I was arrested in october 2011.I was in a car with other people and the cops found a gun. Mr. P got the case dismissed in supreme court and then sued the city for falsely arresting me.
filing civil rights actions in state and federal court for clients who have been victims of false arrest, malicious prosecution, police brutality, corrections abuses, and/or solitary confinement and other constitutional violations
vigorously defend clients accused of committing state and federal crimes in the NYC area, including but not limited to:
DWI, DUI, domestic violence, gun possession, drug possession & sale; larceny, fraud, identity theft, sex crimes
NYC CIVIL RIGHTS AND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYSVIGOROUSLY FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF VICTIMS OF FALSE ARREST AND POLICE BRUTALITY IN NYC.ZEALOUS REPRESENTATION OF THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIMES IN NYC.
For over a decade, Mr. Prestia has zealously fought for the rights of his clients; defending the accused and protecting the abused. As such, Mr. Prestia has been recognized as one of the preeminent NYC attorneys in his field. In 2016 and 2017, he was selected to New York Metro Super Lawyers list by Thompson Reuters for his efforts in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Moreover, Mr. Prestia has become one of the leading civil rights and criminal justice reform advocates in New York City speaking at 2016 American Justice Summit and at the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers during their Annual Conference in West Palm Beach this past August.
Paul Prestia lecturing at UCLA in his candid lecture series “Kaleif Browder and The Extraordinary Quest for Justice”
In addition, Mr. Prestia has addressed law students at UCLA School of Law, St. John’s University School of Law, New York Law School, American University School of Law, and Miami Law School in his candid lecture series “Kalief Browder and The Extraordinary Quest for Justice”
Attorney Paul Prestia on Huff Post Live talking about the Kalief Browder case.
Mr. Prestia has provided legal commentary on MSNBC, CNN, and Huff Post Live and his cases have been covered
by The New Yorker Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times.,The NY Daily News and The New York Post. In March 2017 Mr. Prestia will be featured as himself in the Spike TV docuseries ‘Time: The Kalief Browder Story’.
Mr. Prestia is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and in the Southern and Eastern Districts in Federal Court 2nd Circuit. He received his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law and began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2009
Good results
Got a pleabargain and a fine instead of jail time
Posted by anonymous | April 30, 2012
Mr. Paul does it all
I was arrested in october 2011.I was in a car with other people and the cops found a gun. Mr. P got the case dismissed in supreme court and then sued the city for falsely arresting me.
Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very efficient in what he does and always fights for you till the end
Well, let me start off by saying Mr Prestia is the best Lawyer I could have asked for, was recommended to him through a family member. As soon as I walked in for the consultation I knew he would be the perfect lawyer to take on my case. He knew and said from the beginning that it would be hard to prove my innocence knowing what they had against me but even with that information he told me he would fight till the end and that is exactly what he did. He did it all quickly too never had a single problem when going into the courtrooms and speaking with the DA he sorted everything out for me all I had to do was tell the DA what happened that day of the incident. We met with the DA once and that first time it didn't go so smoothly they were not going to give me a plea bargain, he told me to not worry and that he would speak with them to try to get me another meeting with them and he did that exactly, ended up speaking with them and ultimately we settled with a plea bargain. no criminal record only a violation. No lawyer I know would have tried to fight this that much and get me another meeting with the DA for a second time what was most likely going to happen was going to trial but Mr Prestia was set on not taking this to trial since it could go 50/50 in favor or not in favor of me. Thankfully in the end it all worked out and the charges were dropped after taking the plea bargain. No criminal record is what he wanted to achieve for me and that's exactly what we got. I really do recommend this lawyer to anyone who is in need of one, Mr Prestia is really understanding. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I'm definitely coming to him first.
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Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Closest thing to Justice
Finding an attorney to fight for you the way you deserve to be fought for is not an easy feat. That was my first experience before meeting with Mr. Prestia, as a young black latino from the projects looking to get justice from the NYPD.
The task seemed impossible but the raw experience and passion Mr. Prestia has had for me and my case has put me in a place of gratitude, peace, and closure.
When hiring Paul, understand that you are getting someone who is relentless in seeking you relief and resources for whatever nightmare you’re going through. Paul would answer any question at any time of the day/night, and would always check in at some point to update me about my case or my thoughts on certain matters pertaining to my case.
He also took out the necessary time to reach out to journalists, in which he was able to tell my story to the world and get the right attention to my case so the right people can support me.
Due to this, we were able stay on the same page throughout my case and get the results needed to truly say I was able to get a form of justice that has helped me move past some of my traumatic experiences and look forward to my life.
Three years after hiring Mr. Prestia, I am more than grateful for all he was able to do for me and my life and I am more than certain he will and can do the same for you!
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Posted by H | September 13, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
You’ll be in good hands
Great experience working with Paul-he handled my case with care and diligence and was very personable and easy to work with. Would definitely recommend-you’ll be in good hands!
Posted by Nona | July 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Phenomenal Lawyer
I have known Mr. Paul Prestia for quiet sometime now (over 20 years) . He has handled all of my cases and has helped me with cases for my family, significant other and friends. He has never lost one for me yet and has always went above and beyond with assisting me with anything that I need. He is attentive, honest and will work tirelessly to ensure he does the best job possible for his clients. He is caring and compassionate and always gives the best advice. I have called him sometime at odd hours and he’s always picked up my calls or returned them as soon as possible. I highly recommend Mr. Paul Prestia and his law firm for your case and know that he will treat your case just as he has mine. With love and care and will give you the best results for your situation.
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Posted by Brittany | July 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr.Prestia really fought for me
I was arrested during in the protests back in 2020 for just standing for something I believe in. The police then assaulted me for no reason at all. Mr. Prestia took my case and when the city said they didn’t want to pay for what happened to me, he made sure they did.
Posted by Aaron | July 27, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Mr. Prestia helped me win two lawsuit cases against the NYPD. Mr. Prestia is the best Lawyer you can have.
Posted by Christopher | October 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Falsely accussed
After an 11 year marriage, I left my wife upon finding infidelity. After I left, she became so bitter that she filed petitions in Family Court and a very detailed false police report (77th precinct) stating that I had assaulted her in front of my two children. One Saturday, 9/10/16, I dropped my kids off and were met by NYPD where I was arrested and charged with child endangerment and domestic abuse/assault. That began a long period of criminal and family court where I was barred from seeing my children for three months. Had it not been for Paul, my life would have been in shambles. With a PhD, and three clinical licenses, I would have lost everything. Not only did he assure me I would be vindicated (after reviewing the facts and getting my ex to talk to him), but he consistently put me and my parents at ease. That was my first (and hopefully) only run in with police and criminal court. Although I am persuing a divorce through family court, I am able to see my children, maintain my professional trajectory, and move on with life. I'm sure Paul has shelved my case, and is off saving someone else's life- but I think about him often and can only say "Thank You".
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Posted by Symiah | January 5, 2015
Best by far
Paul was very good he keeps you informed and knows what he is talking about. He makes sure that everything is taken care of in a timely manner
Posted by John | December 9, 2014
Highly recommend! !!
Not only is Mr Paul a well qualified and competent attorney, he is also a great person. He represented me during a very difficult time in my life, and always made time for my calls. I was treated kindly and with respect both personally and professionally. Highly recommended.
Posted by Chris | December 7, 2014
Quality lawyer
Paul does a very good job working with the client on the case at hand. I am in a rare situation and am happy and confident Paul is representing me.
Posted by Akeem | December 7, 2014
AB case representation for Manhattan
I crossed paths with Mr. Paul prestia in the court room after watching his representation of a client he had and approached him with mine. He was polite enough to stop what he was doing and attend my questions and even pull my file and before long entertained being my legal counsel. After this win he further went on to representing my brother in a major role.
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Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2012
all.good
Paul tells it like it is. Hes real you know. He breaks your case down and takes care of buisnus in court. Got my case dismissed in s minute. Hes a real cool dude
Posted by anonymous | May 4, 2012
he got our back
mr. prestia is representing me & my fiance in a case where we were wrongfully arrested and assaulted by the police in brooklyn. he got the criminal case dismissed and now we are suing in federal court. Hes been by are side and in contact the entire way.
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Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Paul is a tenacious advocate, who cares deeply about his clients, and does his utmost to ensure their best interests are always protected. I've had the privilege to work with him on several matters and endorse him without reservation."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Attorney Prestia is a zealous, knowledgable, and passionate advocate who cares deeply for his clients. He is well respected in the community of criminal defense and civil rights lawyers. I strongly recommend him to anyone needing legal representation."
Civil rights Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Attorney Prestia since 1999 when he was a prosecutor at the Brooklyn DA. He combines the perfect combination of experience, sophisticated negotiation skills, and aggressive representation to get the best possible results for his clients."
Civil rights Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Friend
"Mr. Prestia is one of the people I depend on if I have any questions regarding civil rights violations or any complicated criminal or immigration matters in New York. He is a very personable and reliable person and always makes himself available to clients or colleagues in need of assistance. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that he is reasonable and always gets his clients the best possible results. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Family member
"Mr. Prestia is a dedicated and determined advocate and has a remarkable record of successful verdicts on behalf of his clients in the areas of criminal defense, civil rights violations and immigration law. I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone seeking legal assistance in these practice areas seek his council."