Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Queens, NY
Whether you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or felony offense, a Queens criminal defense attorney can explain your rights, potential charges, and the New York criminal court process. Regardless of location, from Astoria and Flushing to Jamaica and Long Island City, criminal arrests and investigations in Queens carry significant potential consequences.
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Why Choose The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy?
At The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy, our mission is to provide effective legal representation to individuals in need of an attorney throughout NYC. Brendan Tracy and Victoria Tracy collectively share years of public service experience. Prior to opening our law firm, Brendan Tracy was a prosecutor for 13 years.
Victoria Tracy worked for 11 years at the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. In her role at ACS, Victoria litigated and supervised cases involving children and families.
Attorneys Brendan Tracy and Victoria Tracy have spent years working within New York City establishments. They’ve developed working relationships with courts, prosecutors, judges, and court staff throughout their careers. Brendan Tracy was recently elected to serve on the Richmond County Bar Association Board of Directors.
Types of Criminal Charges in Queens
Queens has a crime rate of 20.97 per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 4.68, and the property crime rate is 16.29. The crime rate in Queens has largely stayed the same in 2026, only increasing by 0.07%.
Queens County is the largest borough in NYC by land area. Queens is home to residential neighborhoods, business areas, and airports.
Crimes in Queens could stem from anywhere along the Long Island Expressway (I-495), Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway (I-678), or in neighborhoods like Jamaica, Forest Hills, Flushing, or Long Island City.
An experienced Queens criminal defense attorney can defend against charges involving:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Violent crimes
- Burglary
- Theft
- White collar crimes
- Domestic violence
- Sex crimes
- Weapons offenses
The New York Penal Law and New York Criminal Procedure Law govern most criminal cases in New York. New York Penal Law explains offenses, classifications, and potential penalties for criminal convictions. New York Criminal Procedure covers arrest, arraignment, discovery, motions, trial, and other criminal procedures.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Cases
Like all states, criminal charges can lead to penalties if a defendant is convicted. The penalties vary by offense type, defendant’s prior criminal history, and facts surrounding the alleged crime.
While misdemeanor convictions could lead to fines, probation, community service, or up to one year in jail, felony convictions could result in longer prison sentences and larger fines. Criminal convictions can result in penalties beyond jail time and financial costs.
A conviction could impact future employment opportunities, professional licenses, education, housing applications, and more. For some offenses, convicted criminals could lose their right to own a firearm and risk immigration consequences.
Courts can order restitution, treatment programs, and additional penalties when convicting someone of a crime. Because penalties vary case-by-case, it’s important to know potential penalties that may be imposed.
Possible Criminal Defenses
Every case is different, and it’s important to develop the right criminal defense strategy for the situation. There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution for criminal charges.
Criminal defenses are fact-specific and dependent on evidence, witness testimony, police procedures, and more. Prosecutors must prove each element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense strategies may include:
- Mistaken identity
- Alibi
- Self-defense
- Lack of intent
- Illegal search and seizure
- Violation of rights
During initial consultations, lawyers may examine large amounts of evidence. Recognizing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case can help shape your defense strategy and begin negotiations early on.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you can have a knowledgeable attorney by your side throughout every stage of your criminal case. Your attorney can:
- Review evidence collected by the prosecution
- Make sure police officers follow constitutional requirements
- Research applicable criminal defense laws
- Develop a legal strategy
- File motions to suppress evidence based on illegal searches
- Police interrogations
- Negotiate with prosecutors on plea deals when necessary
- Prepare witnesses for hearings and trial
- Challenge prosecutors’ witnesses
A Queens criminal defense attorney can advocate on your behalf during hearings and trial.
FAQs
What Happens During a Criminal Investigation Before Charges Are Filed?
Before charges are filed in a criminal investigation, extensive research takes place. However, detectives do not always file charges in a criminal case. They may:
- Interview witnesses or try to locate them
- Collect physical evidence
- Research phone records, search warrants, and video surveillance b
- Determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to move forward with a criminal prosecution
Prosecutors may review a case before charges are filed in some instances.
Can Someone Be Arrested Without a Warrant?
Yes, someone can be arrested without a warrant. Police officers can arrest someone without a warrant if they catch them in the act of committing a crime, or if they have probable cause that someone committed a crime. Police may also get an arrest warrant issued from a judge prior to arresting someone. Issues can arise regarding how someone was arrested.
What Is Probable Cause?
Probable cause is a standard that allows police officers to make an arrest, secure a search warrant, or conduct specific types of searches under particular conditions. Probable cause is more than suspicion but does not require as much proof as is necessary for a criminal conviction. An evaluation of whether probable cause existed can be made by the courts when the actions of police are called into question.
Can a Criminal Case Continue if the Alleged Victim Wants to Drop the Charges?
Yes, a criminal case continues if the alleged victim wants to drop the charges. Often it is the prosecutor, not the alleged victim, who decides whether or not to continue pursuing a criminal case.
The prosecutor can choose to continue with the case even if the victim doesn’t want to proceed. It depends on whether there is enough evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt according to New York law.
A Local Law Firm You Can Trust
Potential convictions from criminal charges can impact your future employment, education, housing, and even professional licensure. If you’ve been arrested near Citi Field, JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, or the Long Island Expressway, don’t face your charges without knowing your rights under New York’s criminal defense laws.
As a New York City-based firm, The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy has deep roots and extensive experience with the local criminal courts, and we can help you in your case. Contact us today to get started.
