While most criminal offenses are prosecuted in state court, the United States federal courts also have jurisdictions over certain types of criminal offenses.
In the federal courts in and around Westchester County, New York, the prosecuting attorneys with the United States Attorney's Office (USAO) prosecute criminal offenses.
Jurisdiction to prosecute the case within the federal criminal justice system can occur because the crime impacts interstate commerce, the crime occurred on land owned by the federal government or an Indian reservation, or the allegations involve a loss or harm to the federal government.
Criminal defense attorneys in federal court fight serious felony charges, minor federal offenses, petty felony offenses, and infractions.
Cases in the federal criminal justice system can include everything from tax evasion to drug or firearm charges, to civil rights violations.
Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
NYSACDL is dedicated to creating a strong, well-trained defense bar to protect the rights of the accused while providing support and education to criminal defense lawyers.
Lawyer Referral Service in Westchester County, NY - The Westchester County Bar Association (WCBA) has sponsored a Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) for the past 40 years. Each year, the LRS refers thousands of individuals to local attorneys throughout White Plains, NY, and the surrounding areas of Westchester County. Attorneys that participate in the Lawyer Referral Service agree to provide a 30 minute consultation in exchange for a $40 consultation fee. During the consultation the attorney and client discuss the legal problem, possible solutions and the attorney fees needed for additional representation.