Murder Attorney in Nassau County
Former Prosecutors Defending Nassau County Murder Charges for Over 70 Years Combined
A murder charge in Nassau County is one of the most serious accusations a person can face. The state dedicates significant resources to these cases, and the penalties, ranging from 15 years to life up to life without parole, touch every part of a person’s future. At Lerner & Lerner, P.C., Richard and Kimberly Lerner lead our criminal defense team. Both served as prosecutors before moving to defense work, which means they understand exactly how the state builds a homicide case and where those cases can be challenged. That prosecutorial background, combined with more than 70 years of combined legal experience, gives our clients a meaningful advantage from day one.
Call (516) 586-0383 to schedule a confidential consultation with our Nassau County murder lawyers.
Why Clients Choose Us for Murder Defense in Nassau County
Richard and Kimberly Lerner both came up through the prosecution side, and that experience directly shapes every defense strategy they craft. They know how Nassau County homicide cases are assembled, what prosecutors look for, and where the weaknesses tend to appear. Choosing the right murder attorney in Nassau County matters, and these credentials are independently verifiable.
Clients rely on us for key advantages:
- Prosecutorial insight: As former prosecutors, we know how cases are built from the state’s side and can anticipate legal tactics before they become problems.
- 70+ years of combined experience: Richard and Kimberly Lerner bring deep courtroom knowledge and help you understand your options at every stage.
- Recognized leadership: Kimberly Lerner has been featured as a legal correspondent on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, a distinction that reflects both credibility and command of complex legal issues.
- AV Preeminent rated: Both Richard and Kimberly Lerner hold the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and the firm has earned recognition from Super Lawyers.
- Client-first approach: We keep you informed at every stage and build a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
Murder Charges Under New York Law
Not every homicide charge is identical, and the degree of the charge determines nearly everything that follows: bail eligibility, grand jury strategy, plea negotiation leverage, and the shape of any trial defense. Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward building a meaningful response to the state’s case.
First-Degree vs. Second-Degree Murder
Under New York Penal Law § 125.27, murder in the first degree is a Class A-I felony that applies when specific aggravating factors are present, such as the killing of a law enforcement officer or a murder committed during another felony. Murder in the second degree, defined under § 125.25, is also a Class A-I felony and covers intentional killings that don’t carry those aggravating circumstances. Both charges carry potential sentences up to life without the possibility of parole. New York doesn’t have the death penalty.
Manslaughter & Related Charges
Manslaughter differs from murder in that it doesn’t require intent to kill. First-degree manslaughter typically involves intentionally causing serious physical injury that results in death; second-degree manslaughter involves reckless conduct that causes death. Prosecutors and defense attorneys often dispute which charge fits the facts, and that dispute carries real consequences for sentencing exposure. Early intervention by a murder lawyer in Nassau County can influence how charges are framed from the outset.
How a Murder Case Proceeds in Nassau County
Murder cases in Nassau County move through several distinct stages, each with its own strategic significance. Here is what to expect.
- Arrest and arraignment: Nassau County police conduct the arrest. At arraignment, the court reads the charges and a judge considers bail.
- Grand jury review: For most felony cases, including murder, prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether to indict.
- Pre-trial hearings: Both sides argue over what evidence is admissible and resolve legal questions that will shape the trial. Pre-trial suppression motions challenging the admissibility of evidence, witness statements, or items obtained through searches can be pivotal in murder cases.
- Trial: The Nassau County Supreme Court hosts the trial, where the defense and prosecution present arguments to a jury or judge.
- Possible outcomes: Results may include acquittal, conviction, or a plea agreement to reduced charges. Each outcome carries lasting consequences, so careful navigation matters throughout.
Timelines vary considerably. Cases involving forensic evidence, multiple witnesses, or complex legal questions can take months or years to resolve. Under CPL § 30.30, the prosecution must be ready for trial within six months for a felony, though complex homicide cases routinely extend beyond that through discovery and pre-trial motions. We keep clients updated throughout so you know where things stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do First After a Murder Accusation in Nassau County?
Remain silent and request legal representation immediately. Don’t discuss your case with police or anyone else before speaking with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and the time right after an accusation is often the most consequential.
How Do Murder Cases Differ from Other Felonies in Nassau County?
Murder cases involve more severe penalties, greater prosecutorial resources, and far more complex investigations than most felonies. The state pursues these cases thoroughly, which makes skilled and experienced legal counsel essential from the earliest stage.
Can I Get Bail If I’m Charged with Murder?
Bail decisions depend on the specific facts, the court’s assessment of flight risk, and judicial discretion. Many murder charges result in remand without bail, but outcomes vary. An attorney who understands how Nassau County courts approach these decisions can present a strong argument on your behalf.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Not all murder charges go to trial. Some resolve through pre-trial motions or plea negotiations. That said, preparing as if for trial keeps every option open and puts you in a strong position regardless of how the case ultimately resolves.
How Long Does a Murder Case in Nassau County Usually Take?
Murder cases can take months or years, depending on the complexity of the charges, the volume of evidence, and the pace of pre-trial proceedings. Every case moves on its own timeline, and we’ll keep you informed as yours develops.
Contact Our Nassau County Murder Attorneys
If you or someone you care about is facing murder charges in Nassau County, don’t wait. Contact Lerner & Lerner, P.C. to speak with a team that knows how the prosecution thinks, has tried these cases across Nassau County’s courts, and can fight for the best outcome available under the circumstances.
Call (516) 586-0383 to schedule a confidential consultation with our Nassau County murder attorneys.
