The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom.
— CRIMINAL DEFENSE · NEW YORK CITY · SINCE 1977 —— Atticus Finch. It is the standard this practice holds itself to.
Mitchell J. Dinnerstein, Esq.
I genuinely believe that when you hire me, you get a lawyer committed 100% to your cause. I will never stop working on your behalf putting all my vast experience behind your cause. Never.
Since 1977
PRACTICING CRIMINAL LAW
100+ jury trials
MURDER, DRUG & ROBBERY ACQUITTALS
Capital Defender
HELPED END NY’S DEATH PENALTY
CHAPTER ONE
Philosophy
I have practiced criminal law since 1977. My passion and interest is in always representing the accused against the powerful state. My experience is vast. I have represented over 100 clients in jury trials winning more than my share of acquittals in murder, drug trials and serious robbery cases. I have represented literally thousands of clients. I clearly have the reputation from colleagues and adversaries as being a dogged, zealous, advocate. No stone will be left unturned. I genuinely believe that when you hire me, you get a lawyer committed 100% to your cause. I will never stop working on your behalf putting all my vast experience behind your cause. Never.
I first worked for the Legal Aid Society from 1977 to 1983, in private practice before joining the Capital Defender Office representing people charged with death penalty charges starting there in 1995 and then, after helping strike down the death penalty in New York State, returned to private practice in 2006.
The clients that I have represented have been charged with the most serious of crimes, from murder, drug dealing, terrorism, robberies, and bank fraud cases. I have represented numerous people facing the death penalty. Many of the cases have been high profile cases appearing on the news and in the newspapers.
Most recently, I have used that experience and skills to broaden my client base. I now represent clients in federal and state courts in New York City and the surrounding communities charged with a broad range of crimes including white collar, racketeering, child pornography, bank fraud and drug dealing. I have been involved in making new law that have helped change the law to benefit all people charged with crimes. Some of the cases have brought about debate over changes in the law in the area, among other things, of mandatory minimum sentences in the federal courts.
I have made television appearances on Court TV as a guest expert in the area of criminal trial practice. I have been quoted numerous times in the media. I have taught at numerous colleges and law schools.
I am a board member of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a Board Member of the Appellate Division, First Department Screening Panel for New Lawyers. I am a graduate of Buffalo Law School in 1976. I promise you that I will advocate for your rights zealously and courageously.
CHAPTER TWO
Biography
Mitch Dinnerstein has over thirty years of trial experience in criminal defense work in New York City. He learned the ropes by working for the Legal Aid Society of New York from 1977 to 1983, in private practice until being asked to join the Capital Defender Office which represented people charged with capital punishment (the death penalty). After being involved in having the death penalty struck down in New York, where no one was ever executed, he returned to private practice in 2006. He now represents people in the most serious of charges in State and Federal court.
Mitch’s clients have included some of the most high profile cases in the New York area. He has represented one of the defendants in the notorious multiple murders above the Carnegie Deli. He has represented individuals charged with the murder of police officers. He has represented individuals charged in terrorism cases.
Mitch has appeared on COURT TV as a guest commentator and has been invited to appear on shows featuring Geraldo Rivera and Star Jones. Mitch is known as a brilliant, tenacious cross examiner of Government witnesses. His cross examinations have often been used as models in numerous training sessions for less experienced lawyers. He has appeared as a guest lecturer for seminars with the Legal Aid Society and at colleges and law school programs. Mitch graduated from Buffalo Law School in 1976. He graduated from S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook in 1972.
CHAPTER THREE
Cases
Federal Drug Charge
I recently represented a defendant with three prior State felony drug convictions, now charged with a new federal drug charge. Under the federal drug law, the defendant was subject to Career Offender Status and a potential under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for an over thirty year sentence. I presented the Court with a creative sentencing memorandum which explained in detail the defendant’s history and background. The Court then sentenced the defendant to a five year sentence, the mandatory minimum.
In the Post-Booker world, judges have more discretion to impose sensible sentences. It is paramount for all of us to see sentencing as a place for real advocacy. It is necessary for me to get to know you as a person and not just a client. I can then do better in handling your case more effectively.
Plea deal on Racketeering charge
I represented a person with being a member of a Racketeering Enterprise in the SDNY. Originally, the Government argued that he should be classified as a “leader” of the Enterprise. I was able to convince the Government that his “leadership role” occurred many years before and that his present role was different and smaller. I convinced the Government to this way of thinking, substantially reducing the offer to my client.
The Government’s original plea offer was up to 235 months. After the government reconsidered my client’s role in the Enterprise, the plea offer was for a more reasonable 84 months. My client will be eligible for early release within one year.
USA v. Pietro Polizzi
Defendant received minimum sentence after providing the Court with mitigating information about the defendant’s background in child pornography case.
USA v. Steven Hansen
The defendant was sentenced to Time Served despite opposition by the Government and Probation
CHAPTER FOUR
In Print
Reflections On Judge Jack Weinstein
Click Here for the Article, as published in Atticus Winter 2015, Volume 27, Number 1 – A publication of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Federal Sentencing Regime
WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT AMERICA? The United States has the highest prison population in the world. In 2007, the population was nearly 2.3 million people, nearly one quarter of the world prison population. Russia and China combine for the next quarter. Western European…
Christopher DiMeo sobs during third day of death penalty hearing
Attorney Mitchell Dinnerstein testifies at the penalty phase of Christopher DiMeo’s trial in Superior Court in Bridgeport, Conn. on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. [button…
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