Have you been charged with a serious crime?
When the stakes are this high, you deserve serious legal advice
Syracuse Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with or accused of a crime, it may feel as though your world has been turned upside down. You may feel anxious or scared, and you worry that you may lose everything you have — your job, your reputation and your liberty.
Get The Criminal Defense Assistance You Need, Now
I am attorney George Hildebrandt, and I have been defending individuals in Syracuse, New York, and the surrounding areas for more than 35 years. My diligence and hard work on behalf of my clients has earned me an excellent reputation in the communities I represent and among my colleagues in the justice system.
As an experienced Syracuse defense lawyer, I have helped clients who have been charged with a wide range of crimes in both state and federal courts in New York.
I have spent my entire legal career as a defense attorney, never as a prosecutor. My unique background and perspective are reflected in a proven track record of success.
What Makes Me Different?
My clients come from all walks of life, from average working people to doctors and other lawyers. The one thing they all have in common is that they trust me with handling one of the most important matters of their lives.
Trial Experience Matters
After nearly four decades as a criminal defense attorney, I have handled many high-profile, complex cases, and acquired significant trial experience. This is a very significant asset should your case proceed to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
With 35 years of legal experience, we’re answered all the questions. Here are the ones we get most frequent…
Why do I need an experienced attorney?
I know the motions to file and strategies to pursue that are crucial to your case. I know the judges who are likely to hear your case — and I know what arguments they find most compelling. I also know the prosecutors who work in the Syracuse courts. I know their style and how they approach certain types of cases.
What happens for our first meeting?
When you come to my office in Syracuse, New York, for your scheduled meeting, the first thing I will do is listen to your side of the story. I may also ask you some questions about your case so I can understand exactly what happened.
You’re Under Investigation. Now What?
If you suspect — or have reason to believe — you are being investigated for a crime, you do not have to wait to be charged to seek help. In fact, it is better to get a head start by contacting a lawyer as soon as you think you are being investigated.
Why You Should Remain Silent
As you may know, anything you say to the police can be used against you in court. For this reason, it is best to avoid saying anything to police during or immediately after your arrest.
Do I Have To Talk To The Police?
In fact, it is your right to remain silent. You are under no obligation to answer questions from police or investigators. If police begin to question you, your best option is to tell them you want to talk to an attorney.
What’s your fee structure?
At my firm in Syracuse, I typically charge a flat fee for my criminal defense services. This fee usually covers all of the work I do for you unless your case goes to trial. The exact amount of the fee will depend on the charges you are facing.
The benefit of a flat-fee service is that you know exactly what your financial obligations are. With this system, you will never get a bill from me that you weren’t expecting.
Why trial experience matters
While this is applicable to nearly all areas of life, it is especially important in terms of dealing with a legal matter. When faced with criminal charges, you can give yourself the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome by working with someone who, over the course of more than 35 years devoted to criminal defense and handling thousands of criminal cases, has experience equaled by few others. That includes trial experience.
The benefit of a flat-fee service is that you know exactly what your financial obligations are. With this system, you will never get a bill from me that you weren’t expecting.
Dedicated Defense Against All Types Of Criminal Charges
I have represented clients on all types of charges, including:
- Drug or controlled substance crimes, from simple possession to manufacturing and smuggling charges, including complex cases that involve wiretapping
- Drunk driving, whether a first-offense or a felony DUI
- White collar crimes, such as money laundering, professional malpractice and identity theft
- Violent crimes, including firearms charges, sex crimes and homicide
Many of these charges may be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, so it is important to choose an attorney who has significant experience defending cases in federal courts. Government agencies that prosecute federal offenses have significant resources, but an effective defense is possible.
Whatever charges you face, I can help you through every step of the process, from bail or pretrial detention to probation.
