Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys in Niskayuna, New York
At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, our Niskayuna criminal defense lawyers know that when any one of the city’s over 22,000 residents is arrested for a crime in New York, it can change their life in seconds. Whether it was deciding to drive after one too many drinks with friends, drug possession charges that resulted from a traffic stop, or another offense, you are going to have a lot of questions about the best way to put these charges behind you.
Our trusted criminal defense attorneys in Schenectady County have answers.
We provide our clients with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to understand their charges, and how they will impact their current circumstances and their futures, so they can make informed decisions about the direction of their cases.
Our law firm’s priority is to create positive outcomes that align with our clients’ goals, so everyone understands the reality of their legal challenges, and how we can help them.
Contact us today to learn how we can put our experience to work for you.
O’Brien & Eggleston Niskayuna, New York Criminal Defense Attorney Practice Areas
With over 20 years of combined experience on both sides of New York’s criminal courtrooms, accounting for over 200 trials between them, our law firm’s co-founders, Kevin O’Brien and Adam Eggleston, have built important relationships within the legal system, ultimately benefiting our clients and their legal outcomes.
At O’Brien & Eggleston, our Niskayuna criminal defense lawyers have produced real results for real clients in the following legal areas:
If you face a state or federal legal challenge, contact our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Niskayuna for help today. We are ready to provide the positive influence your case needs to achieve the best outcome.
Do I Need a New York Criminal Defense Attorney if I Plan to Plead Guilty?
The short answer is, yes. You should partner with a skilled Niskayuna criminal defense lawyer to ensure each of your legal rights and options is explored before you agree to a “deal” with the prosecutor’s office.
Many people believe that pleading guilty to a crime — especially ones like driving while intoxicated or drug possession— is how they will take responsibility for their actions. In most cases, especially for first-time offenders, individuals believe pleading guilty will teach them a lesson and keep them from committing the same offense again. While we understand the idea behind this approach, it is usually a short-sighted decision. That is what the prosecutor is counting on. They hope to catch you in your most vulnerable state, so they can close the case and increase their conviction rate.
The reality is, pleading guilty to any crime without speaking with a criminal defense attorney in Niskayuna is not in your best interest.
No matter how serious your situation may be, our criminal defense team in Schenectady County believes your case is worth investigating to protect your future and your freedom. As your advocate, we will investigate the charges and evidence filed against you to look for errors or other details that could be critical in the outcome of your case.
I Have No Criminal History. Will That Help My New York Criminal Defense Case?
The answer is, it depends. The absence of a criminal history does not change the facts of the case. However, depending on the crime you have been charged with, lack of a criminal record may provide the leverage our Niskayuna criminal defense attorneys need to pursue a lesser charge, or a lighter penalty. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Help My New York Criminal Case?
There are several things an individual can do to preserve the integrity of their New York criminal defense case. The very first thing is to not get rearrested while your case is pending.
In addition, defendants can:
- Avoid talking to anyone but their Niskayuna criminal defense attorney about their case. The prosecution has access to the same people our law firm does, and if you have talked to any of them about your case that information can be used against you in court.
- Do not post to social media while your case is pending. In fact, disabling all social media accounts will keep the prosecutor from subjectively searching for and using any past, current, or future posts/images/comments against you.
- If you have a drug or alcohol dependency problem, seek treatment right away.
- Be sure to answer all your attorney’s questions honestly and be available when they need you.
- Never miss a court appearance or an appointment with your defense attorney.
- Continue to go to school or work as you did before your arrest. If you were not employed at the time of your arrest, seek gainful employment while your case is pending.
- Comply with any orders given by the judge, including any orders of protection or other directions that will impact your case going forward.
With a trusted Schenectady County criminal defense attorney by your side, you will have all the answers and direction necessary to make informed decisions about your case, so that together we can pursue the best outcome.
Directions from Niskayuna to O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC
These directions are from Google Maps starting from:
Total Est. Time: 22 min
Total Est. Distance: 18.5 Miles
- Get on I-890 E/NY-7 W in Rotterdam from Crosstown Connection
- Head southwest toward Union St
- Turn right onto Union St
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Balltown Rd
- Turn right onto NY-7 W/Crosstown Connection
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto I-890 E/NY-7 W
- Merge with I-890 E/NY-7 W
- Use the left 2 lanes to merge with I-90 E toward Albany
- Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 24 for I-87 N/I-90 E toward Albany/Montreal
- Continue onto I-87 N/I-90 E
- Keep left to continue on I-90 E
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 6A to merge with I-787 S toward Albany/Rensselaer
- Take exit 4B for US-9 N toward Clinton Ave
- Continue onto US-9 N/Clinton Ave
- Turn left onto N Pearl St
- Turn right onto Sheridan Ave
Call us:
518-391-2369
Email Us:
kevin@oe-legaldefense.com
Our address is:
12 Sheridan Ave Suite 3,
Albany, NY 12207, United States
We Also Represent Our Services in the Following Cities:
Contact Our Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Niskayuna, New York Today
At O’Brien & Eggleston, we offer criminal defense representation to help you protect your best interests and obtain an outcome in your favor. Tough legal issues require strong legal strategies. That is why we are here.
Our priority is to prove that you deserve an outcome that supports your future, and we have a strong track record of doing so for our clients. Don’t give up your rights without a fight. Contact our Niskayuna criminal defense attorneys at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC today by calling (518)-391-2369 or contacting us online to schedule your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Question for Criminal Defense Attorneys Niskayuna, New York
What should I bring to my first meeting with a criminal defense attorney?
At your first meeting, bring all related paperwork including charges, police reports, court notices, a list of witness names and contact info, and any personal notes you have about the case. Your Niskayuna criminal lawyer will review these documents to assess strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to provide background on your personal, work, and criminal history. Having this organized ahead of time helps the attorney evaluate your situation more quickly and develop a defense strategy.
How quickly must I act after being charged in Niskayuna?
Time is critical in criminal cases because evidence can degrade, witnesses move, and deadlines for motions or filings may pass. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna will often need to act quickly to preserve evidence, like video, forensic data, or physical items. Delaying even a few days might make it harder to build a strong defense or challenge procedural issues. The sooner you retain representation, the more options remain available.
Will I have to go to trial, or can my case be resolved without one?
Many criminal cases are resolved through plea negotiations, dismissals, or alternative sentencing rather than full trials. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna will evaluate whether a plea deal is favorable or whether the facts support pushing for trial. If a trial is necessary, your attorney will prepare motions, jury selection, evidence challenges, and trial strategy. Even if you don’t go to trial, a robust defense effort can help reduce charges or penalties.
What is expungement or sealing of my record, and when is it possible?
Expungement or sealing allows your record to be hidden or erased from public view under certain conditions. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna can advise whether your charges qualify for record relief under New York law. The eligibility depends on factors like the nature of the offense, waiting periods, prior convictions, and whether you satisfied sentencing terms. If possible, your attorney will file the petition and represent you in hearings to seek sealing.
Do I have the right to a jury trial?
In many criminal cases, you have the constitutional right to demand a jury trial, especially for felony or serious misdemeanor charges. Our criminal attorneys in Niskayuna can explain whether your particular charges carry that right. If you waive a jury, your case will go before a judge, bench trial, which may be faster but has tradeoffs. Your attorney will weigh whether a jury or bench trial is more strategic in your case.
Can police search my property or phone without a warrant?
In many circumstances, police must have a warrant or satisfy a legal exception to search your property or digital devices. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna will vigorously contest unlawful searches via suppression motions. If the court agrees the search violated your rights, evidence may be excluded. Preventing illegally obtained evidence from being used can make a big difference in your defense.
What if I was coerced or forced to confess or speak to law enforcement?
Forced, coerced, or involuntary statements may violate the Fifth Amendment and state constitutional protections. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna can file motions to suppress those statements before they reach the jury. The judge will hold a hearing to determine whether your rights were violated. If the statements are suppressed, prosecutors cannot use them, which can dramatically weaken their case.
What if I violated probation or parole?
Violating probation or parole can trigger revocation proceedings, additional incarceration, or other penalties. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna can defend you in those hearings by challenging the allegation or mitigating consequences. Your attorney may argue lack of violation, procedural defects, or propose alternative sanctions. It’s crucial to act quickly when facing violation charges because the stakes are often high.
How are juvenile criminal cases different from adult criminal cases?
Juvenile proceedings typically emphasize rehabilitation over punishment and may have different procedural rules like sealing, confidentiality, and different sentencing. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna handling juvenile matters will be familiar with family court, delinquency statutes, and records protections. Your attorney can explore diversion or juvenile probation instead of formal adjudication. Juvenile records may more readily be sealed or expunged under the law.
What is bail or bond, and how can I get released before trial?
Bail or bond is a court-ordered condition to secure your presence at trial. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna can file motions for bail reduction, argue for release on recognizance, or challenge restrictive bond conditions. The judge will consider factors like flight risk, criminal history, and public safety. Your attorney may also arrange sureties or conditions to make release more acceptable to the court.
What are the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, beyond jail?
Beyond a sentence, a criminal conviction can impact your job prospects, housing, voting rights, professional licenses, and immigration status. A criminal attorney in Niskayuna will help you understand these collateral effects before making decisions. In some cases, mitigation or alternative sentencing might reduce collateral harm. Knowledge of these consequences allows you to make more informed choices in your defense.
