About Law Office of Jonathan Savella — criminal defense New York New York
For criminal defense New York clients facing serious state or federal charges, attorney Jonathan Savella brings energy, intelligence, and the kind of savvy that distinguishes the city’s top defense lawyers. He began practicing in 2010 alongside a prominent NYC appellate attorney, completed a federal District Court clerkship in New Jersey, and now represents individuals and businesses in criminal investigations, trials, and appeals across the Northeast. His federal focus covers financial crimes, fraud, money laundering, RICO, drug trafficking, and securities matters, with regular appearances in federal district courts and the New York Court of Appeals. You can compare other firms on the New York attorney directory.
What defines this criminal defense New York practice is diligence: Savella masters the facts of each case, studies the applicable law closely, and builds a defense tailored to the client’s specific circumstances rather than reaching for a template. A quick study with a clerkship-honed command of federal procedure, he is comfortable in both the trial and appellate arenas — an advantage in complex white-collar and federal matters where the record built early often decides the outcome on appeal.
What Clients Say
This profile does not yet display public reviews, so the following reflects the firm’s stated approach rather than testimony. The practice positions Jonathan Savella as a diligent, research-driven advocate who masters the facts and law of each case before crafting a defense. The firm emphasizes tailored strategy over boilerplate and points to media appearances and a federal clerkship as markers of the depth he brings to high-stakes matters.
criminal defense New York — Practice Areas & Services
- Federal Criminal Defense: Representation in investigations and trials in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
- Financial & Securities Fraud: Defense against fraud, embezzlement, and securities charges for individuals and businesses.
- Money Laundering & RICO: Complex federal cases drawing on deep procedural command.
- Drug & Gun Crimes: Defense against serious federal and state trafficking and weapons charges.
- Criminal Appeals: Appellate work before the New York Court of Appeals and federal circuit courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between state and federal charges in New York?
State charges are prosecuted by district attorneys in courts like the New York County Supreme Court, while federal charges are brought by U.S. Attorneys in the Southern or Eastern District of New York. Federal cases follow different rules and sentencing guidelines, which is why federal-court experience matters.
How much does a New York criminal defense lawyer cost?
Fees depend heavily on whether a case is a state misdemeanor or a complex federal matter, and most defense attorneys offer a consultation to assess the charge first. Savella’s office provides a free case evaluation, so you can understand the exposure before committing.
Where are federal criminal cases heard in New York City?
Federal cases in the city are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Manhattan, or in the Eastern District in Brooklyn. The court depends on where the alleged conduct occurred.
Quick Facts: Criminal Defense in New York, New York
- Felony arrests at a 10-year high: NYC felony arrests in 2024 reached their highest level in a decade, up 16% from 2015 — NY Division of Criminal Justice Services
- Two federal districts: NYC federal cases are heard in the Southern District (Manhattan) or Eastern District (Brooklyn) — U.S. Courts
- Separate guidelines: Federal charges follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, distinct from New York state law — U.S. Sentencing Commission


