Former prosecutor defense for DWI, drug, assault, weapons, and federal charges in Queens. Free 24/7 consultation: 646-453-4001.
Spahija Law defends clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Queens, 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.
Queens cases are arraigned at Queens Criminal Court, 125-01 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens, with felonies proceeding in Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term, at 125-01 Queens Boulevard.
These are the courts where Queens 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.
Queens sees heavy DWI and vehicle related enforcement along its highway corridors. Our DWI practice, including Intoxilyzer 9000 challenges and DMV refusal hearings, is built for exactly these cases.
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 Queens 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 Queens Criminal Court at 125-01 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. Felony matters proceed to Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term at 125-01 Queens Boulevard.
From there the case runs on discovery and motion practice. Under CPL Article 245 the Queens 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 Queens 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 Queens Criminal Court, 125-01 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. Felony matters continue in Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term at the same address.
Arraignment usually takes place within roughly 24 hours of arrest, subject to court volume and the day of the week. Desk appearance tickets carry a later return date instead.
Yes. Spahija Law handles criminal matters across all five boroughs, Nassau County and Westchester County.
Keep your arrest paperwork, do not discuss the incident with anyone but your lawyer, stay off social media, and retain counsel before arraignment if there is still time.
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Free, confidential consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The earlier we get involved, the more options you have.
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