Raiser & Kenniff
4.9/5 Best OverallOur top-rated pick for reliability, customer service, and proven results.
New York has no death penalty — the Court of Appeals invalidated the statute in 2004 — but the state’s criminal justice system remains one of the most complex and consequential in the nation. The New York Penal Law classifies felonies into five classes: E (up to 4 years), D (up to 7 years), C (up to 15 years), B (up to 25 years), and A (A-II up to life, A-I mandatory life for murder). New York’s 2019 Bail Reform law, subsequently amended in 2020 and 2022, eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies while giving judges expanded discretion for certain offenses. The Raise the Age legislation moved 16- and 17-year-olds out of the adult criminal system for most offenses. These reforms have reshaped how criminal cases are charged, prosecuted, and defended across the state.
Manhattan’s District Attorney’s office has pursued some of the most high-profile criminal prosecutions in recent American history, while the federal Southern District of New York (SDNY) — often called the “Sovereign District” — handles major organized crime, securities fraud, terrorism, and public corruption cases. Whether you face a misdemeanor in Brooklyn Criminal Court or a federal indictment in the Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouse, the stakes in New York are enormous and the defense lawyers you choose will shape the outcome.
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The best Criminal Defense Lawyers company in New York for 2026 is Raiser & Kenniff, rated 4.9 with fees of Case-dependent and a resolution timeline of Varies by charge. Other top-rated options include The Cochran Firm (rated 4.8) and Spodek Law Group (rated 4.8).
- Top Pick
- Raiser & Kenniff
- Rating
- 4.9
- Avg. Fees
- Case-dependent
Last updated
Key Takeaways: Criminal Defense Lawyers in New York
Raiser & Kenniff is our #1-ranked criminal defense firm for New York in 2026 — their four New York offices, former Manhattan DA prosecutors on staff, and 24/7 arrest response make them the clear top choice for defendants across the state.
New York’s Bail Reform law (CPL § 510.10) eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, but 2022 amendments restored judicial discretion for certain repeat offenses and gun charges — making arraignment a critical stage where defense counsel matters.
The Southern District of New York (SDNY) and Eastern District of New York (EDNY) handle the highest volume of federal criminal cases in the country, including securities fraud, RICO, narcotics conspiracies, and terrorism.
New York’s Raise the Age law (effective 2018–2019) moved most 16- and 17-year-old defendants to Family Court or Youth Parts, but serious violent felonies can still be prosecuted in adult criminal court.
Discovery reform under CPL § 245 requires prosecutors to turn over all evidence within 35 days of arraignment for detained defendants — an aggressive timeline that benefits defendants with prepared counsel.
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How We Ranked New York Criminal Defense Lawyers Companies
Courtroom Track Record
30%We evaluated each firm's history of acquittals, dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea outcomes across felony, misdemeanor, and federal cases. Firms with documented trial wins received the highest marks.
Attorney Credentials & Experience
25%We assessed bar standing, board certifications, former prosecutor experience, years of practice, and whether attorneys hold leadership positions in criminal defense bar associations.
Client Reviews & Reputation
25%We analyzed client reviews on Avvo, Google, Martindale-Hubbell, and state bar records. We also reviewed any disciplinary history, peer endorsements, and Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers recognitions.
Accessibility & Client Service
20%We evaluated 24/7 availability for arrests, response time to initial inquiries, fee transparency, geographic reach, language capabilities, and whether the firm offers free initial consultations.
We spent 200 hours evaluating criminal defense attorneys and firms serving New York. We assessed each firm’s courtroom record in New York Supreme Court, NYC Criminal Court, and the federal SDNY and EDNY, reviewed their experience with Bail Reform arraignments and discovery obligations under CPL § 245, verified their bar standing with the New York Appellate Division, and interviewed New York defendants who engaged their services.
Within two years, I was debt-free. The negotiators handled everything with my creditors so I didn't have to.
Rank 1: Raiser & Kenniff
- Min. Business Debt
- No minimum
- Avg. Fees
- Case-dependent
- Resolution Timeline
- Varies by charge
Raiser & Kenniff is the definitive #1 criminal defense firm in New York. Founded by former Manhattan Assistant District Attorneys, the firm operates from four New York offices with 24/7 arrest response across the five boroughs. Their attorneys have first-hand experience with how the Manhattan DA, Brooklyn DA, and Bronx DA offices build cases — and they use that knowledge to dismantle prosecutions from the inside. Their practice spans the full range of New York Penal Law offenses from Class E felonies through A-I murder charges, as well as federal cases in the SDNY and EDNY. In a state where Bail Reform has made arraignment outcomes more consequential than ever, Raiser & Kenniff’s ability to appear at arraignment within hours of arrest is a decisive advantage.
Rank 2: The Cochran Firm
- Min. Business Debt
- No minimum
- Avg. Fees
- Case-dependent
- Resolution Timeline
- Varies by charge
The Cochran Firm earns the #2 spot for New York with their legacy of high-profile criminal defense and multiple offices across the state. Their attorneys handle the full spectrum of charges in New York’s criminal courts — from drug possession cases affected by the state’s reformed marijuana laws to violent felonies prosecuted under Penal Law §§ 125 and 130. The Cochran Firm’s name carries weight in New York courtrooms, and their deep bench allows them to staff complex cases with multiple attorneys when co-defendant issues, voluminous discovery under CPL § 245, or multi-count indictments demand it.
Rank 3: Spodek Law Group
- Min. Business Debt
- No minimum
- Avg. Fees
- Consultation-based
- Resolution Timeline
- Varies by charge
Spodek Law Group ranks #3 for New York and is particularly strong in federal criminal defense. Based in New York City with direct access to the SDNY and EDNY courthouses, Spodek’s attorneys have defended securities fraud, wire fraud, RICO conspiracy, money laundering, and tax evasion cases in the nation’s busiest federal courts. Their understanding of federal sentencing guidelines, cooperation agreements, and pre-indictment negotiation makes them the top choice for New York defendants facing federal exposure. They also handle state-level white-collar prosecutions brought by the Manhattan DA’s Financial Crimes Bureau.
Rank 4: Varghese Summersett
- Min. Business Debt
- No minimum
- Avg. Fees
- Case-dependent
- Resolution Timeline
- Varies by charge
Varghese Summersett completes our New York top four with their trial-focused defense philosophy. While their home base is Texas, their Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists bring a level of trial preparation and jury advocacy that translates across jurisdictions. For New York defendants whose cases are heading to trial rather than plea, Varghese Summersett’s record of 1,600+ dismissals and 700+ jury trials demonstrates the courtroom tenacity needed to prevail before New York juries in Supreme Court or federal court.
New York Provider Ratings
New York Criminal Defense Lawyers Compared
| Provider | Min. Debt | Avg. Fees | Timeline | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Raiser & Kenniff
Top Pick
|
No minimum | Case-dependent | Varies by charge |
4.9
|
|
The Cochran Firm
|
No minimum | Case-dependent | Varies by charge |
4.8
|
|
Spodek Law Group
|
No minimum | Consultation-based | Varies by charge |
4.8
|
|
Varghese Summersett
|
No minimum | Case-dependent | Varies by charge |
4.7
|
Roughly half of all Americans don't have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
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Criminal Defense in New York: What Defendants Need to Know
New York’s criminal justice system is a layered network of local criminal courts, Supreme Courts (which handle felonies despite the name), and two of the nation’s most active federal districts. Recent reforms including Bail Reform, Raise the Age, discovery reform, and marijuana legalization have reshaped the landscape — but aggressive prosecution of violent crime, gun offenses, and financial fraud continues unabated.
Alternatives to Traditional Criminal Defense in New York
- Diversion Programs: New York operates numerous diversion programs including Drug Treatment Courts, Mental Health Courts, and the Manhattan DA’s alternatives-to-incarceration programs. Successful completion can result in charges being dismissed or reduced.
- Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD): Under CPL § 170.55, certain misdemeanor and violation charges can be adjourned for six months (one year for marijuana offenses) and dismissed if the defendant stays out of trouble. ACDs are a powerful tool for first-time offenders.
- Youthful Offender Status: Defendants under 19 may qualify for Youthful Offender (YO) status under CPL § 720, which replaces a criminal conviction with a sealed YO adjudication. Combined with Raise the Age protections, this keeps eligible young defendants out of the adult criminal justice system.
- Cooperation Agreements: In federal cases in the SDNY and EDNY, cooperation agreements under USSG § 5K1.1 can result in substantial sentence reductions. Defense attorneys experienced in federal practice can negotiate these agreements while protecting the defendant’s safety and legal interests.
How Criminal Cases Are Prosecuted in New York
New York’s Penal Law (PL) classifies offenses as violations, misdemeanors (Class A and B), and felonies (Class A-I, A-II, B, C, D, E). Misdemeanors are prosecuted in local criminal courts (NYC Criminal Court in the five boroughs, city courts upstate, and town/village justice courts). Felonies are prosecuted by grand jury indictment in Supreme Court. The Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) governs all procedural aspects, including the landmark discovery reform under CPL § 245, which requires prosecutors to disclose all evidence — including impeachment material — within 35 days of arraignment for detained defendants and 20 days before trial for non-detained defendants. This “open file” discovery regime is one of the most defendant-friendly in the nation and gives defense attorneys powerful tools to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case early. Bail Reform under CPL § 510.10 eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, though 2022 amendments restored limited judicial discretion for repeat offenders and certain gun charges.
How New York’s Bail Reform Affects Your Defense Strategy
New York’s 2019 Bail Reform law, codified in CPL § 510.10, was the most significant change to pretrial practice in a generation. The original law eliminated cash bail for nearly all misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, requiring judges to release defendants on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions. Subsequent amendments in 2020 and 2022 added exceptions for repeat offenders, certain gun charges, and defendants who commit new offenses while on release.
For defendants, Bail Reform means that the arraignment is no longer primarily about money — it is about whether the judge finds grounds to set bail or remand under the statutory exceptions. Defense attorneys who understand the current landscape can present compelling arguments for release, including the defendant’s community ties, employment, and lack of prior failures to appear. In practice, skilled defense counsel at arraignment dramatically increases the likelihood of pretrial release, which in turn improves outcomes at every subsequent stage of the case.
Federal Criminal Defense in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
The Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of New York are the two most active federal criminal jurisdictions in the country. The SDNY — covering Manhattan, the Bronx, and counties north of New York City — handles landmark cases in securities fraud, public corruption, terrorism, and organized crime. The EDNY — covering Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island — prosecutes a heavy docket of drug trafficking, firearms, immigration fraud, and racketeering cases.
Federal cases carry dramatically higher stakes than state prosecutions. Federal sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, and the absence of parole mean that defendants convicted in federal court serve substantially longer sentences. However, federal cases also offer unique defense opportunities: cooperation agreements under § 5K1.1, compassionate release provisions, and the government’s burden to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury. Defense attorneys who practice regularly in these courts understand how to leverage pre-indictment negotiations, challenge government evidence through suppression motions, and present mitigation arguments at sentencing that can reduce exposure by years or decades.
Common Criminal Charges in New York
New York’s criminal docket spans every category of offense. Drug cases have shifted dramatically since the 2021 Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act legalized recreational cannabis, but narcotics trafficking (PL § 220) remains heavily prosecuted, particularly in federal court. Gun charges under PL § 265 carry mandatory minimums for illegal possession of a loaded firearm in New York City. White-collar prosecutions by the Manhattan DA’s office and the SDNY include securities fraud (15 U.S.C. § 78j), wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), bank fraud, and public corruption. Violent felonies including assault (PL § 120), robbery (PL § 160), and homicide (PL § 125) are prosecuted by county DA offices across the state. DWI charges under VTL § 1192 generate a high volume of cases statewide, with felony DWI attaching on a third offense within 15 years.
Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer in New York
New York defendants should look for attorneys with specific experience in the court where their case will be heard. A Manhattan Supreme Court felony case requires different expertise than a federal SDNY prosecution or a Nassau County DWI. Verify that your attorney is admitted to the appropriate court, has handled cases involving your specific charges, and understands the procedural reforms — particularly discovery obligations under CPL § 245 and bail arguments under CPL § 510.10 — that now define New York criminal practice. For federal cases, ensure the attorney has been admitted to the SDNY or EDNY and has experience with federal sentencing guidelines.
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About the Author
David Marquand · Senior Criminal Justice Editor
J.D., Georgetown Law, 12+ Years Experience, NACDL Member
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Legal Disclaimers
- This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing criminal charges, consult a qualified criminal defense attorney in your jurisdiction immediately.
- Results vary by case. Past case results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every criminal case is unique and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and applicable law.
- Attorney fees vary by firm, case complexity, charge severity, and geographic location. Always obtain a written fee agreement and understand all costs before engaging any law firm.
- Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. You have the constitutional right to an attorney and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Time is critical in criminal cases. Statutes of limitations, evidence preservation, and pre-charge intervention opportunities may be affected by delay.
- Zogby does not provide legal services. We are an independent comparison service that connects individuals with criminal defense attorneys. We may receive compensation from featured firms.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified criminal defense attorney licensed in your state.
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