Criminal Defense Attorney in Putnam County, NY

Former Westchester County Prosecutor Defending Putnam County Clients

Michael J. Borrelli spent more than a decade inside the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, including seven years in the Superior Court Trial Division and service as Supervisor for the New Rochelle, Northern Westchester, and Yorktown branches. From 2007 to 2019, he served as the DWI Coordinator for the entire DA’s office, personally training every ADA and law enforcement officer in the county on New York DWI law and procedures. That’s not background most defense attorneys can claim. With more than 30+ years of criminal law experience and a strong record across more than 40 felony trials, Michael brings a high level of firsthand experience and knowledge to your defense.

The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C. serves clients throughout Putnam County facing charges ranging from DWI to violent felonies. Free, confidential consultations are available 24/7, including nights and weekends. Hablamos español.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Putnam County, don’t wait to get answers. Call (914) 928-2766 now for a free consultation, available any time of day or night.

Criminal Charges We Handle

Criminal cases come in many forms, and no two situations are exactly alike. We provide comprehensive criminal defense representation for clients facing a wide range of charges in Putnam County, NY. No matter how complex or serious the accusation, our goal is always the same: to pursue the best possible outcome while safeguarding your rights and your future.

DWI & DWAI Charges

DWI and DWAI charges can trigger immediate DMV consequences, including license suspension, mandatory programs, ignition interlock requirements, and significant fines. These cases turn on technical details: the legality of the stop, breathalyzer calibration, and how field sobriety tests were administered. 

Michael completed the NHTSA DWI/SFST practitioner course (24 hours) and the NHTSA DWI/ARIDE course (16 hours), the same certifications held by the officers who arrest you. Combined with his 12-year tenure as the Westchester County DA’s DWI Coordinator, he knows precisely how these cases are built and where issues may arise.

Drug Crimes

Drug charges in New York range from misdemeanor possession to felony-level distribution, with penalties that escalate based on substance type, quantity, and prior record. Many of these cases rest on the validity of a search. Michael’s background prosecuting drug cases and advising more than 20 police agencies on proper procedures gives him valuable insight when challenging whether law enforcement followed the rules that govern searches, seizures, and evidence handling under the Fourth Amendment.

Violent Crimes

Violent crime allegations, including assault, domestic violence, robbery, and weapons offenses, are prosecuted aggressively by the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office. These charges can carry life-altering penalties and often hinge on witness credibility and the strength of physical evidence. Michael’s experience trying more than 40 felony cases, including charges of murder, robbery, and attempted murder, means he understands how to challenge a prosecution narrative in front of a jury.

White-Collar Offenses

White-collar crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and financial misconduct, often involve complex investigations and extensive documentation. These cases can threaten not only your freedom but also your professional reputation and livelihood. 

We provide strategic, detail-oriented defense representation designed to address both the legal and personal ramifications of white-collar allegations, which may be pursued at both the state and federal levels.

Theft & Property Crimes

Charges such as larceny, burglary, shoplifting, and possession of stolen property can lead to lasting criminal records if they aren’t handled properly. Even first-time offenses can result in serious penalties. Our firm evaluates the evidence, intent, and circumstances surrounding the charge to pursue reductions, dismissals, or alternative resolutions whenever possible.

Probation Violations

A probation violation can result in harsher penalties than the original offense, including incarceration even when the underlying charge didn’t carry a prison sentence. We represent clients accused of violating probation conditions by challenging the allegations and advocating for fair treatment before the court.

Why Putnam County Chooses Defense Attorney Michael Borrelli

Michael has spent nearly three decades building a record that stands apart in this region. He personally attends 99% of client court appearances, so the attorney you hire is the attorney who shows up for you, not a junior associate. Over the course of his career, he has managed thousands of criminal cases and tens of thousands of traffic matters, a depth of pattern recognition that shapes how he evaluates evidence and anticipates what prosecutors may do next.

His credentials extend beyond the courtroom. Michael 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. It is a judicial appointment held by very few practicing defense attorneys. He has served as a guest speaker at continuing legal education programs for both attorneys and law enforcement, including lectures on DWI Pringle Hearings, Hardship Hearings, and examination of DWI witnesses. He is an active member of the Westchester County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Free consultations are available around the clock, including nights and weekends, because criminal charges don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. We also serve Spanish-speaking clients throughout Putnam County. Hablamos español.

Your Rights Under New York Criminal Law

Knowing your rights is one of the most important steps in protecting yourself after an arrest or criminal accusation. New York criminal law provides essential constitutional protections designed to ensure fairness and prevent abuse of power. 

These rights include but are not limited to:

• The Right to Remain Silent: Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, even if you believe you’re helping your case. The Fifth Amendment protects you against compelled self-incrimination, and those protections apply once you’re in custody. Exercising this right isn’t an admission of guilt; it’s a safeguard against self-incrimination.
• Protection Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures: Law enforcement must follow strict legal procedures when searching your home, vehicle, or personal property. Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment may be suppressed in New York proceedings, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case. Having served as a legal advisor to more than 20 police agencies, Michael knows exactly when those procedures weren’t followed.
• The Right to Legal Counsel: The right to counsel attaches at arraignment in New York, and you may request an attorney at any point during police questioning. At The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C., we make it our mission to enforce these rights and hold the prosecution accountable at every stage of your case.

Building a Strategic Defense From Day One

From the moment you retain The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C., we begin evaluating your case with the same framework a prosecutor uses to build one. That means reviewing police reports, physical and digital evidence, surveillance footage, and witness credibility, and identifying procedural errors made during the arrest or investigation. After handling thousands of criminal cases over 30+ years, Michael recognizes the patterns that surface in weak prosecutions and knows when a suppression hearing under the Fourth Amendment may remove evidence central to the case.

When plea negotiations are the right path, Michael’s years inside the DA’s Office inform exactly how prosecutors assess case strength and what leverage actually moves a negotiation. When a case goes to trial, he brings the preparation and courtroom experience that comes from trying more than 40 felony matters, including Putnam County Court proceedings as part of the Ninth Judicial District. Whether the charge is resolved before arraignment or in front of a jury, you’ll have the same attorney present and accountable throughout.

Putnam County Courts We’ve Worked In

Putnam County felony cases are handled in Putnam County Court and Putnam Supreme Court, both located in Carmel, as part of the Ninth Judicial District. Town and village justice courts across the county handle misdemeanors, violations, traffic matters, and preliminary felony hearings.

We appear in all of them.

• Putnam Supreme Court
• Putnam County Court
• Putnam Family Court
• Putnam Valley Town Court
• Southeast Town Court
• Kent Town Court
• Carmel Town Court
• Cold Spring Village Court
• Brewster Village Court
• Nelsonville Village Court
• Patterson Town Court
• Philipstown Town Court

Putnam County Criminal Defense FAQ

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested in Putnam County, NY?

Stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent immediately. Don’t provide statements to law enforcement without an attorney present, even if you believe the situation can be easily explained. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our office is available 24/7, including nights and weekends, so you can reach us the moment you need help and begin protecting your rights before the prosecution gets a head start.

Can Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Charges may be reduced or dismissed because of lack of evidence, constitutional violations, or successful negotiations with prosecutors. Each case is unique, and the outcome depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge?

Yes. Under New York Penal Law, misdemeanor convictions can result in up to 364 days in jail, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. Having legal representation helps protect your rights and may improve your ability to pursue a favorable resolution.

What Happens If I Am Charged With a DWI or DWAI in Putnam County?

A DWI or DWAI charge can trigger immediate consequences, including license suspension, fines, and mandatory court appearances. These cases often depend on technical factors such as the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of chemical testing, and whether proper procedures were followed by law enforcement. A DWI lawyer in Putnam County, NY, can evaluate these details and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

How Are Domestic Violence Charges Handled in New York?

Domestic violence allegations are taken very seriously in New York and frequently result in mandatory orders of protection issued at arraignment, which can restrict contact with family members or require leaving a shared residence. These cases often rely on emotional testimony and conflicting accounts, making it critical to have a domestic violence attorney in Putnam County, NY, who can carefully analyze the evidence and present your side of the story.

What Should I Know If I Am Accused of a Sex Crime?

Sex crime allegations carry some of the most severe legal and personal consequences, including the possibility of lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration under New York’s Sex Offender Registration Act. Even an accusation alone can damage reputations, careers, and personal relationships before a case ever reaches trial. A sex crime defense attorney can help protect your rights, challenge unreliable evidence, and handle your case with the discretion and seriousness it demands.

Can a Criminal Charge Be Expunged or Sealed in New York?

New York allows certain criminal records to be sealed under CPL 160.59, but not all convictions qualify. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and your criminal history. A defense attorney can review your situation and determine whether record sealing or other post-conviction relief options may be available to help protect your future.

If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Putnam County, don't wait. Contact The Law Offices of Michael J. Borrelli, P.L.L.C. today for a free, confidential consultation.