under CPL 30.30 for failure to prosecute, completely removing criminal exposure and safeguarding the client’s vital DACA standing.

Felony Assault & Harassment Charges Dismissed on Speedy Trial Grounds

Court: Kings County and Queens Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Walter Roesch

The Situation: The client faced simultaneous prosecutions across two counties, holding an active weapon related D felony assault docket and a secondary domestic violence harassment file with a live police I-Card.

The Defense: Counsel managed simultaneous calendars, secured recognizance release at both windows, and leveraged an absence of medical discovery. By systematically opposing tolling adjournments, counsel stacked time under CPL 30.30.

Timeline: Multi county resolution achieved within 5 months.

The Victory: Both the Brooklyn and Queens dockets were entirely dismissed under CPL 30.30, completely neutralizing felony exposures, vacating all full orders of protection, and clearing his background.

Domestic Violence Assault Case Dismissed and Sealed

Court: Queens Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Scott Migden

The Situation: A domestic dispute led to misdemeanor assault charges, exposing the client to potential jail time, an active protective order, and professional license loss threatening her nursing career.

The Defense: Stepping into the file mid case, defense counsel analyzed complex cross complaints and conflicting statements, maintaining tight auditing over discovery delays to position the case for procedural dismissal.

Timeline: Concluded inside of 4 months.

The Victory: The case was dismissed and fully sealed under speedy trial grounds, vacating the order of protection and ensuring her nursing credentials remained completely unencumbered.

Shoplifting Case Resolved at Arraignment With Violation

Court: Queens Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Walter Roesch

The Situation: The client faced a misdemeanor theft charge (petit larceny) involving roughly $750 in store merchandise, carrying exposure to a permanent record and potential civil liability.

The Defense: Defense counsel bypassed ongoing litigation by negotiating directly with the prosecution at the initial appearance, presenting key personal health vulnerabilities and proof of immediate merchandise restitution.

Timeline: Terminated in 1 day at the initial arraignment window.

The Victory: The criminal theft charge was avoided entirely, with the case concluding via a plea to non criminal Disorderly Conduct and a minor fine, eliminating further appearances.

Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Case Resolved With Reduced Plea

Court: Queens County Supreme Court, New York

Handled By: Walter Roesch & Joseph Caldarera

The Situation: The client faced a sprawling multi million dollar financial fraud indictment holding grand larceny and forged instrument counts, carrying deep state prison exposure, federal interest risk, and asset freezes.

The Defense: Counsel reviewed massive financial disclosure trails, navigated intense restitution negotiations directly with investigators, structured a fund return path, and insulated family assets from parallel forfeiture channels.

Timeline: Resolved in approximately 6 months.

The Victory: The team negotiated a sentencing floor far below maximum exposure, resulting in a plea to a reduced D felony with a capped 120 day jail term alongside structured restitution parameters.

Domestic Violence Cross-Complaint Dismissed

Court: Manhattan Criminal Court, New York

Handled By: Joseph Caldarera

The Situation: Caught in aggressive domestic violence cross-complaint dynamics, the client faced misdemeanor charges, jail exposure, and the long-term impact of a permanent criminal record.

The Defense: Defense counsel meticulously documented physical injuries sustained by the client, presented the medical documentation directly to the District Attorney’s Office, and highlighted structural credibility flaws in the allegations against the client.

Timeline: Resolved in approximately 2 months.

The Victory: Following an evaluation of the defense’s evidentiary files, the District Attorney completely dismissed the complaint against the client before trial.

Felony Weapon Possession Case Reduced to Non-Criminal Violation

Court: Queens County Supreme Court, New York

Handled By: Scott Migden

The Situation: An employee with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., faced felony weapon charges, carrying severe prison timelines and automatic termination from her law enforcement career.

The Defense: Counsel initiated an early proffer session with prosecutors and produced forensic data establishing that the weapon belonged to a co defendant. Counsel managed parallel DNA reviews and leveraged her spotless professional history.

Timeline: Resolution finalized within 5 months.

The Victory: The felony platform was dismantled. The case resolved with a non criminal plea to Disorderly Conduct and was sealed, preserving her eligibility for law enforcement reinstatement.

First-Degree Rape Case Dismissed on Speedy Trial Grounds

Court: Queens County Supreme Court, New York

Handled By: John Fink

The Situation: The client faced life altering first degree rape and criminal obstruction of breathing felony allegations, carrying lengthy prison risk, immigration threats, and lifetime sex offender registration.

The Defense: Counsel secured release on a high bail tier, actively built proof validating a prior consensual relationship, and fiercely targeted procedural timelines during the state’s prolonged grand jury delays.

Timeline: Terminated on statutory grounds in approximately 7 months.

The Victory: The entire case was dismissed due to the state’s failure to timely indict, cleanly insulating the client from criminal exposure, registration mandates, and deportation.

Why Should I Hire a Queens Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When you work with a criminal defense firm like the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, you can expect individual attention paid to your case and receive an overall high level of legal representation.

Criminal Cases We Handle in Queens, NY

When facing criminal prosecution, it is vital to secure legal counsel from an attorney who has solid professional experience handling cases like yours. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, our team of attorneys has years of experience representing clients in a wide range of criminal cases, including:

Violent crimes. If you are arrested for any type of assault, homicide, or other violent crime, you may need an attorney to help you prove that you acted in self-defense or are otherwise innocent of the charges against you. Violent crimes carry severe penalties under New York state law, so you need a lawyer who can help you fight these charges and, at the very least, help you reduce your sentence if acquittal or dismissal is not possible.
Drug crimes. Drug-related offenses, including possession and trafficking, carry a wide range of potential consequences depending on the type of drug and the quantity the defendant had at the time of the arrest. It’s possible that your criminal defense attorney could help you secure alternative punishment such as substance abuse counseling or rehabilitation instead of jail time, depending on your circumstances.
White-collar crimes. Crimes revolving around fraud committed for financial gain may not be violent but still, carry severe penalties. We can help you fight any white-collar crime charge, and our firm routinely works with financial professionals and other expert witnesses on behalf of our clients in white-collar crime cases.
Sex crimes. Being accused of a sex crime is a serious matter, and these offenses carry a more significant social stigma than most other crimes. Unfortunately, many people are accused of sex crimes when they did nothing wrong. If you want to avoid the severe penalties, including the sex offender registry that often follows conviction for sex crimes, we can help you.
Federal crimes. Depending on the type of offense involved in your case, you may face prosecution at the state or federal level. Federal crimes are grave, and it is essential to have an attorney who has solid professional experience handling federal crime cases.
Domestic violence. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you may face criminal prosecution and a loss of your custody rights. We can help you prove the truth behind a wrongful accusation of domestic violence or assist you in minimizing your sentencing if that is the only option available in your situation.

FAQs About Queens Criminal Defense Laws

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Queens?

Legal fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the charges you face, and whether your case goes to trial. Many criminal defense attorneys in Queens offer free consultations and can discuss payment plans or flat fee arrangements during your initial meeting.

What should I do immediately after being arrested in Queens?

Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not answer questions or try to explain your side of the story to police without an attorney present, even if you believe you are innocent.

Can a criminal defense lawyer get my charges dropped?

In some cases, yes. Your attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, identify violations of your rights, or negotiate with prosecutors to have charges reduced or dismissed. The outcome depends on the specific facts of your case and the strength of the evidence against you.

How long does a criminal case take in Queens?

Case timelines vary widely depending on whether you go to trial, the court’s schedule, and the complexity of your charges. Misdemeanor cases may resolve in weeks or months, while felony cases can take a year or longer if they proceed to trial.

Will I have to go to jail if I’m convicted of a crime in Queens?

Not necessarily. Sentencing depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and circumstances of your case. Your attorney may be able to negotiate alternatives such as probation, community service, or treatment programs, particularly for first-time offenders or non-violent crimes.

This is not an exhaustive list of the types of cases our firm can handle. Ultimately, if you have been arrested for any crime in Queens, NY, you can rely on the team at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, to represent you and protect your rights.

We Set the Bar Others Strive to Reach

Find Your Defense Team Now

It is imperative to secure legal counsel as soon as possible after an arrest. The sooner you hire a Queens criminal defense attorney to handle your case, the better your chances will be of preserving exculpatory evidence and navigating your criminal case successfully. If you are ready to discuss your defense with a reliable Queens criminal defense lawyer, contact the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, today and schedule your consultation with our team.

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Queens
Criminal Defense
Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Queens

Important Steps to Take After an Arrest in Queens

Queens Crime Rate 2026 vs 2025 (Year to Date*)