Kew Gardens Defense Attorney

The consequences of a criminal arrest are not great. Besides facing fines, an arrest may result in the complete loss of your freedom. Certain crimes under New York laws can result in years of imprisonment.

I am defense attorney Luke Scardigno. At my Kew Gardens law firm, the Law Office of Luke Scardigno in Queens, I provide aggressive criminal defense representation for people accused of all kinds of crimes in the New York City area.

Representation From Misdemeanors To Felony Crimes

When you hire me, I will help you understand the entire criminal process, and I will attempt to make that experience the least stressful as possible for you and your family. I will explain what you can expect after you have been arrested, when you are asked to surrender or when you speak to law enforcement officers.

In New York state, there are two types of crimes: felonies and misdemeanors. These two types of crimes are distinct.

How Are Felony Crimes Classified?

Felonies are classified into five different categories, i.e., Class A, B, C, D and E felonies. They are further subcategorized into two further categories, i.e., violent and nonviolent felonies. In my decades of experience as a defense attorney, I have helped defend clients against felony charges, including:

• White collar crimes, including credit card fraud, identity theft and Medicaid fraud
• Assault charges, including criminal obstruction of breathing or strangulation
• Weapons charges and the criminal possession of firearms

I can also help if you are an immigrant and worried about the consequences of a criminal conviction. A felony conviction on your record is very serious and will have an adverse effect on your future. Most violent felony convictions require a state prison sentence.

How Are Misdemeanor Crimes Classified?

Misdemeanors are classified into two different categories, i.e., Class A and B misdemeanors, under New York state law. Class A misdemeanors are more serious than Class B misdemeanors. Class A or B misdemeanors do not require jail time. There are alternative sentences to jail time, such as fines, conditional discharges, probation or a combination of all, including jail time. Most misdemeanor convictions in the criminal court of Queens County, located at 125-01 Queens Blvd., do not result in jail time.

The seriousness of a crime will also depend on a person’s past criminal background record. I regularly handle misdemeanor cases for my clients, including:

• Possession of marijuana or other drugs
• Theft charges such as shoplifting
• Juvenile charges against minors
• Cruelty against animals
• Disorderly conduct charges
• Drunk driving (DWI) or charges for leaving the scene of an accident
• Traffic violations, like driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Family court cases as related to criminal cases, including violations of protective orders

Many of these crimes can be charged at either misdemeanor or felony level, depending on the alleged circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s prior criminal record.

I focus my practice on criminal defense so I can give my clients the most effective and powerful representation possible. When you choose me to represent you, I will do all I can to help you or your loved one avoid a criminal conviction and any jail sentence. I have helped thousands of clients in my extensive career as a criminal lawyer in Queens.

What Are Collateral Consequences?

Collateral consequences are the consequences of a crime that go beyond fines, jail time and the criminal system. Collateral consequences are all of the ways a criminal conviction affects your future, including the loss of a current job, jeopardizing future employment opportunities, immigration issues, housing applications and education options.

What Is A Certificate Of Relief From Disabilities?

A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) can help an applicant remove potential collateral consequences that come with being convicted of a crime. For all convictions in New York state under the New York state penal law, a convicted person can apply for a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disability.

In addition, if it has been more than 10 years since your criminal conviction, you may be able to ask the court to seal your criminal record.

Fighting For Your Rights And Freedom

Whatever your problem, I can apply my more than 30 years of experience in the criminal courts to help you. After taking as much time as necessary to carefully review your case and walk you step by step through all of your options regarding your case, I will use my powerful and persuasive advocacy skills to defend you and advocate for your case before the prosecutor and the court. If a trial becomes necessary, I will prepare to represent you through the investigation of witnesses, exploration of the defenses and issuances of relevant subpoenas, medical evidence and testimony and whatever else is necessary to successfully defend you in your case in Queens, Brooklyn, New York City or the Bronx or Nassau and Suffolk counties.

A Comprehensive Approach To Criminal Cases

I take a comprehensive approach to all my clients’ cases. This means that I will examine all of the police enforcement, court and prosecutor paperwork involved in your case to ensure that the proper procedures and time limits under New York law were adhered to, seeking to minimize the damage to your current and future lives. As your defense attorney, I will continue to be there for you and your family throughout the case and offer assistance with civil issues that may arise out of certain types of criminal charges, which is something other defense lawyers may not be able or willing to do.

Consult A Defense Attorney For Free

To schedule a free consultation, call 718-414-6186 or fill out my online contact form. My office is conveniently located just across the street from the Queens County Criminal Courthouse in Kew Gardens. My fees are reasonable, and payment plans are available so that you can get the representation you deserve in a way that fits your financial situation and needs. Se habla español.

Spanish, Italian and Greek language services are available.