CUNY: Criminal Defense

Student defenders in the criminal defense clinic represent indigent clients charged with misdemeanors in the New York City Criminal Court. Students perform the full range of tasks associated with criminal defense, including interviewing, negotiating, counseling,
and the full range of pretrial and trial responsibilities. Clients face a variety of charges, including drug possession, assault, petty larceny, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. Student defenders meet and interview their clients at arraignments (the initial court appearance in New York) in the Criminal Court, conduct negotiations with the prosecutor and the presiding judge, make any applicable motions to dismiss, and argue for their client’s release from custody.