New York City Self-Defense Legal Representation
Self-defense (also known as "justification" in New York law) is a nuanced concept, knowledge of which is critical to the defense of any assault, homicide, or any other charge involving an injured or threatened person.
Often, the use or threatened use of physical force is appropriate and a complete defense to criminal charges brought by prosecutors. Many cases alleged by prosecutors to be serious assault cases in fact should not be charged or should result in an acquittal as the result of a successful self-defense argument.
If you have been charged with assault or homicide, you may not be guilty of a crime, even if you were armed with a weapon, the other person was severely injured, and you were not harmed.
A proper case analysis requires determination of several questions, including who the "initial aggressor" in the encounter was and whether the degree of force used was reasonable proportional to the perceived or actual threat.
Track Record of Successful Self-Defense Cases
Mr. Bederow has successfully utilized the defense of justification in several matters. He has gained favorable outcomes for clients by convincing prosecutors to dismiss cases on self-defense principles, successfully asserting the defense before grand juries, and successfully arguing self-defense at trials.
Examples of cases in which Mr. Bederow has gained favorable outcomes for clients by successfully arguing self-defense include:
- Acquittal for a bank trader charged with fracturing the eye socket of a bouncer after a dispute at a Manhattan nightclub
- Acquittal for opera singer charged with assaulting a doctor after a dispute at a Manhattan Trader Joe's store.
- Dismissal of all charges for client who testified on his own behalf before a Manhattan grand jury after he was accused of slashing his attacker, which caused him serious physical injury
For a case evaluation with a New York City criminal defense lawyer, contact the Law Office of Mark A. Bederow, P.C. today. Call (212) 256-9491.
Testimonials
-
Mark Bederow came to the rescue on the worst day of my life. He represented me after a manic episode in 2016 during which I'd been violent. (At the time I was untreated and unmedicated for bipolar 1. I wrote a book about my very fortunate journey to acceptance and better health called BURN RATE: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind, published 2022.) Under Mark's care, the case was ultimately dismissed and expunged. Forever grateful to Mark for shining light during the darkest days of my life. He is a wonderful human being and an outstanding attorney, and it is a privilege that I was able to work with him. I feel lucky, and I wish Mark's services for anyone dealing with anything, including a mental health issue that becomes a criminal matter.- A.D.
-
As a retired attorney I only have good things to say about this criminal law specialist. Unfortunately for those of us who live in Florida he works in New York State- A.Z.
-
Mark was a pleasure to work with. He answered my calls and questions very promptly, and provided expert legal knowledge to help me get my son's case dismissed. Would highly recommend Mark.- C.E.
-
Mark is fantastic. He's as honest as you can get, and his knowledge and confidence is unparalleled. I trust him implicitly when it comes to making legal decisions. He's a pleasure to work with.- M.H.
-
We have dealt with many lawyers in the past several years and 99% of them want the most amount of money to do the least amount of work. Mark Bederow is not your typical lawyer. He’s the only lawyer I’ve ever met that actually listens to his client’s suggestions and utilizes their input, and if he doesn’t he explains why. I’ve never met a lawyer as intelligent, passionate about winning, and completely in his client’s corner. Mark Bederow is brilliant, he is a champion of justice, and his love for the law is evident as he relentlessly fights for his clients. He is definitely the best criminal lawyer in NYC, and quite possibly NY State.- A.F.
-
Mark made a world of difference in the outcome of a much less than favorable case.- M.W. & L. W.
-
After over a decade of battling government corruption in NY State, I was introduced to Mark Bederow. Since retaining Mark, who's expertise is finding justice for those abused by the legal system, I have made giant steps toward obtaining justice and getting my life back.- K.C.
-
Great human-being overall. Very detail-ortiented and organized as a person with a lot of knowledge in handling legal matters. Already recommended and will refer him in the near future. The reviews speak for themselves.- E.T.
Why Hire Us?
-
Outstanding Case ResultsA proven track record of success in complex and high-stakes cases. We fight for outcomes that protect your future.
-
Former Manhattan ProsecutorInsider knowledge from years on the other side of the courtroom. We use that experience to anticipate strategies and strengthen your defense.
-
Nationally RecognizedConsistently acknowledged by leading legal organizations and media for excellence, ethics, and client satisfaction.
-
Over 20 Years of ExperienceDecades of courtroom and negotiation expertise. We bring sharp judgment and seasoned strategy to every case we handle.
