Founding Attorney
When someone is arrested or learns they are under criminal investigation in New York, one of the biggest mistakes they make is waiting to contact a criminal defense attorney. Acting quickly is critical. Delays can lead to consequences that follow a person for years, incarceration, a criminal conviction, probation, loss of employment, loss of immigration status, loss of voting rights, and more.
Police departments and prosecutors across Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan continue to take a highly aggressive approach to criminal cases. Having an attorney involved from the start is no longer optional; it is essential.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
An attorney protects your rights, stops you from making harmful statements, and guides you through each stage of the case. Speaking to police, investigators, or detectives without an attorney present is one of the most damaging decisions a person can make. Police are legally permitted to use deceptive tactics to obtain statements, and many people unknowingly incriminate themselves before they ever step foot in a courtroom.
Why People Contact Our Office
Michael A. Arbeit, P.C., regularly assists clients who call with urgent questions about criminal investigations, arrests, and allegations. Common concerns include:
- What happens if I refuse a breath test in New York?
- Do I have to speak with police if they ask me to come in for questioning?
- Can police come to my house and tell me to report to the precinct?
- How soon will I be arraigned after an arrest?
- What happens after a domestic violence arrest?
- What happens if I’m arrested for fraud, burglary, or child abuse?
- What happens if no bail is set after arrest?
- What is considered child pornography in New York?
- Can family members attend arraignment?
- How do I get a conditional license after a breath test refusal?
- What should I do if the police want to interview me?
People also frequently call because officers told them they “don’t need a lawyer”—a red flag that you should contact counsel immediately. Read our full list of FAQs:
Serving Clients Across Long Island and New York
Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. represents clients throughout:
- Nassau County
- Suffolk County
- Queens County
- Kings County (Brooklyn)
- New York County (Manhattan)
Including communities across the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Huntington, Smithtown, and surrounding areas.
Every case, whether a misdemeanor or serious felony, is handled personally by Attorney Michael Arbeit with close attention to detail and proactive defense strategy.
Do Not Speak to Police Before Calling an Attorney
Do not answer questions. Do not explain yourself. Call an attorney immediately. Police are trained to obtain statements, and they are allowed to use strategies designed to make people talk. Many individuals make admissions or give inconsistent details that are later used against them in court—even when they believed they were being helpful.
Contact Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. Immediately. 24/7 Availability!
If you are under investigation or have been arrested, do not wait. Protecting your rights from the very beginning can determine the outcome of your case. Contact our office today.
Last Updated: January 2026