Defense for misdemeanor and felony charges, arraignments, and DWI/DUI matters across New York City, Long Island, and Upstate New York. Multilingual representation in English, Spanish, Russian, Georgian, and Uzbek.
Overview
The basics, what we do, and the issues we see most.
Quick Answer
People charged with misdemeanors or felonies, anyone heading to arraignment, and drivers arrested for DWI/DUI across NYC, Long Island, and Upstate New York. We appear with you at every stage and fight the charge from day one. Multilingual service in English, Spanish, Russian, Georgian, and Uzbek.
We handle criminal matters from arrest through resolution across New York courts. Here is what representation typically includes.
Areas of specialization
Each sub-practice has its own page with FAQs, statute citations, and process detail.
Charged with DWI, DWAI, or aggravated DWI in New York? We defend drunk- and drugged-driving cases under VTL 1192 — the traffic stop, the breath test, the DMV refusal hearing, and your license.
Charged with assault in New York? The charge ranges from a Class A misdemeanor (Penal Law § 120.00) to a violent Class B felony (§ 120.10), and related counts like menacing and reckless endangerment often come with it. We defend the full range across NYC, Long Island, and Upstate courts.
Charged with a drug offense in New York? Controlled-substance charges under Penal Law Article 220 run from a Class A misdemeanor possession (§ 220.03) to serious felonies for higher weights and sales. We defend possession and sale charges across NYC, Long Island, and Upstate.
Charged with a weapon offense in New York? Criminal possession of a weapon ranges from a Class A misdemeanor (Penal Law § 265.01) to a violent Class C felony (§ 265.03). New York’s firearm-licensing rules are strict and changed after recent court rulings. We defend weapon charges across NYC, Long Island, and Upstate.
Charged with theft in New York? Larceny runs from petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor (Penal Law § 155.25), to grand larceny felonies graded by dollar value (§ 155.30–§ 155.42). Related charges like criminal possession of stolen property often accompany it. We defend across NYC, Long Island, and Upstate.
Got a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) in New York? A DAT is still a criminal case — you were released with a future court date instead of being held, but you must appear or a warrant can issue. We handle DATs for the underlying charges across NYC.
Who we help
Every case handled directly by the attorney you speak with at intake.
Theft, assault, trespass, and drug-possession charges in Criminal and District Courts.
Indictments and serious charges handled through hearings, grand jury, and Supreme Court.
The criminal charge plus the separate DMV license and chemical-test refusal proceedings.
People given a DAT or facing a first arrest, navigating arraignment and next steps.
How we handle your case
The same attorney handles your matter from intake through hearing and closeout.
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Frequently asked
Direct answers from the attorney who handles these matters.
Most asked
A misdemeanor is a lower-level offense punishable by up to one year in jail, while a felony is a more serious charge that can carry more than one year of incarceration. Misdemeanors are generally handled in Criminal or District Court; felonies proceed through felony hearings, the grand jury, and Supreme Court. The classification affects bail, possible sentences, and long-term consequences.
Question 2
Arraignment is your first court appearance, where charges are read and a judge decides on release or bail. Having an attorney there can help you argue for release, address conditions, and avoid statements that may hurt your case. You have the right to counsel at this stage.
Question 3
A DWI arrest usually involves both a criminal case in court and a separate DMV proceeding affecting your license, especially if you refused a chemical test. The two tracks run on different timelines. An attorney can address both, review the stop and testing procedures, and discuss the options available in your specific case.
Question 4
New York law allows certain eligible records to be sealed under CPL 160.59 and provides automatic sealing for some matters. Eligibility depends on the offense, the number of convictions, and the time elapsed. We can review whether your record may qualify.
Guides & resources
Articles and tools updated as NYC rules change.
In NYC, criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee or by the hour, and cost tracks the charge — misdemeanor, DWI, or felony. Here is how pricing works.
How New York treats driving without a license, from VTL 509 unlicensed operation to VTL 511 aggravated unlicensed operation, plus points, penalties, and defenses.
Resources
Free, official resources from The Law Office of Anthony Sharnov — look up your situation before you call.
Find the traffic court, criminal court, and District Attorney for any New York county — with official contact info.
Estimate the DMV points a ticket adds to your license, and search the Vehicle & Traffic Law.
Search the New York Penal Law by section, offense, or keyword.
Plain-language guides on traffic tickets, criminal charges, points, and summonses across New York.
Free case review
Timing matters in criminal cases. Call 917-476-7666 for a confidential case review. We serve NYC, Long Island, and Upstate New York in English, Spanish, Russian, Georgian, and Uzbek.
Same-day response
During business hours
Direct attorney access
Same lawyer from intake to close
Transparent pricing
Fees quoted up front