Violent Crimes Defense Lawyers in NYC
Last updated on May 19, 2026
Violent crimes are some of the most serious charges that you can face, and the punishments are just as severe. You could spend years or even decades in jail, and with these potential consequences, it is essential to have legal counsel that you can trust to protect your rights and your future.
Sapone & Petrillo, LLP, has decades of experience navigating complex trial case, and our New York City and Long Island offices have offered high quality legal defense to clients from a wide variety of backgrounds. When you are charged with a violent crime, we will work to create innovative legal strategies that protect your future and your liberty.
Defending You Against A Wide Variety Of Violent Crime Charges
Crimes that involved force or the threat of force are classified as violent under New York law. These crimes include:
- Arson
- Kidnapping
- Burglary or robbery
- Assault and battery
- Manslaughter or homicide
- Rape and other sex crimes
- Hate crimes
- Weapons charges
If you are charged with a violent crime, the stakes are high. These crimes are often punished with extensive jail time, and some sentences even prevent you from possibly being granted parole. These punishments can do lifelong damage to your freedoms.
Sapone & Petrillo can help you build a defense against the charges that you face. From arguing that your actions resulted from a need to defend yourself to examining the actions of the arresting officers to ensure that your rights were respected, we will examine the particulars of your case to build a compelling defense that creates the best possible results for you.
Violent Crimes Frequently Asked Questions
At Sapone & Petrillo, our New York City violent crimes lawyers have defended clients who were accused of many different types of violent crimes. To help our clients the most, we try to answer all of their questions, including:
Will A Misdemeanor Assault Charge Affect Future Job, Housing And Educational Opportunities?
Even though the penalties for a misdemeanor assault conviction in New York may seem fairly minimal, the long-term consequences on your life can be serious. Misdemeanor or not, you will be left with a violent criminal history that can be seen on any background check. That can drastically limit your life options.
Can I Expunge A Violent Crime Conviction From My Record In New York?
Expungement would permanently erase a criminal record. New York laws prevent certain violent felonies from being expunged. However, a record can be sealed, which hides it from the public.
Can An Attorney Help If A Misunderstanding Or Unclear Witness Testimony Leads To Charges?
Many clients come to us because the accusation of a violent crime may have resulted from a misunderstanding or unclear witness testimony. We believe that people should not be convicted on witness testimony alone and will fight to clear our clients’ names.
What Is The Difference Between “Kidnapping” And “Abducting” And How Are They Charged?
There really is no difference. In New York, kidnapping in the second degree involves restraining the victim’s movements or keeping them in a place where they cannot be found through threats or the use of force. Kidnapping becomes a felony in the first degree based on aggravating factors such as the length of time the victim was restrained, any sexual assault, demands for ransom or when the victim dies.
What Is The Difference Between “Manslaughter” And “Murder” Charges?
Manslaughter lacks the intent to kill. In other words, someone’s death was not premeditated. It is often the result of recklessness. Murder is the act of killing someone with intent, which can lead to severe criminal penalties.
Protect Your Freedom Today
Contact our firm online or call 646-844-3445 to begin building a defense against these serious charges today.