Criminal Defense
NEW YORK STATE & FEDERAL • NEW JERSEY
The most effective defense is measured by the life it protects—not just the charges it defeats.
Lead Attorney
Lina Li, Esq.
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2024–2026
A criminal case rarely affects only the criminal case.
We build defense strategies that protect our clients’ personal lives, immigration status, professional careers, and future—not just their defense against the charges in court.
A criminal investigation is rarely just about criminal liability. It can threaten a client’s immigration status, professional licenses, career, business, reputation, and future. Our defense strategy reflects that reality from day one.
From pre-charge investigations and proffer sessions to plea negotiations, constitutional motion practice, and trial, we represent clients at every stage of state and federal criminal proceedings. Every strategy is designed to achieve the strongest legal outcome while minimizing the personal, immigration, professional, and business consequences that often accompany a criminal prosecution.
We represent individuals, executives, and businesses in complex state and federal criminal investigations and prosecutions where the stakes extend well beyond the courtroom.
Featured Success
Successful Bail, All Charges Dismissed
Secured pretrial release in federal court for a client facing both federal criminal charges and immigration ICE detention.
When a client faced simultaneous federal criminal prosecution and immigration detention, we recognized that securing release was essential not only to the criminal case but also to protecting the client’s broader interests. We presented a comprehensive argument addressing flight risk, community safety, family and community ties, and the practical impact continued detention would have on the client’s ability to defend the case and navigate parallel immigration proceedings. The federal court granted pretrial release, enabling the client to assist in the defense, maintain family stability, and confront both the criminal and immigration matters from outside custody.
Evidence Suppressed, All Charges Dismissed
Obtained suppression of key prosecution evidence by successfully challenging the legality of the government’s investigation.
A client facing 14 felony charges, including allegations involving illegal firearms and controlled substances, needed a defense built on more than negotiation—the evidence itself had to be challenged. Recognizing that the prosecution’s case depended on evidence obtained during the investigation, Alpha Law focused on the legality of the government’s conduct rather than the allegations alone. Through strategic pretrial motion practice, we successfully persuaded the court to suppress critical evidence obtained in violation of our client’s constitutional rights. The ruling substantially weakened the prosecution’s case, significantly improved our client’s position, and ultimately the government dismissed all charges at the conclusion of the case.
Federal Money Laundering, Human Trafficking & Conspiracy
Represented client facing federal money laundering, human trafficking, and conspiracy charges, developing a strategic defense that positioned the case for a favorable negotiated resolution.
A high-profile federal prosecution involving allegations of money laundering, human trafficking, and conspiracy attracted significant media attention and required more than an aggressive courtroom defense—it demanded strategic decision-making from the earliest stages of the investigation. Alpha Law carefully evaluated the government’s evidence, advised the client throughout the federal process, and developed a comprehensive defense strategy that balanced litigation risks with opportunities for negotiated resolution.
Securing a Conditional Discharge for DWI
Secured a plea to a reduced offense with a Conditional Discharge for a client facing DWI charges despite allegations of a blood alcohol concentration exceeding twice the legal limit.
A client charged with driving while intoxicated faced allegations of a blood alcohol concentration exceeding twice the legal limit, exposing the client to significant criminal and collateral consequences. Alpha Law conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence, evaluated the circumstances surrounding the stop and investigation, and developed a strategic defense focused on mitigating both the legal and long-term impact of the case. Through effective advocacy and negotiations, we secured a Conditional Discharge, substantially reducing the consequences our client faced while avoiding a custodial sentence.
Notable Results
- Guided a client through the federal proffer process in a prosecution involving allegations of money laundering, human trafficking, and conspiracy, positioning the case for a favorable negotiated resolution.
- Successfully negotiated Conditional Discharges and secured dismissals across a wide range of criminal matters.
- Secured bail in complex criminal matters despite the presence of immigration detainers, protecting clients’ liberty while defending against both criminal and immigration consequences.
- Provided bilingual legal representation during an FBI interview, ensuring accurate communication where interpretation issues could have materially affected the client’s rights.
Scope of Representation
New York State & Federal and New Jersey State Criminal Defense
- White collar crimes
- Financial crimes
- Fraud and identity theft
- Money laundering
- Drug offenses
- Weapons offenses
- Violent crimes
- Theft and property offenses
- Conspiracy allegations
- DWI
Government Investigations
- Under criminal investigation
- Served with subpoenas
- Contacted by law enforcement
- Responding to search warrants
- Facing grand jury proceedings
- Participating in regulatory investigation
International & Cross-Border Criminal Matters
We advise international clients facing criminal investigations with cross-border implications, including extradition-related issues, international evidence gathering, immigration consequences of criminal charges, and parallel civil or regulatory proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a criminal defense attorney?
As early as possible—if you’re contacted by law enforcement, served with a subpoena, or arrested. Early legal involvement can meaningfully affect the outcome.
Should I speak with investigators before consulting a lawyer?
No—the large majority of civil cases settle before trial. However, being genuinely prepared to try a case is often what makes an early, favorable settlement possible.
Can a criminal charge affect my immigration status?
It can. Certain offenses carry immigration consequences, including removal proceedings or loss of eligibility for immigration benefits—this is evaluated alongside the criminal defense itself, not after the fact.
What’s the difference between a state and a federal criminal case?
Federal cases are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys under federal law, often involving multi-agency investigation and different sentencing exposure than state court. The two systems have different procedures, timelines, and stakes.
Related Practice Areas
Litigation
Corporate and regulatory experience helps us understand what's really at stake beyond the lawsuit.
corporate
Litigation experience helps us prevent disputes before they arise.
Cross-Border Compliance
Corporate, litigation, and immigration experience allows us to coordinate risk across jurisdictions.
Immigration
Business and compliance experience helps us design strategies that support personal and commercial goals together.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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