Defense for serious state and federal charges.

We represent people and organizations across New York, from the first investigation through trial and appeal. When your freedom and reputation are on the line, the defense you build matters.

Rated
Super Lawyers
Eight straight years
Recognized
Best Lawyers
Ones to Watch honoree
Experience
Former Prosecutor
Federal criminal cases
Service
Marine Corps JAG
Senior trial counsel

What we handle

We defend people and organizations against serious state and federal charges across New York. Whether you are under investigation, newly arrested, or challenging a conviction on appeal, the work starts the same way: understand the exposure, protect your rights, and build the strongest defense the facts allow. These are the areas we handle most.

Scott Iseman representing a client in a New York courtroom

Federal and white-collar defense

Sensitive, high-stakes matters where an early and informed defense can change the outcome.

Serious state charges

Felony and misdemeanor charges in New York’s county and city courts.

  1. State Crimes Defense

  2. Drug Crimes Defense

  3. Assault & Violent Crimes

  4. Sex Crimes Defense

Specialized and post-conviction

Focused representation where the forum, or the stage of the case, calls for specific experience.

Credentials that are earned, not advertised. This is the background we bring to every case we take.

Recognized by the profession.

Awards, admissions, and service
Rated by Super Lawyers
Best Lawyers
Avvo
University at Buffalo School of Law
New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Former federal prosecutor

Served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuting federal criminal cases before moving to the defense side. We know how the government builds a case because we have built them.

Marine Corps Judge Advocate

Senior Trial Counsel in the United States Marine Corps, with real trial experience earned in high-stakes courts-martial.

Super Lawyers, eight straight years

Recognized by Super Lawyers every year running, together with a Best Lawyers Ones to Watch honor for emerging attorneys.

Admitted across New York’s courts

New York State, the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of New York, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. J.D. magna cum laude, University at Buffalo School of Law.

Questions we hear often

Straight answers to what people ask us about serious charges in New York. If your question is not here, call and ask.

What does it mean to be indicted?

An indictment means a grand jury found enough evidence for your case to move forward, usually a felony or a federal charge. For a federal felony, the Constitution requires a grand jury to indict (Fifth Amendment). It is a formal accusation, not a finding of guilt, and you keep every right to fight it. If you have been indicted, or you think you soon will be, that is the moment to have a lawyer.

What is wire fraud?

Wire fraud is using electronic communication, such as email, a phone call, or a bank transfer, to carry out a scheme to obtain money or property by deception (18 U.S.C. § 1343). It is a federal charge, and prosecutors read it broadly, with each communication counted as its own offense. The exposure adds up fast, so an early defense matters.

What is a grand jury subpoena?

A grand jury subpoena is a formal demand to testify or hand over documents in a criminal investigation. Getting one does not always mean you are the target, but what you say or produce can be used, so talk to a lawyer before you respond. We help witnesses and subjects understand their exposure and protect their rights.

How do you get off the New York sex offender registry?

In New York, under the Sex Offender Registration Act, a Level 1 registrant can petition to come off the registry after a set period, and some people can ask the court to lower their risk level. It is not automatic, and the judge weighs several factors, so the petition has to be built carefully. We can tell you whether relief is realistic in your situation.

Can you appeal a plea bargain?

A guilty plea usually gives up most of your right to appeal, but not all of it. If the plea was not knowing and voluntary, if the sentence was illegal, or if your prior lawyer was ineffective, a path may still exist. We read the full record and tell you honestly whether an appeal or a motion to vacate is worth filing.

What is a felony conspiracy charge?

A conspiracy charge means the government claims you agreed with at least one other person to commit a crime, even if it was never carried out. Federal conspiracy is often charged under 18 U.S.C. § 371, and you can be held responsible for what others in the alleged agreement did. The defense often turns on whether a real agreement existed and what you actually knew.

How long after an indictment does arraignment happen?

Arraignment usually follows an indictment quickly, often within days, and it is where you appear, hear the charges, enter a plea, and bail is set. It moves fast, so the time to prepare is before you walk in. Having a lawyer at arraignment can shape both bail and the direction of the case.

What is a superseding indictment?

A superseding indictment is a revised set of charges that replaces the original one, often adding counts, defendants, or new allegations. It is common in federal cases as the investigation develops. It can change your exposure a great deal, so the defense has to adjust quickly.

Talk to a defense lawyer about your case.

Consultations are confidential, and there is no charge for the first conversation.

Schedule a Consultation
Free consultation Strictly confidential Former federal prosecutor
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Iseman PLLC 59 Franklin Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 633-1528 scott@scottisemanlaw.com Get directions