“Not just the criminal defense lawyer of the year, lawyer of my life”
– Former Client
Our Practice Areas
Our Philosophy: Your Case is the Most Important Case to Us.
Dealing with a criminal case is stressful enough. Having to chase your criminal defense attorney for case updates shouldn’t be adding to your stress. While I can’t guarantee exactly how your case will resolve itself, I promise you dedication, transparency and relentlessness in getting the best possible outcome.
I have spent my entire career in criminal law. First, as a prosecutor with Kings County District Attorney’s Office and then as a partner at a white-collar federal defense firm. I’ve tried cases ranging from simple drug possessions to death-penalty eligible homicides.
Your case is the most important case to you. Therefore, it is the most important case to me. I intentionally take on a limited number of cases in order to provide each client with unparalleled service and personalized attention.
Awards and Media Appearances
What Our Clients Say
Going Beyond Expectations
I’m alleged with a false sexual criminal charge by my wife and took up the uphill task of finding an appropriate attorney. Spent almost two months with this exercise but was always confused who to hire or not. But now I’m feeling extremely satisfied and secure… Read more “Going Beyond Expectations”
Super knowledgeable and thorough in her case assessment
I’ve consulted with Elena on a matter that worried me for a while. She was extremely respectful, listened very attentively, and answered all of my questions. I would never hesitate to hire her as my attorney
The best!!!
Elena is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of criminal law. She is a tremendous listener and has the ability to break things down in a manner that is very understandable. I literally could not give a higher rating for both a lawyer and a person. Feel… Read more “The best!!!”
The best lawyer I have ever worked with!
Elena is brilliant, talented, extremely professional, experienced and compassionate. She was able in a very short time to understand my situation and give me all the information and advise I needed. I felt so much released and empowered after I spoke with her. I felt I… Read more “The best lawyer I have ever worked with!”
Highly Recommend!
Elena was extremely knowledgeable, heard out my story, gave me clear direction on where I stood in the eyes of the law & what the best next steps were to take in order to have my case resolved. Moreover, she was human and offered compassion &… Read more “Highly Recommend!”
Excellent Expertise & Patience
I’m a screenwriter and have had the pleasure to be advised by Elena Fast for a legal question I had about a character committing a crime in my story. Ms. Fast not only responded to my after-hours inquiry mail with lightning speed, but she also gave… Read more “Excellent Expertise & Patience”
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk to the police before I consult an attorney?
Absolutely not, even if you believe you are innocent and have nothing to hide. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney before speaking to the police. Going in to meet with the detective or a federal agent without an attorney can only put you in a worse situation. In conclusion, don't do it! Call us first.
Can I find out if I'm under investigation by law enforcement?
Maybe. While there is no database that allows for a search of all open investigations, there are ways we can try to figure it out. First, we will discuss your concerns regarding criminal exposure. Second, we will figure out which agency may be investigating your matter. Third, we may make some calls to see if we can locate the assigned investigator or case agent.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer?
It varies. The fee for each case depends on amount of work required and the complexity of the work. A desk-appearance ticket for trespassing will have a very different fee than a federal racketeering indictment. To discuss your case, please give us a call. We offer flexible payment options.
What can I do to help my lawyer defend my case?
You need to be honest with your attorney about the specifics of your case, even if certain parts may be embarrassing or incriminating. As your attorneys, we are the keepers of your secrets and the guardians of your rights. It is important that we know absolutely everything, no matter how bad it is, in order to defend you successfully.
Should I accept a plea deal or go to trial?
It depends on the facts of the case and the evidence against you. The decision whether to accept a plea deal is yours and yours alone. Prior to making that decision, we will go through all the discovery and discuss the strengths of and the weaknesses of the prosecutor's case. Although approximately 97% of cases are resolved through a plea bargain, we prepare each case litigation from the very beginning. In the event your case falls into the other 3%.