(212)729-9494
New York, NY
(212)729-9494
New York, NY

Manhattan

Federal & State Criminal Defense Attorney

Charged with a crime in Manhattan? The Fast Law Firm, P.C., defends clients in state and federal court. Confidential consultations. No judgment—just results.

  • Confidential Consultations
  • Early Morning, Late Night & Weekend Consultations Available on Request
  • Federal & State Defense
  • First-Time Offender Support
  • Sex Crime Defense
  • Strategic Legal Guidance
  • Direct Attorney Access
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Avvo rating - 10 superb
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If you’ve been arrested in Manhattan or are under investigation, The Fast Law Firm, P.C. delivers relentless defense for those facing criminal charges. Whether you’re dealing with a serious federal indictment or your first brush with the law, our team is ready to fight for your future. We defend clients in both state and federal courts throughout New York City, with a reputation for strategic, results-driven representation.

How Manhattan Courts Treat Criminal Charges

Every borough in New York has its own court system and procedures, and Manhattan is among the busiest. Prosecutors in New York County handle thousands of cases each year, from desk appearance tickets to high-profile felony trials. How your case is treated often depends on the charge, your record, and whether your attorney intervenes early.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies

  • Misdemeanors (like petit larceny, assault in the third degree, or theft of services) are handled in New York County Criminal Court. Sentences can include probation, community service, or up to 364 days in jail.
  • Felonies (including robbery, burglary, or drug trafficking) begin in Criminal Court but are later transferred to the New York Supreme Court, Criminal Term, for grand jury proceedings and trial.

Judges and prosecutors in Manhattan have limited time and resources, which makes preparation and early representation critical. A prompt, well-built defense can lead to reduced charges, favorable plea deals, or even dismissal.

"Front view of courthouse columns in classical architecture."

Common Criminal Charges We Defend

At The Fast Law Firm, we defend clients accused of a wide range of crimes, including:

  • Federal crimes: Drug trafficking, conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud, RICO, and firearm offenses.
  • Violent crimes: Assault, robbery, domestic violence, and weapons possession.
  • Sex offenses: Rape, sexual assault, possession of child pornography, and online solicitation.
  • Drug offenses: Possession, sale, distribution, and intent to distribute controlled substances.
  • Property crimes: Theft, burglary, grand larceny, and shoplifting.
  • White-collar charges: Embezzlement, money laundering, and internet or computer crimes.

We also help first-time offenders pursue diversion programs, plea bargains, and record-preserving outcomes whenever possible.

"Person being handcuffed with hands behind their back."

Why Early Legal Intervention Matters

In Manhattan, the difference between a quick resolution and a long, damaging case often comes down to timing. Acting early allows your criminal defense attorney to:

  • Protect your rights immediately during police questioning or investigation.
  • Review and challenge evidence before it’s presented to a grand jury or judge.
  • Argue for bail or release at arraignment to keep you out of custody.
  • Negotiate with prosecutors before charges are finalized.
  • Preserve favorable evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements.

Without an attorney present, statements you make, even casually, can harm your defense later. Early representation helps you control the narrative and avoid mistakes that can’t be undone.

"Facade of United States Courthouse with columns and lit windows."

The Fast Law Difference

At The Fast Law Firm, we approach every case with the urgency and attention it deserves. We’re the law firm that slows down to get to know you. That begins with founder Elena Fast, whose leadership shapes how we defend our clients and how we treat them as individuals, not case numbers.

Elena is personally involved in building your defense from day one. She listens, evaluates the facts with care, and collaborates closely with our team to develop a strategy tailored to your goals. It’s a level of involvement you don’t often find in a city as fast-paced as New York, and it’s something our clients value.

We prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, and take your case as seriously as you do. Prosecutors know when they’re up against a defense team that’s ready for trial. So do judges. If you’re ready to fight back, we’re prepared to help.

Media Appearances
  • the new york times
  • new york post
  • VF
  • PBS
  • abc news
  • CBS
  • 4 new york
  • forbes
  • fox news channel
  • daily news

How a Manhattan Defense Lawyer Can Help You

Our defense work begins the moment you contact us. We can:

  • Evaluate your arrest and whether the police violated your rights.
  • Request discovery and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
  • File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
  • Negotiate plea deals or diversion opportunities where appropriate.
  • Represent you at trial if the case proceeds that far.

Whether your case is in New York County Criminal Court or federal court, we provide the same focused, determined defense.

New York County Criminal Court (Manhattan Criminal Court)

Address: 100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386-4545
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Arraignments: 7 days a week, 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM (including weekends/holidays)

U.S. District Court – Southern District of New York (Federal Cases)

Address: 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 805-0136
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Note: Court hours and arraignment schedules may occasionally vary for holidays or other reasons. It’s always best to confirm directly with the court before your scheduled appearance.

Don’t Face Manhattan Criminal Charges Alone

Being charged with a crime in Manhattan can affect every part of your life—your job, your freedom, and your reputation. At The Fast Law Firm, P.C., we act quickly to protect your rights and build a strong defense in both state and federal court.

If you’ve been arrested or believe you’re under investigation, contact The Fast Law Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re ready to defend your future, without judgment and without delay.

 

Rated 5.0 on Google and Avvo
Vanessa
Five star review

She tirelessly worked on my case and got me an incredible result. I never went to prison.

Federal agents at my door with a search warrant was hands down the most stressful experience of my adult life. Trying to figure out who to retain for my case was probably the second most stressful experience. I’ve consulted a handful of attorneys, who tried to bully me into a sky-high retainer by telling me…

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Amira Davis
Five star review

Elena is an outstanding criminal defense attorney.

Elena is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. She was a beacon of hope to our family from the beginning. Her confidence and empathetic demeanor offered us support and a feeling of calm immediately. She was very friendly, personable, and down to earth which made it comfortable communicating with her. Elena was highly competent with the…

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Brock Orion
Five star review

If you are considering hiring Elena and her team for criminal defense I cannot recommend her and the team highly enough.

If you are considering hiring Elena and her team for criminal defense I cannot recommend her and the team highly enough. Elena is not only incredibly competent and well versed in criminal defense, she is also incredibly caring and takes the time to truly study the intricacies of her clients case work. Elena has represented…

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Shanisha Dixon
Five star review

I cannot begin to express the depth of my gratitude for Elena and the extraordinary legal representation she provided for my brother.

Like Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloak—She Makes Charges Vanish! I cannot begin to express the depth of my gratitude for Elena and the extraordinary legal representation she provided for my brother. From the very beginning, it was clear that she was not just any attorney, she was a force to be reckoned with. She handled his…

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Alethia Camara
Five star review

I am writing this review to express my deep gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Elena Fast (The Fast Law Firm) in defending my son against a serious gun Case.

I am writing this review to express my deep gratitude for the outstanding legal services provided by Elena Fast (The Fast Law Firm) in defending my son against a serious gun Case. Throughout the entire process, Elena Fast demonstrated not only exceptional legal expertise but also genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for…

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souley camara
Five star review

Thank you Elena Fast and the Fast law team! Highly recommended!

I have never been more pleased or impressed in my life! My son got into a life changing situation and we needed the best possible criminal lawyer we could find that was not in are our area, who would fight for my son! My wife did her extensive research and thank god she found Elena!…

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(212)729-9494
New York, NY
(212)729-9494
New York, NY