New York Criminal Charges — Know Your Rights
If you're facing charges in New York, your rights are the same powerful federal ones everywhere — stay silent, ask for a lawyer — and New York adds strong rules of its own, from assigned counsel if you can't afford an attorney to automatic discovery that forces the prosecution to turn over its evidence early. We don't represent you; we help you understand the process and get organized for the lawyer who will.
Your rights: The Fifth and Sixth Amendments — the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. If you can't afford a lawyer, New York provides assigned (18-B) counsel; ask for one at arraignment.
How the case moves: Arrest → arraignment (where bail or release is decided; NY's 2019 reform limits cash bail for many charges) → for felonies, grand jury → automatic discovery (CPL Article 245) → motions → trial.
First appearance: You should be arraigned without unnecessary delay (commonly within ~24 hours of arrest) — that's your first and most important early date.
First move: Stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and don't discuss the case with anyone; request assigned counsel if you can't afford one. We help you organize the discovery, timeline, and questions for your attorney.
Charged in New York? Get organized for your lawyer.
HWS helps you understand your rights and organize the discovery, dates, and a clear timeline for the attorney who defends you. We do not represent you.
This is general know-your-rights education, not legal advice, and Health Wealth Stealth is not a law firm and does not represent you or provide criminal-defense strategy. Retain a licensed New York criminal-defense attorney; in an emergency call 911.