Defending New Yorkers
Criminal Defense
Defending people before arrest and after arrest
Criminal Defense Practice
Defending people before arrest and after arrest
The Bronx is one of the most aggressively policed boroughs in New York City. As a result, we represent thousands of people each year, nearly 40% of whom are charged with low-level offenses such as shoplifting, traffic offenses, and drug possession. As part of our holistic approach, we spend time getting to know the people we represent and gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and needs. With that understanding, we advocate for people by thoroughly investigating their cases, raising novel legal arguments, using creative tools of persuasion and storytelling, and addressing needs that go beyond the scope of their cases.
Our Approach
Our model of holistic defense was born in the criminal courtroom. It was built to fight back against a system that punishes poverty and strips people of their dignity. From the start, we’ve defended people—not just cases—by addressing the full impact of criminal charges on their lives. As a result, we take time to understand each person’s story and what’s at stake for them. Our attorneys work in interdisciplinary teams with social workers, advocates, and investigators to build strong, compassionate defenses. We’ve created specialized projects—from the Prisoners’ Rights Project to the LGBTQ Defense Project and Adolescent Defense Project—to make sure everyone we represent gets the expert, personalized advocacy they need.
Get Support
If you or a loved one has been arrested,
Get Legal Help and other resources here.
Our Client Emergency Fund
Our provides the people we represent and their families with ongoing financial support.
We have several specialized projects
Through our holistic model, we are constantly specializing our defense work to better defend against the nuanced punishments of legal system entanglement.
Early Defense support system
We work hard to protect people before they interact with the legal system to begin with. Check out our Early Defense support system