Reliable Legal Counsel For All Criminal Defense Matters In New York City

Serious criminal defense matters call for experienced legal representation. At Bachner & Associates, PC, we have been serving the legal needs of clients throughout the New York City area and across the nation since 1988. We have the knowledge and experience to help you build an ironclad defense against the charges you are facing.

Contact us today online or by telephone at 917-639-5370 to speak with a highly qualified New York City defense lawyer.

Attorneys Who Know Both Sides

As former prosecutors, our attorneys know the criminal justice system from the inside out. This perspective allows us to anticipate and counter the tactics the prosecution uses against our clients. It helps us to guide our clients through the often confusing and forbidding process of fighting criminal charges. It also helps us to achieve positive outcomes for many of our criminal defense clients.

3 Critical Steps To Take When Already Under Investigation

If you have been contacted by the FBI or another agency, if a loved one has been arrested, or if you have had your home or business property searched, you may find yourself facing an immediate crisis and an emergency situation. The investigation is already starting, and you immediately need to know what rights you have and what steps to take.

Use your right to remain silent

You do have a fundamental right to remain silent, and you do not have to answer questions from investigators. Remember that you need to assert that right verbally. Just ignoring the questions or sitting in silence is not enough. The police can keep asking questions, hoping to get you to make a mistake. By telling them directly that you are exercising your right to remain silent, you protect yourself.

Do not consent to a search

When the police conduct a search, they typically need your consent or a search warrant. If they do not have a warrant and it is not an emergency situation, your consent is very important to them. 

It is not a legal obligation for you to provide that consent. Some people will let investigators into their home, thinking that if they cooperate, they will not be arrested, but this can open the door for them to find evidence they can use against you. Just tell them that you do not consent to any searches. If they conduct a search anyway, that evidence could be thrown out of court under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.

Use your right to an attorney

You do have a right to an attorney, and it is often wise to call your lawyer before you speak to any agents. Do not provide verbal or written statements. Anything you say could potentially be used against you. 

Even saying that you do not know could be problematic if the investigation determines that you did know something and you are then accused of lying to federal agents. It is much better to simply tell them you are not going to answer any questions until your attorney is present.

An investigation can be stressful, but focusing on these three areas can help you address it appropriately.

Intelligent Criminal Defense Solutions

At Bachner & Associates, PC, we have extensive experience handling criminal defense matters for our valued clients. The broad scope of our practice includes defense against charges, including:

• Drug charges and narcotics offenses, such as possession and illegal dispensation
• Fraud charges — government fraud, corporate fraud, Internet fraud and more
• White collar crimes, including public correction, extortion and insider trading
• Violent crimes such as sexual assault and homicide, including those involving weapons charges and allegations of domestic violence or abuse
• International crimes such as money-laundering and U.S. customs violations
• Racketeering and conspiracy
• Internet crimes, including child pornography or online identity theft

We have practiced extensively in federal and state courts throughout New York and have a long track record of success handling grand jury investigations, trials and appeals. We can help you avoid having your property seized, handle allegations of perjury and otherwise guide you through the defense process. Our clients are stockbrokers, corporate officers, investment bankers and other high-level professionals who are facing serious criminal charges.

Contact Our Experienced White Collar Defense Lawyers

Get a confidential case evaluation with Bachner & Associates, PC, in New York City, by calling 917-639-5370 or using the online contact form.