Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer in White Plains, NY

Get Aggressive Defense for Violent Crimes From a Former Westchester County Prosecutor

When you’re facing a violent crime charge in White Plains, it helps immensely to have an attorney on your side who knows how the Westchester County District Attorney’s office operates from the inside. Michael J. Borrelli spent his entire prosecutorial career inside that office, including serving as Supervisor of the White Plains DA branch, the same office that will likely prosecute your case. With more than 30+ years of criminal law experience and a record across more than 40 felony trials, covering charges from murder and robbery to burglary and attempted murder, Michael brings a level of institutional knowledge that general criminal defense experience simply can't match.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a violent crime in White Plains, don’t wait. Free, confidential consultations are available 24/7: day or night, weekends included. Our office also serves Spanish-speaking clients (hablamos español).

Facing violent crime charges in White Plains? Call us now at (914) 928-2766 for a free, confidential consultation any time, day or night.

How New York Classifies Violent Crimes

New York uses a felony class system, A through E, to categorize violent crimes and set sentencing ranges. Knowing where your charge falls in that system is the first step toward understanding what you’re up against.

• Class A-1 Felonies carry the harshest penalties, including life imprisonment. First-degree murder is the most commonly charged offense at this level.
• Class B Felonies such as second-degree murder and first-degree robbery carry sentences up to 25 years.
• Class C Felonies include aggravated assault and certain kidnapping charges, with prison terms of several years and potential parole.
• Class D Felonies cover offenses like reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and certain domestic violence charges.
• Class E Felonies represent the lowest tier of violent felonies and may allow for shorter terms, probation, or alternative sentencing.

New York Penal Law Section 70.02 governs sentencing for violent felony offenses and sets mandatory minimum terms. In White Plains, felony charges are prosecuted through the Westchester County DA’s White Plains branch. Once a case is indicted by a grand jury, it transfers to Westchester County Court in White Plains for all proceedings through trial.

Violent Crime Charges We Defend in White Plains

The following charges represent some of the most serious matters handled by our firm. Each carries significant exposure under New York law.

Armed Robbery

First-degree robbery in New York is a Class B felony carrying up to 25 years; use of a firearm is an aggravating factor that typically elevates a robbery to first degree. 

If you’ve been charged with armed robbery in White Plains, elsewhere in Westchester County, or in Putnam or Rockland County, you need an attorney who understands how prosecutors build these cases.

Assault & Battery

Assault in New York ranges from a Class A misdemeanor (third degree) to a felony. Menacing charges range from a third-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree Class E felony. The facts of the incident, including the severity of injury and whether a weapon was involved, determine the level of charge you face.

Kidnapping

First-degree kidnapping is a Class A-1 felony punishable by up to life imprisonment. Second-degree kidnapping is a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years. These charges carry severe mandatory minimums and require aggressive defense from the earliest stages. 

Murder

First-degree, second-degree, and aggravated murder all trigger Class A-1 felony charges in New York. These are the most serious charges in the penal code, and the decisions made in the earliest hours after arrest—what you say, who you call, and what evidence is preserved—can shape the entire case.

Manslaughter

First-degree manslaughter is typically a Class B felony; second-degree manslaughter is typically a Class C felony. Manslaughter charges often arise from situations where intent is disputed, and the line between criminal conduct and a tragic accident is genuinely contested. 

See our related article on whether you can be charged with manslaughter for a car accident in New York.

Carjacking

Carjacking is prosecuted in New York under the robbery statutes, typically as a first-degree robbery given the use or threatened use of force. As with armed robbery, the presence of a weapon elevates both the charge and the sentencing exposure substantially.

Hate Crimes

Hate crimes function as an elevator offense in New York, raising any underlying misdemeanor or felony charge one level higher upon conviction. A Class D felony underlying charge, for example, becomes a Class C felony when a hate crime enhancement applies. The collateral consequences of a hate crime conviction extend well beyond the criminal sentence.

Arson

First-degree arson, where someone is present or injured, is a Class A-1 felony. Property-only arson may be charged as third through fifth degree, with correspondingly lower but still serious sentencing ranges. If a domestic violence situation underlies an arson charge, that context becomes part of the defense analysis from the start.

Why White Plains Defendants Choose Michael Borrelli

Many criminal defense attorneys claim former-prosecutor status. Few can point to the depth of experience Michael Borrelli built inside the Westchester County DA’s office over the course of his career.

Michael served as Supervisor for three separate DA branches: White Plains, New Rochelle, and Northern Westchester. He spent seven years in the Superior Court Trial Division handling major felony cases. He served as a legal advisor to more than 20 police agencies across Westchester County and trained Assistant District Attorneys countywide. That background means he understands not just how prosecutors think, but how this specific office builds and pursues violent crime cases in White Plains.

Beyond his prosecutorial background, Michael brings credentials that are rare among practicing defense attorneys:

• He was appointed by Presiding Justice Hon. A. Gail Prudenti to serve on the Committees on Character and Fitness of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department.
• He is a member of the Westchester County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• He is a lifelong Westchester County resident with working relationships across every court and police agency in the county

Michael personally attends 99% of client court appearances, so you’re represented by the attorney you hired, not a junior associate. Over his career, he has managed thousands of criminal cases, and his record across more than 40 felony trials reflects the scope of experience he brings to these matters.

Three Things You Should Know About Violent Crime Charges in White Plains, NY

If you or someone you love has been accused of a violent crime, such as burglary or homicide, there are several important things you should know.

Overreaching Arrests Are Common

Prosecutors and police frequently cast wide nets at arrest, filing charges that may not survive scrutiny. An experienced defense attorney can seek dismissal of overreaching charges early in the process, before a case proceeds to trial.

You Don’t Have to Prove Your Innocence

The burden of proof lies entirely with the prosecution. The defense doesn’t need to prove you’re innocent; it needs only to create reasonable doubt. Understanding that distinction changes how a defense is built and argued.

Eyewitness Testimony Is Frequently Challenged

Eyewitness testimony is among the most commonly challenged forms of evidence in violent crime cases. Memory is fallible, particularly under stress, and identifications made under poor conditions are vulnerable to suppression or impeachment at trial.

What a Conviction Means Beyond Incarceration

A violent felony conviction in New York carries consequences that extend well beyond prison time. A felony record limits employment opportunities and affects housing eligibility. Mandatory minimum sentences under New York Penal Law 70.02 can eliminate early release options for violent felony convictions. Felony convictions also affect voting rights during incarceration and parole in New York.

For non-citizens, a violent felony conviction can trigger immigration consequences, including deportation proceedings. If you or your loved one is not a U.S. citizen, that should be part of any early defense strategy conversation.

White Plains arraignments for felony charges are handled at White Plains City Court. Once a case is indicted by a grand jury, it transfers to Westchester County Court in White Plains for all proceedings through trial. The earlier defense counsel is retained, the more options remain available.

What to Do If You’re Charged With a Violent Crime in White Plains

If you are under investigation, have been arrested, or believe you may soon be charged with a violent crime, here's what to do and what not to do: 

• Do Stay Silent: Don’t speak to police, prosecutors, or anyone else about the facts of your case. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Invoke your right to remain silent and wait for an attorney.
• Don’t Resist: Resisting arrest or attempting to flee creates additional charges and rarely improves your situation. Comply physically while preserving your legal rights.
• Do Document Everything: As soon as it’s safe to do so, write down everything you remember about the incident, the arrest, and any interactions with law enforcement. Details fade quickly, and contemporaneous notes can be valuable to your defense.
• Do Preserve Evidence: Text messages, emails, surveillance footage, and witness contact information can all matter to your defense. Don’t delete anything, and alert your attorney to any evidence you believe exists.
• Do Contact an Experienced Attorney: In White Plains, felony arrests are typically processed at the White Plains Police Department before arraignment at White Plains City Court, usually within 24 hours. Cases can move quickly from City Court to Westchester County Court, and early involvement of defense counsel can affect bail arguments and initial charge framing. Contact The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C. as soon as possible.

Common Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Cases in White Plains

Michael Borrelli has handled a wide range of defense strategies available under New York law. The right approach depends on the specific facts of your case, but several categories of defense apply frequently in White Plains violent crime matters.

Self-Defense

Self-defense requires demonstrating a reasonable belief of imminent threat and a proportional response. Witness testimony, surveillance footage, and medical records are primary tools for building this defense. When the evidence supports it, self-defense may support an acquittal even on serious felony charges.

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken-identity defenses challenge the reliability of eyewitness identifications and the procedures law enforcement used during lineups or show-ups. Alibi evidence and surveillance footage are the most direct tools available.

Lack of Intent

Many violent crime charges require the prosecution to prove a specific mental state. When an act was accidental, or when the prosecution can’t establish the required intent beyond a reasonable doubt, lack of intent becomes a viable defense theory.

Rights Violations

Fourth Amendment violations can result in suppression motions that eliminate key prosecution evidence entirely. 

Common grounds include:

• Unlawful searches and seizures
• Coerced confessions
• Failure to provide Miranda warnings
• Improper lineup procedures

Violent Crimes FAQ

What Penalties Do Violent Crimes Carry in New York?

Penalties range from several years for Class E felonies to life imprisonment for Class A-1 felonies, including first-degree murder. Fines and a permanent criminal record apply across the range. Mandatory minimum sentencing under New York Penal Law 70.02 limits judicial discretion for violent felony convictions, which is why carefully evaluating your options, including whether to fight the charges or consider a plea, is worth serious consideration in many cases.

What Should I Do If I’m Accused of a Violent Crime?

Stay silent, don’t resist, and contact an attorney immediately. The steps you take in the first hours after an accusation can shape everything that follows. Reach out to Michael J. Borrelli for a free, confidential consultation available any time: day or night, weekends included.

Do I Have to Answer Law Enforcement's Questions?

No, and you shouldn't. Politely but firmly state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, and then do so. Even if you have done nothing wrong, you could say something that law enforcement deems suspicious, or you could inadvertently make a mistake that threatens your freedom. Always wait to speak until you have first talked to a criminal defense attorney.

Additional Resources for Those Facing Violent Crime Charges in New York State

The following resources provide additional information relevant to violent crime charges and victim support in New York:

• New York Penal Law Section 70.02 - Sentencing for Violent Felony Offenses
• National Institute of Justice - Violent Crime
• Office for Victims of Crime - Assault and Battery Resources

If you’re facing a violent crime charge in White Plains, call (914) 928-2766 now for a free, confidential consultation, or contact us online to discuss your defense options.