(516) 543-9386
CRIMINAL
DEFENSE
What is Criminal Defense?
Understanding Criminal Defense Law in New York
Criminal defense law in New York encompasses the legal representation of individuals or entities accused of criminal offenses within the state. It focuses on safeguarding the constitutional rights of the accused while navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. This area of law applies to cases ranging from minor infractions and misdemeanors, such as petty theft or disorderly conduct, to serious felonies, including drug trafficking, robbery, or murder.
Megan Gallagher's role in Criminal Defense
Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney: Your Advocate in Times of Need
A criminal defense involves the legal strategies and arguments employed by a defendant and their attorney to contest the charges in a criminal case. The aim is to either establish the defendant's innocence, lessen the severity of the charges, or minimize the impact of a potential conviction.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, as a conviction can lead to severe legal penalties and long-term financial consequences. These penalties may be immediate, but the impact often endures for years, sometimes for life. It's crucial to avoid these outcomes if possible. Our skilled criminal defense attorney, Megan Gallagher, is prepared to review your case and determine how best to defend you.
Why Megan Gallagher?
Choose Megan Gallagher, Book a Free Consultation Now
When facing criminal charges, having a qualified and experienced defense attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. As a dedicated criminal defense attorney, Megan Gallagher brings over 38 years of diverse experience, a deep understanding of criminal law, and a relentless commitment to protecting her clients' rights.
Why Choose Megan Gallagher as Your Criminal Defense Attorney?
Her involvement in the legal community extends beyond the courtroom. She is an active member of the Nassau County Bar Association, where she contributes to the Criminal Law Procedure Committee and the Appellate Law Committee. These roles keep her abreast of the latest developments in criminal law and procedure, allowing her to provide her clients with the most current and innovative defense strategies.
Megan Gallagher provides legal representation for individuals facing felony, misdemeanor, and violation charges on Long Island, serving both Suffolk County and Nassau County.
Megan Gallagher experience in Criminal Defense
Extensive Legal Experience
With an established practice in criminal defense, Megan Gallagher has successfully defended clients in a wide array of criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Megan Gallagher’s experience encompasses both trial litigation and complex appellate work, giving her a broad perspective on how to approach each case strategically. She is skilled at identifying the most effective legal arguments, whether that means negotiating favorable plea deals or aggressively advocating for clients in court.
When someone is accused of a crime, the complexities of the legal system can be overwhelming. A criminal defense lawyer plays a crucial role in defending the accused and ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
A criminal defense lawyer plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals accused of crimes. Their primary responsibility is to provide a robust legal defense and ensure a fair trial. Here are the key duties of a criminal defense lawyer:
01
Represents the client in court, defending them during trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings to ensure their side is effectively presented.
02
Analyzes the case details to build a customized defense strategy aimed at minimizing charges, penalties, or achieving an acquittal.
03
Educates the client about their legal rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to a fair trial, and protection against self-incrimination.
04
Works with prosecutors to negotiate plea agreements that can result in reduced charges or lighter sentences for the client.
05
Conducts a thorough investigation by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and challenging the prosecution's evidence to strengthen the client’s case.
06
Drafts and submits motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or request favorable rulings that benefit the client.
07
Challenges the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses during cross-examination to create doubt about the client’s guilt.
08
Guides the client through trial proceedings, advising on whether to testify, accept a plea deal, or proceed to trial based on the case circumstances.
09
Files appeals if the client is convicted, seeking to overturn the verdict or reduce sentencing based on trial errors or new evidence.
10
Provides reassurance and emotional guidance, helping the client navigate the legal process with confidence and understanding.
Types of Charges That Require a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Felonies are the most serious type of crime and can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term consequences, such as the loss of certain rights (e.g., voting, owning firearms). Felonies are typically divided into different classes, with varying degrees of severity:
-
Violent Crimes
Offenses like murder, assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, and aggravated assault are serious felonies requiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
-
Drug Trafficking and Distribution
Large-scale drug offenses involving the sale or distribution of controlled substances are usually prosecuted as felonies.
-
Sex Crimes
Rape, sexual assault, child pornography, and other sex-related offenses often result in severe penalties and can include registration as a sex offender, making criminal defense critical.
-
White-Collar Crimes
Financial crimes like embezzlement, insider trading, tax evasion, and fraud are also felonies and often require specialized defense due to their complexity.
-
Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies but still carry penalties that can significantly impact an individual’s life, including jail time (usually under one year), probation, community service, and fines. Some common examples of misdemeanor charges include:
-
DUI/DWI
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a common misdemeanor charge. Repeat offenses or accidents involving injury can elevate these to felony charges.
-
Simple Assault
Acts of violence that don’t result in serious injury are typically charged as simple assault, a misdemeanor.
-
Petty Theft and Shoplifting
Theft involving smaller amounts of money or items of low value is usually classified as a misdemeanor, but can be upgraded depending on the case specifics.
-
Disorderly Conduct
Disturbing the peace, public intoxication, and other disruptive behaviors are often classified as misdemeanors.
-
Vandalism
Property damage such as graffiti or defacing public or private property can result in misdemeanor charges.
-
Violations, also known as infractions, are the least severe category of charges. They generally don’t result in jail time, but can carry fines or other penalties. In some cases, repeated violations can escalate into more serious charges. Examples include:
-
Traffic Violations
Speeding, running red lights, or other minor traffic infractions are usually violations.
-
Public Nuisances
Minor offenses like littering, loitering, or disturbing public spaces fall under this category.
-
Trespassing
Entering someone’s property without permission can be charged as a violation, although it can escalate to a misdemeanor in certain circumstances.
-
Domestic violence encompasses a variety of charges, from misdemeanor battery to felony assault. Crimes involving harm or threats to family members, partners, or individuals within the same household often involve additional legal consequences, such as restraining orders. These cases often need a criminal defense lawyer with experience in both criminal law and family law.
-
Misdemeanor Battery
Physical contact or harm inflicted on someone without their consent that results in minor injuries or offensive contact. Often classified as a less severe offense with lighter penalties.
-
Felony Assault
A severe form of assault involving serious physical harm or the use of a deadly weapon. This crime often leads to harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
-
Restraining Orders
Legal orders issued by a court to prevent one individual from contacting or approaching another, often used for the protection of domestic violence victims.
-
Additional Legal Consequences
Extra penalties imposed alongside primary sentences, such as mandatory counseling, community service, or the loss of certain rights, like child custody.
-
Drug charges can range from simple possession to more serious crimes like manufacturing or distributing controlled substances. These charges are often categorized based on the type of drug and the amount involved:
-
Possession
Simple possession of small quantities of illegal drugs is usually a misdemeanor, though possession of more serious drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine) may be considered a felony.
-
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation
Involvement in producing drugs or growing marijuana plants without a license is considered a felony.
-
Drug Trafficking
Large-scale distribution or sale of illegal drugs is a felony and can result in decades of imprisonment.
-
Criminal defense lawyers are often needed for individuals accused of illegally possessing, selling, or using firearms or other weapons. These charges can range from misdemeanors (e.g., carrying a concealed weapon without a permit) to felonies (e.g., using a firearm during the commission of a crime).
-
Illegal Possession
Owning or carrying a firearm without the necessary permits or licenses. This is typically classified as a misdemeanor but can escalate depending on circumstances.
-
Selling Firearms Illegally
The unauthorized sale or distribution of firearms without proper licensing or background checks. This often carries severe legal penalties.
-
Using a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
Employing a firearm as part of another crime, such as robbery or assault. This is usually charged as a felony and can significantly enhance sentencing.
-
Misdemeanor Weapons Charges
Less severe violations, such as carrying a concealed weapon without a permit or improper storage of firearms, often resulting in fines or short-term imprisonment.
-
Felony Weapons Charges
Serious offenses involving firearms, such as using them in violent crimes, trafficking weapons, or possessing illegal firearms. These charges carry long prison sentences and other severe consequences.
-
Sex crime charges are particularly serious due to the long-lasting personal, legal, and social consequences. Convictions can result in long prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender, which impacts many aspects of daily life:
-
Rape and Sexual Assault
These serious felonies often result in long-term imprisonment and carry significant social stigma.
-
Indecent Exposure
Although sometimes classified as a misdemeanor, indecent exposure can have long-lasting effects on the accused, particularly if it results in sex offender registration.
-
Child Pornography
Possession or distribution of child pornography is a felony with extremely serious legal consequences.
-
Juvenile crimes refer to offenses committed by minors under the age of 18. While the juvenile justice system typically focuses on rehabilitation, serious offenses like violent crimes or drug trafficking may result in charges similar to those in the adult system. Criminal defense lawyers play a crucial role in defending juvenile clients, as outcomes in these cases can greatly impact the child’s future.
-
Juvenile Offenses
Crimes committed by individuals under the age of 18. These offenses are handled within the juvenile justice system, which prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.
-
Rehabilitation Focus
The juvenile system aims to reform young offenders through counseling, education, and community service, rather than imposing harsh penalties.
-
Serious Offenses
Severe crimes such as violent acts or drug trafficking, which may lead to minors being tried as adults and facing similar legal consequences.
-
Legal Representation
Criminal defense lawyers provide essential advocacy to protect the rights of juvenile clients, aiming for outcomes that minimize long-term impacts on their future.
-
Impact on Future
Juvenile crime convictions can affect education, employment opportunities, and personal growth, making skilled legal defense crucial.
-
White-collar crimes are non-violent, financially motivated offenses that can still lead to severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment and significant financial restitution:
-
Fraud
This includes a range of deceptive practices such as credit card fraud, insurance fraud, and securities fraud.
-
Embezzlement
Stealing money or property entrusted to one’s care, especially within a corporate or professional setting, is often a felony offense.
-
Money Laundering
Involving the concealment of illegally obtained money, money laundering is a complex crime that requires significant legal expertise.
-
With the rise of technology, cyber crimes have become a significant area of criminal defense law. These crimes include hacking, identity theft, cyberstalking, and other internet-related offenses. Many of these charges are federal in nature, requiring defense lawyers with experience in both federal law and complex digital evidence.
-
Hacking
Unauthorized access to or manipulation of computer systems, networks, or data. Hackers may steal information, disrupt operations, or exploit vulnerabilities.
-
Identity Theft
Fraudulent use of another person's personal information (e.g., social security number, credit card details) to commit crimes such as financial fraud or unauthorized transactions.
-
Cyberstalking
The use of the internet, email, or other digital communication tools to harass, intimidate, or stalk an individual. This often involves repeated and unwanted attention.
-
Internet-Related Offenses
A broad category that includes various crimes conducted online, such as phishing, online scams, child exploitation, and the illegal distribution of copyrighted materials.
-
Federal in Nature
Many cybercrimes fall under federal jurisdiction in the U.S. because they often involve interstate or international networks, requiring defense under federal laws.
-
Complex Digital Evidence
Refers to intricate data or records stored on electronic devices, such as logs, emails, or encrypted files, which are used as evidence in cybercrime investigations or trials.
-
Megan Gallgher has a long history of successful results and always seeks the best interests of her clients. Megan Gallgher’s practice areas include the following:
Contact for Free Consultation
Call Now (516) 543-9386
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Testimonials
“I have known Megan Gallagher for over 10 years through our professional relationship as attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office. In my 30 year legal career, I have not met a more dedicated and caring attorney who fights as hard for her clients or has as much success. Megan is someone you want on your side when facing legal challenges - she will explain things clearly, put you at ease and advocate fiercely for you!”
-Lara
Testimonials
“I am a current client of Ms. Gallagher and she’s been wonderful throughout my legal issues. She listens, communicates very well with you, she cares about her clients and gives 100% of herself to the job which is YOU. I truly truly appreciate all the work she’s done for me. I’ll call ms. Gallagher esq. for legal services for a lifetime let’s hope I don’t need to lol. I recommend her services/office services. So if you’re having legal troubles give Ms. Gallagher a call."
-Miss Cocoa
Testimonials
“I have known Megan Gallagher for over 10 + years. Besides being very professional & good at what she does. She is a kind & compassionate person. She would be the ideal defense attorney for a client to fight for them especially since she’s been a prosecutor for many years & knows how the prosecution thinks, which is a winning formula for a defense attorney.”
-Arleen Linquiti
Testimonials
“I have known Megan Gallagher for >10 years through our professional relationship as attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office. In my 30 year legal career, I have not met a more dedicated and caring attorney who fights as hard for her clients or has as much success. Megan is someone you want on your side when facing legal challenges – she will explain things clearly, put you at ease and advocate fiercely for you!”
-Jason Bassett
Testimonials
“Megan Gallagher is one of the finest attorneys I know and I would refer her to anyone needing legal representation without reservation.”
– Rose LaRocca
Testimonials
“The best defense attorneys are former prosecutors. They know their way around the courtroom. Megan Gallagher is that attorney. She has decades of experience handling every type of offense from simple traffic violations to the most complex felonies. She genuinely cares about her clients and will fight to achieve the best outcome. As a former prosecutor and defense attorney myself I unequivocally endorse and recommend Megan!”
-Heather Mahn
Testimonials
“My lawyer’s name is Megan. She is absolutely a professional and experienced lawyer who cares your case literally as much as you do. She is no doubt highly above average among all lawyers. She helped me a lot in my case and the case is going to be soon dismissed. Definitely recommend having her as your attorney!”
– Carla Best
Testimonials
“Megan Gallagher is a phenomenal attorney who you want on your side! She is brilliant, experienced, and tenacious – and goes above and beyond to advocate for her clients and get justice. If you want a lawyer who is going to fight hard and get the best possible result, Megan is the one for you!”
– Peter Zadek
Write us a review on Google by clicking "Give review" button
Google Business Profile Review
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this site is not legal advice and is not intended to be. You should consult an attorney regarding your specific situation. Contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship, so please refrain from sending confidential information until such a relationship is formed. Please note that the outcomes of legal cases depend on their unique facts and circumstances, and The Law Office of Jason Bassett, P.C. cannot guarantee specific results in any legal matter. Any testimonials or case results featured here are based on actual cases and reflect the outcomes of those particular cases, without guaranteeing, warranting, or predicting results for other legal matters. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.