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Being accused of a crime is frightening; being convicted will have lasting repercussions, including potential imprisonment, fines, and reputational harm. The best way to protect your rights, freedom, and future is to call Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. to have the best criminal defense lawyer in Long Island.

We provide aggressive criminal defense strategies to clients on Long Island and throughout the New York Metropolitan area. When you meet with us, we will work to understand the events leading to your arrest, learn your side of the story, and choose the best line of defense. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we will work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our office today to set up a consultation with our criminal defense attorney in Long Island. 

Why You Need a Long Island Criminal Defense Attorney

Although you are presumed innocent until proven guilty, you face an uphill battle. State and federal prosecutors hold the upper hand and vigorously pursue convictions. If you are concerned about your legal status, we can help you determine the next steps regarding an arrest warrant. Let our criminal defense attorney help you today. We know how to balance the scales and fight back. Our firm regularly defends clients against all types of criminal offenses, including:

Assault

Under the New York State Penal Law (Article 120), assault involves the intent to cause injury to another person. There are different classifications of assault, including:

  • Assault in the third degree or “simple assault” is (1) intending to cause and actually causing or (2) recklessly causing “substantial pain” to another person. This offense is a misdemeanor and the most common assault charge.
  • Assault in the second degree is a class “D” felony that involves (1) intentionally causing a “serious physical injury to another person or (2) using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon to cause injury to another person
  • Assault in the first degree is a class “B” felony that involves the intentional infliction of serious injuries that cause the victim long-term health consequences or disfigurement

Arson

Arson is considered a violent crime that involves the intentional destruction of property, including buildings and motor vehicles, by fire or explosion. There are 5 degrees of assault in New York, with charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a class “A” felony. 

Theft

Our firm has successfully defended clients against theft charges such as:

  • Petty theft (e.g. shoplifting)
  • Grand theft
  • Grand theft auto
  • Robbery
  • Burglary

Trust defense attorney Michael A. Arbeit to provide you with aggressive representation and work to protect your freedom if you have been charged with a theft crime.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence in New York is broadly defined as causing harm or threatening harm to a family or household member, such as a current or former spouse, a fiancé or fiancée, the co-parent of your child, a current or former dating partner, or a roommate. 

A conviction for domestic violence can lead to imprisonment, fines, and other penalties. While domestic violence is a serious offense, false accusations are not uncommon, especially in contentious family court proceedings involving divorce and child custody. No matter the charges you are facing, it takes an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and reputation. 

Sex Crimes

Prosecutors on Long Island take sex crimes very seriously. A conviction can result in lengthy imprisonment, probation, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. We have extensive experience defending all types of misdemeanor and felony sex offenses in Long Island, such as: 

  • Sexual abuse
  • Rape
  • Forcible touching
  • Sexual contact with a minor
  • Indecent exposure
  • Internet sex crimes
  • Prostitution
  • Solicitation
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Possession of child pornography
  • Failure to register as a sex offender

Unfortunately, many innocent people are accused of sex crimes due to mistaken identity or false accusations. When you work with us, we will aggressively defend you and never judge you. 

Drug Crimes

Although the use of medical and recreational marijuana is legal in New York, drug crimes are still vigorously prosecuted. At Michael A. Arbeit, P.C., we regularly defend clients against state and federal drug charges, such as:

  • Possession
  • Possession with the intent to sell
  • Manufacturing or cultivation
  • Distribution or trafficking

If you have been charged with a drug crime, you face an uncertain future. For example, possession with intent to sell a narcotic in New York is a Class “B” felony, punishable by 1 to 9 years in prison. We will carefully weigh the evidence against you and choose the best course of action. Although we are committed to winning an acquittal, we will advise you of your best options. 

Traffic Infractions

Our firm regularly defends clients against all types of traffic infractions, including:

You can depend on our experienced traffic violations attorney to protect your driving privileges and help you avoid jail. 

Criminal Impersonation

Criminal impersonation is a serious offense involving the act of pretending to be someone else with the intent to deceive, defraud, or commit a crime. This crime can take various forms, such as using someone’s identity to gain unauthorized access to financial accounts, posing as a law enforcement officer, or assuming another person’s identity during interactions with authorities.

DWI & DWAI Defense Attorney Serving Clients on Long Island and New York City

Because driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs is inherently dangerous, prosecutors strictly enforce DWI laws. A conviction can result in fines, imprisonment, and a suspended license. Notably, you face an automatic 6-month suspension of your driver’s license under the state’s implied consent law if you refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or chemical test.

Although a first DWI offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, you face harsh penalties if you are a repeat offender or cause bodily injury. Our firm has developed proven defense strategies against DWI and DWAI (driving while ability impaired) charges and will work to protect your rights and your driving record. 

Contact Our Experienced Long Island and New York City Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a crime, you need a powerful criminal defense attorney by your side. Contact our office today to discuss your case in confidence.

Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. defends people in criminal matters throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City, including Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx.