What to Expect After an Arrest in Manhattan
Being arrested is disorienting, but knowing the typical process helps you feel more in control. In Manhattan, most people are either released with a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) or taken to Manhattan Central Booking, depending on the seriousness of the charges and any prior record.
At the precinct, you will be fingerprinted and photographed, and you may be held longer if the district attorney is preparing formal complaints or waiting for an arraignment. This is when early legal representation makes the biggest difference. Your attorney can begin contesting the charges, arguing for release without bail, or requesting favorable conditions.
Shortly after arrest, you appear in court for an arraignment, where a lawyer enters a plea of “Not Guilty,” your bail or conditions are set, and next court dates are scheduled. Our office handles this early stage so you are not left alone in the system.
Your Rights Under New York Criminal Law
You still have rights, even when facing serious charges. Under New York law and the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say to police can be used against you, which is why we always advise clients to politely state that they are exercising their right to silence and want their lawyer present.
You also have the right to a fair investigation and to challenge improper searches, unreliable evidence, or coerced statements. Our team reviews every police report, arrest record, and prosecutor file to identify where your rights may have been violated and uses these weaknesses to strengthen your defense.
Our goal is to make sure you understand your options at every stage, from investigation and arraignment through motions, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing.
Types of Criminal Charges We Defend in New York
Because we have more than 25 years of experience, we can handle a wide range of criminal accusations. Each type of allegation requires a different approach, and we can develop an effective strategy that gives you the highest possible likelihood of a favorable outcome
The Law Office of Patricia Machado represents clients facing all types of criminal charges in New York, including:
Always remember you have the right to remain silent. In the heat of the situation, it can be easy to say things you don't mean or that can be misinterpreted. That’s why we work to defend the rights of each client and strengthen your case both in and out of the courtroom.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Manhattan?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is important for anyone who has been accused of a crime. At The Law Office of Patricia Machado, our attorneys can provide individuals with the specialized knowledge and experience needed to mount a successful defense.
Our experienced Manhattan criminal defense attorney:
- Understands the New York legal system
- Knows how to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Can use that information to develop a strong defense strategy
- Provides invaluable advice on plea-bargaining and sentencing
- Is an advocate for your legal rights
With an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, the chances of your charges being reduced or dropped skyrocket. We know what the courts are looking for and we know how to create defenses that hold up against their claims.
How We Build Strong Criminal Defense Strategies
Every criminal case is different. At The Law Office of Patricia Machado, we start by asking the several questions:
- Where is the weakness in the prosecution’s case?
- What evidence can support your version of events?
- How can we protect your future, your job, your housing, your immigration status, and your relationships during and after the case?
By interviewing witnesses, reviewing security‑camera footage, and examining police misconduct or chain‑of‑custody issues, we can begin to build a defense that highlights what actually happened. We can challenge improper procedures such as unlawful searches, coerced confessions, and other procedural violations that could lead to the suppression of evidence.
We can coach you on how to speak, or when it is best not to speak, to law enforcement, probation officers, or others involved in your case. When appropriate, we negotiate plea offers on your behalf, but only with your consent and after giving you a clear explanation of the long‑term consequences.
Our goal is to minimize the chance of a conviction while also reducing the impact on your immigration status, your employment, and your personal life.
The Importance of Local Court Experience
Manhattan’s criminal courts operate at a fast pace, with tight calendars, familiar prosecutors, and judges who develop distinct preferences over time. Local experience is not just about showing up in court; it is about understanding how cases really move in New York County, what arguments tend to succeed, and when to push for early dismissals, favorable plea bargains, or trial.
At The Law Office of Patricia Machado, we have over two decades of experience in Manhattan criminal court, arraignments, felony hearings, and motion practice. We know how the district attorney’s office works, how pretrial services and alternatives like drug courts function, and how judges typically rule on bail, discovery, and suppression issues.
That deep familiarity allows us to advocate for your rights in the most effective way possible, whether you are facing your first arrest or prior cases.
Over Two Decades of Experience on Your Side
Since 1996, Patricia Machado has worked tirelessly to fight for her clients success. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the New York Bar Association. When you bring your case to our firm, you can trust that we will put our skills, knowledge, and experience to work for your future.
We believe that everyone deserves top-quality legal representation, that’s why we offer affordable but uncompromising representation. We make ourselves available to our clients so you never have to wait long to speak with your attorney. At The Law Office of Patricia Machado, every client receives the attention they deserve. Contact us today at (212) 568-4550 to get started.
Criminal Defense FAQs
What should I do immediately after an arrest in New York?
Remain calm, do not argue with officers, and politely exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Avoid repeating or explaining events without legal counsel present. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as communication is allowed, as it can help shape how your case is handled from the earliest stage.
How soon can I see a judge after being arrested?
In New York, most criminal defendants must appear before a judge within 24 hours (often sooner) for arraignment, unless the arresting agency bypasses arraignment through a designated‑arrest‑agent procedure. This is when bail is typically set, and your lawyer can argue for release on your own recognizance or lower conditions.
Will a criminal conviction affect my immigration status?
Yes, certain crimes can trigger deportation, bar naturalization, or disqualify you from visas and green cards. Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, aggravated felonies, and domestic violence are particularly high‑risk. Contacting an attorney experienced in both criminal and immigration law like The Law Office of Patricia Machado can help you avoid immigration‑related consequences where possible.
What happens if I cannot afford bail?
If you cannot pay bail, you remain in custody until trial or until your attorney convinces the judge to modify conditions. A skilled defense lawyer can present family support, community ties, employment history, and any preexisting remedies to argue for release on lower bail or on your own recognizance.
Can I get my charges reduced or dismissed?
Many cases are reduced through plea bargaining or can be dismissed if law‑enforcement errors, missing evidence, or procedural violations are exposed. Motion work, including suppression motions and pretrial advocacy, is often key. Each option depends on the specifics of the case, which is why thorough early review and strategy are so important.
Get Immediate Help From a Manhattan Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Manhattan, time matters. Early decisions, what you say to police, what you agree to at arraignment, and whether you secure counsel immediately, can affect the outcome of your case more than anything else.
Don’t go through this alone. The Law Office of Patricia Machado can help you understand your rights, assess your situation, and start building a defense strategy right away.
Call (212) 568-4550 or contact us online today to speak with a Manhattan criminal defense attorney who will stand with you through every step of your case.
