H-1B Electronic Registration Process for Fiscal Year 2021

USCIS announced they will implement an electronic registration process for H-1B cap-subject petitions for the fiscal year 2021. This electronic registration process begins on March 1, 2020. 

Under the new policy, employers will need to complete a registration within the period from March 1 through March 20, 2020. Electronic Registration only requires the basic information about the Employer and the H-1B Employee, and $10 H-1B registration fee. Only those with selected registrations will be eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.

Compared to the former policy, Electronic Registration Process reduces unnecessary costs and work for USCIS and petitioners. Petitioners and Beneficiaries will be able to find out the lottery selection results faster. This will avail more time for H-1B applicants to make appropriate plans if they are not selected. At the same time, USCIS can allocate more resources to adjudicate H-1B petitions.

USCIS will post step-by-step instructions informing registrants on how to complete the registration process before the initial registration period. It would be the best for the registrants to contact an experienced immigration attorney in advance and prepare related documents, even though the electronic registration process only needs basic information of employers and employees.

Contact our New York Immigration attorneys today (we also have New Jersey Immigration attorneys) 

At Heiferman and Associates, PLLC, our experienced immigration attorneys handle a wide arrange of immigration matters including green cards (lawful permanent residence), employment (EB visas, H-1B, L visas, etc), family-based, asylum and refugee law, bond hearings, ICE detention and more. Our immigration attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to clients throughout New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island and New Jersey. Our immigration attorneys are able to practice in all 50 states. We also handle cases in Federal District Courts. Backed by extensive experience and working knowledge of Immigration Law. If you have any questions about the new H1-B policy in fiscal year 2021, please contact us immediately for a consultation.

Heiferman & Associates gives an overview of tax evasion.

Tax Evasion

People do not serve time for making simple errors or omissions on their tax returns. The IRS understands the U.S. tax code is complex, to say the least. An error in filing your taxes is not a crime. Purposefully hiding income, under-reporting income, or claiming deductions you are not actually entitled to, however, is a crime. Other tax crimes include the possession, sale or trafficking of unstamped/untaxed cigarettes. Tax evasion is serious.

What is tax evasion?

The IRS has two categories of tax evasion. The first form is an evasion of assessment, which occurs when the taxpayer takes some action in order to prevent the accurate assessment of a tax. It may involve hiding assets or transferring assets in order to stop the IRS from being able to determine their real tax liability. Intentionally under-reporting income would be considered an evasion of assessment. The intention to evade is key. There must be proof that the inaccuracy was not just the result of negligence.

The second form of tax evasion is an evasion of payment. This is when a person is hiding money when they owe payment of their taxes. This means a person is taking affirmative steps to hide assets that could be used to pay the tax owed. Some may try to accomplish this by hiding assets in a foreign bank account, out of reach of the IRS. Evasion of payment is not merely a failure to pay your taxes. It is more than that. The affirmative steps to hide money and assets to prevent payment of taxes are necessary. In both forms, the taxpayer must have taken affirmative steps to avoid the accurate assessment of his or her taxes or the payment of his or her taxes. Additionally, in both cases, the government carries the burden of proving that the taxes are legitimately owed.

Specific examples of forms tax evasion could take include:

  • Filing a false statement or return
  • Failing to file a tax return
  • Providing false information during an audit
  • Failure to pay taxes owed
  • Hiding sources of income
  • Transferring property to another’s name
  • Destroying records
  • Generating false invoices.

Both the IRS and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance are aware that the commission of tax fraud is all too common. Each year, these government entities investigate large numbers of tax fraud cases. The government is not understanding with those that seek to defraud and withhold money owed. Penalties for tax evasion include fines of up to $250,000 in addition to any outstanding tax liability. Tax evasion can also land you in prison, and it can also lead to serious immigration consequences.

Queens Criminal Defense Attorney

The government puts vast resources towards investigating and prosecuting those charged with tax evasion. If you are charged with tax evasion, the government may wish to make an example out of you in an effort to deter others from thinking about engaging in such a crime. The result is that you may end up with a criminal conviction for tax evasion. A serious crime that will land on your permanent record. Heiferman & Associates will fight these charges with the full force of the law. We have successfully defended clients accused of tax crimes in state and federal court.  Contact us today.

Lawyer talking to his client about his case, telling him why it is important to remain silent.

The Importance of Keeping Quiet When You’ve Been Accused of a Crime

Remaining silent is one of the most important things a person can do following an arrest. With the exception of basic identifying information, an arrestee is legally entitled to refrain from answering a police officer’s questions. Almost any information that an arrestee provides to a police officer may be used by the prosecuting attorney at trial. Thus, there are very few instances in which an arrestee should provide the police with information about the crime or crimes with which he or she has been accused. Below is some additional information regarding the right to remain silent in New York and under federal law. 

Remaining silent is a constitutional right 

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from being forced to give self-incriminating testimony. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that a police officer must stop questioning a suspect as soon as he or she asserts the right to counsel. However, the Supreme Court has also held that a suspect must affirmatively invoke his or her right to remain silent.

The Fifth Amendment also bars compelled testimony in a criminal case against oneself. And the right to silence is among the Miranda rights that a police officer is required to recite to a suspect during or after an arrest. In other words, it’s not only a good idea for criminal suspects to keep quiet, but it’s also actually a well-established right. Similar rights are protected under the New York State Constitution. 

Remaining silent during interrogations or police interviews 

As a general rule, no one has to talk to the police about the facts of an investigation. However, this area of the law is complicated, and even some non-verbal forms of communication can, under certain circumstances, be incriminating. As noted above, the police are required to give Miranda warnings prior to interrogating a suspect, and they must immediately cease their interrogation once a suspect has invoked his or her right to an attorney. Any statements made after a suspect has invoked this right are generally inadmissible in court. However, this only applies after the police have advised a suspect of his or her Miranda rights, which they are only required to do after placing a suspect under arrest. Statements made while not in custody, may not receive Miranda/fifth amendment privileges.

Queens criminal defense attorney

If you have been arrested or accused of a crime of any kind, you must act quickly to protect your rights. In almost all circumstances, consulting with an attorney is your best defense prior to making a statement, even if you are not charged with a crime. Depending on your charges, a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. In addition, a criminal record can affect your ability to secure employment and housing. Therefore, if you have been charged with a crime, you need experienced legal counsel on your side. At Heiferman and Associates, PLLC, we provide aggressive legal representation to clients throughout New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island and parts of New Jersey. Backed by extensive experience and working knowledge of New York Penal Law, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the most effective defense possible. Please contact us as soon as possible for a consultation.

Person in hand cuffs

Violations, Misdemeanors, and Felonies in New York: What’s the Difference?

Whether you are charged with a violation, misdemeanor, or felony in New York, you face serious consequences if convicted. Possible penalties for these crimes include fines, jail time, and prison time. In addition, a criminal conviction can make it difficult to find work, obtain adequate housing, and receive approval for certain types of loans. In other words, violations, misdemeanors, and felonies are not to be taken lightly. Therefore, if you are charged with a violation, misdemeanor, or felony in New York, please contact an experienced New York criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for assistance. 

Violations 

A violation is the least serious of the three offenses described above. A violation is punishable by up to 15 days in jail, court costs, orders of protection and includes offenses like:

  • Trespassing
  • Harassment
  • Disorderly conduct

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is an offense that is punishable by no more than one year in jail. Examples of misdemeanors include: 

  • Assault in the third degree (domestic violence)
  • Criminal mischief in the fourth degree
  • Petit larceny
  • Driving While Intoxicated
  • Aggravated Unlicensed Driving
  • Prostitution
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession of large amounts of marijuana

Misdemeanors in New York are classified as follows:

  • Class A misdemeanor – Punishable by a maximum of one year in jail or three years’ probation and a fine of up to $1,000 or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from the crime. 
  • Class B misdemeanor – Punishable by a maximum of three months in jail or one year of probation and a fine of up to $500 or twice the amount of the defendant’s gain from the crime. 
  • Unclassified misdemeanor – Punishable by between 15 days and one year in jail. 

Felonies  

A felony is a crime for which a sentence of one year or more may be imposed. New York categorizes felonies as class A-I, A-II, B, C, D, and E, with class A being the most serious and class E being the least serious. Felony penalties vary widely, ranging from probation to life imprisonment. In addition, a felony in New York may result in a fine not exceeding the higher of $5,000 or twice the amount of the defendant’s gain from the crime. Examples of felonies in New York include:

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Burglary
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Robbery
  • Kidnapping 
  • Manslaughter
  • Grand Larceny
  • Identity Theft, Forgery and Other White-Collar Crimes

Contact our New York criminal defense attorneys 

If you or a loved one has been arrested or accused of a violation, misdemeanor, or felony, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Depending on the charges, a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence and other consequences, including losing your eligibility for certain professional licenses and forfeiting your right to vote. In addition, a criminal record can interfere with your ability to obtain employment and housing. At Heiferman and Associates, PLLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive and efficient legal representation to clients throughout New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island and New Jersey. Backed by extensive experience and working knowledge of New York Penal Law, as well as New Jersey and Federal criminal laws we will fight to ensure that you receive the most effective defense possible. Please contact us immediately for a consultation. 

Hand in latex glove holds prescription drug bottle and roll of dollar bills

State and Federal Authorities’ Efforts to Shut down Healthcare Fraud

Healthcare fraud costs the state and federal governments billions of dollars in taxpayer money. This means that there is obviously a big incentive for the government to crack down on this type of crime. There has been a significant increase in concerted efforts of the government to target and prevent potential healthcare frauds. Investigations and criminal charges have been aggressively brought and the government is looking to make an example out of those suspected of healthcare fraud violations.

Healthcare fraud may involve defrauding private or public health insurers. The two public healthcare insurers are Medicaid and Medicare. Both patients and healthcare providers may be the perpetrators of healthcare fraud. Doctors, Pharmacists, and other medical professionals are often the targets of criminal investigations. A doctor may be suspected of billing for unneeded procedures or overcharging patients. They may also be suspected of filing duplicate claims for services that were already rendered or billing for non-covered services as if they were covered services. Any of these actions means that the medical professional may be held responsible for or perpetrating the crime of healthcare fraud.

Federal Authorities Efforts to Shut down Healthcare Fraud Results in Arrest of Five New York Medical Providers

With increased efforts by federal authorities to shut down the perpetration of healthcare fraud, five suspects were taken into custody at the end of September. Among those suspects was a city neurologist. The licensed neurologist was arrested on September 26th on allegations that he participated in a scheme to bill Medicaid for over 3,000 fraudulent claims filed between the years of 2015 and 2019. The majority of the fraudulent claims filed come from alleged home health and podiatry visits. Numerous federal law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation, including, but not limited to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY); Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division;  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA); and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, (HHS-OIG).

Additionally, an anesthesiologist has been accused of playing a role in an alleged $17.4 million scheme involving kickbacks paid in return for prescribing prescription medication and medical equipment and ordering diagnostic tests, all seemingly unnecessary or ordered without a doctor’s consultation. Dr. Steiner has been charged with healthcare fraud and conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.

Additionally, a registered nurse at the Nassau University Medical Center pleaded guilty to possession of a synthetic opioid after stealing drugs from his workplace. 

Healthcare Fraud Defense Counsel

Those convicted of healthcare fraud face severe potential penalties. A person found guilty of this crime stands to serve jail or prison time and pay fines of up to $250,000 per offense. A court may also order payment of restitution for any amount that the defendant profited from the crime. Additionally, the defendant may likely face loss of professional licensure. Not only are the penalties for healthcare fraud severe, but the effects of having this on your criminal record are also likely to follow you indefinitely. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Heiferman & Associates PLLC know the severity of what their clients are up against when facing criminal charges in state and federal courts. We take our duty to you seriously and fight for you every step of the way. Contact us today.

Heiferman & Associates, PLLC gives an overview of what is involved in New York field sobriety tests.

Field Sobriety Tests

New York saw 5,857 people injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2016 alone. Needless to say, the state takes Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases very seriously and the sentence for those convicted often reflects this. If you are facing a DWI charge, you may have been subjected to a standardized DWI field sobriety test. These tests were developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) back in the 1970s and are used to help law enforcement determine whether a driver has been operating his or her vehicle while intoxicated.

What Are the Standardized DWI Field Sobriety Tests in New York?

There are three separate standardized field sobriety tests (SFST’s) that are used in New York. Law enforcement officers are required to participate in 24 hours of training prior to becoming certified to perform standardized field sobriety tests during stops that have occurred due to DWI suspicion. The three tests are:

  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
  • Walk and turn
  • One-leg stand

With the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the police officer observes the eye reactions of the suspect. Nystagmus refers to the involuntary rapid movement and/or jerking of a person’s eye does when subject to a stimulus. The jerking is likely to increase when there is alcohol present in an individual’s bloodstream. The suspect will be directed to remove their glasses if wearing them, feet together, hands at sides, and keep the head still while looking at and tracking a stimulus with the eyes only. Usually, a finger or a pen is used as the stimulus and is kept approximately 12 inches from the person’s nose. The person must follow the finger or pen’s movements with the eyes only; no turning of the head. The horizontal gaze nystagmus test is said to be the most reliable of the standardized DWI field sobriety tests. It is important when building a defense, to note that some people have natural eye nystagmus when sober. 

The walk and turn tests require the test subject to take 9 heel-to-toe steps across a line in one direction and back. The person should be instructed to keep his or her eyes on the feet and count each step out loud. Arms should be kept at the sides. The police officer will look to see if the person is having difficulty staying balanced or following any of the instructions as an indication that the individual is, in fact, intoxicated.

With the one-leg stand test, the person will lift one leg slightly off the ground, about six inches, and stand on the other leg. The raised foot should be pointed out and both legs should be straight with the individual looking down at the raised foot. The officer will be looking for several things that may indicate the individual is intoxicated. The person may be swaying while trying to balance. He or she may be using arms to balance or need to put the foot down. Hopping is also a potential indication of intoxication.

Trust DWI Defense Counsel

The accuracy of field sobriety tests can be challenged on many levels as can other evidence that may have been gathered in order to charge and convict you of a DWI. Heiferman & Associates is here to challenge this evidence and work to prevent a DWI charge from becoming a DWI conviction. Contact us today.

Posted in DWI
Heiferman & Associates discusses what a white-collar crime is.

What Is a White-Collar Crime?

“White-collar crime” refers to financial crimes. White-collar crime encompasses various forms of embezzlement, fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and more. Law enforcement takes these crimes extremely seriously, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Therefore, if you have been charged with any of the following types of white-collar crime, it is imperative that you contact a New York white-collar crime defense attorney, (or federal white-collar crime defense attorney) as soon as possible. 

Common types of white-collar crime

  • Embezzlement – Embezzlement is the theft of funds placed in trust or belonging to an employer. For example, when an employee siphons money from his or her employer into a personal account, this is a form of embezzlement. In addition, an investment advisor who improperly uses client funds commits embezzlement. 
  • Tax Evasion Tax evasion is a crime in which an individual knowingly avoids paying taxes that are legally owed to the government. Examples of tax evasion include filing tax forms with false information and hiding assets to avoid tax liability. 
  • Securities Fraud – Securities fraud is a form of white-collar crime that primarily involves misrepresenting information investors use to make decisions. There are many types of securities fraud, including:
    • Misleading investors about a company’s health, prospects, or finances
    • Making false or misleading statements in public reports from publicly traded companies 
    • Insider trading, which occurs when an individual with inside information about an investment or company makes trades based on that information
  • Money Laundering – Money laundering involves filtering illegally obtained money through a series of transactions in order to make the money appear legitimate.
  • Other types of white-collar crime – There are several additional types of white-collar crime, including:
    • Insurance fraud and mortgage fraud – These types of fraud respectively involve fraudulently collecting on an insurance policy or misrepresenting information on a mortgage loan application to secure a loan.
    • Ponzi schemes – A Ponzi scheme is a form of fraud that pays profits to earlier investors with funds from more recent investors. 

Contact a white-collar criminal defense attorney today 

If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, you face a number of serious consequences. Therefore, in order to ensure that you receive the most aggressive defense possible, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. When you hire Heiferman and Associates, PLLC, to fight your charges, you will benefit from attorneys who have insight into the tactics the government uses to prosecute individuals accused of white-collar crimes. Regardless of the charges you face, our aggressive and experienced New York, New Jersey and Federal District Court attorneys will stand by you every step of the way, working to preserve your future and your reputation. If you have been charged with a state or federal crime, you need the powerful representation we are prepared to provide. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.

Application for asylum with American flag in the background

USCIS Seeks to Limit Asylum Applicants’ Ability to Work While Their Applications Are Pending

This week, there was yet another update released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). reporting that they are proposing a new regulation. This new regulation will restrict asylum seekers’ ability to obtain work authorizations while involved in immigration court proceedings.  Their goal is to “promote greater accountability in the application process for requesting employment authorization and to deter the fraudulent filing of asylum applications for the purpose of obtaining employment authorization documents,” per their notice. 

Immigration agencies have been instructed to block unauthorized immigrants from obtaining employment authorization before being granted relief from deportation and to revoke work permits from immigrants denied asylum or ordered removed. In late April, an executive memo was issued asking USCIS to provide proposals to limit work permits for asylum seekers who crossed the border without authorization.

Typically, asylum applicants may petition for employment authorization documents once 150 days have passed since they filed their application, unless they are responsible for delays in the process.  The wait time to obtain work authorization often leads to financial crisis for many of these asylum applicants. Their living conditions are frequently well below the poverty line; they live in crowded conditions, with limited access to food and medical care. 

Several immigration advocacy groups, including the New York Immigration Coalition and the immigration legal services project Immigrant Justice Corps, voiced their opinions on the negative impact of the work permit delays at USCIS. Asylum seekers who are unable to work face difficulties supporting themselves and their families. As such, numerous immigration legal service coalitions and organizations have filed or threatened to file lawsuits in various Federal District Courts to protect these immigrants. Central to their arguments is that the ability for these people to work, not only is beneficial to the U.S. economy, but also to the lives of these asylum applicants and their families. 

The proposed regulations do not take effect immediately and must still go through a legislative process. Furthermore, people seeking asylum are considered LEGAL immigrants. 

Heiferman & Associates, PLLC provides experienced representation for immigrants in  removal proceedings at immigration courts (EOIR) throughout New York, New Jersey and all over the country.  We also assist new immigrants in applying for asylum with USCIS. (Note: It is crucial an asylum application is filed within an immigrants first year of entry.) Many applicants are unaware of their rights when filing  asylum applications. For this reason we are quick to mount defenses and/or avoid problems associated with the ever-changing immigration policies. Our immigration attorneys are experienced and always on top of the latest immigration conditions in the country. Obtaining experienced and competent legal counsel is crucial to the success rate of these applications. 

Heiferman & Associates operates a full-service Immigration Department that is here to assist clients with a variety of immigration applications and visas including, but not limited to, Asylum, Cancellation of Removal, ICE Detentions, Family-Based (Marriage) Green Cards, Employment Visas and Green Cards (H1-B, EB, TN and O),  Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ), Victims of Violence (U Visas), Trafficking Visas and many more. Please call (or email) our office for a confidential consultation. 

Heiferman & Associates, PLLC discussed drug possession charges of controlled substances in New York.

New York Drug (Controlled Substance) Possession Charges

For the prosecution to obtain a conviction for drug possession (or sale) in New York, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was knowingly and unlawfully in possession of a controlled substance. The possession of the illicit drug does not need to be physical. It may be constructive, meaning that the defendant was in control of the person or place where the drug was found. This means that the defendant does not necessarily need to be physically present when and where the drugs are found. Drug possession charges will largely depend on the type and amount of drug at issue. The level of charge will also determine the potential penalties a defendant will face. New York drug laws are notoriously tough, some of the toughest in the United States. Criminal offenses involving controlled substances are usually felonies and carry severe penalties in the form of fines and extended periods of incarceration.

What Are the Different Types of New York Drug Possession Charges?

The type and penalties associated with your New York drug possession charge will be determined by several factors, including:

  • The illegal substance involved
  • The amount of illegal substance involved
  • Whether the illegal substance was being sold or intended to be sold
  • Whether there were firearms seized with the illegal substance
  • Whether the defendant had any prior convictions (any felonies, especially)

If you are found in possession of 8 or more ounces of a narcotic drug or a substance containing a narcotic drug, or in possession of 5,760 milligrams of methadone, you may face a Class A-1 felony charge. The potential penalty for these charges ranges from 8 to 20 years in prison, a $100,000 fine and forfeiture of money and property related to criminal conduct. A drug possession charge, under lesser circumstances, may be charged as Class C or D felonies, punishable by 3 – 9 years and 2 ⅓ – 7 years, respectively, for first-time offenders.

The type of controlled substance and the amount of drug you are found to possess has a big impact on the type of charge and potential penalties. For instance, unlawfully possessing marijuana for a first time offender will mean a citation and a $100 fine. It is not even considered to be a criminal charge in New York. If you are found to be in possession of more than 25 grams of marijuana or using marijuana in a public place, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. Possession of greater than 8 ounces is punishable by a felony.

In contrast, if you are found to be in possession of even a small amount of cocaine, you may face up to 15 years in prison and fines upwards of $500,000. Furthermore, a charge of possession with intent to distribute may be assessed depending on the number of drugs you are found to have been in control of. Penalties for possession with intent to distribute are very serious and can be much more severe than a mere possession charge. A conviction for ANY controlled substance charges, including misdemeanors, can lead to serious immigration consequences and deportation.

The sentencing guidelines above are always subject to change. 

Criminal Defense Attorneys Fighting for You

If you are facing a drug possession charge, don’t lose hope. There are many ways to successfully defend against such charges so that they are dropped or the potential sentence can be reduced. A prosecutor must prove his or her case beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a heavy burden to carry. Heiferman & Associates is here to advocate for you. We will fight against all the charges you face. Contact us today.

A man meeting his criminal defense attorney.

How to Choose the Right New York Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a crime of any kind in New York, you need a criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights and freedom. Given the potential consequences of a criminal conviction, this is not a decision that you should take lightly. Therefore, it is important that you understand how to go about choosing the right criminal defense attorney. Below is some information to help you choose a criminal defense attorney in New York. 

Act fast

First, if you’ve been arrested in New York, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The legal process can move quickly, so time is of the essence. Even if you have time before your first court date, there is a lot of legwork that must be done to properly prepare your defense. Therefore, the sooner you begin your attorney search, the better.  

Schedule a consultation 

Before choosing a criminal defense attorney in New York, you should schedule a consultation. A consultation provides you an opportunity to discuss your case with your prospective attorney and ask him or her important questions. Following your consultation, you should have a good idea of whether he or she is the right lawyer for you. 

Ask the right questions

After scheduling your initial consultation, you should prepare some questions to ask your prospective attorney. Asking the right types of questions will go a long way in helping you choose the right attorney. Good questions to ask include:

  • How much of your practice is devoted to criminal defense?
  • Have you handled many cases like mine? 
  • What were your past results in handling cases like mine? 
  • Are you familiar with the court in which my case is being tried?
  • How long have you been practicing law?
  • Will you be personally handling my case, or will another attorney do most of the work?
  • Do you charge a flat rate or an hourly fee?

Contact our New York criminal defense attorneys 

If you are facing criminal charges, you must act quickly to ensure that your rights are protected. Depending on the charges, you may be facing a lengthy prison sentence, the loss of your right to vote, and the loss of your eligibility for certain professional licenses and government benefits. In addition, a permanent criminal record can make it difficult for you to obtain employment and find housing. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you against your charges. At Heiferman and Associates, PLLC, we provide aggressive and efficient legal representation to clients throughout New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island & New Jersey in state and federal courts. Backed by extensive experience and working knowledge of New York Penal Law and Federal Criminal Statutes/Code, our aggressive and knowledgeable attorneys are committed to balancing the scales of justice, making sure you receive due process, and preserving your freedom. Please contact us today for a consultation.