The Law office of
Yan Katsnelson, P.C.

New York And New Jersey Licensed

Free Case Evaluation

Criminal Defense LawyerStaten Island

The Law Office of Yan Katsnelson defends individuals who have been charged with all types of criminal activity. We will be by your side, defending your best interests throughout the whole process, including the arrest, the criminal investigation surrounding it, any criminal charges, the trial, sentencing, and any appeals or post-trial matters. At the Law Offices of Yan Katsnelson, your case is always our top priority. No matter what crime you have been charged with, we are prepared to fight hard in order to reach the best possible outcome for you.

Law defense

Criminal Law Defense

If you are arrested or facing arrest in New York or New Jersey, it is important to understand the criminal codes and procedures differ greatly from state to state. Facing the criminal defense process alone or without qualified legal counsel can be an anxious and intimidating experience for anyone. Regardless of the severity of the crime, it is still a process that can be made far more manageable with the help of a competent and effective attorney. Yan Katsnelson is licensed both in New York and New Jersey.

What We Offer

What crimes can a criminal defense lawyer help you fight?

  • DUI/DWI
  • Felonies
  • Misdemeanors
  • Desk Appearance Tickets
  • Violation Offenses

Even otherwise honest, successful and hardworking individuals can sometime exhibit a momentary
lapse of sound judgment, or find themselves in ambiguous circumstances where their innocence or
reputation requires vindication in the court of law.

Seasoned counsel, customized case assessment, and fair pricing position the Law Office of Yan
Katsnelson, P.C., apart from larger, branded firms within the legal industry. The Law Office of Yan Katsnelson, P.C. represents individuals in all types of Criminal Law Defense, including Felonies, Misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, Desk Appearance Tickets, and Violation Offenses.
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Charged

Should you get a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged?

Definitely, particularly if this is not your first encounter with the law. But even if it is, you should know that a criminal charge has the potential to impact every single area of your life. Your personal reputation, your family life, your career, your financial situation, you name it, it may be affected by the charge.

The insight and skill of an experienced criminal defense lawyer cannot be overstated. You need someone at this time who will help you make sure you have a fair trial and your constitutional rights are protected.

Criminal Law Defense

Client Testimonials

Thank You Yan Katsnelson for your Professionalism and compassionate with answering any questions and making the best possible decision there was for my son. He was there for us at every court date and phone call. He's very smart and knowledgeable about the justice system. He's very reasonable priced and worth every penny. I highly recommend Mr Katsnelson. He also was able to decrease my sons charges and in the end dismissed the case with minimal consequences and gave my son good advice to stay out of trouble and to choose your friends wisely and not to let them influence you it's a tough age at 18 and my son did learn but the hard way.

awesome Lawyer HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Not guilty,dismissed! About six years ago I met Yan amongst other friends & Was professionally introduced. Who in the world would ever think that only a few years later I will need his assistance in a criminal matter and when he had it completely dismissed in six months like he said he would.He comforted my wife with professionalism and came down to the holding cells before I went to the judge to let me know what was going to be going on. He hit the nail right on the head. He never lied, never miss lead me & Spoke to me with the level of professionalism. If you need a lawyer I will tell you that he is what he says he is and does not sugarcoat anything. It was a six-month deal deal yet we walked out with the case dismissed

Michael

Best in Staten Island I was wrongly stopped by a patrol car, and I was unable to contact a lawyer. They cops illegally searched my vehicle and found marijuana. Yan Katsnelson was able to get my Felony charges dropped in 4 months. Everything he told me he would do he did. He said in the beginning of my case that he will get it dropped to a misdemeanor and then a acd. At the end of all this mess he was able to produce what he was selling. Thank you Yan Katsnelson for your service and professionalism.

Terry

Yan Katsnelson is the lawyer for you! he is beyond great! basically held my hand thru the whole terrible process, that I never imagined my self to be in. Besides answering every question I had repeatedly, he answered all of my family's concerns as well. I had to take a plea and he made sure I would get the minimum penalties with no criminal record. He made this whole process a lot easier by being so professional, and always there for me.

DUI Case

Great Lawyer Mr. Katsnelson worked tirelessly on getting me the best possible deal. I was facing jail time and terrified. He was always honest, upfront and realistic with me. He was professional and compassionate returning every phone call to answer all/any questions I had. Also he was the BEST dressed lawyer I've ever met.

Nicole

Yan was great. He held my hand through the entire processes and made it as easy as possible. Thank you!

After being arrested for the first time, I hired Mr Katsnelson. I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. He was knowledgeable and understanding which was comforting at such a trying time. He was able to get my case dismissed with an ACD. I was able to return to work and put this case behind me. I would reccomend Mr. Katsnelson to anyone seeking legal advice.

First offense

I highly recommend Yan Katsnelson. He has represented me recently and I could not be more satisfied with his service. From start to finish, Yan was thorough, professional and effective.

Excellent attorney

Yan was very responsive and informative through the process. He answered any and all questions I had and I would definitely recommend him.

Yan is an amazing lawyer. He helped me with ease. I am and was satisfied with his work and dedication that he had for me. I highly recommend him to anyone that needs a good lawyer he is the best. Thank you so much.

Dedicated

Yan Katsnelson got my DWI and reckless-driving charges dropped. He was responsive to emails and phone calls. Because of this, I must say that Yan is a good lawyer. The only thing that irked me was how long it took for my case to be closed (6 months), but then again I don't know how long these things usually take to be resolved. So, overall, I would recommend Yan if you need a lawyer who is experienced with cases regarding matters of reckless driving etc etc.

Mr. Yatsnelson was very dedicated to my case . He worked very hard to fight for the most fairest outcome for it (and he succeeded) . Whenever I had a question , yan was reachable and provided me with a response in minutes .

top notch most dedicated attorney

Thorough work from beginning to end. In a time where I felt like my world had crashed and had nothing but uncertainty, Yan was hired. He was contacted the morning he was needed and was readily available and more than willing to accept the case on spot. Not only was he called and appeared same day, but made the process easier with his knowledge and kind mannerisms. He truly made you feel you were in good hands.

Kristina

Top Notch Lawyer!!!! Mr Katnelson represented me in a domestic violence case. Extreme professionalism. Made me feel at ease immediately after meeting with him. Told me what likely was going to happen and it worked out exactly how he said. I would recommend Mr Katnelson to anyone who needs a friendly, professional, true to his word lawyer.

Patrick

Great Lawyer Yan is a great Lawyer, from the very beginning he was extremely helpful and gave me a a feeling of ease that i didn't habe before speaking to him. He had taken my case last min and went above and beyond to get what was needed to help me out. His professionalism in the court room puts you at ease knowing you are dealing with someone who knows his way around the court room and never shows a sign of nervousness at all. On top of all these things he is a good priced lawyer and doesn't take advantage of a bad situation like a lot of other lawyers. He is a pleasure to do business with and I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for a great down to earth Lawyer.

Frank

I have to say that I was impressed and amazed on how Mr. Yan Katsnelson handled a case for me that was 22 years old and was able to get it rectified and handled in a short amount of time. I would recommend him with high regards in his profession. I found him to be honest, trustworthy and respectful.

Great Lawyer

Yan Katsnelson really helped me out of a jam. The legal process with him was quick and painless. He answered all my questions and always replied to my texts. He is absolutely the best.

Absolutely the best!!!

Gets the Job DONE! Yan was assigned to my case and got the job DONE as promised. If you are ever sucked into one of New Jersey's money making scheme's where they pile on rediculous charges he knows his way around the system. Professional, prompt, courteous and GOOD. HIGHLY recommended.

Joe

Mr. Yan Katsnelson was very compassionate in taking my case and clearly getting the facts he needed from me and how best to represent me. After some back and forth in the case he was able to hammer out a fair and positive outcome for me, I am very grateful to him for his adequate knowledge, dedication to this field and a swagger that says I mean business very poised and a great communicator. His assistants was professional, timely and though he has many cases going on he personalizes time for you and is a nose down hard worker. Eloquent, modest, fair and unbiased

Great professional.

Best Lawyer hands down!!!! First I want to THANK Mr KatsNelson for the huge part he played in my freedom today. 2018 I was arrested on 11 counts of a firearms. It was a wrong place wrong time situation for me. My bail was 150,000 and he assured my family he would get me out on bail and he did! Never have I ever been in trouble with the law before so this was all new to me. When I met Mr KatsNelson he was polite, informative, knowledgeable and very assuring and confident in beating this case. Not to mention he’s very well known among his peers and the community of Staten Island. He ALWAYS called me back when I had doubt and fears to assure me we will be the case. He was DETERMINED to get me my freedom. He treated my like I was a family member and not a client. He took time out his day to write referral letters for me to keep my job. My case was very high profile but that didn’t stop him at all. He accepted the challenge charge me a GREAT price and did more than what he got paid for. I’m SO GRATEFUL for this man he will FOREVER have a place in my heart for this. On Sept 2019 after a long battle we beat the case! If you ever need a lawyer who will treat your case with care he is one person you NEED by your side! Thank you Mr KatsNelson for all you done for me. I appreciate you and your are the BEST LAWYER ever!!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!

Celes

Very positive Mr yan katsnelson is the best attorney anyone with court matters should hire. I have the pleasure to go through all court proceedings since me and my son hire him.He is informative know what he is about not money hungry trustworthy i put the future of my son life in his hand to defend him all the way from what i see we have no fair that he is a winner. If you ever needs a lawyer please give him a call thats the best defense lawyer in your corner. M Joseph and A Baptiste NYC.

MAVIS

I've never needed a lawyer before so recently when I got in trouble for the first time I didn't know where to turn. I spoke with so many lawyers on Staten Island ,they all made me loose hope and told me that I wouldn't be able to get the results that I needed. Then I met Yan And he told me that everything was going to be okay. I felt like he really cared and wanted to help me. Yan was able to get me an ACD, which is a result that everyone told me was impossible! Yan was so kind and patient throughout the whole process. He always picked up my calls ,always answered my texts,and always kept me informed about my case. Honestly, I don't know what I would have done without Yan!

I highly recommend Yan!

Yan Katsnelson - a Lawyer with a Heart "We highly recommend Attorney Katsnelson, who helped to defend our son when he made a bad decision and needed both a lawyer, and a friend. He not only handled the case with professionalism, but with concern for our son's future, and his best interests as a human being. It renews our hope in the justice system to have found a lawyer of this caliber."

Alice and Agustin

I was very happy with my experience working with Yan. His price was very reasonable, and he got the job done as he said he would. I felt his guidance was on point from the start and had no concerns along the way. He kept me up to date and ensured my understanding of every aspect of my case. There were no surprises, no issues and I am 100% satisfied. I recommend Yan to anyone and would gladly go back to him in the future.

Great lawyer

This attorney is amazing. After a long short battle in court , he out of 3 previous attorneys , had all my false charges dropping. Even went out of his way several times after my case was over . I wish he could represent me in all areas of my brutal divorce. Finally after 4 attorneys he saw the truth and so did the DA . Answered ally emails,calls etc . I highly recommend this attorney , thank you Mr katsnelsonPC . Mrs Carvalho

Victoria

Outstanding Lawyer. My first experience with Mr. Katsnelson was about 4 years ago when I was almost in foreclosure on my home, I hired him and within months I not only won my home back, Mr. Katsnelson worked with the bank and their attorneys and we were given an amazing rate for the life of the loan. He was diligent and very reassuring. I was completely overwhelmed and stressed out. He met me at court more than once and did an amazing job! My second experience was very fast and very efficient, the fee was fair and we were out of court within one hour with all the charges against my husband dismissed. I can't thank Yan enough for all the hard work he has done for my family. He gave us back our peace of mind, for that there is no price tag! Thank you!

Tara

Yan Katsnelson is an amazing lawyer. He gave me hope that I could change and I truly do thank him for that. He was On top of everything and and gave me great representation. He got me into an amazing program. He is a very nice man and will help you to the best of his ability I highly recommend him if you need a lawyer. He also made sure everything was done the right way and he truly did care about me and my case. I truly do thank him for his kindness and help. If you need a lawyer I would hope that you get Yan Katsnelson because of him he kept me out of prison and he changed my life .

Jessica Vosbrink

Amazing Lawyer, Very Courteous , Professional, and Well Regarded I hired Yan for a Criminal Possession Charge in Staten Island New York, everything from his free consultation (which ended up being very accurate) to his fee for representation was very appealing to me as lawyer fees can become very intimidating. Yan worked with my budget and agreed to represent me and a co-defendant at a price that was agreeable by both parties. He had kept me informed on the weeks leading up to my trial, and represented me flawlessly in the courtroom. It seemed to me Yan was very popular amongst the other lawyers and court officials which led me to realizing his reputation was well deserved. Upon the conclusion of my trial, I was awarded with a decision that I could not be more happy about. I can truly say hiring Yan was worth my investment, irregardless of how small or big your case may be, I have confidence in Yan to deliver the best legal advice in this area, for a price that is hard to compete with. Yan was even courteous to follow up with me after my case was settled. Truly Appreciate His Services and would not hire any other attorney.

Max M.

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Latest News & Updates

Arrested

What should you do if you are arrested?

All the movies you have seen will come in handy at this point: remember to remain silent. Do not offer up any information, no matter how inconsequential or trivial you might think it is. Remember that anything you say can and will be used against you. Then, seek legal representation. A Staten Island criminal defense attorney is your best option if you wish to achieve the best outcome and protect your rights.

Talking to the police

Should you talk to the police?

Don’t be misled by a police officer who seems friendly and helpful. This could be a trap Talk to your attorney first. If you are being questioned, ask to talk to your lawyer even if you think you know the right answer to all the questions. The police are supposed to stop asking you questions at that point. If they don’t, your answers could be considered coerced. Remember that you always have the right to remain silent. Avoid talking about your charges with friends, family, and coworkers. They may become implicated in your situation if you do.

False acusation

What if you believe that the accusation against you is false?

If you have been falsely accused of a crime, this is definitely not an ordeal you want to go through alone. Get legal help right away and do not talk to the police, no matter how urgent you may feel the need to straighten the situation out.

Attorney’s help

How can your criminal defense attorney help you?

Depending on the nature of the crime you have been charged with, it may be necessary to conduct an extensive investigation. A skilled lawyer who can thoroughly review all evidence can structure a tailored defense that will bring the best results to you and, at all times, protect your rights.

Time is of the essence if you want to have a strong defense for your case. Getting the right legal help as soon as possible will work in your favor. Mistakes can be avoided and your attorney can set to work defending you against your charges so that they can be dismissed. Your attorney will be by your side from the first hearing, always keeping your best interests at the forefront.

Picture of Yan

About Us

Katsnelson Law, P.C.: Your Criminal Defense Attorney

Seasoned counsel, customized case assessment, and fair pricing position.

Even otherwise honest, successful, and hardworking individuals can sometimes exhibit a momentary lapse of sound judgment, or find themselves in ambiguous circumstances where their innocence or reputation requires vindication in a court of law.

The Law Office of Yan Katsnelson, P.C. represents individuals in all types of Criminal Law Defense, including Felonies, Misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, Desk Appearance Tickets, and Violation Offenses. Yan Katsnelson, P.C., is set apart from larger, branded firms within the legal industry.

If you have been charged with a crime, Katsnelson Law, P.C. is the criminal defense lawyer you need to safeguard your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case. They will listen to you, prepare the strongest defense, and always make you feel like the most important client because you are.

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The Process of criminal law defense:

  • New Jersey Criminal Procedure


    In the State of New Jersey, Criminal Code violations are categorized as Indictable, Disorderly Persons, or Petty Disorderly Persons offenses, rather than felonies or misdemeanors. An Indictable offense is analogous to a felony, while a Non-Indictable offense is analogous to a misdemeanor. Indictable crimes are further separated into 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th degrees.

    In New Jersey, Indictable offenses are leveled against an alleged criminal offender that exposes him or her to more than six months of incarceration, while alleged offenders of Non-Indictable offenses — Disorderly Persons and Petty Disorderly Persons offenses — are generally exposed to less than six months of jail.

    Indictable charges are handled in the Superior Court within the County that the alleged offense was committed, while Non-Indictable offenses are handled in the Municipal Court within the City, Township or Borough where the alleged offense was committed. Additionally, a defendant is entitled to a Trial by Jury in an Indictable offense. However, the matter must be first submitted to a Grand Jury, which may pass a No Bill — refusal to indict — on the matter if it deems that to be warranted.

    An exception would be if a defendant exercised his right to waive an indictment, as would be the case in a pre-indictment plea bargain.

    Non-Indictable offenses are not presented to a Grand Jury, and defendants charged with Disorderly or Petty Disorderly Persons offenses are not afforded a Trial by Jury.

  • Pre-Arraignment


    Pursuant to New Jersey criminal procedure, the prosecutor may not proceed against the defendant with a criminal charge in Superior Court if the Grand Jury passes a No Bill. However, related Non-Indictable charges may still proceed against the defendant in the lower court called the Municipal Court, or quasi-criminal court, where the alleged offense was committed.

    Within two weeks of indictment, the Court is notified and within three weeks of notification, a Pre-Arraignment conference is scheduled whereby the defendant is advised of the charges and allowed to apply for Pre Trial Intervention (PTI). New Jersey PTI is a mechanism whereby a defendant can completely avoid criminal charges and potential incarceration, as well as the stigma of a criminal conviction and the expense of a trial. However, if the defendant is represented by an attorney, the Pre-Arraignment conference may be waived.

  • Arraignment & Discovery


    Thereafter, an Arraignment — the reading of the complaint or the stating of the substance of the charge to the defendant by the Court, together with their rights to an attorney and right to remain silent — is scheduled whereby defendant typically pleads ‘Not Guilty’ and defense counsel is provided with the discovery, or State evidence, in the case. The State must provide any discovery that it intends to introduce at trial or that may potentially exculpate, or clear, the defendant.

    Once discovery is complete, defense counsel decides what motions, if any, he or she should file. A motion is a request of the Judge to rule in your favor on a given issue that you are contesting. For example, charges barred by applicable statute of limitations, or to suppress evidence against a defendant if certain constitutional rights were violated by police action.

    As with all criminal defense proceedings, representation by a qualified attorney is paramount to achieving the best possible outcome. If you are arrested in the State of New Jersey, or are contacted by law enforcement, contact the Law Office of Yan Katsnelson immediately.

  • New York Criminal Procedure


    When facing criminal charges in the State of New York — whether for a felony, such as First Degree Assault, or a misdemeanor, such as Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree — you need a competent and qualified criminal attorney to represent you. The stakes, which could include county jail, or even years’ imprisonment in a state penitentiary, are too high to be relegated to indifferent or inexperienced counsel.

    A New York or Federal law enforcement officer can arrest a person if that officer believes there is a probable cause that the suspect has committed a criminal act. All New York criminal cases, whether the charge is a violent crime, gun possession charge, or petit or grand larceny, begin with an arrest.

  • Central Booking


    Unless you receive a Desk Appearance Ticket, or DAT, the police will bring a criminal defendant to Central Booking where fingerprints and photographs are recorded. The police will then cross-reference this information to determine whether the defendant has a prior criminal history. A criminal lawyer is not allowed to accompany a criminal defendant through the Central Booking process. Subsequent to Central Booking, the paper work from the police, listing the crime or crimes, will ultimately result in a criminal charge against the defendant. This paperwork will be sent to the Office of the District Attorney. The New York Assistant District Attorney will evaluate the case and make a determination whether the criminal charge should be raised or reduced, and whether or not additional criminal charges should be brought, or the criminal charge should be dismissed. After the District Attorney has completed their paper work and the criminal defendant has been processed, the defendant will be taken to Criminal Court for Arraignment.

  • Arraignment


    The criminal defendant has a Constitutional right to have a New York criminal lawyer to defend him or her at an Arraignment. The purpose of the Arraignment in New York State Court is to let the defendant know what crime or crimes the District Attorney is bringing against them, and their right to enter a plea of Not Guilty. The Arraignment also protects your right to a Trial by Jury, if necessary, and allows the parties to discuss your bail status.

    After hearing oral argument from your criminal lawyer and office of the District Attorney, the New York Criminal Court has three options. Require bail or bond, which must be paid in order for the criminal defendant to be released; set no bail and allow the criminal defendant to release on their own recognizance; or remand the criminal defendant, in which case no bail is set and the Court can hold the defendant in custody. Generally, the Court can hold the defendant in custody until bail is posted or until the conclusion of the case. At the conclusion of the Arraignment, the defendant is given a new court date.

    Beware that New York State Arraignments are held in different locations and the location depends on the County in which the crime was perpetrated.

  • Grand Jury


    When the criminal defendant returns to court for a felony case, assuming a plea bargain has not been reached between your criminal defense lawyer and the District Attorney, the case goes to the Grand Jury. In New York, the Grand Jury consists of 16-23 people who determine whether a crime has been committed and if the criminal defendant was responsible for the commission of the crime. It is important to note that this is not a vote of innocence or guilt with respect to the crime. Moreover, this process determines whether or not there is enough evidence for the case to proceed. In the Grand Jury, the District Attorney presents his case and witnesses. However, while the criminal defendant is allowed to testify, his criminal lawyer is not allowed to make an opening or closing statement nor call witnesses or cross-examine the witnesses of the District Attorney. Additionally, there is no judge directly involved, making the procedure relatively easy to indict a criminal defendant.

    If the Grand Jury votes to indict the case, then the New York Criminal Court is required to arraign the defendant on the Indictment. This arraignment is very similar to the original arraignment the defendant experiences in criminal court at which both the District Attorney and the criminal lawyer are present and the Judge has the right to raise or lower bail, set bail for the first time, or remand the criminal defendant.

  • Plea Bargain


    Very often in criminal cases, a criminal lawyer and the District Attorney will attempt to resolve a criminal case without a trial. This is known as a plea bargain. Frequently, a plea bargain induces the District Attorney to reduce the criminal charge against the defendant. Normally, if a fair deal is reached between the District Attorney and the criminal defense lawyer, what follows will be a discussion between the criminal Lawyer and the defendant. A plea bargain avoids the risk of a trial, and in exchange, the District Attorney gets a conviction after the defendant pleads guilty to the reduced charges. Usually, there is a discussion between the Judge, the criminal lawyer and the District Attorney with regard to the plea bargain to ensure that the sentence is acceptable to all parties. The Judge must approve of all plea deals.

    If no plea bargain has been agreed upon between the District Attorney and the criminal defense lawyer, the next step is a trial. There are two types of criminal trials in New York State. The first is a Bench Trial where the Judge decides the case. The second type of criminal trial in New York is called a Trial by Jury. This is where the Jury decides the outcome of the criminal case.

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