Misdemeanor Charges Have an Award-Winning Team on Your Side

Westchester County Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys

Many people mistakenly believe a misdemeanor charge is "minor" or inconsequential. In New York, this could not be further from the truth. A misdemeanor is a criminal conviction that can lead to up to one year in county jail, thousands of dollars in fines, probation, and, most critically, a permanent criminal record that jeopardizes your career, housing, and reputation for the rest of your life.

At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, we treat every misdemeanor case with the same commitment and focus as a major felony. If you are facing charges in White Plains, Yonkers, or any local court in the region, you need the immediate, experienced guidance of a professional misdemeanor attorney in Westchester County. Our firm is dedicated to securing dismissals, non-criminal dispositions, or acquittals to protect your future.

If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, contact a seasoned misdemeanor attorney in Westchester County immediately at (914) 840-5104 or fill out our online form. We offer a free confidential consultation and leverage 100+ years of combined experience on your behalf.

What Are the Misdemeanor Classes in New York?

Misdemeanors are criminal offenses defined under the New York Penal Law (Article 70 and 80). They are offenses punishable by more than 15 days, but no more than 364 days in jail. Unlike felonies, which are tried in County or Supreme Court, misdemeanors are generally handled in local City, Town, or Village Courts across Westchester County.

There are three different classes of misdemeanors in New York State:

Class "A" Misdemeanor carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 12 months, three years' probation, a conditional discharge, fines and mandatory state surcharges, community service, driver's license suspension, and orders of protection.
- Examples: Petit Larceny (Theft of property valued under $1,000), Assault in the Third Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree, and Criminal Impersonation.
Class "B" Misdemeanor carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 90 days, one year probation, a conditional discharge, fines and mandatory state surcharges, community service, and orders of protection.
- Examples: Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree and Hazing in the First Degree.
"Unclassified" Misdemeanors carry a maximum jail sentence of up to 12 months, three years' probation, a conditional discharge, fines and mandatory state surcharges, driver's license revocation or suspension, ignition interlock device (for DWI convictions), community service, and orders of protection.

Collateral Consequences

The true danger of a misdemeanor conviction lies in the damage to your personal and professional life:

Employment: A criminal conviction is a massive liability on a background check, preventing employment in fields requiring licensing, financial trust, or security clearance.
Education: A conviction can jeopardize scholarship eligibility, school admission, and access to federal student aid programs.
Immigration: Even a Class A misdemeanor can result in severe negative immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of citizenship, depending on the nature of the crime.
Professional Licensing: Convictions for crimes involving "moral turpitude" (like Petit Larceny or fraud misdemeanors) can lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses.

What to Expect from the Misdemeanor Process in Westchester County?

The misdemeanor process in Westchester County generally starts with an arrest or a criminal summons. After that, you appear at an arraignment in a municipal or town court—such as Yonkers City Court or Mount Vernon City Court. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of your rights and set a court date.

Effective defense for misdemeanors in Westchester County requires more than just showing up in court. It demands a strategy focused on resolution, mitigation, and, when necessary, aggressive litigation.

Arraignment and Immediate Strategy: At arraignment, we enter a "Not Guilty" plea and address bail, focusing on securing your release on your own recognizance. We immediately begin demanding discovery and investigating the facts.
Negotiation and Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD): This is often our firm's primary goal. An ACD is a disposition where the court adjourns the case (usually for six months to a year). If you are not re-arrested and meet simple conditions, the case is automatically dismissed and sealed. We aggressively negotiate for this outcome, often by demonstrating your clean record and community ties.
Motion Practice: Within 45 days of arraignment, we file pre-trial motions, including motions to dismiss the charges for legal insufficiency or motions to suppress evidence based on an unlawful search or statement. This critical step often forces the prosecution to reconsider the strength of their case.
Trial Preparation: While many misdemeanors resolve before trial, we prepare every case as if it will proceed to a jury or bench trial. Our firm's litigation background, backed by 100+ years of combined experience, gives us the credibility needed to secure favorable plea deals and the skill required to win at trial.

Defending Misdemeanor Charges Throughout White Plains and Cortlandt Manor

Misdemeanor charges count as crimes under New York law. If you face a misdemeanor charge, you should quickly consult with one of our Westchester County criminal defense attorneys to protect your legal rights. Only speak to an attorney about your case. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of how to defend against misdemeanor charges in this area.

Our criminal defense attorneys include former criminal prosecutors who regularly practice in all of the courts throughout the following counties:

Westchester
Bronx
Putnam
Riebling
Dutchess
Rockland
Orange

Because every case is different, we examine the facts, review the procedures, and assess the evidence to look out for your legal interests at every step. Our attorneys routinely appear before judges at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains and at municipal courts throughout towns like Scarsdale, Yonkers, and Mount Kisco.

Start Your Defense—Contact Us Now

We are available 24/7 and offer free case evaluations. Contact a Westchester County criminal defense lawyer today for trustworthy and assertive legal guidance.

At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, our criminal defense attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience representing people facing misdemeanor and felony charges. With offices in White Plains and Cortlandt Manor, New York, we regularly work in courts throughout Westchester, Bronx, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Orange Counties.

Contact our Westchester County criminal attorneys online, or by telephone at (914) 840-5104.

FAQs

What types of penalties are possible for a misdemeanor conviction in Westchester County?

Penalties vary based on the misdemeanor class and may include jail time, probation, community service, fines, and court surcharges. Some convictions can lead to a suspended driver’s license, especially for driving offenses.

Do I have to appear in person for misdemeanor proceedings in Westchester courts?

Most misdemeanor cases in Westchester County require at least one personal appearance at local court, mainly for arraignment and some hearings. The court and the judge set the requirements based on the charge.

What is the difference between a Class A and Class B misdemeanor in New York?

A Class A misdemeanor is more serious and can carry up to 364 days in jail, while a Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum of 90 days. Class A misdemeanors often involve allegations of violence, theft, or repeat offenses, whereas Class B misdemeanors are generally less severe but still carry meaningful penalties and long-term consequences.

Can a misdemeanor charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Charges may be reduced or dismissed if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, constitutional violations, or successful pretrial motions. Negotiations with the prosecutor may also lead to reduced charges, non-criminal dispositions, or dismissals after compliance with court-ordered conditions.

Will a misdemeanor conviction stay on my criminal record?

A misdemeanor conviction becomes part of your criminal record and can appear on background checks. However, New York law allows certain cases to be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances. Eligibility depends on the offense, case outcome, and your criminal history.

Is jail time mandatory for misdemeanor convictions?

Jail time is not mandatory for all misdemeanors. Many cases are resolved through probation, fines, or alternative sentencing. However, some offenses—such as repeat DWIs or violations of court orders—carry mandatory minimum penalties.

Why should I hire a misdemeanor defense attorney in Westchester County?

A local defense attorney understands Westchester court procedures, prosecutorial practices, and judicial expectations. Legal representation can help protect your rights, negotiate reduced charges, avoid jail time, and minimize long-term consequences that could affect your future.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Continue Reading Read Less

Put Our Experience to Work for You

Get Started with a Free Confidential Consultation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Why You Should Choose Our Law Firm

Providing Experienced Guidance for Your Legal Needs

Premier Counsel
Selection for Super Lawyers® (top 5% of New York attorneys)
Award-Winning
Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for Family Law and Criminal Defense

Published Legal Authors
Co-Authored National Bestsellers on DWI & Criminal Defense
Experience & Perspective
100+ years of combined experience, including criminal prosecution