What Happens if You Kill Someone in Self-Defense in New York?
Look, when you find yourself facing questions about killing someone in self-defense in New York, you probably feel terrified and unsure because the stakes are enormous and you worry about prison time, and I get that fear right in my gut. We at Spodek Law Group handle these deadly force cases guided by real statutes like NY Penal Law 35.15, which outlines when lethal force is justified, and we rely on decisions such as People v. Goetz, 68 N.Y.2d 96 (1986), to shape arguments. Todd Spodek, our managing partner, is a second-generation defense attorney who has represented high-profile clients, including the Netflix-featured Anna Delvey, and he knows how to navigate these homicide charges with a “white glove” standard of care that includes a 24/7 digital portal for updates, consistent calls, and a transparent breakdown of fees. We understand the emotional turmoil you face, and we’re here to fight for you in a straight line from arrest through trial while acknowledging the seriousness of your situation.
Killing in self-defense often triggers a criminal investigation under New York’s procedures, and the grand jury might indicts you for manslaughter or murder if the police and prosecutor see conflicting accounts of force. We review every detail of your incident immediately so we can file motions under CPL 180.80, which sets the timeline for felony complaints, ensuring your case reaches a grand jury or is dismissed within strict deadlines. Todd Spodek’s team obtains crucial evidence from day one by utilizing the firm’s online portal, which helps gather witness statements, text messages, and surveillance footage in real time. Our approach is anchored in thorough evidence analysis, and we keep you informed constantly so you never feel lost.
Self-defense in New York hinges on the concept of reasonable belief that deadly force is necessary, outlined in Penal Law 35.15(2). We examine the circumstances surrounding your fear, the location of the conflict, and whether you had a duty to retreat in the moment. Todd Spodek leverages these facts to shape arguments that highlight your immediate need to protect yourself, and we rely on the language of cases like People v. Wesley, 76 N.Y.2d 555 (1990), which addresses the legal standard for immediate danger. Our firm’s white glove focus ensures every angle is documented, so you dont face confusion about why you fought back.
We know real investigations aren’t simple, and prosecutors sometimes push for high bail or remand at arraignment under CPL 510.10 if they think you are a flight risk. Our attorneys challenge that push by presenting your community ties, your job history, and your strong family support to show the judge you deserve release. Todd Spodek appears in court personally or arranges a skill attorney from our team, making sure your voice is heard while preserving your ability to gather evidence outside of custody. We keep you in the loop on every filing and we share scanned documents in our online portal the moment they’re submitted.
A self-defense claim can get tested in front of a grand jury under CPL Article 190, and we prepare by dissecting police reports, medical records, and ballistic evidence long before that session. If the grand jury votes to indict, we push to a prompt felony hearing, ensuring the prosecution’s evidence meets the standard for going forward. Todd Spodek consistently maintains a transparent relationship with clients by updating them on potential plea discussions and letting them see real-time updates through our digital portal. We track every requested piece of discovery so that no evidence is overlooked or misrepresented in the lead-up to trial.
State law demands that the force you used was proportionate to the threat, so we consult medical experts to analyze autopsy results or injury photos that prove the other party’s aggressionn. We also secure eyewitness testimony by subpoena under CPLR 2302, which allows us to demand relevant witnesses appear in court or provide statements. Todd Spodek goes over each detail personally with you, so you grasp how these specifics factor into whether a jury will accept self-defense. Our firm’s national reach and offices in NYC and Los Angeles means we can gather experts from different states who have unique experience with firearm or forensic issues.
Judges finds fault if a defendant escalated the situation instead of merely defending themselves, so we gather phone records, text messages, and social media evidence that might paint a clearer picture of who actually started the confrontation. To handle that reality, we gather phone records, text messages, and social media evidence that might show who truly initiated aggression. Todd Spodek also relies on ballistic trajectory analysis to show if you fired in a panic or if shots were planned, and courts often see that scientific data as persuasive. This thorough method reflects our “white glove” ethos: we leave no stone unturned while you watch every update through our digital portal.
New York law dictates that if you had a safe retreat option, you shouldn’t use deadly force, under Penal Law 35.15(2)(a). We watch carefully for any surveillance footage or statements that suggest alternative exits existed. Todd Spodek uses that evidence to counter the prosecutor’s claim that you could have avoided the shooting, and we highlight the immediate danger you face in that moment if retreat were unrealistic. Our firm stands behind you all the way on that issue, because we know you deserve a defense that addresses every detail of your environment.
Trial is never simple, especially with a homicide charge, so we start trial preparation the minute we join your case, especially because time is crucial. Under CPL 255.20, we file pre-trial motions on discovery and suppression issues to shape what evidence the jury hears. Todd Spodek has extensive courtroom experience, and he brings real credibility from representing Anna Delvey in that Netflix-highlighted case, which means he knows how to handle intense media scrutiny when it hits. Our digital client portal helps you see the motion papers, witness lists, and hearing dates in real time, and that transparency helps you rest easier.
We aim for acquittal, but we also negotiate plea deals if it spares you harsher penalties and aligns with your best interests. We consult with the District Attorney in accordance with local court rules, and we respect the timeline for all motions and hearings. Todd Spodek excels at direct negotiations, and if we don’t see a fair resolution, we pick a jury and fight in open court using the self-defense framework with all our fight. We keep you continuously in the loop because we want you involved, voice heard, and free to track the entire process day or night.
If you call us today, you’ll speak with a member of the Spodek Law Group who takes your concerns seriously and sets up a risk-free consultation. Todd Spodek will review your facts personally or assign an attorney who is fully briefed on the specifics of your possible self-defense scenario. Our digital portal helps you upload arrest documents, witness contact info, and any footage you have on your phone’s making it easy for us to get started instantly. We prefer to represent clients who we believe we can genuinely help, so your call is the first step toward a robust defense plan.
We stand ready to tackle the complexity of a self-defense homicide case in New York, and we base argument on relevant precedents such as People v. Goetz, 68 N.Y.2d 96 (1986), along with the provisions of Penal Law 35.15. We also follow strict court rules on evidentiary procedure, like CPL 240.20 for discovery, so we know exactly what the prosecution has. Todd Spodek’s track record, his white glove service, and our national network of experts set us apart when you face serious allegations of homicide. This text is general guidance, not formal legal counsel, so call us to schedule your consultation and get the real answers you need right now.