Best Criminal Lawyer in Brooklyn County, NY
Susan Crumiller
Criminal Lawyer
“People say I’m tough and fearless – that I’m sharp and have good energy. Being aggressive on my client’s behalf is a given. But there’s more to it than that. You need to be a good listener. You need to care about your clients, guide them to decisions that benefit their mental and physical health, and get them out of toxic situations. You need to respect your opponents and the court. And you need never forget that your clients are people like you, just trying to get the respect they’ve earned and counting on you to help.”
From the moment she enters the room, it’s clear Susan Crumiller is no ordinary lawyer. More often sporting athleisure wear than a business suit, Susan approaches being an attorney like she does everything else in her life: untethered to patriarchal traditions.
Susan always had a rebellious streak — like the time she became the first female on her high school wrestling team. She lost almost every single match. Still, to this day, people tell her how inspirational she was for challenging the status quo.
After earning her law degree in 2006 from NYU, Susan spent a decade representing low-income tenants in housing court, where she regularly won trials and appeals. She loved being in the courtroom every day and the quick-on-your-feet thinking that it required. But things took a turn after her second child was born; her boss started trying to force her to return to work after just seven weeks, even though she had carefully negotiated five months of maternity leave. Susan spent months agonizing and feeling shame for not spending more time bonding with her newborn daughter. Her 3-year-old saw her crying and tried to comfort her by rocking her in her lap. Susan kept thinking about the countless women who, unlike her, didn’t have the resources to push back against their abusive bosses.
Howard Greenberg
Criminal Lawyer
Howard Greenberg is a Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer committed to finding every hole in the case and maximizing the chances of winning against the odds. Call 718-797-1800 for a FREE consultation.
Representation in any jurisdiction in the United States, in any court, from case inception through trial. You can reach Howard Greenberg, in person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Brooklyn criminal lawyer, Howard Greenberg BA, MA, JD is an honors graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Fordham University School of Law; Recent Brooklyn cases involving litigation include:
- State -v- • People Vs. Donis: full acquittal of burglary and unlawful surveillance that was recorded on videotape
- • People vs. Mccrae: not guilty criminal homicide despite three lengthy and detailed confessions.
- State -v- Brackett – Weapons and Narcotics Suppressed Base on Defendants Written Submission on Paper; Indictment DISMISSED
- People -v- Gary – Felony Weapons Gun Complaint DISMISSED After Win Suppression Hearing
- People -v- Martino – Felony Weapons Complaint (Gun – SUPPRESSED after hearing – Despite Confession)
- People -v- Morrison – Felony Weapons Complaint (Gun in Car DISMISSED)
- People -v- Blackford – Felony Weapons Complaint (Gun in Car – DISMISSED)
- People -v- Jones (NOT GUILTY of Criminal Homicide: Felony Murder and Depraved Indifference Murder)
- People -v- Geemps (FULL ACQUITTAL of Weapons Possession – Despite Confession)
- People -v- Bobby Shmurda (Felony Weapons Case – DISMISSED)
- People -v- Espinal (Motion to Suppress Narcotics – GRANTED)
- People -v- Fable (Directed Verdict of ACQUITTAL, All Counts, After Testimony of Main Witness in Attempted Murder Case.)
Julie Rendelman
Criminal Lawyer
career as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County, Brooklyn, where she investigated and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases and quickly earned a reputation as a tough and tenacious trial attorney. While in the office, Julie was lead counsel in over 60 felony jury trials that involved a wide variety of crimes, from drug offenses to sex crimes to homicides. Julie quickly rose to the level of Senior Trial Attorney and was eventually promoted to the elite Homicide Bureau where she became the Deputy Bureau Chief. She handled many high profile cases, including:
- The abduction and brutal murder of eight-year-old Leiby Kletzky
- The stabbing death of New York City bus driver Edwin Thomas by a passenger (Edwin’s murder and the subsequent conviction of his assailant led to upgrades in the safety protocols of city buses)
- The murder for hire of Dwayne Burnett at the hands of his “best friend,” Ragene Powell Dickerson
Additionally, while working as a prosecutor, Julie also taught Criminal Procedure as an Adjunct Law professor at Brooklyn Law School. Julie then opened her own practice, the Law Offices of Julie Rendelman, LLC. Julie’s vast experience as a prosecutor has given her a unique first-hand perspective of how prosecutors develop and investigate their cases, which is key to mounting a strong defense.
Julie was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1993. She is currently admitted to practice law in all boroughs of New York City as well as the Southern, Eastern, and Western District Courts of New York and the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She is an active member of the New York City Bar Association. She is also a member of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, organizations dedicated to ensuring justice and due process for persons accused of crimes and other misconduct.
Michael T. Mullen
Criminal Lawyer
Michael T. Mullen is a former assistant district attorney who has dedicated his practice to defending individuals charged with all types of crimes in both the state courts of New York and U.S. federal courts. He is the firm’s founder and is widely recognized as an experienced trial attorney who has successfully handled multiple high-exposure media cases.
He has tried more than 50 cases to verdict with the vast majority resulting in victories. His trial experience has been put to good use at the firm to assist many clients through even the most difficult cases. Prior to his legal career, Michael proudly served as a special assistant to the Honorable Gary L. Akerman, United States Congressman for New York’s Fifth Congressional District (Retired).
Attorney Michael Mullen began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office in 2002. During his tenure as a prosecutor, he gained valuable insight into how the police investigate and prosecute crimes. He quickly earned a reputation among his peers as a formidable trial attorney and most of his trials resulted in guilty verdicts.
Michael successfully prosecuted hundreds of cases ranging from attempted murder, to robbery, burglary, assault, forgery, and money laundering to driving while intoxicated (DWI). As a prosecutor, he tried multiple DWI cases to verdict ranging from felonies to misdemeanors. He also participated in the training for Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), which was sponsored by the Nassau County Police Department.
Jacob Uriel
Criminal Lawyer
Jacob Uriel is an experienced trial attorney who has tried and won many jury and bench trials and hearings, a former supervisory assistant district attorney, and college professor.
Jacob graduated from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2005 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. In 2008, Jacob obtained his Juris Doctor degree with a concentration in Criminal Law from Case Western Reserve University. While in law school, Jacob successfully defended clients at the school’s Milton Kramer Law Clinic. Jacob then earned his Master of Science in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009.
Lawrence Mottola
Criminal Lawyer
After graduating from Brooklyn Law School in 2008, Lawrence began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. He spent over eight years in the Brooklyn office where he prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases, and was promoted to Senior Assistant District Attorney after successfully trying over twenty Felony cases in Kings County Supreme Court. Lawrence utilizes his experience as a prosecutor and familiarity with the criminal justice system to protect his clients’ rights and help them obtain a favorable resolution to their case.
Mr. Mottola was recognized as one of the 10 Best criminal defense attorneys in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and Mottola Uris Law was recognized as a Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Firm by Best of the Best Attorneys in 2022 and 2023.
As a criminal defense lawyer, he obtained acquittals at trial in a variety of cases including Attempted Murder, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, Rape, Robbery and Assault.
Mr. Mottola is admitted to the bar in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia, as well as the US District Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, the Northern District of Illinois and the Eastern District of Virginia.
Roger V. Archibald
Criminal Lawyer
Roger V. Archibald, the founder and lead litigator at the firm was born in San Fernando, the Southern “Capital” of the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean. In 1975, he migrated to the United States with his family, and settled in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York where he attended the Boys and Girls High School and graduated at the top 1% of his class.
Mr. Archibald received his Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications from Brooklyn College in 1982. During his years at Brooklyn College, he was active in Student Government and in particular, the Caribbean Students Union (“CSU”) where he helped champion the cause of minority student organizations for financial parity and inclusion in the college’s overall budgetary scheme. In 1980, CSU and Mr. Archibald were in part responsible for electing the first person of color to the office of Student Government President in Brooklyn College’s fifty (50) year history.
From 1982 until 1990, Roger was employed in the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmaceutical sales representative. He marketed medications for a host of endocrine, circulatory, orthopedic, and infectious disorders to both physicians and hospitals in New York City. This experience gave him invaluable insight into medicine, anatomy, and medical malpractice cases.
In 1987, Roger was admitted to Brooklyn Law School’s evening division. Having accelerated his graduation by a year by attending successive summer session courses, Roger graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 1990. He was admitted as member to the New York Sate Bar in 1991.
Roger started his legal career in 1990 at the Big Six Accounting Firm of Coopers and Lybrand (now Price Waterhouse Coopers), where he analyzed complex statutory and regulatory taxing schemes in addition to advising Fortune 100 clients on tax compliance issues.
TROY A. SMITH
Criminal Lawyer
Troy A. Smith, Attorney at Law, PC, focuses his legal practice in the area of Criminal Defense in the State of New York, Federal Courts and all Military Courts.
With more than 25 years of litigation and appellate experience as both a former New York City homicide prosecutor and a criminal defense counsel in the United States Army, Mr. Smith has served as lead counsel on more than one hundred trials on charges to include murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicides, armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, drug distribution, rape, child molestation, child pornography, rape and aggravated sexual offenses, grand larceny, embezzlement and fraud on the United States Government. Mr. Smith has also served as lead appellate counsel on more than one hundred military criminal appeals, to include the death penalty case of United States v. Kreutzer.
While working as an Army JAG Criminal Defense Attorney, an accomplished military trial judge, in dubbing Attorney Smith the unofficial “Acquittal King“, commented that Troy A. Smith had the highest acquittal rate that he had ever observed in his more than 20 years in the Army and possibly the highest acquittal rate in the history of the Army JAG Corps.
How to Expunge Your Old Conviction in New York
Having a criminal record can significantly impact various aspects of your life, from employment opportunities to housing applications. In New York, the process of clearing your record is known as “sealing” rather than expungement. While true expungement (complete erasure of a criminal record) is not available in New York, sealing a conviction can provide many of the same benefits. This article will guide you through the process of sealing an old conviction in New York, helping you take steps towards a fresh start.
Understanding Record Sealing in New York
New York’s sealing law, implemented in October 2017, allows individuals to seal certain criminal convictions. When a record is sealed:
- It becomes invisible to most employers and the general public
- Law enforcement and some government agencies can still access the record
- You can legally say you were not convicted of the sealed offense in most circumstances
Eligibility for Record Sealing
Not all convictions are eligible for sealing in New York. To be eligible:
- You must have no more than two criminal convictions on your record
- Only one of these can be a felony
- At least 10 years must have passed since your sentence or release from incarceration
- You must have no pending criminal charges
- You must not be required to register as a sex offender
Certain convictions are ineligible for sealing, including:
- Sex offenses
- Violent felonies
- Class A felonies
- Homicide-related offenses
Steps to Seal Your Conviction in New York
- Obtain Your Criminal Record
The first step is to get a copy of your criminal record. You can do this by:
- Requesting a copy from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
- Getting fingerprinted at an authorized location
This record will help you confirm your eligibility and provide necessary information for the sealing application.
- Determine Eligibility
Review your criminal record to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above. If you’re unsure, consult with an attorney experienced in record sealing.
- Gather Necessary Documents
You’ll need to collect several documents for your application:
- Certificate of Disposition for each conviction you want to seal
- Sworn statement of reasons for seeking sealing
- Letters of recommendation (optional but beneficial)
- Proof of rehabilitation (e.g., completion of treatment programs, educational achievements)
- Complete the Application
The sealing application, known as a “Motion for Sealing,” must be filed in the court where you were convicted. This motion should include:
- Your personal information
- Details of the conviction(s) you want sealed
- Reasons why sealing would be in the interest of justice
- Any supporting documents you’ve gathered
- File the Motion
File your completed motion and all supporting documents with the court clerk. You’ll also need to serve copies to the District Attorney’s office.
- District Attorney Review
The District Attorney has 45 days to review your application and decide whether to consent or object to the sealing.
- Court Hearing
If the District Attorney objects or the judge requires more information, a hearing will be scheduled. During this hearing:
- You can present arguments for why your record should be sealed
- The District Attorney can present objections
- The judge may ask questions or request additional information
- Judge’s Decision
The judge will consider various factors, including:
- The time that has passed since the conviction
- Your rehabilitation efforts
- The seriousness of the offense
- The potential impact on your life if the record is not sealed
Based on these factors, the judge will decide whether to grant or deny the sealing request.
- Follow-Up
If your request is granted, follow up with the court to ensure the sealing order is properly executed. You may need to contact relevant agencies to confirm the sealing has been implemented.
Tips for a Successful Sealing Application
- Be Honest and Thorough Provide complete and accurate information in your application. Any discrepancies or omissions could harm your chances of success.
- Demonstrate Rehabilitation Show how you’ve changed since your conviction. Include evidence of education, stable employment, community involvement, or completion of treatment programs.
- Address the Impact Clearly explain how the conviction has affected your life and how sealing would benefit you and society.
- Consider Legal Assistance While you can file for sealing on your own, an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of success.
- Be Patient The sealing process can take several months. Stay patient and follow up regularly on the status of your application.
- Prepare for the Hearing If a hearing is scheduled, prepare thoroughly. Practice answering potential questions and be ready to address any concerns the judge or District Attorney might raise.
After Sealing: What to Expect
If your record is successfully sealed:
- Most employers won’t be able to see the sealed conviction
- You can legally deny the conviction on most job applications
- The conviction won’t appear in most background checks
However, remember:
- Certain agencies (like law enforcement) can still access sealed records
- If applying for jobs that require fingerprinting or high-level security clearance, the sealed conviction may still be visible
- You must disclose sealed convictions if asked in court proceedings or for certain licenses
Alternatives if Sealing is Denied
If your sealing request is denied, you may have other options:
- Certificate of Relief from Disabilities: This can remove some legal barriers associated with your conviction.
- Certificate of Good Conduct: Similar to the Certificate of Relief, but for multiple convictions.
- Pardons: In rare cases, you might be eligible for a pardon from the Governor.
Conclusion
Sealing an old conviction in New York can be a complex process, but it offers a chance for a fresh start. By carefully following the steps outlined above and presenting a strong case for sealing, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, sealing your record can open up new opportunities and help you move forward from past mistakes. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. With persistence and the right approach, you can take significant steps towards clearing your record and improving your future prospects.