Frequently asked questions

New York does not recognize most out-of-state carry permits, so a lawfully owned handgun elsewhere can become a felony charge here. Travelers passing through Queens airports are arrested often, yet many of these cases can be reduced or resolved favorably.

Refusing a chemical test triggers an automatic license revocation and a civil penalty through a separate Department of Motor Vehicles hearing. That process runs alongside your criminal case, and we defend both so one setback does not quietly become two.

Yes. For noncitizens, certain pleas and convictions can trigger deportation, block a green card, or bar reentry, sometimes even for minor charges. We review immigration exposure before any plea so a court outcome does not become a permanent one.

Often, yes. New York law allows many older convictions to be sealed once enough time has passed and eligibility rules are met. At Michael Paul Attorney at Law in Queens, NY, we review your history and petition when the path is open.

As early as possible. The hours after an arrest shape evidence, statements, and bail, and early action often changes the direction of a case. Reaching us before your first appearance gives your defense the strongest possible footing from the start.

A misdemeanor carries up to a year in jail, while a felony can mean state prison and heavier lasting consequences. Which one you face depends on the charge and the facts, and reductions from felony to misdemeanor are frequently within reach.

No. You have the right to stay silent and to have counsel present, and using that right is rarely held against you. Politely declining to answer until we are involved protects you from statements that prosecutors later use.

Frequently, yes. Weapon and contraband cases at JFK and LaGuardia often involve travelers with no criminal history and honest misunderstandings. Those facts, combined with careful review of the stop and search, open real room for reductions or non-criminal resolutions.

These are the effects that reach beyond court, touching employment, housing, professional licenses, immigration, and firearm rights. They can outlast any sentence, so we plan for them from the start and pursue sealing and relief to limit the long-term fallout.

Possibly, but not automatically. Suspensions can begin at arraignment, yet hardship privileges, conditional licenses, and interlock options often keep you driving. We move quickly on the licensing side so a single arrest does not strand your work and family life.

Diversion lets eligible defendants complete counseling or treatment in exchange for reduced charges or a dismissal. It focuses on the underlying issue rather than punishment. We assess whether you qualify and advocate for placement when it serves your future best.

Yes. If police searched you, your car, or your home without a valid warrant or legal justification, we move to suppress whatever they found. A successful challenge can gut the prosecution's evidence and lead directly to dismissal of the charges.

An attorney reviews the contract, examines title, coordinates with the lender, and protects you at the closing table. In New York, buyers and sellers rely on counsel to catch problems early and to make sure the transaction closes cleanly and correctly.

Arraignment is your first court appearance, where charges are read, a plea is entered, and the judge sets bail or release conditions. Having counsel there matters, because early arguments on bail and release can shape the entire case that follows.

Yes. Many clients arrested at Queens airports or while visiting live elsewhere, and we routinely represent out-of-state travelers. We manage court appearances, filings, and negotiations so you can return home while your New York matter is handled properly.