About De Leon and Associates

Criminal defense New York clients have an option in De Leon and Associates (also known as The De Leon Firm, PLLC), a Manhattan-based law firm representing clients in criminal defense, family law, and employment matters across New York City and the broader metro area. Operating in one of the country’s most demanding legal markets, De Leon and Associates serves a diverse client base that includes individuals facing serious criminal charges in the Manhattan and Bronx courts, as well as families and employees with civil legal needs that often intersect with criminal matters.

The De Leon Firm provides multi-practice representation across criminal defense, family law, and employment law — a combination that reflects the interconnected legal realities many New York City clients face. Criminal charges can affect custody rights and employment status, making representation from a firm that handles all three practice areas particularly practical for clients whose legal needs cross these lines.

Criminal Defense New York Practice Areas in New York

New York City’s criminal court system is among the most complex in the country. The New York Criminal Court handles misdemeanors and violations; the New York Supreme Court (Criminal Term) in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island handles felonies. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office prosecutes cases in New York County, and defendants benefit enormously from counsel who understands the office’s charging practices, plea disposition patterns, and the specific procedures of Manhattan and Bronx courtrooms. New York’s Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) governs all aspects of criminal proceedings, from arraignment timelines to suppression hearings.

• Felony and misdemeanor criminal defense
• Family law and custody matters
• Employment law claims and disputes
• General civil representation in New York courts

What New York Clients Say

New York City criminal defense clients emphasize responsiveness and courtroom presence above all else — in a system this large, clients who feel lost in the process particularly value attorneys who communicate proactively and explain the specific likely outcomes in their borough’s courts. Clients of multi-practice firms like De Leon and Associates also note the convenience of handling intersecting criminal, family, and employment matters with a single trusted firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the arraignment process for someone arrested in Manhattan’s New York County Criminal Court?

In New York, arraignment must occur within 24 hours of arrest in most cases, or the defendant must be released. At arraignment before the New York Criminal Court, charges are formally read, the defendant enters a plea, and bail is set (or the defendant is released on recognizance). For felony charges, the case is eventually transferred to the Supreme Court (Criminal Term) in the relevant borough after a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment. Having an attorney present at arraignment — even for initial bail arguments — can significantly affect pre-trial detention.

How does a criminal conviction affect employment rights and family law matters in New York?

In New York, Article 23-A of the Correction Law prohibits most employers from automatically disqualifying job applicants based solely on criminal history — employers must conduct an individualized assessment. However, certain professional licenses and government positions have stricter rules. On the family law side, a criminal conviction — particularly for domestic violence, drug offenses, or crimes against children — can be heavily weighted in custody determinations under New York Domestic Relations Law § 240. A firm that handles both criminal defense and family law can coordinate strategy to protect a client’s interests on both fronts.

What are New York’s time limits for filing an employment discrimination claim, and how do New York City courts handle these cases?

New York City employees have multiple avenues for employment discrimination claims. A complaint with the EEOC must generally be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act for federal claims under Title VII or the ADA. Claims under the New York State Human Rights Law must be filed with the New York Division of Human Rights within one year, or directly in state court within three years. New York City Human Rights Law claims can be filed directly in court within three years. NYC’s Human Rights Law is considered among the broadest anti-discrimination statutes in the country, covering smaller employers and more protected categories than federal law.