Westchester County Violent Crime Lawyers
An accusation of a violent crime can disrupt your life in an instant, carrying devastating consequences like mandatory state prison sentences, permanent criminal records, and strict orders of protection. Portale Randazzo LLP works with clients throughout Westchester County. We know how to handle law enforcement communication, manage precinct processing, and protect your constitutional rights.
Our lawyers handle charges that include:
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Robbery
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Weapons charges
- Domestic violence offenses
- Gang-related violent crimes
- Menacing and reckless endangerment
- Hate crime enhancements tied to violent offenses
Our attorneys are proud of the good reputation we’ve earned, as reflected in so many strong testimonials. Call today at (914) 875-2065. We’re available 24/7.
Defense Strategies in Violent Crimes
Every violent crime case turns on its own facts, witnesses, and evidence, and no two defenses look exactly alike. Certain strategic approaches, however, tend to recur across these cases, giving us several viable options to use in your defense:
Challenging the Evidence
Violent crime prosecutions often rely heavily on physical evidence, surveillance footage, and forensic analysis. Each of these can be subject to serious scrutiny. We examine how evidence was collected, whether a proper chain of custody was maintained, and whether forensic conclusions are actually supported by the underlying science.
In Westchester County, where local precincts and the County Police Department's forensic unit frequently collaborate on evidence processing, gaps and inconsistencies in that handoff could become significant points of leverage.
Self-Defense and Justification
New York law recognizes the right to use force, including deadly force, in certain circumstances to protect oneself or others from imminent harm. Where the facts support it, establishing that a client acted in justified self-defense can be a complete defense to a violent crime charge. Building that case calls for careful reconstruction of the encounter from every available angle.
Witness Credibility
Many violent crime cases hinge on eyewitness testimony, which is far less reliable than juries often assume. We investigate witness backgrounds, prior statements, and potential motives to fabricate or exaggerate. Our lawyers are prepared to challenge a complainant's account directly when the facts warrant it.
Constitutional Challenges
Violent crime investigations frequently involve searches, seizures, and statements obtained by local Westchester County police departments and County Police investigators. When law enforcement oversteps constitutional boundaries, such as an improper stop, a coerced statement, or a search conducted without sufficient legal basis, we move to suppress that evidence.
A Violent Crime Charge Demands a Defense That Fights Back
Your defense starts with a conversation. Portale Randazzo LLP offers virtual consultations so you can discuss your situation privately and without delay. Backed by over 150 years of combined trial experience and a former prosecutor's perspective on how these cases are built, we are prepared to fight for you at every stage.
Our office is located in the heart of the White Plains business district, right off the I-287 corridor, offering convenient proximity to the Westchester County Court complex and the federal courthouse. We serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients.
Contact our office by calling (914) 875-2065 or by using our online contact form to request a consultation.
