Criminal Defense Attorney

Struggling with substance abuse or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time can lead to criminal charges for drug possession or controlled substances. These charges can be overwhelming and may carry serious consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.

At Astor Simovitch Law, we work with criminal defense counsel who offer strategic criminal defense for individuals charged with possession, distribution, or other controlled substance offenses. Working closely with clients, they examine the circumstances of an arrest, including searches, seizures, and evidence handling, to ensure constitutional rights are protected. They also assess whether substance use or mental health factors are present and, when appropriate, advocate for diversion programs, treatment options, or drug court. The goal is not only to defend your case but to pursue outcomes that reduce incarceration and support long-term stability.

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense that can lead to dangerous and even fatal consequences. In addition, a DUI or DWI charge can carry immediate and long-term penalties, including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.

These cases are often complex and highly technical, requiring experienced criminal defense to carefully review the details of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood analysis, and arrest procedures. It is critical to assess whether prescription medication, substance use, or mental health factors played a role in the charge. When appropriate, advocate for reduced charges or diversion options, protecting clients’ rights while limiting penalties and helping secure the support needed to prevent future offenses.

Mental health conditions play an important role in criminal defense cases, particularly when questions arise about a person’s competency to stand trial or criminal responsibility at the time of the offense.

Our team brings focused mental health expertise to these cases, carefully examining whether mental health factors may support a competency or insanity defense. This review includes medical history, evaluations, and the circumstances of the alleged offense to ensure our clients’ rights are protected. When mental illness is a contributing factor, we advocate for legal strategies that prioritize treatment, fairness, and alternatives to incarceration, including options that may intersect with the Marchman Act or guardianship proceedings where appropriate.

Diversion programs and drug courts offer an important alternative for individuals whose charges are rooted in substance use or mental health challenges that are often better addressed outside of traditional incarceration. While accountability is essential and the law must be upheld, traditional criminal court processes are not always designed to address the underlying issues that lead to these offenses without proper support or advocacy.

Without intervention, these mistakes can be repeated. When eligible, we advocate for diversion programs and drug court options that emphasize treatment, structure, and supervision, helping to promote stability, reduce recidivism, and allow individuals to move forward while taking responsibility and working toward lasting change.

Having a criminal record associated with your name can continue to impact your life long after a case is resolved and any sentence or punishment has been completed. A record can affect employment, housing, education, and professional opportunities.

Expungement and record sealing offer a path forward by limiting public access to past charges, helping individuals move on without being defined by a single mistake or period in their lives. When eligible, a criminal defense attorney can help clients evaluate their options and advocates for record sealing or expungement as part of a comprehensive defense strategy. The goal is to reduce long-term consequences, protect your future, and support lasting stability beyond the courtroom.

The cost of a criminal defense attorney varies depending on the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and the type of advocacy required. Fees may be structured as either an hourly rate or a flat fee. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation and available options.

Mental illness can significantly affect a criminal case by raising questions about a person’s competency to stand trial or criminal responsibility at the time of the alleged offense. It may also influence charging decisions, sentencing outcomes, or eligibility for diversion programs and treatment-based alternatives to incarceration.

While addiction alone is not a legal defense, it can play an important role in a criminal case by influencing charging decisions, sentencing, or eligibility for diversion programs. Individuals may qualify for treatment options or drug court, particularly when addiction is a contributing factor to the alleged offense.

Competency and insanity are two distinct concepts in criminal defense cases. Competency refers to a person’s ability to understand the court process and assist in their defense. Insanity focuses on a person’s mental state at the time of the alleged offense and whether they understood the nature or consequences of their actions.

Drug court is an alternative to incarceration that involves a court-supervised program designed for individuals whose charges are linked to substance abuse. It focuses on treatment, accountability, and regular monitoring. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of charge, criminal history, and a person’s willingness to follow program requirements.

A criminal defense attorney is your primary advocate in a criminal case, protecting your rights at every stage of the process. This includes reviewing the charges and evidence, advising you on legal options, filing motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing you in court to pursue the best and most appropriate outcome.

In certain cases, charges may be reduced or dismissed through treatment-based programs. When substance use or mental health issues contribute to an offense, successful participation in diversion programs, drug court, or court-approved treatment may lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or alternative sentencing, depending on eligibility, compliance, and the specific offense.

A criminal record can affect your future in many ways, including employment and housing, as employers and landlords often conduct background checks. While a record may limit opportunities, options such as expungement, record sealing, or alternative sentencing may help reduce long-term consequences, depending on your case.

The best time to contact a criminal lawyer is as soon as possible after an arrest. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights, prevent costly mistakes, and allow your attorney to begin reviewing the case, preserving evidence, and advocating for the best possible outcome from the start.