Brooklyn Criminal Court Lawyer
If you have been charged with a crime in Brooklyn, you need a Brooklyn criminal lawyer who knows how to navigate the criminal justice system in Kings County. Brooklyn Criminal Defense Lawyer Cody Warner regularly handles cases in Brooklyn Criminal Court and can make sure your case is handled professionally.
Brooklyn Criminal Court Crime Statistics
Due to its dense population, crime is a concern in Brooklyn. The New York City Police Department tracks crime statistics closely for each borough, including Brooklyn.
For statistical purposes, the police track crime rates by dividing the borough into two sections: Brooklyn North and Brooklyn South. Although complete data is not yet available for 2023, we know the complete statistics for 2022.
In 2022, Brooklyn North’s statistics for major crimes were as follows:
- Murder: 77
- Rape: 254
- Robbery: 2,525
- Felony Assault: 4,091
- Burglary: 2,361
- Grand Larceny: 5,927
In 2022, Brooklyn South’s statistics for major crimes were as follows:
- Murder: 63
- Rape: 213
- Robbery: 1,948
- Felony Assault: 3,400
- Burglary: 2,148
- Grand Larceny: 7,140
With crime rates spiking over the last few years, police and prosecutors are under pressure to make arrests and obtain prosecutions. If you have been charged with a crime in Brooklyn, a Brooklyn criminal lawyer like Cody can assess your case and can develop the best strategy for moving forward.
Violations vs. Felonies vs. Misdemeanors
In Brooklyn Criminal Court, charges that defendants face can be of three different levels of severity:
- Violations
- Misdemeanors
- Felonies
Violations
Violations are the least serious infractions, but a conviction could result in up to 15 days in jail. Common examples of violations include trespassing, disorderly conduct, or unlawful possession of marijuana. While violations are not considered crimes, you should still consider getting some advice from a Brooklyn criminal law lawyer before deciding what to do about your charge.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are more serious than violations but less serious than felonies. A misdemeanor conviction could result in up to a year in jail and significant fines. It will also go on your permanent criminal record, and subsequent arrests for certain charges could result in enhanced charges and sentences.
Misdemeanors fall into one of three categories:
- Undefined – you could face at least 15 days in jail but possibly up to one year if convicted, depending on the offense.
- Class B – carries a maximum jail sentence of up to three months and up to one year of probation. You may also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $500 or twice the amount of any financial gain.
- Class A – carries a maximum jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000 or twice the amount of any financial gain. You may also be subject to up to three years of probation.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, an experienced Brooklyn criminal law lawyer like Cody can help you get a fair result.
Felonies
Felonies are the most serious charges you can face. They are generally distinguished from misdemeanor charges by the fact that a conviction carries a potential prison sentence of more than one year. Some of the most common felony charges that a Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer can help you with include the following:
- Drug crimes
- Sex offenses
- Arson
- Assault charges
- Theft
- Child abuse
- Weapons charges
Felonies are categorized according to the severity of the punishment you face if convicted:
- A-I and A-II: Life imprisonment
- Class B: Maximum 25 years in prison
- Class C: Maximum 15 years in prison
- Class D: Maximum 7 years in prison
- Class E: Maximum 4 years in prison
Violent and Non-Violent Felonies
For many defendants, however, the key distinction between charges is whether you have been charged with a violent or non-violent felony. Punishments for violent felonies are for a fixed amount of time, while sentencing for a non-violent felony is typically a range of time. Men and women convicted of non-violent felonies may be eligible for parole after serving a minimum sentence.
Unfortunately, the distinction between non-violent and violent felonies isn’t always clear. For example, robbery in the third degree is considered a non-violent felony whereas first and second-degree robbery are considered violent felonies. A Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer can explain your charges and the potential penalties you face.
How Much Does a Brooklyn Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of representation will depend on two factors:
- The attorney’s hourly rate; and
- The number of hours it will take for your attorney to resolve your case.
Cody’s hourly rate is currently $325. He believes in being transparent about his fees with his clients so that they always know what to expect. He has also developed a schedule of flat fees for routine matters in order to further help his clients understand the services they are purchasing.
The number of hours it will take to resolve your case will depend on its complexity. The number of potential witnesses, the volume of evidence, and whether your case includes complex factual issues or legal questions can all affect how difficult it may be to find a resolution.
Cody can provide you with an estimate at your initial consultation and discuss whether hourly or flat-fee pricing makes more sense in your case. Along the way, he can keep you apprised of the potential costs so that you are never caught by surprise.
Quick Facts: Brooklyn Criminal Court Info
Multiple courts in Brooklyn handle criminal charges. If you received paperwork from the court, you should be sure to review it carefully to ensure that you are going to the right place. You may need to appear at one of the following courthouses:
- The Brooklyn Criminal Court, located at 120 Schermerhorn Street
- The Criminal Term of the Kings County Supreme Court, located at 320 Jay Street
- The Red Hook Community Justice Center, located at 88 Visitation Place
It’s not usual for defendants to be unsure about what to do or where to go when facing charges. Unfortunately, going to the wrong place or being late can lead to further trouble. If you have any questions, a Brooklyn criminal law lawyer can help.
Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer Cody Warner Can Represent You – Call Today
If you have been charged with a crime, the Brooklyn criminal law firm of Cody Warner, P.C. can take care of it today. Call or email Cody to schedule your free consultation.