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Galal Chater
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Galal Chater
Chater & Associates
27 Union Square West
Suite 503
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (917) 721-7765 | Fax: (917) 591-6332
http://www.chaterlaw.com
Quality Legal Representation at Affordable Prices
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle all types of criminal cases in New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Nassau and Suffolk County). We typically handle DWI, narcotics, domestic violence, assault/battery, rape, burglary/robbery, felonies, misdemeanors, and violations.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Open Container
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle contested divorces involving custody, alimony/maintenance, and distribution of marital assets. I am also interested in drafting separation agreements and uncontested divorces.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Restraining Orders
- Custody
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle contested divorces involving custody, alimony/maintenance, and distribution of marital assets. I am also interested in drafting separation agreements and uncontested divorces.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
NY, Oct 1999
Bar Number: 2999969
Other Court Admissions
New York 1st Judicial Department; New York Federal Southern and Eastern District.
Association Memberships
New York State Bar Association, New York County Lawyer's Association, New York State Trial Lawyers Association.
Continuing Education
I consistently attend continuing legal education (CLE) programs that focus on trial techniques, criminal defense law, and litigation. I also look for opportunities to accomplish additional CLE credits by volunteering for pro bono activities.
Example Cases
1) DWI charge dismissed and charges reduced to vehicle equipment violation with $150 fine.
2) DWI charge dismissed after trial verdict of not guilty.
3) Two felony sexual act charges and five misdemeanor sex crime charges reduced to one felony charge. Sentence reduced from three to seven year jail recommendation down to probation and a program.
4) Felony gun possession charges reduced to misdemeanor - case set for trial and civil lawsuit against the police is being considered.
5) Criminal mischief misdemeanor charges dismissed.
6) Felony charges involving impersonating a police officer reduced to a violation and fine - no criminal record.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
NewYork Law School
City:
New York City
State:
NY
Year:
1997
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court.
Degree:
B.A. in Political Science
School:
Monmouth University
City:
Long Branch
State:
NJ
Year:
1994
Honors:
Dean's List.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
New York
Firm Focus and History
The firm was established in June 2000. Since then, we have handled a large number of criminal defense matters including felonies, misdemeanors, and violations. While we focus our practice on criminal defense work, we have also handled civil, matrimonial, and commercial cases as well as criminal defense matters.
At our firm, we pride ourselves on providing quality legal representation at affordable prices. We believe that everyone deserves a good lawyer regardless of their income or circumstances. We strive to come up with rates and payment options/plans that our clients can work with. Quality representation includes always being available to our clients. We return telephone calls immediately and typically stay in touch with our clients to update them on their cases on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. We recognize that in the area of criminal defense, an attentive lawyer is very important. We strive to make our clients feel taken care of and that there is someone looking out for them when they need it the most. Our personal, detailed attention to each client and every case ensures that we get better results because we always have the client in mind. We will fight for your rights and provide aggressive representation at every stage of your case.
Previous Employment Summary
I have been a trial attorney throughout my legal career. Although I specialize in criminal defense, I also have experience in civil litigation and divorce law.
Activities and Awards
I do pro bono work for New York County Lawyers Association and the National Organization for Women (NOW).
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should always try to learn as much as possible about their cases and the legal circumstances surrounding their particular problems. We always offer information to our clients and are available to help in their education.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We always offer free consultations that typically last between 15 minutes to ½ hour where we review documents, answer questions, and talk about options and strategies. All of this is free of charge and can be done at our office or over the telephone.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
If clients wish to represent themselves and require information regarding their case, we are always willing to provide information so that our clients have a better understanding of the legal matter and its consequences.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because I was always interested in the legal system and how it affects every aspect of society. I also like the idea of helping people with their legal needs and making the system work for the average person. I pride myself in my ability to act as a bridge between the law and the individuals I represent. I like making sense of those things which seem complicated or foreign to the average person.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have extensive work experience that began at my family's restaurant when I was eleven years old. Since then, I've always worked. I learned that everything worth achieving comes through hard work. As an attorney, I put that work ethic into practice every day. I pride myself on going the extra mile for every client, always being available and accessible, and my ability to relate to people of all walks of life.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Practicing criminal law is the front line in the struggle to keep and maintain our democracy in this country. I believe criminal defense attorneys are the "foot soldiers" of the constitution. They make sure every citizen's rights are protected in their defense of the accused. They ensure that everyone gets a fair trial and that no one is convicted until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Criminal law attorneys guarantee that in each case, the government does not violate our civil rights and liberties.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the personal interaction with every client and the satisfaction that comes out of a successful resolution of a case. The biggest reward I get is the genuine appreciation from my clients when their cases are successfully defended. I also like the fact that every case is different and presents new and interesting challenges; this keeps everything fresh. I am able to continue to be passionate in what I do because it is always a learning experience that allows me to grow personally and professionally.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner and I work directly with my clients at all times. I have part-time support staff and working relationships with other attorneys. However, my clients can be sure that I will handle every aspect of their case personally. Once I am retained by a client, I give them my cell phone number and I encourage them to call me with any and all questions or concerns. I am always available to them, because I know how important it is to feel like their case is being handled appropriately. Sometimes, it's just reassuring for clients to know that they have the option of calling me to discuss their case, even if nothing has happened since our last conversation.
What are your strengths and style?
My biggest strengths are my work ethic and my devotion to the law. I believe in always striving to be better and obtaining higher levels of skill and professionalism. I am also very good with people and my caring and compassion come out in the way I interact with my clients, prosecutors, judges and juries. I have a very personal style that helps me relate to my clients; it starts with the initial consultation where I will spend time with a client to get to know the client and the case. The consultation is always free and it is where I get to learn who my client is and they get to learn a little about who I am and what I do. At the end, even if they don't hire me, they feel better for having discussed their case and gotten some legal information. I believe that it is important to serve the community and the help people in this way. Lawyers should try to make the law accessible to everyone and to help those in need whenever possible.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy history, philosophy, music, politics and sports.
Fax
(917) 591-6332
Office Hours
Telephone consultations are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Office consultations are by appointment.
Office Hours are:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Yes, the lead attorney is fluent in Spanish.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We typically set flat rates that vary depending on the type of case, the charges, prior arrest record, and other factors. Our prices range from $1,500 to $10,000. Our flat rates include all the work that the case requires, regardless of how many court appearances it takes or how much time is spent.
Hourly Rates
Our hourly rate is $250 per hour; however, we do not typically charge clients by the hour unless the circumstances warrant it.
Free Initial Consultation?
Our initial consultation is always free of charge.
Typical Retainer
Typically, our retainer fee on misdemeanor cases ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 (exclusive of trial work) and our felony retainer is $3,000 to $8,000. We offer payment plans and accept credit cards.
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Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
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