CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Ross & Asmar handles a variety of criminal defense matters before the state and federal courts. The attorneys at Ross & Asmar are experienced criminal defense attorneys. The United States legal system provides everyone with the right to a fair trial, regardless of the allegations against the accused.
Ross & Asmar has the legal expertise and an impressive network of resources and affiliations to help our clients. We have a vast amount of experience in state and federal criminal cases ranging from the investigative stage, grand jury process, plea agreements, negotiation in obtaining immunities from prosecution, trials, and sentencing. We are recognized for our record in winning cases to our clients’ satisfaction.
No person or individual should be convicted of a crime when there is reasonable doubt about his or her guilt. Ross & Asmar is determined to protect our client’s rights and liberties with professionalism, excellence, and unmatched dedication in obtaining, finding, exposing and demonstrating the existence of a reasonable doubt in every criminal case.
Ross & Asmar handles:
All Felonies
If a person is convicted of a crime for which the punishment is a year or more in prison or death, he or she has committed a felony. Felonies are the most serious of crimes, including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, burglary and rape. In some jurisdictions, those convicted of a felony cannot vote or sit on a jury and are required to register on an offender registry.
All Misdemeanors
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense, and conviction ordinarily results in a criminal record. Misdemeanors are technically less serious offenses, although the consequences of conviction can nonetheless be quite severe. Possible punishments for misdemeanors include imprisonment, probation, fines, and at times driver's license sanctions. Some misdemeanors are classified as "sex crimes" and require that a convicted person be registered as a "sex offender", and keep the police informed of his place of residence -- a requirement that may continue for life.
Arraignments
An arraignment is a court hearing at which the Judge will formally advise the accused of the charge(s) he or she is being charged with. The judge will then ask for a plea from the accused and inquire if he or she is represented by an attorney. The accused may plea 'not guilty,' 'guilty,' or 'no contest.' A plea of guilty or no contest effectively waives your legal rights and your right to challenge the evidence against you. It is important you have an experienced defense attorney attend your arraignment so you do not inadvertently plead guilty to a crime you have not committed and ensure the best chances of you being released from jail without paying bail. The attorneys at Ross & Asmar have handled hundreds of arraignments and have the experience needed to ensure you get the best results.
Drug Cases
Drug cases include possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing and drug distribution. New York state law enforcement is very serious about drug offenses. If you are facing drug charges in New York, you must seek the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will do everything they can to protect your rights.
DWI and DUI
Ross & Asmar has vast experience in defending DWI and DUI cases. A DUI is a serious crime. You should understand serious consequences of a DUI conviction. If you or anyone you know has been or may be accused of drunk driving, you should be very concerned. It is important to be represented by an attorney that understands the complex DUI laws. In addition, the criminal consequences for a drunk driving conviction could be anywhere from suspension of your license to jail time. It is important to have an aggressive and diligent lawyer to poke holes in officers’ testimony and their procedure in stopping your vehicle and administering the breathalyzer test. The attorneys at Ross & Asmar have a high-level of expertise and a proven track record in handling DUI cases and helping defendants fight their cases before the court.
Domestic Violence/Assault
Domestic violence situations are often difficult and complicated. They often stem from divorce proceedings or child custody battles. Often times the police will come to your house but don’t understand the entire story and only get bits and pieces. You need an attorney who will take the time to listen to you and understand your side of the story. We understand that a lot of times domestic violence accusations are false. We have seen many spouses in divorce proceedings falsely accuse one another. Ross & Asmar has handled many domestic violence cases. We take the time to understand the entire story and get you the best result. The attorneys at Ross & Asmar work their hardest to see to it that your rights are protected.
Gun Cases
Gun cases include the possession of an unregistered firearm or the misuse of that firearm. New York state law enforcement is very serious about the illegal possession of weapons. If you are facing gun possession charges in New York, you must seek the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will do everything they can to protect your rights.
Sex Offenses
There is a serious social stigma surrounding even the allegation of a sex offense. A simple allegation can cost a person their livelihood or even their family. Individuals with sex crimes charged against them need an attorney to fight for their justice and clear their name. They need someone who will understand what they are going through and can coach them through the process. The attorneys at Ross & Asmar are experienced with a wide variety of sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, solicitation of a child, possession of child pornography and prostitution. We will fight for you.
Homicides
Murder, attempted murder and manslaughter charges are very serious. Ross & Asmar has a strong track record in helping clients fight homicide cases. We have procured a number of plea deals and fought many cases at trial. We have the expertise and experience needed to find reasonable doubt. We have a venerable record of success at trial. If you have pending homicide charges against you, you need a firm that understands our system. That firm is Ross & Asmar.
Burglaries
Burglary is a serious charge. Under the penal law in New York, burglary is always a felony. Under New York law, burglary is trespassing in a building that you entered or remained in with the purpose or goal of committing any type of crime. It is more serious if the perpetrator uses what appears to be a dangerous weapon or if he enters a dwelling. Burglary charges can be devastating. The accused can face extensive jail or prison sentences. Ross & Asmar has the expertise and experience needed to find reasonable doubt. We have a venerable record of success at trial in burglary cases. If you have pending burglary charges against you, you need a firm that understands our system and can point to doubt in meeting the elements of burglary. That firm is Ross & Asmar.
White Collar Crimes
With the recent surge of corporate embezzlement and fraud, white collar crimes are not looked too favorably upon by prosecutors, juries or the public. If you have been accused of a white collar crime, you need a lawyer who will do everything they can to protect your rights and work diligently in preparing your case for a prosecutor or jury. Our firm has represented clients on cases involving mail fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, check fraud, insurance fraud, internet fraud and embezzlement. We have the experience needed to fight your case.
Civil Infractions
A "civil infraction" is not a crime, although it is a charge filed by the state. The state has to prove that you committed a civil infraction by a "preponderance of the evidence," which is to say, that it is more likely than not that you committed the violation. This is a much lower standard than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard that applies in criminal cases. The typical civil infraction is decided by a judge or magistrate, without a jury, in a short proceeding.
Representative Cases:
Securities Fraud – United States District Court, Southern District of New York
Represented client in four-week trial of securities fraud case.
Robbery
Represented public company in defense of breach of contract claim involving failure to abide by terms of "PIPE" securities financing.
Drug Cases
Won numerous drug cases.
Extradition
Successfully fought extradition of client to Europe on drug charges.
Should you have any questions, please contact Ross & Asmar at (212) 736-4202
