Former prosecutor defense for DWI, drug, assault, weapons, and federal charges in Bronx. Free 24/7 consultation: 646-453-4001.
Spahija Law defends clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Bronx, led by Amel Spahija, a former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and Staten Island. The charges we defend include DWI, drug offenses, assault, weapons charges, domestic violence, theft, and federal matters.
Bronx criminal cases are arraigned at Bronx Criminal Court, 215 East 161st Street, with felonies proceeding in Bronx Supreme Court at the Bronx Hall of Justice, 265 East 161st Street.
These are the courts where Bronx cases are heard. If you are unsure which one your case is in, the court name is printed on your arrest paperwork or desk appearance ticket, and we can confirm it for you.
The Bronx District Attorney's office runs one of the busiest caseloads in the state, which creates real leverage on discovery compliance and speedy trial deadlines under CPL 30.30. We use both aggressively.
Read about the former prosecutor advantage and see our case results. Our primary office is in Downtown Brooklyn; see the Brooklyn criminal defense page for the full practice overview.
Spahija Law defends the full range of criminal matters in Bronx County, from first arrests to indicted felonies. Common cases include DWI and DUI, drug charges, assault charges, theft and larceny, weapons charges, domestic violence allegations and orders of protection. Federal matters are handled separately through our federal criminal defense practice.
The charge level drives almost everything that follows: which court hears the case, what the exposure is, and how much room exists to negotiate. Our guide to felony versus misdemeanor levels in New York explains where those lines fall and how charges get reduced.
Most matters start with either an arrest or an appearance ticket. After processing, the first court appearance is arraignment, where the charges are read and the judge addresses release conditions and any order of protection. Misdemeanor cases generally stay in Bronx Criminal Court at 215 East 161st Street. Felony matters proceed to Bronx Supreme Court, Criminal Division at 265 East 161st Street.
From there the case runs on discovery and motion practice. Under CPL Article 245 the Bronx District Attorney must turn over its evidence on a statutory schedule, and under CPL 30.30 the clock on readiness keeps running. Those deadlines are where a lot of leverage lives, and enforcing them is routine defense work rather than a long shot. Our case results include matters resolved on exactly those grounds.
Early involvement matters more than most people expect. Statements get made, evidence gets collected or lost, and offers get anchored in the first weeks. Read what to do in the first 24 hours after an arrest and your rights when police stop you.
Beyond criminal defence, Spahija Law also represents clients in the Bronx on personal injury claims and real estate matters, including closings, contract review and landlord tenant disputes.
Amel Spahija spent his early career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and Staten Island, reviewing evidence, screening charges and preparing cases for trial. That experience shapes how a defense gets built: what the prosecution needs to prove, where its file is likely to be weak, and which arguments actually move a case. More on the former prosecutor advantage.
Misdemeanor cases are generally heard at Bronx Criminal Court, 215 East 161st Street. Felony matters move to Bronx Supreme Court, Criminal Division at 265 East 161st Street after indictment or waiver.
Arraignment usually happens within about 24 hours of arrest, though volume, weekends and holidays can push it later. Some people receive a desk appearance ticket instead and are released with a future date.
Yes. Spahija Law represents clients across all five boroughs, and Amel Spahija served as a prosecutor in Kings and Richmond Counties before moving to the defense side.
Keep every piece of paperwork you were given, avoid discussing the case with anyone but your lawyer, stay off social media about it, and get counsel involved before arraignment if there is still time.
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