A violent crime charge in New York carries consequences that begin immediately and escalate fast. Courtney McGowan has prosecuted and defended violent felony cases in Westchester County courts. She knows how the DA's office builds these cases, and she knows where they break down. Call now for a free consultation.

What Is at Stake with a Violent Crime Charge

New York treats violent offenses differently from other crimes. Charges classified as violent felonies under the Penal Law carry mandatory prison sentences on conviction — probation is not an option, and the sentencing ranges are fixed by statute.

The pressure starts at arraignment. Most violent felony charges are bail-eligible, which means pretrial detention is a real possibility before any evidence has been tested. Courts often impose orders of protection at the first appearance, which can affect where you live, who you contact, and whether you can return home.

Felony cases move to a grand jury on a short timeline. Decisions made in the first days — whether to testify, what to submit, how to respond to the People's theory — shape everything that follows. Having counsel in place before that window closes matters.

A conviction also reaches beyond the sentence. Violent offenses affect employment, housing, firearm rights, professional licensing, and immigration status. For non-citizens, a crime classified as an aggravated felony can trigger removal proceedings regardless of how long you have lived here.

How Courtney Defends Violent Crime Cases

Justification and Self-Defense: New York law recognizes the right to defend yourself and others. What the prosecution calls an assault is often a person responding to a threat. Courtney develops the full sequence of events, not the version that made it into the police report.

Identification Evidence: Many violent crime cases rest on eyewitness identification. Showups, photo arrays, and lineups are frequently conducted improperly. Courtney challenges suggestive procedures and the reliability of identifications made under stress.

Injury and Intent: The degree of a charge often turns on the level of injury alleged and the mental state the People must prove. Medical records, timelines, and witness accounts do not always support the charge as filed. Courtney pushes for reductions where the evidence does not meet the statute.

Search and Seizure: Weapons charges frequently begin with a street stop, a vehicle search, or a warrantless entry. If officers lacked legal justification, the evidence may be suppressed — and without it, the case may not survive.

Grand Jury Strategy and Negotiation: Early, informed advocacy can prevent an indictment or narrow one. Courtney has tried serious felony cases and negotiated resolutions in them, and she brings both paths to every case.

What We Handle

Assault (misdemeanor and felony)
Menacing and harassment
Reckless endangerment
Strangulation charges
Robbery
Burglary
Criminal possession of a weapon
Gun charges
Homicide and manslaughter
Attempted violent felonies
Violent felony probation and parole violations