Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Re: harrassment charges

You need a competent criminal defense attorney to assist you in preparing a defense. That being said if you are truly indigent the court will provide a legal aid attorney, however the fact that you are employed may render you ineligible for free legal aid. If that is the case you may contact my office at 718-834-0087 and I will discuss this with you .

Re: harrassment charges

you must either get a public defender or hire an atty

Re: harrassment charges

Tanya Robinson gave you a great answer.

The reason you need a lawyer is:

(1) You want to present your defense to the District Attorney in a private meeting. If your evidence is good, then the charges will be dismissed.

(2) Even if they are not dismissed, your lawyer can argue (often successfully) for a better plea bargain offer. (Trials are expensive and it is difficult to guess the outcome).

(3) This trial would be conducted by a judge without a jury. Some judges are not good people or fair. Some just find everyone guilty. Its not typical, but it happens. An experienced lawyer will know who, if any are in that court, those not-good judges are and can make efforts to steer you towards the more responsible ones.

There are other reasons to have a lawyer, but these are some of the reasons to have a lawyer before the trial date is assigned.

Re: harrassment charges

You know the phrase �If you can�t afford an attorney one will be provided for you�? Well it�s true. You have a constitutional right to be represented by a lawyer during a criminal proceeding. If you honestly CAN�T afford an attorney (that�s not the same as not WANTING to pay for an attorney, or having a hard time paying an attorney) you can contact the �Legal Aid Society-Neighborhood Defenders Service� type office in your area and ask them for assistance. If you don�t know how to find them, call your local bar association.

Now about your harassment mess � Go talk to your witnesses and get their full legal names and good contact phone numbers. Then write all of that information on a single sheet of paper that you will take you your attorney. Make sure that these witnesses know that you need their cooperation and that your attorney may be contacting them very soon.

Next, talk honestly with your attorney. She can�t help you unless she knows the FULL truth. Remember � this is your lawyer so there will be confidentiality applied to anything you say to her. She can�t go blab to someone else or act against your interest even if what you have to say isn�t so great. But without the full truth, she�ll have one hand tied behind her back and it will hurt your case.

I�m glad to hear you got your job back. If you�d like to hire my services, please contact me at per below. Good luck.

Re: harrassment charges

If you are located in NYC Metro area, I suggest you call me regarding this most serious matter.

I am a former prosecuter and have extensive experience in this area of the law. Call for apt/consultation 718-651-6770 James Shook Esq.