- State court NY Criminal Court (misdemeanours) / NY Supreme Court Criminal Term (felonies)
- Federal court US District Court for the district covering New York — higher conviction rates, longer sentences than state court
- Rates $350–$600/hr
- Key fact SDNY and EDNY are among the most aggressive federal prosecution offices in the US — federal charges in New York require immediate specialist counsel
- Local tip NYC attorneys bill at the highest rates in the state — Staten Island and outer borough firms charge 20–30% less than Manhattan for equivalent quality
- Verify nysba.org (New York State Bar Association) before retaining anyone
Federal prosecution priorities have shifted significantly under the Trump administration in 2026. Immigration-related charges, drug offences, and financial crimes are seeing increased federal attention in cities including New York.
Federal cases are categorically different from state prosecution — the DOJ has substantially greater resources, and 2026 has seen expanded use of federal charges in areas previously handled at the state level. If you have received a target letter or believe you are under federal investigation, this requires immediate specialist attention separate from any state matter you may be dealing with.
Full Price Breakdown
| Level | Price Range | What This Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested / Simple | $2,700 | Both parties agree on all terms — flat fee arrangement |
| Contested (standard) | $11,500 | Disputed issues, hourly billing, licensed attorney |
| Complex / High-conflict | $33,750 | Multiple disputes, lengthy proceedings, senior counsel |
| Per case | Hourly: $250–$650/hr avg | Initial retainer typically $3,000–$8,000 — not total cost |
📍 New York vs national average: $11,500 in New York vs $8,500 national avg for Criminal Defense. Data sourced from BLS Regional Price Parities and updated quarterly.