Criminal Defense Representation Throughout Columbia County
People charged with crimes in Columbia County may find themselves in Hudson City Court, a local Town or Village Justice Court, or Columbia County Court. The Law Offices of Michael Pollok, PLLC represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony allegations throughout that system, from the earliest court proceedings through trial or appeal when necessary.
Our criminal-defense work includes drug offenses, assault and violent-felony allegations, domestic-violence cases, larceny and property crimes, weapons charges, fraud and other serious accusations. Michael Pollok has more than three decades of experience defending criminal cases and handling criminal appeals in New York.
A Countywide Defense Practice
Columbia County includes distinct courts serving Hudson, Greenport, Kinderhook, Chatham, Claverack, Copake, Germantown, Ghent, New Lebanon and many other communities. The court in which a case begins can shape scheduling, motion practice and the path a felony matter takes toward County Court.
Our attorneys regularly appear in courts throughout Columbia County and the Hudson Valley. Familiarity with local procedures, judges and prosecutors helps us organize the defense around the realities of the particular court while concentrating on the evidence, legal issues and prosecution burden that determine the case.
The Prosecution Still Has To Prove Its Case
Criminal charges are allegations, not convictions. We review the accusatory instruments, police reports, body-camera footage, statements, search and seizure issues, identification evidence, forensic evidence, discovery compliance and the prosecution’s ability to prove every element. When appropriate, we seek suppression, dismissal or reduction of charges; when a case should be tried, we prepare it for trial.
Criminal Defense Matters We Handle
- Felony charges
- Misdemeanor charges
- Drug possession and sale offenses
- Assault and violent-felony allegations
- Domestic-violence related charges
- Larceny, theft and property offenses
- Weapons charges
- White-collar and fraud allegations
- Probation and post-conviction matters
- Appeals and post-conviction motions
Courts And Communities We Serve In Columbia County
We represent clients in Columbia County Court in Hudson and in local City, Town and Village Courts throughout the county, including matters arising in or around:
| • City of Hudson | • Greenport |
| • Ancram | • Hillsdale |
| • Austerlitz | • Kinderhook (Town and Village) |
| • Canaan | • Livingston |
| • Chatham (Town and Village) | • New Lebanon |
| • Claverack | • Philmont |
| • Clermont | • Stockport |
| • Copake | • Stuyvesant |
| • Gallatin | • Taghkanic |
| • Germantown | • Valatie |
| • Ghent |
Representation From Arraignment Through Appeal
A criminal case can change direction at several stages. Early investigation may identify evidence worth preserving. Discovery review may reveal suppression issues or weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof. Motion practice can narrow the issues before trial. If a conviction occurs, sentencing advocacy, post-conviction motions and appellate review may still be important. Our firm handles cases with the long view in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are felony cases handled in the county?
Felony cases generally begin in a local criminal court and, if prosecuted by indictment or superior-court information, proceed in County Court. The procedural path depends on the charge and what occurs in the local court.
Can charges be dismissed before trial?
In some cases, yes. Dismissal may be available because of legal insufficiency, suppression issues, discovery violations, speedy-trial problems or other defects. The availability of a dismissal depends on the facts and procedural history.
Should I speak to the police before hiring a lawyer?
A person under investigation should be very cautious about making statements without legal advice. What seems like an explanation can later become evidence. Early representation can help protect important rights.
Speak With A Columbia County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Columbia County, contact the Law Offices of Michael Pollok, PLLC. We can review the charge, explain the potential consequences and discuss the defenses and options available to you. Call 845-406-9349 or use our online contact form today.