About Richard J Sherwood

Criminal defense Lancaster NY clients in Erie County facing criminal charges rely on attorney Richard J. Sherwood, whose practice covers criminal defense alongside bankruptcy, civil rights, immigration, and general legal matters in the Buffalo metropolitan area. Lancaster, a suburban community in Erie County just east of Buffalo, sits within the jurisdiction of the Erie County Court — one of New York’s busier trial courts — making local knowledge of the court’s procedures and prosecutors essential for effective defense.

Sherwood’s multi-practice background is a practical asset for Lancaster residents: criminal charges often intersect with immigration consequences, employment issues, or financial strain, and having counsel who handles multiple areas means clients get coordinated advice rather than piecemeal guidance from different attorneys.

Criminal Defense Lancaster — Practice Areas in Erie County

Erie County criminal cases are prosecuted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and tried in Erie County Court in downtown Buffalo. Misdemeanor charges are typically handled in the Lancaster Town Court or the Buffalo City Court, depending on where the offense occurred. New York’s criminal procedure law sets strict deadlines for motions and speedy trial rights, making prompt attorney involvement critical for anyone charged in the Lancaster area.

• Felony and Misdemeanor Defense in Erie County Court
• DWI / DUI Defense — New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1192
• Drug Charges — possession and sale under New York Penal Law
• Traffic Infractions and License Suspension Defense

What Lancaster Clients Say

Clients in Erie County who work with attorneys at Sherwood’s practice level appreciate counsel who understands both the Buffalo-area court culture and the specific pressures facing suburban defendants from Lancaster — many of whom have professional licenses, immigration status, or employment situations that make the stakes of any criminal charge particularly high. Thoroughness in reviewing evidence and knowledge of local prosecutorial practices are consistently noted as important qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at arraignment in Erie County Court?

Arraignment is the first formal court appearance after an arrest in New York. At arraignment in Erie County Court, you are formally read the charges against you, enter an initial plea (usually not guilty to preserve options), and the court rules on bail. For felonies in Erie County, the process begins in Buffalo City Court before being transferred to Erie County Court for grand jury proceedings or indictment. Having an attorney at arraignment — ideally before — allows for an immediate argument for release or lower bail.

How does a DWI conviction affect your driver’s license in New York?

A first-offense DWI conviction in New York under Vehicle and Traffic Law §1192 typically results in a six-month license revocation. A DWAI (impairment, lower threshold) carries a 90-day suspension. Aggravated DWI (BAC of .18 or higher) results in at least a one-year revocation. Drivers may apply for a conditional license through the DMV’s Drinking Driver Program, which allows limited driving privileges during the revocation period. Repeat offenses and refusals to submit to chemical tests carry significantly harsher license penalties.

What are the potential immigration consequences of a criminal conviction in Lancaster, New York?

Non-citizens facing criminal charges in Erie County should understand that even misdemeanor convictions can trigger serious immigration consequences under federal law, including deportation, inadmissibility, and bars to naturalization. Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, and domestic violence offenses carry particular immigration risk. An attorney who handles both criminal defense and immigration law can evaluate these consequences and may be able to seek a plea that resolves the criminal matter while minimizing immigration exposure.