Criminal Defense Lawyer in Astoria, NY
Charged with a crime in Astoria? Talk to a former prosecutor before you say anything else.
Whether you were stopped near Steinway Street, picked up after a night out in Astoria Park, or served with a desk appearance ticket following an incident in one of this neighborhood's busy commercial corridors, the criminal defense lawyer you reach out to first can change the entire direction of what follows. Marwaha Law Group, PLLC represents people in Astoria and throughout Queens facing both state and federal charges, as well as clients in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Long Island, and surrounding areas. Founding attorney Nipun Marwaha spent years on the prosecution side of these cases, learning how charges are built, how evidence is packaged, and how the government prepares to convict. He now applies every bit of that knowledge defending people accused of crimes. Whether you are dealing with an early-stage investigation, a fresh arraignment at Queens Criminal Court, or a case that has already been indicted, the time to bring in experienced counsel is now — not after your next court date.
What You Get When You Hire Our Astoria Criminal Defense Lawyers
- A confidential case assessment that breaks down the charges you face, the realistic paths forward, and what the stakes actually mean — explained clearly, without legal jargon.
- An independent investigation into the full picture: what occurred before, during, and after the arrest, including any police conduct in Astoria or surrounding areas.
- Active representation at every court stage — from your arraignment at Queens Criminal Court through hearings, motions, plea negotiations, and trial if it comes to that.
- Around-the-clock availability, because arrests in Astoria happen at all hours — outside a bar on 31st Avenue, after a traffic stop on the Grand Central Parkway, or following a dispute near one of the neighborhood's many late-night venues.
- Responsive communication that gets calls and emails back within hours, not the following week.
- Trial-ready preparation built on focused strategy sessions and mock proceedings that stress-test the defense before it ever reaches a jury.
A Former Prosecutor's Perspective, Now Working for Your Defense
Many of the most important decisions in a criminal case are made long before a jury is ever selected. For close to a decade, Nipun Marwaha shaped his professional understanding by watching — from inside a prosecutor's office — how accusations become convictions. He saw how evidence was used to pressure defendants, how charges were calibrated to maximize leverage, and where weak cases were quietly propped up. After concluding that the office prioritized conviction rates over justice, he left and founded Marwaha Law Group with a clear mission: to use that insider knowledge on behalf of people accused of crimes — including those living and working in communities like Astoria, where accusations can ripple through families and tight social networks with lasting consequences.
The Charges Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend in Astoria
Across hundreds of state and federal matters, our team has seen how a single incident in Astoria can draw in local precinct officers, Queens District Attorney prosecutors, and sometimes federal authorities all at once. We bring the same level of seriousness to a misdemeanor desk appearance ticket as we do to a multi-count felony indictment — because in a neighborhood as densely populated and closely connected as Astoria, even a minor charge can have outsized consequences. Our criminal defense practice covers:
- Assault and violent crimes
- DWI and DUI charges
- Drug crimes and possession
- Weapons and gun possession charges
- Sex crimes
- Murder and homicide
- Federal computer and internet fraud
- Cyber crime and identity theft
- Insurance fraud
Private Criminal Defense Lawyer vs. Public Defender: Why the Difference Matters
Public defenders in Queens are often skilled, dedicated attorneys doing their best under impossible conditions. The problem is not ability — it is caseload. In a courthouse that processes one of the highest volumes of cases in New York City, overburdened public defenders may have only minutes to discuss strategy with a client before a court appearance. For someone in Astoria whose immigration status, professional license, or housing situation hangs in the balance alongside their freedom, that lack of time is not a minor inconvenience — it can be the deciding factor between a favorable resolution and a life-altering outcome.
Who Needs a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Astoria — and Why Acting Early Matters
The clients who tend to come out strongest are the ones who pick up the phone before they say anything to investigators. If you were arrested anywhere in Astoria, received a desk appearance ticket after an incident near the waterfront or the commercial strips along Ditmars Boulevard, learned that detectives are making inquiries about you, or simply have reason to believe a case may be forming, contacting a criminal defense lawyer now — before any more statements are made — can meaningfully change where things go. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, guide your conduct, and shape the narrative before the prosecution locks in its approach.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Astoria?
There is no universal price for a criminal defense lawyer serving Astoria because no two cases look the same. A misdemeanor desk appearance ticket handled early is a fundamentally different matter from a felony indictment that requires extensive motion practice, investigation, and potential trial preparation. Fees reflect the charge severity, the volume and complexity of the evidence, the number of court appearances involved, whether the case resolves through negotiation or proceeds to trial, and the level of experience the attorney brings to the table. Choosing capable representation is not just a cost — in many cases, it is the single factor with the most influence over how a Queens case ends.
What to Do the Moment You're Arrested or Investigated in Astoria
What you do during the first hours after an arrest in Astoria
can affect the entire case. Keep these steps in mind:
- Invoke your right to remain silent immediately. Tell any officer or investigator plainly: "I want to speak to my lawyer before answering any questions" — then stop speaking, regardless of the pressure applied.
- Do not ignore a desk appearance ticket. In Queens and throughout New York City, a DAT is a formal arrest document that requires you to appear in court. Failing to show up creates additional legal problems on top of the original charge.
- Hold onto everything. Save any paperwork, property-clerk receipts, or notices given to you by police, and write down a detailed account of what happened — for your attorney's eyes only.
- Call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier counsel gets involved in your Astoria case, the more options remain open — and the less room there is for mistakes made under stress or pressure.
Our Astoria
criminal defense lawyers are available around the clock for situations like this. If you are dealing with an arrest, DAT, or investigation in Astoria
right now, call (516) 988-8866.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a criminal defense lawyer after an arrest?
The honest answer is as soon as humanly possible — ideally before you answer a single question from police or investigators. Anything you say can be used to build the case against you, and well-meaning attempts to "explain your side" frequently do more harm than good. A criminal defense lawyer who is involved early can advise you on your rights, communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, begin preserving favorable evidence, and start shaping the defense before the prosecution's narrative sets in. If you have been arrested, handed a desk appearance ticket, or even just contacted by detectives or federal agents, that is your signal to call. Marwaha Law Group is available 24/7 precisely because these situations rarely wait for convenient hours.
Can a criminal defense lawyer get my charges reduced or dismissed?
Every case is different, so no responsible attorney can promise a specific outcome — but a skilled criminal defense lawyer has many avenues to pursue a better result. Depending on the facts, those avenues can include challenging how evidence was obtained, exposing procedural errors that may invalidate the charges, identifying gaps in the prosecution's proof, surfacing exculpatory evidence, and negotiating from a position of strength. Because our founding attorney is a former prosecutor, we understand how the other side evaluates and pressures cases, which helps us spot weaknesses and push for dismissals or reductions where they are achievable. The most reliable way to understand what is realistically possible in your situation is a confidential consultation in which we review the specifics.
Do I really need a criminal defense lawyer for a misdemeanor or desk appearance ticket?
Yes — and underestimating a "minor" charge is one of the most common mistakes people make. A misdemeanor conviction still creates a criminal record that can surface in background checks for employment, housing, and licensing for years, and a desk appearance ticket carries a mandatory court appearance that cannot simply be ignored. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can often resolve these matters in ways that protect your record and minimize disruption to your life, outcomes that are far harder to reach once you have already appeared unrepresented. Marwaha Law Group brings the same diligence to misdemeanors and DATs as to serious felonies, because we know how much a so-called small case can affect your future.
What areas of New York does Marwaha Law Group serve?
Our criminal defense lawyers represent clients throughout the State of New York, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx, as well as Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester, and the surrounding areas. Our office is located at 1539 Franklin Ave., Ste 201, in Mineola, New York, which keeps us close to courts across the region and ready to respond quickly when clients need us. Because we are available around the clock, our reach is not limited to business hours — if you are facing charges anywhere in our service area, we can begin helping right away. Call (516) 988-8866 to confirm we can assist with your specific court and charge.
What happens during my free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer?
Your free consultation is a confidential, no-pressure conversation designed to give you clarity. We will listen carefully to what happened, review any paperwork or charges you have, and explain the realistic options and likely consequences in plain language so you can make informed decisions. You will leave the consultation understanding the road ahead and what working together would involve, including how fees and payment plans can be structured for your circumstances — all before making any commitment. There is no obligation, and there is no benefit to waiting; the earlier we talk, the more we can do. To schedule yours, call (516) 988-8866 at any time, day or night.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Astoria Today
Your freedom, your record, and your future are worth defending with everything we have. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Astoria, do not wait for the situation to get more complicated. Contact Marwaha Law Group, PLLC for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who treats your case like it belongs to family.
Call (516) 988-8866 now — available 24/7.
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Testimonials
- Michael

There is no words to describe Mr.Nipun ! His professionalism and his attentiveness for his clients is incredible! I hired him 2 years ago to resolve an issue, and hired him again this week for another problem and he was there the whole time throughout the process. He is a trustworthy Lawyer, Made me feel comfortable and explained everything in detail. He is one of the best lawyers I’ve met in New York! Highly Recommended.
How We Defend You
When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, you need a defense team that knows New York's courts and refuses to back down. At Marwaha Law Group, we bring aggressive advocacy and personal attention to every case we take, no matter the charge. Below are the areas where we fight hardest for our clients — and wherever your case falls, we're available 24/7 to start building your defense.

Federal Internet Fraud
We defend clients facing federal computer and internet fraud charges, building aggressive strategies to challenge the government's evidence and protect your freedom.

Sex Crimes
We provide discreet, tenacious representation for those accused of sex crimes, fighting to protect your reputation and your rights at every stage.

Assault Lawyer
From misdemeanor altercations to felony charges, we defend assault cases with a thorough investigation and a defense tailored to the facts.

DWI Lawyers
Our DWI attorneys scrutinize every traffic stop, breathalyzer reading, and procedural error to challenge the charges against you and keep you on the road.

Weapons Possession
We defend New Yorkers facing weapons possession charges under the state's strict gun laws, challenging unlawful searches and aggressive prosecution.

Insurance Fraud
We represent individuals and businesses accused of insurance fraud, dismantling the prosecution's case and protecting you from serious financial and criminal penalties.

Drug Crimes
From simple possession to trafficking allegations, we fight drug charges by challenging the evidence, the search, and the case the prosecution thinks it has.

Cyber Crimes
We defend clients against an evolving range of cyber crime charges, bringing both legal experience and technical understanding to your defense.

Murder
Facing the most serious charge in the system demands the most serious defense, and we leave no stone unturned to protect your life and liberty.

Gun Crimes
We defend the full range of gun-related charges in New York, where penalties are severe and an experienced advocate makes all the difference.

Identity Theft
We represent those accused of identity theft, working to expose weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and shield you from lasting consequences.
Your Case Is Our Top Priority
Your freedom and your rights are important. Never settle for less when it comes to protecting yourself.
Our New York criminal defense attorneys offer aggressive defense solutions for a wide variety of issues and are committed to providing the high quality professional services that our clients’ cases demand. Our NY criminal law firm is known for our aggressive approach to trial and our compassionate assistance to those who are facing serious legal issues. We are always honest and open with our clients and their legal options and never make false promises. Our reputation, however, speaks for itself.

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