Benjamin Greenwald
Benjamin Greenwald is a criminal defense attorney serving clients throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley. With more than 20 years of experience handling DWI, felony, and serious criminal matters, he has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and strategic defense representation across New York courts.
A New York violent crime lawyer investigates a case by requesting official records, reviewing photographs and video footage, and checking witness statements for inconsistencies. A poorly investigated criminal defense is detrimental. On that note, Benjamin Greenwald, admitted to the New York State Bar 25 years ago, has personally handled more than 5,000 criminal defenses. Call the Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald at (845) 567-4820 to speak to a violent crime lawyer with New York legal knowledge and experience.
Summary of New York Criminal Defense Investigations
In 2026, a New York violent crime lawyer builds a defense by painstakingly reviewing records, evidence, and witness accounts connected to the case.
- A defense investigation starts with gathering 911 audio, surveillance footage, medical records, crime scene photographs, the police report, and phone records.
- Witness statements are cross-checked with other evidence for inconsistencies.
- Attorneys and/or private investigators will personally visit the crime scene to check for overlooked details, as well as bring in forensic experts to examine evidence like DNA, ballistics, tire tracks, or fibers.
The violent crime attorneys at the Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald represent those accused of violent crimes throughout Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, and Rockland Counties.
Scrutinizing Photos, Videos, and Social Media Activity
Surveillance footage from businesses, traffic cameras, and residential doorbell cameras can capture events that police reports do not fully describe. A savvy criminal defense team will track down this crucial footage and ensure that the evidence is audible and visible. They will analyze it frame by frame to establish timing, distance, and the movement of everyone involved. Likewise, phone records, call logs, phone location data, and social media posts can confirm or dispute the timeline offered by officials, such as the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. A hardworking violent crime lawyer will also inspect any photographs of the crime scene, looking for lighting conditions or other key physical evidence.
Requesting Records
Additionally, violent crime lawyers request police reports, 911 call audio, and medical records to identify the facts and help establish the timeline. This evidence is shared between both sides per New York Criminal Procedure Law Article 245. Carefully comparing requested records and cross-checking them against the accuser’s statements can uncover contradictions that support a defense. Furthermore, discrepancies often develop between the initial police report and witness testimony given in court. This means an experienced violent crime lawyer does not just read the police report once at the beginning of the investigation. Evidence obtained early must be checked over and over again to verify or discredit newer evidence.
Checking Witness Statements
The Sixth Amendment’s Confrontation Clause gives a defendant the right to confront witnesses who testify against them. This means a defendant has the legal right to be present in court and to cross-examine anyone who testifies against them, rather than having no opportunity to represent their own side of the story. Nevertheless, a reputable New York violent crime lawyer compares what a witness told police at the scene with statements they later gave. Inconsistencies between these accounts can undermine the credibility of a witness, rendering everything they’ve said suspicious or questionable. Investigating witness statements also involves looking for whether a witness had a personal motive, an existing conflict, or was under pressure at the time of their initial testimony or presently.
Investigating the Crime Scene
Thorough attorneys and their private investigators will personally visit the alleged crime scene to look for evidence. Lighting, distances, and sightlines can all affect whether a witness could have seen what they described. Traffic patterns and pedestrian routes near the scene can also reveal additional information. Furthermore, crime scene visits can help defense attorneys locate additional surveillance cameras. Regardless, on-site investigations commonly uncover valuable evidence for the defense.
Analyzing Forensics
New York courts apply the standard established in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923) to evaluate scientific evidence, such as forensic reports. The legal standard set by this case is that scientific evidence like DNA must be tested using a method that is a non-controversial standard practice. Additionally, a New York violent crime lawyer often hires independent experts to review forensic evidence such as shoe prints, paint chips, and gunshot residue. These experts in their respective fields can identify testing errors, contamination, or conclusions that go beyond what the data supports. Ballistics evidence, in particular, requires careful comparison between the firearm and the bullets, if any were involved.
Call a New York Violent Crime Lawyer Now!
Experienced New York criminal defense attorney Benjamin Greenwald is one of the few Orange County bar members who has won a case with an insanity plea, which is only successful about 20% of the time. Moreover, the Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald serves Spanish-speaking clients. Call (845) 567-4820 to speak to a violent crime attorney about your legal rights and options if arrested for a violent crime in upstate New York. Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Violent Crime Charges
The following FAQs address common legal questions related to violent crime charges and defenses in New York.
What Qualifies as a Violent Crime Under New York Law?
New York Penal Law section 70.02 defines specific offenses, such as assault, robbery, and certain weapons charges, as violent felony offenses. Classification as a violent felony results in mandatory minimum prison sentences and limits eligibility for certain sentencing alternatives.
Can Someone Get Bail During a Pending Violent Crime Case in New York?
Yes, New York courts consider factors under Criminal Procedure Law section 510.10 to decide whether bail, release, or remand applies to a violent crime charge. Judges weigh the severity of the charge, prior criminal record, and flight risk when making this determination.
Does a Violent Crime Conviction Affect the Right to Own a Firearm in New York?
A violent crime conviction can permanently bar someone from possessing a gun under both New York state and federal law. 18 U.S.C. section 922(g)(1) is the specific federal statute that prohibits convicted felons from owning or having a firearm in their possession.
How Can the Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald Assist With a Violent Crime Case?
The Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald can review the evidence, witness statements, and forensic findings connected to any violent crime charge. Consider visiting with an experienced New York violent crime lawyer at the Law Office of Benjamin Greenwald to learn more about your legal options.
