DWI charges, Personal Injury claims and Criminal defense verdicts handled in New York, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk
A good criminal defense lawyer knows the New York criminal law and pleads your case. A great criminal defense lawyer can give you back your life. Todd D. Greenberg and Dominic L. Addabbo each have over 30 years of criminal defense experience. They have represented hundreds of clients charged with felony crimes and misdemeanor crimes ranging from homicide to hate crimes to DUI, in both State and Federal courts. Addabbo & Greenberg handles your criminal case through preliminary stages of the criminal proceedings, through motions, and trials by jury and judge. Described by judges, clients and colleagues as a top New York criminal defense lawyer Todd D. Greenberg has been lead criminal defense counsel in over 150 felony trials, including over 50 homicide trials. Here are some of those stories.
Federal Judge Persuaded to Exercise Fairness in Drug Sentencing
On May 22nd 2009, the Defendant, who pled guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine), received what a Federal Judge called a "lenient" sentence based upon arguments made by Attorney Todd D. Greenberg at Sentencing. The Defendant, pursuant to the United States Sentencing Guidelines, faced a sentence range of 70 to 87 months. In a Pre-Sentence Memorandum, Mr. Greenberg pointed out to the Court that on April 29th, 2009, at a United States Senate Hearing entitled "RESTORING FAIRNESS TO FEDERAL SENTENCING: ADDRESSING THE CRACK-POWDER SENTENCING DISPARITY", an Assistant Attorney General stated that the sentencing disparity (a person selling crack cocaine would receive the same mandatory minimum sentence as someone selling a hundred times as much powder cocaine) was "difficult to justify based on the facts and science, including evidence that crack is not an inherently more addictive substance than powder cocaine." Further, it was pointed out to the Judge that a review of the legislative history behind the adoption of the 100 to 1 ratio was that Congress sought to focus the five and ten year mandatory minimum penalties on "serious" and "major" traffickers, those responsible for delivering very large quantity of drugs. During sentencing, Mr. Greenberg argued that this Defendant was not a major trafficker and that fairness in drug sentencing, based upon the Justice Department April 29th, 2009 statement, would require a substantially less prison term than the Guideline range. The Federal Judge agreed and sentenced the Defendant to one year and one day instead of a minimum sentence of 5 years and 10 months. By being up to date on current events occurring in the United States Senate regarding Hearings on Crime and Drugs, the Attorneys at Addabbo & Greenberg were able to bring the most current legal argument before the sentencing Judge which resulted in a substantially less jail sentence.
A 15-year-old boy from Roosevelt -- a reputed member of the Crips street gang -- was arraigned Thursday on a murder charge in the death of a rival from the Bloods, according to court records and Nassau County police.
Cody Hernandez is accused of shooting Lord Carter with a .25-caliber handgun, striking him in the stomach and left thigh, according to a felony complaint.
At the arraignment hearing Thursday, a judge ordered Hernandez jailed without bail. He is charged as an adult with second-degree murder.
The police said a witness saw the two arguing June 21 at East Fulton Avenue and Scherer Place in Roosevelt just before Hernandez fired around 11:15 p.m., then ran away.
And the day before, the two had a dispute in Centennial Park in Roosevelt, said homicide Det. Sgt. Richard Laursen of the Nassau police.
"There was some personal animosity between the two," Laursen said. "Without a gun, it would have just been a dispute."
The murder weapon has not been recovered, Laursen said.
Just before his latest arrest, Hernandez had been in a juvenile jail for violation of probation stemming from a criminal case in family court, according to records. Citing the confidentiality of juvenile court records, a Nassau police spokesman refused to detail Hernandez's previous crime.
Hernandez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment at First District Court in Hempstead, said his attorney, Dominic L. Addabbo of Forest Hills. Addabbo said he would not comment on the merits of the case. Hernandez is due back in court next week. Addabbo said he and his client are deciding whether Hernandez should testify before a grand jury.
No one answered the door at the home where records say Hernandez lives.
A neighbor who refused to give his name called the teen's arrest "shocking" and "a tragedy for the family."
Asked about the arrest, Carter's girlfriend, Aleyah Cust, 19, said, "It's a big weight off my shoulders. I'd rather him be arrested than in the streets."
Staff writers Laura Rivera and Michelle Trauring contributed to this story.
No Jury finding on sex felony charges
A Nassau jury convicted a Winthrop-University Hospital medical technician of fondling a patient but could not decide whether he was guilty of having oral sex with that man or two others.
After deliberating for three full days, the jury found Ronald Caparella, 45, of Glen Oaks, guilty of a misdemeanor, forcible touching, but could not reach a unanimous verdict Tuesday on three felony charges against Caparella, including third-degree criminal sex act.
Prosecutors and Caparella's defense lawyer, Todd Greenberg of Forest Hills, are due back in court May 7 to discuss how to proceed with the case.
Prosecutor Jamie Johnson said Caparella, a sonogram technician at a thoracic and cardiovascular office run by Winthrop in Mineola, attempted to have oral sex with male patients three times - twice in 2004 and once in 2007. Johnson said that because Caparella is a medical professional, he could not legally have sex with patients, even if they consented.
The three patients who testified against Caparella all said they did not consent to have sex with Caparella, although in his closing argument, Greenberg questioned why they had not protested more after they said Caparella
made advances on them.
Greenberg said that Caparella was not a medical professional and did not diagnose or treat patients - only took photographs of them for the doctors to use.
In the end, it was the question of whether Caparella was a medical professional that jurors said they could not agree on, asking to have the legal definition of medical professional read back to them several times during their deliberations.
Queens Man Accused Of Attacking Cop Permitted To Enter Plea Of Not Responsible By Reason Of Mental Defect
A Queens's man charged with attempted murder for trying to stab a Police Officer with a steak knife was permitted to enter a plea of Not Responsible By Reason Of Mental Disease and Defect to an Indictment that charged Attempted Murder and related charges, thereby avoiding a lengthy prison sentence. In March 2007, the Defendant, outside St. Helen's Church on 88th Street and 157th Avenue in Queens, swung a knife at Police Officer Stuart Ingram, which hit the Officer's Tin Shield and shattered, thereby saving his life. The family retained Queens Attorney Todd Greenberg, who, after investigation, along with Defense Psychiatrist, determined that the Defendant was in the midst of a "psychotic incident" and believed he was fending off attackers of the Church. "He believed he was under attack by three thugs" and "then was acting out in self defense" Greenberg stated to Newsday on March 4, 2007. The Defense was able to persuade the Queens District Attorney's Office, who also conducted independent psychiatric evaluations, that the Defendant was mentally ill and not criminally responsible because of that mental illness for the criminal acts. The Defendant will be hospitalized in a secured facility for six months and thereafter reviewed every two years to determine his mental capacities. The Attorneys of Addabbo & Greenberg were able to establish that the Defendant's mental disease caused his actions and that he had no "intent" to hurt the Police Officer. Instead of a lengthy prison term, the Defendant will receive counseling and care at a State Psychiatric Facility.
Jury "Hopelessly Deadlocked" In Murder Trial; Mistrial Ordered
On February 25, 2009, after three days of deliberation, the Jury in a three week Murder trial being held in Nassau County stated they were "hopelessly deadlocked" in a case that arose from an alleged gang shooting. The Defendant, 15 years old at the time, was accused with shooting, at point blank range, a member of a rival gang in front of witnesses. Attorney Todd D. Greenberg challenged the credibility and the reliability of the witnesses, some of whom were at a Barbecue and admittedly had many drinks. A date for retrial has yet to be determined.
Corrections Captain Cleared of All Felony Charges On Dec. 15, 2008
It was alleged that the Defendant, a Captain in the Emergency Services Unit of the NYC Department of Corrections, assaulted the complainant during a fellow corrections officer's retirement party, causing him serious physical injuries. Attorney Dominic L. Addabbo was convinced that the Defendant acted in self-defense and had his private investigator obtain statements from several eye-witnesses to support this defense. The District Attorney refused to drop the charges as Mr. Addabbo demanded, and the District Attorney proceeded to present the case to the Grand Jury. Mr. Addabbo promptly arranged for the defense witnesses to appear before the Grand Jury. Based upon the sound advice and counsel the Defendant received from Mr. Addabbo, the Defendant himself also testified at the Grand Jury session. That strategy proved to be most effective, and as a result, the Grand Jury voted not to indict the Defendant. All charges against the Captain were dismissed and the records were sealed accordingly. The Captain was completely restored by the Department of Corrections to the position of trust he held before this incident.
Murder Charges Dismissed On October 17, 2008
The Defendant, charged with Murder, was in Court on October 17, 2008 wherein the District Attorney dismissed Two Counts of Murder (Intentional Murder and Depraved Indifference Murder) against him.
The case, as reported in the New York Daily News, on Saturday, December 3, 2005, alleged that the Defendant shot and killed another, a Computer Programmer, because he tried to bum a cigarette from him. Extensive pre-trial Hearings were held wherein Attorney Todd D. Greenberg alleged that a videotape statement obtained by the Defendant was not "voluntarily" made and was obtained in violation of the Defendant's Constitutional rights. Although the presiding Justice denied the Motion, Attorney Greenberg was of the opinion that the argument was extremely viable and could be argued in front of the Jury as well as on an Appeal if necessary. Immediately prior to trial, a Plea Bargain was reached wherein the Murder charges were dismissed and the Defendant pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, of which he already served 3 years.
Queens Family Court Judge Acquits Teen Of Robbery And Assault
On July 2, 2008, after a trial that spanned approximately two weeks a Queens Family Court Judge acquitted a 15-year old teen of Robbery and Assault charges. The Juvenile allegedly committed the robbery on February 8, 2008 when he, and at least nine other persons, approached the Complainant, assaulted him and took his cell phone. Attorney Todd Greenberg argued a classic mis-identification case. Cross-examination of the Complainant, as well as an alleged eye-witness Security Guard, established that the Security Guard actually never saw the robbery and the Complainant saw the Juvenile, not at the time of the robbery, but shortly thereafter and only saw the side of the Juvenile's face. Further cross-examination revealed that the perpetrators of the crime were wearing "Hoodies" which would further hinder any identification. At the end of the case the Queens Family Court Judge complemented Mr. Greenberg for his presentation and defense of the Juvenile in this case. All charges were dismissed and the Juvenile released from custody. A co-defendant pled guilty prior to trial.
Judge acquits Defendant of Menacing And Weapon Charges after a 3-day trial.
On May 7, 2008, the Defendant was found “Not Guilty” of all criminal charges stemming from an alleged attack by him against a neighbor with a machete. The Defendant was charged with Menacing and Criminal Possession of a Weapon regarding an incident that occurred on Saturday, September 9, 2006 immediately outside the Defendant’s home which is attached to the home of the Complaining Witness. The testimony revealed a long on-going dispute between the two families which culminated with words between the Defendant’s father and the Complainant wherein the Defendant was arrested and accused of coming out of his home with a machete and threatening his neighbor. The Police arrived and described a disorderly and violent crowd outside the Defendant’s house and the Police went inside and retrieved a machete which was introduced into evidence. Attorney Todd D. Greenberg attacked the credibility of the Witness and pointed out to the Court that on cross-examination two of the three witnesses testified that the Defendant never left the doorway of his home and did not exit his home, as the District Attorney alleged, to go after the Complainant. Further, after comparison of the testimony of the three alleged eye-witnesses, it was pointed out to the Court that there were major inconsistencies and that the Court should conclude that the testimony is false. On an interesting note, evidence was introduced that in the Indo Caribbean community, a machete, also known as “cutlass” is used for many things including cooking, gardening and as a household utensil. That argument was used to explain the presence of a machete in the Defendant’s house.
Assault Charges Dismissed: District Attorney Failed to comply with strict requirements of Criminal Procedure Law
On February 6, 2008 all criminal charges of Assault were dismissed against the client of Addabbo & Greenberg and his records were sealed. The Defendant was originally charged on April 15, 2007 with an Assault allegedly arising from a dispute over a parking spot. It should be noted that the Defendant absolutely denied his involvement and an Alibi defense was prepared for trial. During Motion practice, after extensive investigation, it was discovered by Attorney Todd D. Greenberg that there was a photographic identification procedure utilized for which the District Attorney failed to give proper written Notice under the Criminal Procedure Law. A Motion to preclude any identification testimony at the trial was filed and, after oral argument, the Judge granted Attorney Greenberg’s Motion and precluded the District Attorney from offering any testimony from any witness who viewed a photograph of the Defendant of which the Defense was not informed. After the ruling, the District Attorney could not proceed and voluntarily dismissed all charges. Although Addabbo & Greenberg was ready to proceed to trial with a strong defense, a Motion based on Legal Principles caused the dismissal of all charges and a trial was not necessary.
Judge Dismisses 291 Count Indictment in the Middle of Trial
In the midst of trial, Judge Scarano granted Todd Greenberg’s motion to dismiss a 291 count indictment against his client, Mario Sclafani, the clerk of scales for the New York Racing Association. In granting the motion, Mr. Greenberg proved to the court that the methodology used by the investigators was terribly flawed and inaccurate.
Five Assault and Harassment Charges Dismissed on Motion for Speedy Trial
Our firm was retained to represent a Defendant who was charged and arrested on five separate occasions with either assaulting and/or harassing the Complainant, who was a fellow-member of Alcohol Anonymous. Our client denied the charges. There was an on-going feud between the parties and the District Attorney was adamant in its prosecution. When the case was finally marked for trial, the People were not ready on five separate occasions even though they previously stated they were ready to satisfy the statutory requirements. Attorney Todd Greenberg argued that even though the District Attorney’s stated their readiness in open court to satisfy statutory requirements, the statement was illusory, in that the People were not actually or really ready to proceed. On November 15, 2007, all charges were dismissed against out client, the Defendant and the record sealed.
Our client charged with Assault and Reckless Endangerment of a New York City Police Officer was acquitted of all charges in a jury trial.
On January 22, 2007, a Queens County Jury acquitted the Defendant, our client, of all charges of Assault and Reckless Endangerment. After the acquittal, his record was permanently sealed. The incident arose from a Traffic Incident where an off duty Police Officer claimed that the Defendant assaulted him by punching him in the face. Attorney Todd Greenberg argued that the credibility of the police Officer was at issue based on prior inconsistent statements and a forgetful memory. The Defendant testified that it was the Police Officer who acted aggressively and that the Defendant acted in self-defense. The Judge charged the jury regarding the law of self-defense and the Defendnat was thereafter acquitted of all charges.
Todd Greenberg successfully convinces Queens jury to find his client Not Guilty of Domestic Violence Assault Charges
On Friday, July 21, 2006, a jury returned a not guilty verdict of all criminal charges against our client, who was accused of assaulting his wife by holding her arm on a burning stove for three minutes. The case was heard in the Domestic Violence Part of the Queens Criminal Court, Judge Harrington president with a jury. Defense attorney Todd Greenberg proffered that the parties, in the midst of a divorce, were quarrelling when the Defendant pushed his wife who accidentally stumbled on to the stove causing the burn injuries. The Prosecution argued that the burning was intentional and that our client actually held his wife's arm on the stove. We seriously questioned the credibility of the complaining witness and the jury stated after the verdict that the wittiness's credibility was, indeed, an issue.
Successful jury acquittal for our client charged with endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse in the second degree.
On February 10, 2006, our client was acquitted by a jury of endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse in the second degree. Our client's 16 year old niece alleged that the Defendant improperly touched her breast and vagina on two occasions while she was home alone with the Defendant. The evidence revealed that the allegations were made on the same date that the Complainant's other received a letter from Complainant's school that she was cutting class and being suspended. Defense attorney Todd Greenberg seriously questioned the Complainant's credibility for not coming forward with the allegations prior to that time and the jury found that her credibility was a serious issue. Additionally, the Complainant claimed that the trauma kept her out of school for 13 days during March, April and May of 2004. Attorney Greenberg subpoenaed records from John Adams High School and introduced into evidence that 9 of those 13 days occurred on a Friday. After deliberating for about two hours, the jury acquitted our client.
Jury acquits our client, a Queens Catholic School Administrator of Sex Charges.
Our client, a Queens Catholic School Administrator was charged with sexual abuse endangering the welfare of a child. Defense attorney Todd D. Greenberg was successful in raising sufficient credibility issues with the complainant and the jury acquitted our client of the charges.
