White Plains Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Attorney Representing Clients in White Plains, NY

With more than 100 years of combined experience, the criminal defense attorneys in White Plains at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP have successfully represented countless individuals in the White Plains criminal courts. You can depend on our knowledge and guidance for your criminal case. Importantly, several of our published books on criminal defense and DUI defense have earned recognition on the National Bestseller's List!

White Plains criminal defense attorneys Andrew Proto and David Sachs will immediately meet with you and go over the facts of your case. It is important that you are made aware of your options and know how your charges may be challenged to avoid a criminal conviction. The criminal attorneys of Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP have been defending individuals in White Plains, NY for years.

We are proactive in staying informed of New York State criminal law updates and frequently advise clients throughout White Plains neighborhoods such as Highlands, Fisher Hill, and North Broadway. By working with our team, you benefit from proven criminal defense strategies that are tailored to the White Plains and Westchester County legal environment.

Protect your rights and your future. Contact a criminal defense attorney in White Plains from our firm by calling (914) 840-5104 or reaching out online. We offer free consultations to begin your defense immediately.

Types of Criminal Cases We Defend in White Plains

Our defense attorneys are former criminal prosecutors in both Westchester County, NY and New York County, NY, equipping them with insight and practical knowledge to protect your rights. For example, as an Assistant District Attorney serving the White Plains Branch Office, criminal defense attorney David Sachs handled a wide range of criminal cases and appeared daily before the criminal courts in White Plains.

Understanding Criminal Defense Law in New York State

New York’s Penal Law is divided into distinct categories, each carrying its own complex rules, sentencing guidelines, and defense pathways. Understanding the classification of your charge is the first critical step an effective criminal defense attorney in White Plains takes.

New York law classifies offenses into four main types, two of which are considered "crimes" that result in a permanent criminal record:

• Violations (Not a Crime): The least serious offense, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 days in jail. Examples include Disorderly Conduct or simple Trespass.
• Misdemeanors (A Crime): More serious than a violation but less than a felony. Misdemeanors are divided into Class A (up to 1 year in county jail) and Class B (up to 3 months in county jail). Examples include Petit Larceny, DWI (Unclassified), or Assault in the Third Degree.
• Felonies (A Crime): The most serious type of offense, punishable by a minimum of one year and often many years in state prison. Felonies are categorized from Class E (least severe, up to 4 years) to Class A-I (most severe, up to life imprisonment).

Information About the Court in White Plains

• Address: 77 South Lexington Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
• Phone: (914) 824-5675
• The City Court Judges are:
  • Hon. Jo Ann Frila
  • Hon. Brian Hansbury
  • Hon. Barbara Leak
  • Hon. Eric P. Press
• Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Our Comprehensive Approach to Criminal Defense

Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP does not rely on standardized defense models. We build every case from the ground up, utilizing every procedural and evidentiary rule to our client's advantage. Hiring a White Plains criminal defense lawyer from our firm means benefitting from a defense built on vigilance and tactical preparation.

• Evidence Scrutiny: We don't accept police and prosecutor statements at face value. We review dashcam footage, body-worn camera footage, cell phone data, and forensic reports for every flaw, procedural error, or constitutional breach.
• Challenging Police Procedure: Many cases are dismissed because law enforcement exceeded their legal authority during the stop, search, or interrogation. We capitalize on these violations to suppress the evidence, often ending the case entirely.
• Focus on Mitigation and Alternatives: Where conviction is unavoidable, we work with probation departments and expert witnesses to present a compelling narrative that argues for alternatives to incarceration, such as treatment, community service, or conditional discharge. Our firm is skilled at securing Youthful Offender status where applicable, sealing the record of a young person.

Remain Silent – Speak Only with Your White Plains Criminal Defense Lawyer

Unfortunately, many people who are arrested and charged with a crime in White Plains, NY do not exercise their right to remain silent. They often believe they can help their own case, avoid arrest, or reduce charges by speaking directly to police officers. 

However, the sole role of law enforcement is to investigate crimes and arrest those suspected of breaking the law. Officers may promise to "work things out" or "put in a good word," but their mandate is to gather evidence, not to protect your interests. If you are being investigated in White Plains and questioned by police, it means law enforcement suspects you were involved and is seeking information to pursue charges against you.

Instead of potentially harming your case by talking to law enforcement, it's always in your best interest to remain silent. Contact our seasoned criminal defense attorneys in White Plains immediately for guidance and protection of your rights.

Why Choose Our White Plains Criminal Defense Attorneys

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney in White Plains can make a significant difference in both your experience and the results of your case. At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, our criminal defense attorneys offer 100+ years of legal experience, valuable former prosecutorial insight, and national recognition as best-selling authors in criminal law—assets that set us apart in the Westchester County legal community. 

Our dedication to client satisfaction is evidenced by recognitions such as Super Lawyers® and the Avvo Clients’ Choice Awards, which highlight both our legal ability and our commitment to every client.

We develop a personalized defense strategy for every client, starting with a free consultation in our White Plains office or via phone. With deep local roots and longstanding relationships with court personnel, prosecutors, and judges in White Plains, our defense lawyers are able to design strategic defenses that anticipate local trends and potential case developments.

Contact a White Plains Criminal Defense Attorney Today!

Any criminal conviction will affect your life. It could impact your ability to find employment, continue your education, or exercise certain civil rights. Even when applying for jobs, seeking loans, or renting an apartment, you may be asked if you have a criminal conviction. Protect your future with a dedicated criminal defense lawyer in White Plains who will stand by your side at every stage of your criminal case.