Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manhattan, NY
Charged with a crime in Manhattan? Talk to a former prosecutor before you say anything else.
When NYPD officers knock on your apartment door, stop you near Midtown, or place you in a holding cell after an arrest in Manhattan, the criminal defense lawyer you call can affect the rest of your life. At Marwaha Law Group, PLLC, our New York criminal defense lawyers represent people facing state and federal charges throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and nearby counties. Founding attorney Nipun Marwaha is a former prosecutor who understands how the government builds cases from the inside, and he now uses that perspective to defend clients standing on the other side of the courtroom. Whether you were given a desk appearance ticket, are under investigation, or have already been arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court, timing matters — and you should not have to handle the pressure alone.
What You Get When You Hire Our New York Criminal Defense Lawyers
A criminal defense lawyer does much more than appear beside you when your name is called in court. When you hire Marwaha Law Group for a Manhattan case, you get a defense team that takes control from the first conversation through trial, when trial becomes necessary. We look closely at the arrest details, the actions of law enforcement, and the evidence prosecutors claim to have — watching for unlawful procedures, gaps in proof, and weaknesses that can easily be missed in the fast pace of Manhattan’s criminal courts.
From there, our representation typically includes:
✔ A confidential case assessment that explains the charges, available paths forward, and possible consequences in plain English.
✔ A thorough independent investigation into what happened before, during, and after your arrest.
✔ Representation at every stage — arraignment, hearings, motions, negotiations, and trial.
✔ 24/7 availability for urgent situations, because arrests in Manhattan can happen late at night, after a traffic stop, outside a bar, or during a routine police encounter.
✔ Fast communication, with calls and emails returned within hours, not days.
✔ Trial-ready preparation, including focus groups and mock trials that test our strategy before we ever stand before a jury.
The goal at every stage is direct: protect your rights, attack the case against you, and pursue the strongest outcome the facts make possible.
A Former Prosecutor's Perspective, Now Working for Your Defense
In Manhattan criminal cases, important decisions often happen well before a trial date is ever set. For nearly a decade, Nipun Marwaha has shaped his defense practice around what he learned as a prosecutor — how charges are evaluated, how evidence is used to pressure defendants, and where government cases can begin to break down. He left that side after seeing an office more interested in convictions than truth, and he founded Marwaha Law Group to use that experience for people accused of crimes.
That background gives our criminal defense lawyers a meaningful advantage in Manhattan matters. We know how to read the prosecution’s likely strategy, identify weak points in its theory, and press for dismissals, reductions, or favorable resolutions when another attorney might move too quickly toward a plea. Recognized by Avvo as a top criminal attorney in NYC with a 9.3 "Superb" rating, and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star multiple years running, Nipun combines practical courtroom judgment with modern case-management technology to prepare every case with care.
The Charges Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend in
Manhattan
Our firm has handled hundreds of cases across a wide range of state and federal criminal matters. In Manhattan, where a single incident can involve local police, prosecutors, or federal authorities, we bring the same seriousness to a desk appearance ticket as we do to a felony indictment. Our practice areas include:
✔ 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
If your charge is not listed here, contact us anyway — our criminal defense lawyers regularly handle matters across the full range of New York criminal law for clients facing accusations in Manhattan and beyond.
Private Criminal Defense Lawyer vs. Public Defender: Why the Difference Matters
Public defenders serve an important purpose, and many are skilled attorneys, but the system often gives them more cases than any lawyer should have to manage. In a busy Manhattan courthouse, that can mean crowded calendars, limited time for private strategy sessions, and less opportunity to investigate the small details that may matter most. When your freedom, career, housing, immigration status, and reputation are at stake, a lack of time can become a serious disadvantage.
Hiring a private criminal defense lawyer gives your Manhattan case the attention it deserves. At Marwaha Law Group, we have the ability to dig into the facts, prepare for trial when necessary, and build defenses around your actual circumstances instead of relying on a routine approach. We treat clients like family and take the outcome personally — because for you, this is not another file moving through a crowded court calendar.
Who Needs a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manhattan — and Why Acting Early Matters
The people who often gain the most from a criminal defense lawyer are the ones who reach out before speaking too much to detectives, officers, or federal agents. If you were arrested in Manhattan, received a desk appearance ticket, heard that investigators are asking about you, or believe you may be under investigation, this is the time to involve counsel. Early defense work can help shape the case before charges become harder to fight, preserve evidence, and protect you from mistakes people often make when they are scared, tired, or pressured.
The consequences can stretch far beyond a Manhattan courtroom. A criminal record can affect job applications, apartment searches, professional licenses, immigration status, and future opportunities for years. By working to keep charges off your record or resolve them as favorably as possible, the right defense today protects the life you still need to live after the case ends. That is the real purpose of skilled representation: guiding you through the immediate crisis while defending what comes next.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Manhattan?
There is no flat price for a criminal defense lawyer in Manhattan because every case demands something different. The cost depends on the charge level and severity — a misdemeanor or desk appearance ticket is not the same as a felony or federal indictment — as well as the evidence involved, the investigation required, the number of appearances, and whether the case resolves early or moves toward trial. The experience of the attorney also matters, because strong representation can influence the direction of a case from the first court appearance.
At Marwaha Law Group, we believe a strong defense should be accessible. We keep fees reasonable, offer payment plans, and begin with a free, confidential consultation so you can understand what your Manhattan case may involve before making a decision. The clearest way to learn what your defense may cost is to speak with us about the specific facts — call (516) 988-8866 for a straightforward conversation about your options.
What to Do the Moment You're Arrested or Investigated in Manhattan
What you do during the first hours after an arrest in Manhattan can affect the entire case. Keep these steps in mind:
✔ Invoke your right to remain silent. Say clearly, "I want to speak to my lawyer before answering any questions," and then stop talking.
✔ Do not ignore a desk appearance ticket. A DAT is an official arrest notification that requires a mandatory court arraignment — missing it can make the situation worse.
✔ Preserve everything. Keep any paperwork, tickets, or property-clerk invoices the police gave you, and write down a timeline of events for your attorney’s eyes only.
✔ Call a criminal defense lawyer right away. The sooner counsel is involved, the more options may still be available.
Our New York criminal defense lawyers are available around the clock for situations like this. If you are dealing with an arrest, DAT, or investigation in Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 New York, 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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