Criminal Defense Attorney in New York

Q: What types of criminal cases does Knutson Law handle?

Knutson Law handles criminal defense in New York State including: assault, robbery, burglary, bank fraud, identity theft, forgery, perjury, DUI/DWI, larceny, and white collar crimes.

Personalized criminal defense for individuals and families facing criminal charges in New York State — with full bilingual representation available in Russian and English.

We represent the accused and victims at the New York State and City level.

A criminal charge is one of the most serious situations you will ever face. The decisions you make in the first hours and days after an arrest can determine whether you go home to your family — or spend years dealing with the consequences of a conviction. At Knutson Law, PLLC, attorney Yana G. Knutson provides aggressive, personalized criminal defense for individuals charged with violent offenses, white collar crimes, and more across New York State. If you or someone you know has been arrested or is under investigation, call or WhatsApp immediately.

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Criminal Defense Practice Areas — New York State

We represent clients accused of a wide range of criminal offenses under New York State law.

Assault Defense

Assault charges in New York range from misdemeanor assault in the third degree to felony assault in the first degree, carrying penalties from probation to 25 years in prison. Whether the alleged incident involved a domestic dispute, a street altercation, or a claim of self-defense, the specific facts of your case determine the best strategy. We examine the evidence, challenge witness credibility, and build a defense tailored to the circumstances.

Robbery Defense

Robbery is distinct from theft — it involves the use or threat of force. In New York, robbery is charged in the first, second, or third degree, with first-degree robbery carrying up to 25 years in prison. Defense strategies depend on the evidence, identification procedures used by police, and whether force was actually used or only alleged.

Burglary Defense

Burglary in New York is charged when someone is accused of knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime inside. No actual theft needs to occur for a burglary charge to be filed. Defense strategies frequently challenge intent and the lawfulness of entry.

Bank Fraud Defense

Federal and state bank fraud charges involve allegations of obtaining money or assets from a financial institution through false statements or fraudulent schemes. These are serious felonies that can result in significant prison time and fines. A strong defense often challenges the government's evidence of intent, which is essential to a fraud conviction.

Forgery Defense

Forgery in New York involves making or altering a written instrument — a check, contract, document, or ID — with intent to defraud. Charges range from misdemeanor to felony depending on the type of document involved. Many forgery cases involve circumstantial evidence and lack direct proof of intent, which can be effectively challenged.

DUI / DWI Defense

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or impaired (DWAI) in New York carries penalties including license suspension, fines, probation, and jail time — even for a first offense. For non-citizens, a DUI conviction can have serious immigration consequences. We challenge the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breathalyzer or chemical test results.

Identity Theft Defense

Identity theft charges in New York arise when someone is accused of unlawfully using another person's identifying information. These cases are particularly common in immigrant communities and can be the result of misunderstandings, false accusations, or involvement in schemes without full knowledge. We investigate the facts thoroughly before any plea is considered.

Perjury Defense

Perjury is the crime of knowingly making a false statement under oath in a legal proceeding. Charges can arise in the context of testimony, affidavits, or declarations. Perjury cases frequently arise in immigration-adjacent contexts — a domain where Knutson Law has particular experience defending clients.

White Collar Crime Defense

White collar crimes encompass a range of financially motivated offenses, including fraud, forgery, larceny, perjury, and embezzlement. These cases often involve complex financial records, extensive document review, and a sophisticated understanding of both state and federal law. Knutson Law handles white collar criminal defense with the thorough preparation these cases demand.

Why New Yorkers Choose Knutson Law for Criminal Defense

There are many criminal defense attorneys in New York. Few offer the combination of direct attorney access, cross-disciplinary legal knowledge, and bilingual capability that Knutson Law provides.

- Direct attorney access. Yana Knutson works personally on every criminal defense case she accepts. You have direct access to your attorney throughout your case.

- Criminal defense and immigration law — together. A criminal conviction can destroy an immigration case. A misdemeanor plea that seems minor to a citizen defendant can trigger deportation for a non-citizen. Yana Knutson practices both criminal defense and immigration law, which means your defense strategy accounts for your immigration status from day one — something most criminal defense attorneys cannot offer.

- Over 13 years of legal experience. Representing clients in New York State courts across criminal and immigration matters, with a reputation built on honest communication, thorough preparation, and a genuine commitment to each client's outcome.

- Fully bilingual representation available. Consultations, strategy sessions, court preparation, and communication can be conducted in Russian and English — no translator needed and no risk of misunderstanding critical legal information due to a language barrier.

- Reachable by phone, email, or WhatsApp. In criminal matters, time is critical, and we respond promptly.

If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen — Read This Before You Speak to Anyone

A criminal charge — even a misdemeanor — can have permanent consequences for your immigration status:

A single misdemeanor conviction can make you deportable
Certain charges trigger mandatory detention during immigration proceedings
A guilty plea — even to a lesser charge — may be treated as a conviction for immigration purposes
These consequences can follow you for decades, even if the criminal case seems minor

Most criminal defense attorneys do not practice immigration law and may not warn you about these risks before advising you to accept a plea deal. Because Yana Knutson practices both criminal defense and immigration law, she evaluates every criminal case through both lenses simultaneously. If you are a non-citizen facing criminal charges in New York, call us before you speak to anyone.

What Happens After an Arrest in New York — Step by Step

Understanding the process helps you protect your rights at every stage. Here is what typically happens after an arrest in New York State, and what matters most at each step.

Step 1 — Arrest and Processing

You are taken into custody, fingerprinted, and processed at the precinct. This is when your right to remain silent is most important. Everything you say can and will be used against you.

Step 2 — Arraignment (First Court Appearance).

Within 24 to 48 hours of arrest, you appear before a judge who formally reads the charges and sets bail. The judge decides whether you are released or held. Having an experienced attorney present at arraignment can significantly affect bail conditions and how your case begins in the record.

Step 3 — Investigation and Discovery.

Your attorney reviews all evidence the prosecution has gathered, investigates the facts independently, reviews police procedures, interviews witnesses, and builds your defense strategy. This is the phase where cases are most often won or lost — thorough preparation here is essential.

Step 4 — Negotiations or Pre-Trial Motions.

Depending on the strength of the evidence, your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or dismissal, or file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence that was obtained unlawfully. Many cases are resolved favorably before trial through skilled negotiation.

Step 5 — Trial or Plea Resolution.

If the case proceeds to trial, your attorney presents your defense before a judge or jury. If a plea is considered at any point, every consequence — including any impact on immigration status, employment, and housing — must be fully evaluated before you agree to anything. We never advise a plea without a complete analysis of all consequences.

Please feel free to reach out to us so we can discuss your situation together and explore all the options available to you. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in New York

What should I do if I am arrested in New York?

Exercise your right to remain silent immediately. Do not answer any questions from police or prosecutors without an attorney present. Say clearly: "I want a lawyer." Then contact Knutson Law as soon as you are able at 631-805-6601 (call or WhatsApp). The decisions made in the first hours after an arrest can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Can a criminal charge affect my immigration status?

Yes — even a misdemeanor conviction can have serious consequences for non-citizens, including deportation, denial of a green card, or inadmissibility. Because Yana Knutson practices both criminal defense and immigration law, she evaluates the immigration consequences of any criminal charge and builds a defense strategy that protects your overall situation.

What types of criminal cases does Knutson Law handle?

Knutson Law handles criminal defense in New York State, including: assault, robbery, burglary, bank fraud, identity theft, forgery, perjury, larceny, and white collar crimes.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in New York?

In New York, a misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, while a felony carries a potential prison sentence of more than one year. Felonies are also more likely to affect immigration status, employment, and housing. An experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a felony charge down to a misdemeanor or a dismissal.

How soon should I contact a criminal defense attorney after an arrest?

As soon as possible — ideally before you answer any questions from law enforcement. Statements made in the first hours after an arrest are often the most damaging to a case. Early involvement of an attorney can affect bail conditions, what evidence is gathered, and how the case begins in the record.

Do you offer criminal defense representation for Russian-speaking clients?

Yes. Attorney Yana Knutson is fluent in Russian and provides full criminal defense representation in Russian — from the initial consultation through resolution of your case. Reach us by phone or WhatsApp at 631-805-6601, or by email at info@yanaknutsonlaw.com.

Do you offer criminal defense representation for Russian-speaking clients?

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Knutson Law, PLLC is licensed to practice law in New York State. For legal advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly.