Criminal Defense Lawyer in Staten Island, NY
Charged with a crime in Staten Island? Talk to a former prosecutor before you say anything else.
Whether you were stopped near the Staten Island Ferry terminal, pulled over on the Staten Island Expressway, or arrested after an encounter with NYPD officers in St. George or Tottenville, the criminal defense lawyer you contact in those first hours can shape everything that follows. Marwaha Law Group, PLLC serves people throughout Staten Island and across the five boroughs who are facing state and federal criminal charges. Founding attorney Nipun Marwaha spent years as a prosecutor — he knows exactly how the government assembles a case, where it looks for leverage, and how it applies pressure on defendants. That inside knowledge now serves the people he defends. Whether you have a desk appearance ticket issued out of a Richmond County precinct, learned that detectives are asking about you, or have already faced a judge at Staten Island Criminal Court, you should not be navigating this alone.
What You Get When You Hire Our Staten Island Criminal Defense Lawyers
- A confidential case assessment that walks you through the charges, potential outcomes, and realistic paths forward — in plain language, not legalese.
- An independent investigation into the full picture surrounding your arrest, from the moments before to what happened after.
- Representation at every stage of the process — arraignment at Richmond County Supreme Court or Staten Island Criminal Court, hearings, motions, plea negotiations, and trial.
- Around-the-clock availability for urgent situations, because arrests on Staten Island happen at all hours — after traffic stops on the West Shore Expressway, outside venues in New Dorp, or during encounters in Stapleton or Mariners Harbor.
- Prompt communication, with calls and messages returned within hours.
- Trial-ready preparation, including mock trial exercises and focus groups that stress-test our strategy long before a jury is ever seated.
A Former Prosecutor's Perspective, Now Working for Your Defense
In Staten Island criminal cases, the decisions that matter most are often made before a trial date ever appears on a court calendar. Nipun Marwaha spent nearly a decade studying how prosecutors approach cases — how charges are classified, how evidence is packaged to pressure defendants, and exactly where government cases tend to show their cracks. After witnessing firsthand how conviction totals could overshadow the pursuit of actual justice, he founded Marwaha Law Group to put that knowledge to work for people on the other side of the aisle. Staten Island residents facing criminal charges deserve the kind of defense that only comes from someone who has been in the room where those decisions are made.
The Charges Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend in Staten Island
Marwaha Law Group has handled hundreds of criminal matters spanning a wide range of state and federal charges. On Staten Island, where a single incident can draw in NYPD precincts, the Staten Island District Attorney's office, or even federal authorities, we bring the same intensity to a misdemeanor desk appearance ticket as we do to a serious felony. Our 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 are dedicated professionals, and many are genuinely talented, but they carry enormous caseloads that leave little room to focus on any single client. In a busy courthouse like Staten Island Criminal Court, that reality can mean rushed meetings, limited time to investigate the underlying facts, and less bandwidth to challenge the small details that often determine outcomes. When what is hanging in the balance includes your freedom, your job, your housing, your immigration status, and how your neighbors and community see you, a lawyer stretched too thin is a real and serious risk.
Who Needs a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Staten Island — and Why Acting Early Matters
The clients who tend to have the most options are the ones who call before they say too much to detectives or investigators. If you were arrested anywhere on Staten Island — from the North Shore to the South Shore — received a desk appearance ticket, found out that police have been asking about you around Tompkinsville or Great Kills, or simply sense that you may be under investigation, now is the time to bring in a lawyer. The earlier we are involved, the more we can do to shape what happens next, preserve critical evidence, and prevent the kinds of costly mistakes people make when they are frightened, exhausted, and under pressure.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Staten Island?
There is no standard rate for a criminal defense lawyer in Staten Island because every case has its own demands. The charge level matters — a misdemeanor handled at Staten Island Criminal Court is a different undertaking than a felony pursued in Richmond County Supreme Court or a federal indictment. Fees are also shaped by the complexity of the evidence, the depth of investigation required, the number of court appearances, and whether the matter resolves at an early stage or proceeds through trial. The attorney's experience and track record play a role as well, because strong representation from the start can influence how a case develops in ways that less seasoned counsel simply cannot.
What to Do the Moment You're Arrested or Investigated in Staten Island
What you do during the first hours after an arrest in Staten Island
can affect the entire case. Keep these steps in mind:
- Invoke your right to remain silent. Tell any officer or investigator clearly: "I want to speak to my lawyer before answering any questions" — then stop talking, regardless of how the conversation is framed.
- Do not ignore a desk appearance ticket. A DAT issued anywhere in Staten Island is an official arrest notification with a mandatory arraignment date — failing to appear will only make a difficult situation worse.
- Preserve everything. Hold on to any paperwork, receipts, or property-clerk documents from the police, and write a full timeline of events in your own words for your attorney's eyes only.
- Call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier counsel is involved in your Staten Island case, the more options are likely still available.
Our Staten Island
criminal defense lawyers are available around the clock for situations like this. If you are dealing with an arrest, DAT, or investigation in Staten Island
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 Staten Island 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 Staten Island, 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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