Port Chester, New York

The Village of Port Chester has approximately 30,500 residents and was incorporated in 1868, when the village was a major seaport. Due to a large volume of blue-collar businesses, the Village of Port Chester is a place with a strong sense of community. There is also a waterfront complex and Costco for shopping opportunities.

From 1920 through 1984, the Lifesavers Company had its headquarters in Port Chester. This landmark building is now an apartment complex. Famous residents of the village include the late Arnold Diaz, a former CBS News reporter. The legendary TV host Ed Sullivan lived in Port Chester and attended high school in the village many years ago.

A number of businesses and services serve the residents of Port Chester, and that includes The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel. Our team is proud to offer personal injury and criminal defense representation to clients in the area, so if you ever find yourself arrested or in an accident in Port Chester, contact us for a free consultation.

Criminal Law FAQ

What should I do if I’m arrested or accused of a crime in Port Chester?

Your first priority should be to remain calm and assert your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. In addition, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible and certainly before speaking with law enforcement or giving a statement. Your attorney will explain your rights, begin working on your defense, and can protect you from making mistakes that could hurt your case.

How can a Port Chester criminal defense attorney to help me?

A criminal defense attorney will investigate the charges, examine the evidence, and look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They will negotiate plea deals if necessary, and represent you in court, working to achieve the best possible outcome. A Port Chester attorney is also familiar with local judges and resources, so if there is a diversion program or resources available to you, they can ensure that you can pursue those options.

What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Felonies are serious crimes that typically carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences or even life imprisonment. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and usually result in shorter sentences, often less than one year in jail, or fines. Examples of felonies include armed robbery or murder, while misdemeanors include petty theft or reckless driving.

Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged with a misdemeanor?

Even if you’re charged with a misdemeanor, a criminal conviction can still have long-term consequences on your life, including your career and reputation. A criminal defense attorney can help reduce potential penalties, negotiate a plea deal, or even get the charges dismissed if the evidence is weak.

What is the penalty for a DWI in Port Chester?

In the state of New York, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense. Penalties can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, or even jail time. Fines of up to $10,000 and jail time of up to 7 years are possible with a DWI conviction. A criminal defense attorney can work to potentially reduce the penalties you face.

If your BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is below.15 and you do not have previous DWI convictions, we can seek to have your charges reduced to a DWAI (driving while ability impaired), which is a non criminal charge. It can also be possible to reduce charges to reduce charges to DWAID (driving while ability impaired by drugs), which is a misdemeanor.

Can I get my criminal record expunged in Port Chester?

The state of New York doesn’t offer “expungement” in the traditional sense. However, certain convictions can be sealed under New York’s sealing laws if specific criteria are met. Sealed records won’t easily show up on criminal background checks, but they may still be visible to employers if you apply for a job that requires you to carry a gun. You can also still see your records or authorize someone to see your records. Parole offices and law enforcement may still be able to see your records in specific circumstances.

In some cases, such as in the event of crimes committed by youth or children, records can be automatically sealed. Otherwise, you may need to work with a defense attorney to find out if you qualify to have your records sealed or if you qualify for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct. Your attorney can explain the best way to proceed to get your rights back.

Personal Injury Law FAQ

What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident in Port Chester?

Always seek medical attention promptly, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Injuries can sometimes become worse over time, and having a doctor document your condition quickly is important so you can establish that your injuries were caused by your accident. After that, contact a personal injury attorney to help you understand the process of pursuing compensation.

Do I need a Port Chester personal injury attorney help me?

A personal injury attorney can help you file a claim so you can get the fairest compensation possible. They will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will take the case to court to fight for your rights. Without an attorney, insurance companies may pressure you to accept less compensation than you deserve.

What types of accidents do personal injury attorneys handle?

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we handle a wide range of accidents, including car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, dog bites, and more. If someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injury, we may be able to help you seek compensation. If you’re not sure whether your type of injury or accident is covered, just contact us for a free consultation and we can explain whether you may have a claim.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Port Chester?

In the state of New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit. However, it’s a good idea to contact an attorney as soon as possible because there are exceptions to this statute of limitations. In addition, filing your claim as soon as possible can strengthen your case.

Do I have to go to court to get compensation?

Not necessarily. Most personal injury claims are settled out of court, and your attorney will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to seek a settlement for you. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court.

How much will I get for my injuries?

Compensation in a personal injury case is based on several factors, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and any additional losses. A key role of your personal injury attorney is to accurately determine your total costs, including future costs related to your losses, so you can seek fair compensation.

How much does a personal injury attorney cost?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case or get a settlement. Their fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award you receive. If you don’t win your case, you won’t owe them any legal fees. The total cost of your case will depend on several factors, including the complexity of your claim. If you are concerned about the cost of working with a personal injury attorney, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation. We can tell you what you can expect and we can provide you with transparent details about our fees.

Contact Us

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel specializes in personal injury and criminal law, and we pride ourselves on providing personalized, hands-on attention to each of our clients. From the moment the client enters our White Plains, New York offices, through the conclusion of their case by trial, mediation, arbitration or other resolution, our clients are fully apprised of the status of their cases at all times. We offer a free initial consultation to all clients, and are accessible through our two websites, injurylawny.com and dwilawnewyork.com, three blogs, and by fax, e-mail.

Contact our office at (914) 428-7386 to schedule an appointment for your free consultation or visit our websites at www.injurylawny.com or www.dwilawnewyork.com. Our law office is a short 7.1 miles from Village Hall in Port Chester, and directions can be accessed by clicking here.