Domestic Violence

 

When I started practicing criminal defense law in 1977, domestic violence cases were extremely rare.    Although my first five years of practice were devoted exclusively to criminal defense representing more than 10,000 clients, I am reasonably certain that I did not represent more than a dozen defendants charged with domestic violence matters during that time.  My experience was the norm.

Domestic Violence is now taken very seriously in Queens County and to a lesser extent in the entire state of New York as well.  There are three courts specifically devoted to different aspects of domestic abuse in the Queens criminal courthouse and a carefully chosen cadre of assistant district attorneys to deal with the cases.   

Accusations of domestic violence often have numerous devastating consequences both in and out of the courtroom. You need an experienced and skilled trial lawyer with extensive criminal defense experience and the required skills to successfully represent you as well as the compassion and empathy necessary to help you through this difficult time.  Stephan J. Siegel has successfully represented many hundreds of clients charged with all sorts of domestic abuse allegations.  He has perfected the art of providing aggression advocacy with caring compassion.

Common domestic violence crimes include: annoying phone calls, assault (including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking biting, beating, pinching or pulling hair), threats, stalking, harassment, child abuse, child endangerment, sexual abuse, verbal abuse or emotional cruelty, financial abuse, social abuse and elder abuse.

The accuser cannot simply "make the charge go away. Once an accusation is made, the prosecution is in complete control.  Even if the charges are untrue and the accuser "takes back" the allegations, the prosecution continues until the prosecutor is satisfied or the case is concluded at trial.  The cessation or continuation of a domestic violence case is exclusively within the discretion of the prosecutor. 

Domestic violence offenses are charges as either misdemeanors or felonies.  The potential penalties range from probation with anger management course to heavy prison time for repeat offenders or those convicted of felony charges after trial.  Prison time is a very real possibility.

If either you or a loved one are being investigated on domestic violence allegations or have been charged with domestic violence, you owe it to yourself to immediately obtain a lawyer who is experienced in domestic violence matters.  The law office of Stephan J. Siegel is committed to providing every client with the best defense possible and advising each client as to the best option based upon the particular facts and circumstances of the case.

To schedule an in-office consultation, contact us by e-mail or call the office at 718-575-3900, 24/7.  Stephan J. Siegel will personally meet with you and advise you as to your best options.  Most appointments are during normal business hours but special arrangements can be made for evenings and weekends if necessary.  Credit cards are accepted.