The Law Office of Kevin B. Faga represents people facing criminal investigations, arrests, and charges from its office at 222 Bloomingdale Road, Suite 202, White Plains. Our criminal defense practice includes New York State and federal matters. Call 914-358-1373 to discuss the type of charge, the court involved, and any upcoming appearance.

Evaluate experience with the particular charge and court, preparation, communication, and the lawyer's explanation of possible strategies. Ask who will appear with you and what work the fee covers. A label such as 'best' does not establish suitability or predict an outcome. Kevin B. Faga's background includes more than 30 years of criminal defense experience in New York State and federal courts.

Yes. Contact our White Plains office to request a consultation about an investigation, arrest, or pending charge. Have the charging documents, court name, next appearance date, and any release conditions available. Tell the office if the person involved is in custody. Ask about scheduling, consultation fees, and the proposed scope of representation when arranging the appointment.

It can be useful to obtain advice as soon as you learn that you may be under investigation. Counsel can evaluate the situation, address communications with investigators, and identify evidence that should be preserved. Waiting for formal charges can leave important decisions unaddressed. Receiving a request for an interview or a subpoena is a reason to seek advice promptly.

Get legal advice before agreeing to an interview about suspected criminal conduct. Even an explanation intended to clear up confusion can become evidence. You can clearly state that you want a lawyer and do not wish to answer investigative questions. Do not lie, interfere with officers, or disregard lawful orders. Counsel can assess the circumstances and advise how to respond.

A family member can gather the person's full name, the arresting agency if known, and the location where the person is being held, then contact defense counsel. Preserve notices and information about possible court appearances. Avoid discussing the alleged facts through public posts or assuming that ordinary jail calls are private. Counsel can advise about the next available proceeding and communication arrangements.

At an arraignment, the court addresses the charges, the defendant's rights, a plea, and the next procedural steps. Depending on the case, release conditions, bail, and an order of protection may also be considered. This is a significant proceeding even though it usually does not resolve the evidence. Defense counsel can explain the accusations and advocate on the issues the court must decide.

Both are criminal classifications, but felonies are generally the more serious category. The specific charge and its classification affect potential penalties and how the prosecution proceeds. A familiar-sounding charge should not be treated as minor without reviewing the actual statute and allegations. Counsel should also assess consequences involving employment, licensing, immigration, and existing criminal history.

An appearance ticket still requires attention to the allegations and the scheduled court date. Release after an arrest does not mean that the charge has been dismissed. Give counsel the ticket and all accompanying paperwork promptly. Confirm the court, date, and any restrictions, and do not assume that contacting a lawyer excuses your attendance.

Bail is not required in every case. New York release rules depend on the charge, the procedural circumstances, and applicable law. Courts may impose different forms of release or, in eligible cases, set bail or order detention. Defense counsel can address the available options and relevant information; an attorney cannot guarantee release or a particular bail amount.

Yes. A DWI-related matter can raise license issues while the criminal charge is pending. A chemical-test refusal can also lead to a separate DMV hearing. The criminal case and administrative process have different purposes and consequences. Provide counsel with every ticket, suspension notice, and DMV document promptly so that both sets of issues can be evaluated.

Depending on the allegations, relevant evidence may include police reports, recordings, witness accounts, identification procedures, physical evidence, and statements attributed to the accused. Counsel examines how evidence was obtained and whether legal grounds exist to challenge its use. Not every irregularity requires dismissal. The significance of an issue depends on the facts, the governing rules, and the rest of the evidence.

Tell your attorney the complete account and identify records, witnesses, locations, and dates that may support it. Preserve messages and other existing evidence without altering or deleting anything. Avoid confronting the complainant or trying to influence witnesses. A defense requires careful review of what the prosecution must prove, even when you believe the allegation is plainly wrong.

Follow the actual terms of the order unless the court changes them. An invitation, apology, shared family obligation, or the other person's request for contact does not itself modify a court order. Ask counsel how the restrictions apply to messages, third-party contact, children, and property retrieval. Violating the order can create additional legal problems.

A complaining witness does not control the prosecution's decision to continue or dismiss a criminal case. The prosecutor evaluates the evidence and applicable law, and court approval may be required for a disposition. Do not pressure anyone to withdraw an allegation. Give relevant information to your lawyer so it can be addressed through proper legal channels.

Evaluate the evidence, trial risks, exact charge, proposed sentence, and consequences beyond the criminal court. A plea can affect immigration, professional licensing, employment, housing, or another pending matter. Ask counsel what rights you would give up and whether the proposed terms are confirmed. A fast resolution is useful only if you understand what you are agreeing to.

Some cases resolve through dismissal, a negotiated plea, or another permitted disposition; others proceed to hearings or trial. The appropriate path depends on the evidence and your objectives. Trial preparation helps counsel evaluate the prosecution's proof and the alternatives. No one should promise that your case will be dismissed, settled, or won before the necessary analysis.

Tell defense counsel about your immigration status before considering a plea or other disposition. Immigration consequences can differ from the criminal penalty and may arise even when a proposed outcome appears favorable. Defense strategy should be informed by advice from qualified immigration counsel when appropriate. Do not assume that a sealed record or a sentence without jail eliminates immigration concerns.

It may. Reporting duties, employer policies, licensing rules, and issues in a related custody proceeding can require separate analysis. Give your lawyer relevant employment agreements, professional notices, and existing family court orders. The best response depends on the particular obligation; do not assume that every arrest must be reported or that the criminal case resolves every related issue.

​Some records qualify for sealing under particular statutes, including New York's Clean Slate framework, but eligibility, timing, implementation, and access exceptions matter. Sealing does not mean that every agency loses access or that every conviction disappears. Ask counsel to review the actual record and the rules currently applicable to it before relying on a background-check assumption.