Syracuse New York Criminal Defense Lawyers
Have you or your loved one been charged with a crime? Few things are more stressful than being publicly handcuffed, torn away from your family and loved ones, and being booked into a local jail facing allegations of criminal conduct and a possible criminal trial. A criminal conviction has lasting and far-reaching effects. In addition to the possibilities of jail or prison, a criminal record can affect your current job as well as future educational, employment and housing opportunities. You may face fines, restrictions on your driving privileges and many other hardships.
We handle cases related to:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Drug Possession and/or Drug Sale)
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon
- Grand Larceny and Petit Larceny
- Criminal Contempt
- Marijuana Possession
- Fraud and Forged Instruments (White Collar cases)
and several other violations of the New York Penal Law.
The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan are experienced and aggressive and will stand beside you and help you fight against those criminal charges and their drastic consequences. We have successfully represented clients on all levels of criminal cases including charges of Murder in the First Degree. We believe in honest, straightforward representation focused on providing you personal attention and guidance through the criminal justice system. We offer reasonable rates, and payment plans are available in some circumstances. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan have the skills and experience necessary to handle the criminal charges pending against you. We practice in County, City and Town and Village Courts throughout Central New York.
We prepare every case as a trial case from the very beginning, and will analyze every aspect of the factual and legal circumstances of your case to determine your best options. We will work hard to obtain the best possible outcome. This includes examination of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence and every aspect of the prosecution's case. We will discuss the case with you at length, and meet with any alibi witnesses or other witnesses that may be helpful to your case. We explore all possible defenses, including whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you or search your person and/or property, whether there are any violations of your Federal or State Constitutional Rights (such as your Miranda Rights), or if there are any legal errors in the accusatory documents filed against you. We will work with you on questions of strategy such as should we file motions, seek further discovery, hire an independent investigator to review the case, or speak with witnesses personally.
We will work hard to ensure that you understand every step of the process and your rights and responsibilities within the criminal justice system. We understand that there is no magic defense for every case and that not every case is a “trial case.” However, we do not change our strategy in these cases, and we will provide you with compassionate, candid and realistic counsel. We will use our experience and familiarity with local prosecutors and judges to advise you on how the case will proceed, and the likely outcomes of plea negotiations. We will help you build equities that can be used to aid your negotiation position with the prosecutor such as letters of recommendation from employers, teachers and community members, community service hours, and other mitigating circumstances. We also understand that some criminal charges result from drug and alcohol dependence. In these cases, we will help guide you to programs that will treat the underlying dependence.
We are familiar with local prosecutors and judges, and how each individual may view a specific charge, motion or ruling. We know which prosecutors are more likely to negotiate, and how the judges have ruled in the past on motions similar to the ones filed for you. We use this knowledge to offer you the best representation we can, avoiding practice pitfalls that may have a negative impact on your case. We will argue for reduced or dismissed charges, diversion programs to avoid a criminal record or alternatives to jail.
Have you or your loved one been charged with a crime? Few things are more stressful than being publicly handcuffed, torn away from your family and loved ones, and being booked into a local jail facing allegations of criminal conduct and a possible criminal trial. A criminal conviction has lasting and far-reaching effects. In addition to the possibilities of jail or prison, a criminal record can affect your current job as well as future educational, employment and housing opportunities. You may face fines, restrictions on your driving privileges and many other hardships.
We handle cases related to:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Drug Possession and/or Drug Sale)
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon
- Grand Larceny and Petit Larceny
- Criminal Contempt
- Marijuana Possession
- Fraud and Forged Instruments (White Collar cases)
and several other violations of the New York Penal Law.
The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan are experienced and aggressive and will stand beside you and help you fight against those criminal charges and their drastic consequences. We have successfully represented clients on all levels of criminal cases including charges of Murder in the First Degree. We believe in honest, straightforward representation focused on providing you personal attention and guidance through the criminal justice system. We offer reasonable rates, and payment plans are available in some circumstances. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan have the skills and experience necessary to handle the criminal charges pending against you. We practice in County, City and Town and Village Courts throughout Central New York.
We prepare every case as a trial case from the very beginning, and will analyze every aspect of the factual and legal circumstances of your case to determine your best options. We will work hard to obtain the best possible outcome. This includes examination of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence and every aspect of the prosecution's case. We will discuss the case with you at length, and meet with any alibi witnesses or other witnesses that may be helpful to your case. We explore all possible defenses, including whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you or search your person and/or property, whether there are any violations of your Federal or State Constitutional Rights (such as your Miranda Rights), or if there are any legal errors in the accusatory documents filed against you. We will work with you on questions of strategy such as should we file motions, seek further discovery, hire an independent investigator to review the case, or speak with witnesses personally.
We will work hard to ensure that you understand every step of the process and your rights and responsibilities within the criminal justice system. We understand that there is no magic defense for every case and that not every case is a “trial case.” However, we do not change our strategy in these cases, and we will provide you with compassionate, candid and realistic counsel. We will use our experience and familiarity with local prosecutors and judges to advise you on how the case will proceed, and the likely outcomes of plea negotiations. We will help you build equities that can be used to aid your negotiation position with the prosecutor such as letters of recommendation from employers, teachers and community members, community service hours, and other mitigating circumstances. We also understand that some criminal charges result from drug and alcohol dependence. In these cases, we will help guide you to programs that will treat the underlying dependence.
We are familiar with local prosecutors and judges, and how each individual may view a specific charge, motion or ruling. We know which prosecutors are more likely to negotiate, and how the judges have ruled in the past on motions similar to the ones filed for you. We use this knowledge to offer you the best representation we can, avoiding practice pitfalls that may have a negative impact on your case. We will argue for reduced or dismissed charges, diversion programs to avoid a criminal record or alternatives to jail.
Syracuse New York Driving While Intoxicated Lawyers
DWI/DWAI:
Throughout New York, law enforcement is cracking down on drunk driving. If you are found operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (B.A.C.) of .08 or greater, you will likely be facing charges of Driving While Intoxicated. If you are found operating a vehicle with a B.A.C. greater than .18, then you could be facing an even more serious charge of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated.
If you are convicted of an alcohol related traffic offense such as Driving While Intoxicated, you could face the increased penalties that are in place under New York's Leandra's Law. These penalties range from heavy fines and state mandated surcharges, to jail time, the requirement of the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, mandatory community service and the loss of driving privileges. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan can defend you against charges of DWI/DUI. DWI is a serious charge and you deserve a serious defense.
When you receive an alcohol related charge in New York State, the impact can be immediate. You are forced to surrender your license to drive during the pre-conviction or administrative suspension phase, making it difficult or impossible to get to work, school and doctor’s appointments. You will be subject to social stigma and scrutiny, and be forced to seek drug and alcohol evaluations and possibly counseling. These are life-interrupting events.
The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan want to protect your future. We understand the life changing consequences of being charged with a DWI. We understand that the charge alone can have an instant impact on your personal, professional and financial wellbeing, and we can help you work through this crisis. We can help you in applying for a hardship license that will provide the ability to drive to work and school during the mandatory pre-conviction suspension of your license. We do not want to see your life changed due to charges of DWI/DUI. We do not want to see you struggle to get employment because of the mark on your permanent record. We want to defend you against these, and all other implications that come along with drunk driving or related charges.
DWI/DWAI:
Throughout New York, law enforcement is cracking down on drunk driving. If you are found operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (B.A.C.) of .08 or greater, you will likely be facing charges of Driving While Intoxicated. If you are found operating a vehicle with a B.A.C. greater than .18, then you could be facing an even more serious charge of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated.
If you are convicted of an alcohol related traffic offense such as Driving While Intoxicated, you could face the increased penalties that are in place under New York's Leandra's Law. These penalties range from heavy fines and state mandated surcharges, to jail time, the requirement of the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, mandatory community service and the loss of driving privileges. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan can defend you against charges of DWI/DUI. DWI is a serious charge and you deserve a serious defense.
When you receive an alcohol related charge in New York State, the impact can be immediate. You are forced to surrender your license to drive during the pre-conviction or administrative suspension phase, making it difficult or impossible to get to work, school and doctor’s appointments. You will be subject to social stigma and scrutiny, and be forced to seek drug and alcohol evaluations and possibly counseling. These are life-interrupting events.
The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan want to protect your future. We understand the life changing consequences of being charged with a DWI. We understand that the charge alone can have an instant impact on your personal, professional and financial wellbeing, and we can help you work through this crisis. We can help you in applying for a hardship license that will provide the ability to drive to work and school during the mandatory pre-conviction suspension of your license. We do not want to see your life changed due to charges of DWI/DUI. We do not want to see you struggle to get employment because of the mark on your permanent record. We want to defend you against these, and all other implications that come along with drunk driving or related charges.
Syracuse New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers
Traffic Tickets:
We handle traffic tickets all over the state including:
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (operating with a suspended license)
- Speeding
- Running/Passing a Red Light
- Stop Sign Tickets
- Insurance and Registration related tickets
- Turn Signal Violations and several other violations of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
We have all been there. Running a little late for work? Travel in excess of the speed limit trying to make up some time? Kids or other distractions keep your attention away from the road and you run a red light or stop sign? Next thing you know you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Traffic offenses have an impact. You may be thinking: "do I even need a lawyer? Can I represent myself, or just plead guilty and pay a fine?" First, representing yourself in any type of criminal matter, including traffic tickets, is never a good idea! Further, there are many rules regarding traffic infractions that many people are unaware of, such as convictions for certain traffic infractions can result in license revocation. In addition to the varying fine amounts, state mandated surcharges, or, in extreme cases, jail time, you are also faced with the possibility of increased insurance rates, adding points to your license, or losing your license and privilege to drive altogether. In addition, if you add six (6) or more points to your license within an eighteen (18) month period, you will likely be responsible for paying an additional "Driver’s Assessment Fee" to the Department of Motor Vehicles on top of all the other fines and surcharges.
Traffic Tickets can be more expensive than you think, and they can have severe and often unforeseen consequences. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan understand the significant impact that traffic violations can have. Our attorneys can help clear up the misconceptions that many people often have. To the surprise of many, traffic tickets can result in a criminal record if you are convicted of charges such as Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd and other Traffic Misdemeanors. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan will work to reduce or completely eliminate the points that may be added to your license from the original charge, and attempt to avoid criminal convictions.
Even clients who believe that they have addressed all the required questions and are agreeing to enter a plea to a non-point violation such as Operating Without Insurance, fail to realize that such a conviction will result in a one (1) year revocation of their license and require a payment of up to $750.00 or more, to regain their license when the year revocation is complete. Do not let this mistake happen to you.
Prevent increased insurance rates. Keep your driver's license from being suspended. Turn to the law firm of Christopher & McQuillan, LLP.
Traffic Tickets:
We handle traffic tickets all over the state including:
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (operating with a suspended license)
- Speeding
- Running/Passing a Red Light
- Stop Sign Tickets
- Insurance and Registration related tickets
- Turn Signal Violations and several other violations of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
We have all been there. Running a little late for work? Travel in excess of the speed limit trying to make up some time? Kids or other distractions keep your attention away from the road and you run a red light or stop sign? Next thing you know you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror. Traffic offenses have an impact. You may be thinking: "do I even need a lawyer? Can I represent myself, or just plead guilty and pay a fine?" First, representing yourself in any type of criminal matter, including traffic tickets, is never a good idea! Further, there are many rules regarding traffic infractions that many people are unaware of, such as convictions for certain traffic infractions can result in license revocation. In addition to the varying fine amounts, state mandated surcharges, or, in extreme cases, jail time, you are also faced with the possibility of increased insurance rates, adding points to your license, or losing your license and privilege to drive altogether. In addition, if you add six (6) or more points to your license within an eighteen (18) month period, you will likely be responsible for paying an additional "Driver’s Assessment Fee" to the Department of Motor Vehicles on top of all the other fines and surcharges.
Traffic Tickets can be more expensive than you think, and they can have severe and often unforeseen consequences. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan understand the significant impact that traffic violations can have. Our attorneys can help clear up the misconceptions that many people often have. To the surprise of many, traffic tickets can result in a criminal record if you are convicted of charges such as Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd and other Traffic Misdemeanors. The attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan will work to reduce or completely eliminate the points that may be added to your license from the original charge, and attempt to avoid criminal convictions.
Even clients who believe that they have addressed all the required questions and are agreeing to enter a plea to a non-point violation such as Operating Without Insurance, fail to realize that such a conviction will result in a one (1) year revocation of their license and require a payment of up to $750.00 or more, to regain their license when the year revocation is complete. Do not let this mistake happen to you.
Prevent increased insurance rates. Keep your driver's license from being suspended. Turn to the law firm of Christopher & McQuillan, LLP.
Syracuse New York Personal Injury Lawyers
Christopher & McQuillan, LLP represents individuals and their families who have been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence, carelessness or recklessness of others. Our attorneys provide aggressive, effective and personal representation, while possessing the comprehensive legal knowledge necessary to obtain just compensation for our clients. We believe that every good case begins with research and preparation. We are committed to thorough investigation and preparation to both assess the strengths of your case, and prepare for the legal proceedings that may become necessary. Here at Christopher & McQuillan, we understand that every client and case is unique, requiring an individualized approach. Our attorneys will listen, provide compassion, and guide each client through what is an oftentimes confusing and complicated legal process. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence, carelessness or recklessness of others, contact Christopher & McQuillan, LLP today for a free consultation.
At Christopher and McQuillan, LLP, we handle a variety of personal injury and wrongful death claims, including:
Medical Malpractice (including malpractice by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals): We have all put our faith in doctors at one point in our lives, and unfortunately a mistake by a doctor can have long term serious ramifications. Inadequate medical care and errors occur daily in New York, and can result in serious personal injury or death. The negligent care and treatment of a patient can occur at any time, whether through the treatment of a physician, nurse, therapist or other medical professional or employee. Proving that a healthcare provider was negligent is complicated, and often requires expert testimony to show that the treatment given was below the standard of care that would have been provided by an average qualified person in the provider’s field of practice. At Christopher & McQuillan, we can handle almost any type of medical malpractice claim. Examples include failure to diagnose, birth injuries, anesthesia and surgical injuries, misread laboratory and radiological reports, failure to recognize and treat early signs of heart attack, and improper care and treatment at nursing homes including large pressure sores and infection.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Few things can be more immediately life changing than a car or motor vehicle accident. In a moment you can sustain injuries that prevent you from working and you can be without the family vehicle. These events can turn your life upside down in an instant. We know, we have been there. We can walk you through the complex issues surrounding vehicle accidents. We will negotiate this matter on your behalf with the insurance companies and seek damages for your injuries and lost wages.
Premises Liability (including slip and fall and failure to warn of dangers on the premises): Many accidents and injuries on residential and commercial property are the result of defective conditions or other forms of negligence. Accident cases can be simple or complex. These types of accidents can involve anything from a defective railing, step, or deck, to design defects that result in fires or explosions. Examples of premises liability cases that our attorneys will handle include: slip/trip and falls, structure collapses, elevator/escalator injuries, negligent security at hotels and bars resulting in violent crimes, fires, explosions, electrocutions, injuries from snow and ice, animal related injuries including dog bites; swimming pool injuries; defects in stairways and walkways resulting in falls, negligent design or maintenance of parking lots and shopping centers, and mold or other toxic injury.
Construction Site Accidents: Most construction workers at one point have either been injured on the job or know someone who has been injured. We will represent workers and their families for injuries and deaths sustained in construction site accidents. The construction site can be a dangerous place. Construction sites often involve falls from a height or objects falling from a height that may trigger special legal provisions in New York Law. When an injury or death occurs, the uncertainty surrounding the injury along with the loss of income can oftentimes be too much to overcome. That is why the attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan will fight to bring a measure of security and compensation to the worker and their family. Christopher and McQuillan, LLP will handle many types of construction site accident cases including: ladder or scaffolding accidents, falls through floors or unprotected openings, wall or roof collapses, lift overturns, electrocutions and accidents from defective tools.
Christopher & McQuillan, LLP represents individuals and their families who have been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence, carelessness or recklessness of others. Our attorneys provide aggressive, effective and personal representation, while possessing the comprehensive legal knowledge necessary to obtain just compensation for our clients. We believe that every good case begins with research and preparation. We are committed to thorough investigation and preparation to both assess the strengths of your case, and prepare for the legal proceedings that may become necessary. Here at Christopher & McQuillan, we understand that every client and case is unique, requiring an individualized approach. Our attorneys will listen, provide compassion, and guide each client through what is an oftentimes confusing and complicated legal process. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence, carelessness or recklessness of others, contact Christopher & McQuillan, LLP today for a free consultation.
At Christopher and McQuillan, LLP, we handle a variety of personal injury and wrongful death claims, including:
Medical Malpractice (including malpractice by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals): We have all put our faith in doctors at one point in our lives, and unfortunately a mistake by a doctor can have long term serious ramifications. Inadequate medical care and errors occur daily in New York, and can result in serious personal injury or death. The negligent care and treatment of a patient can occur at any time, whether through the treatment of a physician, nurse, therapist or other medical professional or employee. Proving that a healthcare provider was negligent is complicated, and often requires expert testimony to show that the treatment given was below the standard of care that would have been provided by an average qualified person in the provider’s field of practice. At Christopher & McQuillan, we can handle almost any type of medical malpractice claim. Examples include failure to diagnose, birth injuries, anesthesia and surgical injuries, misread laboratory and radiological reports, failure to recognize and treat early signs of heart attack, and improper care and treatment at nursing homes including large pressure sores and infection.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Few things can be more immediately life changing than a car or motor vehicle accident. In a moment you can sustain injuries that prevent you from working and you can be without the family vehicle. These events can turn your life upside down in an instant. We know, we have been there. We can walk you through the complex issues surrounding vehicle accidents. We will negotiate this matter on your behalf with the insurance companies and seek damages for your injuries and lost wages.
Premises Liability (including slip and fall and failure to warn of dangers on the premises): Many accidents and injuries on residential and commercial property are the result of defective conditions or other forms of negligence. Accident cases can be simple or complex. These types of accidents can involve anything from a defective railing, step, or deck, to design defects that result in fires or explosions. Examples of premises liability cases that our attorneys will handle include: slip/trip and falls, structure collapses, elevator/escalator injuries, negligent security at hotels and bars resulting in violent crimes, fires, explosions, electrocutions, injuries from snow and ice, animal related injuries including dog bites; swimming pool injuries; defects in stairways and walkways resulting in falls, negligent design or maintenance of parking lots and shopping centers, and mold or other toxic injury.
Construction Site Accidents: Most construction workers at one point have either been injured on the job or know someone who has been injured. We will represent workers and their families for injuries and deaths sustained in construction site accidents. The construction site can be a dangerous place. Construction sites often involve falls from a height or objects falling from a height that may trigger special legal provisions in New York Law. When an injury or death occurs, the uncertainty surrounding the injury along with the loss of income can oftentimes be too much to overcome. That is why the attorneys at Christopher & McQuillan will fight to bring a measure of security and compensation to the worker and their family. Christopher and McQuillan, LLP will handle many types of construction site accident cases including: ladder or scaffolding accidents, falls through floors or unprotected openings, wall or roof collapses, lift overturns, electrocutions and accidents from defective tools.