Getting arrested for a felony in New York is a serious situation. If this happened to you or someone you care about, you may feel scared, confused, or unsure of what happens next. That’s normal. But there are things you can do right away that can help protect your rights and your future.
Arthur Pressman focuses in the areas of DWI, traffic law and criminal defense.
Stay Calm and Say Very Little
When you’re arrested, the police might ask you questions. They might even act like they’re trying to help. But anything you say can be used against you later. That’s why the best thing to do is stay calm and quiet. Be polite. Tell them your name if they ask. But don’t answer other questions. You can say, “I want to talk to a lawyer.” Once you say that, they have to stop asking you questions.
Understand the Charges Against You
In New York, a felony is more serious than a misdemeanor. Felonies can lead to time in prison. Some examples are robbery, drug trafficking, or assault. You’ll find out what you’re being charged with during a court hearing called an arraignment. This usually happens within 24 hours of your arrest. A judge will read the charges and ask how you want to plead. This is where your lawyer comes in.
Arthur Pressman is who you want representing you in court. My son was pulled over and charged with 3 felonies and several misdemeanors. It was a terrible time, with my son arrested and taken to the holding center. I contacted Mr. Pressmant, and it wasn’t long before the felonies were dropped as were some of the misdemeanors. My son is now getting the help he needs. Mr. Pressman is highly respected in the court system. I am very thankful for what he was able to do. We felt like we were living a nightmare but things turned around and got better because of him. He is very professional but also a genuine nice person . I highly recommend him. J.N.O.
Ask for a Lawyer Right Away
If you don’t already have a lawyer, ask the court for one. You have the right to an attorney. A public defender will be given to you if you can’t afford to pay. It’s very important not to go through this alone. A lawyer knows the system. They can talk to the judge for you. They’ll look at the facts and figure out the best way to help you.
Don’t Try to Talk Your Way Out
You might think you can explain what happened. Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe you think the police got it wrong. That might all be true. But trying to explain it without a lawyer usually makes things worse. Let your attorney handle it. That’s what they’re there for.
Go to Every Court Date
Once your case starts, you’ll be given court dates. Don’t miss them. If you skip court, the judge might issue a warrant for your arrest. That can hurt your case. Always show up on time. Dress neatly. Be respectful. Let the court see that you’re taking things seriously.
Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice
Your lawyer may ask you to gather papers, give names of people who can speak for you, or stay away from certain places or people. Listen to them. They are working to help you get the best result. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. That’s their job.
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What Can Happen with a Felony Charge
Felony charges don’t always lead to prison. Your lawyer might be able to get the charges reduced. Sometimes there are programs you can complete that help you avoid jail. Other times, your lawyer might find a way to get the case dismissed if the police made mistakes. Every case is different. That’s why having a good lawyer matters.
Why Acting Fast Can Help
The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the better. They can begin working right away to protect your rights. They can speak to the district attorney, look at the evidence, and help you understand your choices. Waiting too long can make things harder to fix later.
What This Means for Your Future
A felony charge can affect your life in big ways. It can make it harder to get a job or rent an apartment. But the outcome is not set in stone. What happens next depends a lot on what you do now. Getting the right help, showing up to court, and staying out of trouble can make a real difference.
Case Results
How Bail Works After a Felony Arrest
After your arrest, the judge may talk about bail. Bail is money you pay to get out of jail while your case moves forward. The amount depends on your charges and other factors like past arrests. Sometimes, if the judge thinks you won’t run away and you’re not a danger, you can be released without paying bail. This is called being released on your own recognizance. Other times, the court may ask for a bail bond, especially if the bail amount is high. Your lawyer can ask the court for a lower amount or ask for no bail at all. That’s another reason it’s important to have legal help right away.
Know Your Rights and Use Them
You have rights under the law, even if you’ve been arrested. You have the right to stay silent. You have the right to a lawyer. You have the right to a fair trial. No one can force you to talk or sign anything. If your rights are violated, your lawyer can bring that up in court. That could even help your case. Never give up your rights just to try to make things go away faster. Using your rights is not being difficult. It’s being smart.
What to Expect from Your Lawyer
A good lawyer will do more than just show up in court. They’ll look at the details of your arrest. They’ll ask questions like whether the police had a warrant or if they had a reason to stop you. They’ll check if any of your rights were ignored. They’ll talk with you about what you want and explain the risks. Sometimes, the best move is to take the case to trial. Other times, it might be better to agree to a deal. Your lawyer will help you figure that out. But the choice is always yours.
You’re Not Alone in This
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s okay. This is a tough time. But there are people who can help. You don’t have to face it by yourself. The law gives you the right to a fair process and a strong defense. Use that right.
If you’ve been arrested for a felony in New York, the time to act is now. The sooner you have someone on your side, the better your chances. Reach out to someone who understands this process and will fight for you. Call Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law. Let’s talk about what happened and what we can do to help. Your future matters. Let’s protect it.