When a person is accused of a crime, he or she faces the real and terrible possibility of going to jail. A criminal defense lawyer should represent a person committed with a crime to the best of his ability. We can negotiate with prosecutors and can often arrange for reduced charges or lesser sentencing. Whether it is a burglary, assault, DWI, traffic, felony or misdemeanor, we can come to your defense. Our objective is to always fight aggressively, thoroughly and be on the offensive. We have tried felony, misdemeanor and violation cases.

If you or someone you know is charged with a serious criminal offense, we will discuss the matter at no charge. Call Howard E. Knispel today, to discuss your situation, before it's too late.

Adoption is a legal proceeding where one person (or persons) takes another into the relationship of child and acquires the rights and incurs the responsibilities of a parent, in relation to the adopted person.

The process of adoption should be a pleasurable experience. Needless to say, it is sometimes accompanied by degrees of anxiety coupled with prior frustration . However, those seeking to adopt should do so without feeling of desperation and should adhere, strictly, to these reasonable legal requirements of the state.

Adoption is a personal choice. It is not the "second best" way to have a family; it is an alternative way to have a family.

New York is a strict state in terms of divorce. New York requires "fault". There is no such things as "irreconcilable differences" in New York. You need either abandonment, adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, imprisonment or a separation agreement. There are two ways a divorce can be accomplished. Either uncontested or contested. In uncontested, both parties agree on all the issues (support, custody, visitation, property etc.). If the parties can not come to an agreement, then it is contested. The difference between the two, in term of legal fees, can be large. Much fighting can be avoided with a pre-nuptial agreement. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Howard E. Knispel for a quick answer or to set up an appointment for a consultation.

Family law comprises child custody and visitation, support, paternity, orders of protection, family court offenses, persons in need of supervision, juvenile criminal matters, adoption, and divorce (see separate divorce catagory). Family Court can be a very frightening place. The court routinely makes decisions which can be life altering. We can assist you in preparation of paperwork and representation in court. Going to court without an attorney can severely damage your case. Frequently the court will try to work out a settlement instead of hearing the facts of your case. This may or may not be in your best interest. Representation by an attorney will protect your rights.

In some societies, when there is a dispute between people they take violent revenge. In America, we start a lawsuit. If you believe you were wronged by somebody, or somebody owes you money, you can sue, either for money damages, or for a restraining order to get somebody to do something or stop doing something. If your being sued you must defend yourself. That means filing an answer in court. If you fail to do so, a default judgment will be taken against you, regardless of who is right or wrong. Sending a letter to the other side, or making a phone call is not enough. Too often people who are being sued do nothing, call the other side or their attorney, or send them a letter disputing it. None of that protects you. You must file an answer.

In New York you can sue or be sued in Supreme Court, District or Civil Court, or Small Claims Court. Each of those courts have different monetary and jurisdictional requirements. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Howard E. Knispel for a quick answer or to set up an appointment for a consultation.

The purchase or sale of a home is probably the largest transaction a person is likely to make. It's well worth the relatively small legal cost considering the hundreds of thousands of dollars changing hands. We can assist you with preparation of or review of contracts, title problems, mortgages, and closing the sale. We will be with you throughout, to make sure your transaction goes smoothly and painlessly. It is said that moving to a new home is the most traumatic thing a person can do. Let us remove the legal process as one trauma. A word of advice: Try to stay away from an attorney referred by the broker or sales agent. You want somebody who is only looking out for your interests and does not have loyalty to someone else. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Howard E. Knispel for a quick answer or to set up an appointment for a consultation.