Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense: NYC Assault Lawyers

Last Updated on: 20th March 2025, 10:55 pm

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: NYC ASSAULT LAWYERS

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Spodek Law Group, is a premier, and award winning, nationwide federal defense law firm. We are led by Todd Spodek, who is a second-generation attorney with over 50 years of combined experience on our team. We handle assault charges in New York City and beyond, and we’re available 24/7 to help you.

NO EXCUSES. ONLY RESULTS.

I’m not here to tell you what you want to hear. I’m here to tell you what you need to hear. If you’re facing an assault charge, you’re up against a difficult challenge. You might be tempted to explain it away or hope it disappears. Stop. You need a strategic plan, because prosecutors who are determined to convict you will use every advantage they have, and that can put your freedom at serious risk. When you hesitate or ignore reality, you set yourself up for a devastating outcome. I won’t let you hide behind wishful thinking. I care about your success, and that means I won’t tolerate excuses.

WHAT IS ASSAULT IN NEW YORK?

Under the New York Penal Code, assault is defined as intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to another person. This broad definition means that you can be charged even when you think the incident was minor. A charge that was brought against you for assault might quickly escalate if the alleged victim suffered a serious injury or if a weapon was allegedly used. Prosecutors who are handling assault cases often rely on police reports, witness statements, and other evidence that was collected from the scene.

That evidence may be strong, or it may be flawed—but once the process starts, you’re in the crosshairs. If you think your side of the story alone will get you off the hook, you’re wrong. A Manhattan or Brooklyn prosecutor who was assigned to your case may push for maximum penalties. You need a defense strategy that pokes holes in the state’s narrative.

PENALTIES YOU COULD FACE

In New York, assault charges fall into different classes. An Assault in the Third Degree is typically a Class A misdemeanor, but an Assault in the First Degree is a Class B violent felony. Convictions that occur at the felony level can lead to multi-year prison sentences, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. When you have a record, your professional life and personal relationships may suffer. Even a misdemeanor that appears minor can still result in jail time up to one year. This means you need to take any charge seriously—without any delay or excuses.

Many defendants who are convicted also face probation and restitution. Probation that is long-lasting can disrupt your life, requiring regular check-ins, drug tests, or limitations on your movement. Restitution that is ordered by the court can be financially crushing if you have tight funds. A criminal record can permanently close certain doors—like jobs that demand background checks and professional licenses that require a clean history. All of these consequences can spiral and create a negative chain reaction in your future.

YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING

“Couldn’t my charges be dismissed? Couldn’t I just get probation?” Possibly. Yet, that mindset is too passive. District Attorneys who want to convict you are actively building their case. If you’re not vigilant, you could be one misstep away from a guilty verdict. I’m telling you this not to scare you, but to jolt you into action. This is your life. If you stand back, you lose leverage. You need a plan. You need an approach that maximizes your odds of success.

MULTIPLE POINTS OF VIEW

Judges who review assault cases frequently rely on past cases to gauge sentencing. Meanwhile, victims who are pressing charges may feel deeply wronged and push for harsher penalties. Prosecutors who consider your criminal record (if any) might treat repeat offenders more harshly. From your perspective, you might claim self-defense or a misunderstanding. Each of these points of view can influence the outcome, which is why we highlight the importance of a well-rounded defense strategy that accounts for all angles of the case.

HOW WE DEFEND YOU

At Spodek Law Group, we craft a defense strategy that is tailored to your situation. Below are a few tactics we use:

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: We argue that the force you used was necessary to protect yourself or another person. Evidence that was captured on video can prove you were under threat, which could lead to a reduction or dismissal.
• Mistaken Identity: We demonstrate that you were not the person who committed the crime. Evidence that was incorrectly gathered may show inconsistencies about who was at the scene. If identification that was provided by witnesses is weak, that testimony might not hold up.
• Lack of Intent or Accident: We establish that the injury was caused by chance, without intent or recklessness on your part. This approach might reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor—or potentially get it dismissed.
• Evidence that was illegally obtained: When law enforcement violates your rights, evidence will be thrown out. This means the prosecution’s entire argument can collapse, leading to dropped or drastically reduced charges.

Those aren’t just fancy words. Each of those defenses has a direct impact on the charges you face. If the state’s main evidence is tossed, your case may fall apart from the prosecution’s perspective, which can lead to an outright dismissal or a much better plea deal.

CONSEQUENCES OF AN ASSAULT CONVICTION

An assault conviction that appears on your record can make you ineligible for certain jobs. It can affect your ability to pass security clearances, prevent you from obtaining specific professional licenses, and potentially ruin your financial stability. Family life might also suffer if you’re incarcerated for an extended time. That’s why we don’t rely on guesswork. We coordinate every detail of your defense, because we know your future depends on it.

OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH

I’m going to be direct. The largest barrier between you and a successful outcome is inaction. I’ve seen clients who ignore phone calls, who show up late to court, who expect everything to fix itself. That approach is a guarantee of failure. We believe in a system that was tested and proven. Our system revolves around investigating your case thoroughly, advising you plainly, and challenging every weak link in the prosecution’s story. This strategy that is grounded in rigorous work helps us negotiate better plea deals or force dismissals.

If you’re the kind of client who wants results but doesn’t want to put in the work—expect me to call you out. If you’re not giving us what we need (such as honest information about your background), then you’re sabotaging your own case. There’s no excuse for that. Part of being “nationwide federal defense” means we have resources to handle complex situations, but it also means we’re not babysitters. Your collaboration is essential.

CASE TIMELINE

• Arraignment: You appear before a judge who sets bail or releases you on your own recognizance.
• Discovery: The prosecution who is building a case against you must share the evidence they have. We examine every piece, looking for weaknesses.
• Plea Negotiations: If a plea bargain that is favorable becomes possible, we’ll discuss it and try to secure lighter charges or a reduced sentence.
• Trial: If the state can’t present a solid case, or if the plea is unfair, we’ll go to trial. We’ll present arguments that challenge every assumption the prosecutor tries to make.

QUICK FAQ TABLE

WHY SPODEK LAW GROUP?

We have offices throughout New York and a reputation for taking on challenging cases that others think are unwinnable. Our team is known for innovative legal strategies and an unyielding commitment to protecting your rights. We’re recognized nationwide. Our work on high-profile cases—like representing “fake heiress” Anna Sorokin—earned us media coverage because we fight fiercely, regardless of the odds. We do the same for assault charges in NYC. That is why so many of our clients trust us with their future.

WE PUSH YOU BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE

If you can’t handle the pressure, let me be blunt: your situation is already stressful. I refuse to coddle you into complacency. I will call out your excuses, your rationalizations, and your blind spots. Then, I’ll work with you to address them. That is what a real defense looks like—aggressive honesty. By forcing you to see the entire landscape, I make sure we seize the best opportunities. When we both act with clarity, we get leverage that can sway prosecutors. That approach is how we’ve racked up success stories time and time again.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

If you or a loved one is facing an assault charge in NYC, stop waiting. Pick up the phone. Contact Spodek Law Group for a risk-free consultation today. We can discuss details of your case, the charges you face, and potential options that might win your freedom. Don’t sabotage yourself by hesitating. One phone call could mean the difference between a dismissal and a lengthy prison sentence.

DISCLAIMER

All content on this website is for general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Cases that are referenced in this article may not reflect current legal developments. Spodek Law Group, which may work with local counsel, disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information here. For personalized legal advice, consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.

YOUR MOVE

The system that is built to prosecute you is already in motion. If you do nothing, expect the worst. If you want to fight back with strategic planning, unstoppable legal resources, and a fearlessness that intimidates your adversaries, reach out now. Spodek Law Group stands ready to help you reclaim control of your life.