“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
Highly Recommend – Knowledgeable, Honest, Timely
I retained Ms. Fast law firm remotely/from Florida in reference to a NY matter. Not only was she able to help me resolve the matter, but she went above and beyond to ensure I was prepared should another issue arise. She was personable and not robotic… Read more “Highly Recommend – Knowledgeable, Honest, Timely”
An Attorney You Can Really Trust
Hiring Ms. Elena Fast is one of the best decisions I have made. She not only came prepared with all the background material during our initial meeting and gave her honest assessment. During the course of our interactions I have always found her to be very… Read more “An Attorney You Can Really Trust”
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
Smart and Honest Lawyer
I am someone who does not have experience in this area so I am really quite nervous about potential outcomes. At this stage I have only consulted her but I found her to be extremely open and honest about my situation. She answered every question I… Read more “Smart and Honest Lawyer”
Stellar Trial Attorney- Highly Recommend.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ms. Fast on a two week long jury trial in Manhattan Supreme Court. Despite the sensitive nature of the allegations, Ms. Fast thoroughly impressed me with her focus and dedication throughout. At the conclusion of trial, court security… Read more “Stellar Trial Attorney- Highly Recommend.”
Professional, Meticulous, Caring – Excellent
Elena was professional, meticulous, someone who cares about the case, and got me the best possible outcome. Without her expertise I don’t think it would have been possible. I highly recommend her services and glad that I retained her as my attorney.
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%.