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John M. Cromwell

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About John

 

When you hire me, you will be getting an experienced New York City criminal defense trial lawyer, who cares about you, and who will always treat you with dignity and respect. I am dedicated to serving clients in the Bronx and the surrounding areas and always strive to give my clients the best legal representation I can offer.

I was born and raised in the Bronx and have dedicated my entire professional career of 24 years to defending people accused of crimes.

 

In that time, I have handled thousands of criminal cases from murder charges to traffic tickets. If it means sticking up for your rights by aggressively confronting a prosecutor, a cop, a witness, or even a judge in a courtroom, I have done that. If it takes quiet negotiation to resolve your case favorably, I have done that, too. Whatever the unique facts your situation calls for, you and I are partners with the same goal: to help you through this difficult time as quickly and as painlessly as possible so you can get back to your life with your family, your job, and your community.

 

I will always have time to promptly respond to your phone calls, to sit down with you in the privacy of my office or in a private conference room at court, to listen to you, and to answer your questions in terms you can understand. I love to discuss problems, to teach, and to explain; to connect, to communicate, and to advocate. That's one reason I knew I wanted to be a trial lawyer. But I also take great pride in being a good listener. It's a lot harder to listen than to talk.

 

Many lawyers are good talkers, and talking is certainly important. But I've learned over the years that a really good lawyer also knows how to listen: to witnesses testifying in trials, to prosecutors and judges, and most importantly, to clients.

 

Listening takes time. Listening takes patience. Listening takes practice. I will always take the time to really listen to you, to be there for you when you need me, to promptly return your calls, answer your questions, and carefully explain your options in terms you can understand.

 

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Practice areas

OtherFamilyJuvenile lawDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 65%

    Trial level defense of all crimes from serious felonies to misdemeanors and traffic tickets. Extensive experience conducting jury trials and pretrial proceedings including motions to dismiss defective charging documents, motions to dismiss for violations of constitutional and statutory rights such as right to a speedy trial, motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence (illegal search and seizure, violation of right to counsel, right to remain silent, improper out of court identifications)

    33 years, 5,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 20%

  3. Juvenile law: 5%

    Trial level defense of adolescents charged with actions in Family Court that would be considered crimes if committed by adults.

    33 years, 150 cases

  4. Family: 5%

    Defending against and bringing petitions for child custody and visitation, child support, abuse and neglect proceedings.

    26 years, 250 cases

  1. Civil rights: 5%

    False arrest, use of excessive force, police brutality, malicious prosecution, illegal strip searches, unlawful searches and seizures.

    26 years, 100 cases

Languages spoken

Spanish, English

Photos and videos

897293 1334369079

897293 1352744116

Contact

John M. Cromwell

135 Montgomery Avenue
Scarsdale, NY, 10583

      John M. Cromwell

      177 East 161st Street
      Bronx, NY, 10451

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      NYDue to Register within 30 Days of Birthday199002/28/2021
      WIAdministrative Suspension198802/23/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers2189
      Legal guides0
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      OwnerLaw Office of John M. Cromwell2002 - Present
      PartnerCromwell & Yerman1995 - 2002
      Public DefenderThe Legal Aid Society Of Nassau County1988 - 1995
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Westchester County Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionN/A2002 - Present
      Bronx County Bar Association, Criminal Court CommitteeMember1996 - Present
      New York State Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember1988 - Present
      New York State Defenders AssociationMember1988 - Present
      New York State Appellate Division, First Dept.Assigned Counsel PanelN/A
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of Wisconsin Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1988
      Grinnell CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1982

      Reviews

      (31)
      5 Star
      		90%
      4 Star
      		10%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review John Cromwell

      Great guy to have ya case

      Posted by

      He was always on time, sharp and comfortable in the courtroom. I recommend John for any one looking for justice.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      "Excellent Representation!!"

      Posted by

      After being arrest for a criminal offense and finding myself in a situation that could effect my entire future, I went ahead with the grueling task of having to find legal representation. I went through a few consultations with other lawyers but I felt extremely confident and at ease with Mr. Cromwell throughout the whole process of my case. He keeps a very calm and kind demeanor. This truly helped with my level of stress and anxiety I was going through. Never once did I feel as if he was judging me. He answered my text and calls in a very timely manner and was always available to answer any questions I had. While in court I can see the other attorneys in the room come to him to seek his advice. He got me the best possible outcome and he gave me back my life!! For which I am truly grateful. I recommend John M. Cromwell to anyone that needs a knowledgeable and professional criminal attorney that gets the job done. Thank you John!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Thank You Mr Cromwell

      Posted by

      I was notified of discrepancy with my driver license record, I contacted Mr Cromwell, he made available himself to get to know my side of the story and pro actively contacted the DNV and made necessary arrangements and worked out the deal and represented me in the court and my case was resolved. I'll recommend Mr Cromwell strongly!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Press Member got arrested for taking pictures

      Posted by

      I'm am Member of Press with an ID card Issued to me by NYPD, was taking Pictures at car accented in the Bronx Police Officer Hart from the 42nd Pct arrested Me and got my press card Confiscated from me John M. Cromwell did outstanding job of getting the charges dismiss and my id card leisured.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      He is without a doubt the best criminal defense lawyer there is operating in New York City.

      Posted by

      Our experience with John Cromwell was God sent. Above many things his integrity never waivers. He is more compassionate then most attorney's , certainly that I've ever encountered. His dedication and relentless will to advocate have put my family and I at ease when things weren't. He is sympathy and empathy are unmatched. John Cromwell's role in my life was more like a father figure. Although he might of been extremely overwhelmed with other cases , he'd always dedicate a few extra minutes to inquire about how myself and family were holding up. This quality made him more than our attorney it catapulted him into our extended family. He always kept a strong report whether via emails text etc. Our initial hand shake turned into smiles and hugs throughout our fantastic relationship. In many lifetime's people search for a John Cromwell and fall short of meeting one. I say there's none like him. His understanding for how the law works and dignity and respect for his clients is profound. In many ways he has given light to the gray areas of the judicial system. Mr . Cromwell my family and I couldn't be any more grateful you've stayed in the trenches with us until we ultimately prevailed. You are a Saint and I ask the all mighty to continue giving you the strength and courage needed for you to provide for your own and family and to not abandon those who've yet to cross your path. Your belief in me helped set a new tone for my life and possibly many others. God Bless you John as we have grown so close and all those blessed to have you within their grasps.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      NOTHING ON MY RECORD

      Posted by

      John was fast and efficient he did exactly what he said he was going to do and went far and beyond and one court date! Mr.Cromwell got charges reduced and dismiss to its minimum I'm so thankful will refer him to anyone!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Excellent Attorney

      Posted by

      John Cromwell is a great attorney. He defended my uncle and as expected was successful in winning the case. He is thorough and does the proper research to get all the facts for the case. This is the second time he's helped someone in my family win a trial and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a defense attorney. Great job Mr. Cromwell.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Very Pleased, wonderful attorney

      Posted by

      Mr. Cromwell defended me as if we were family. I felt he was there for me 100% plus his understanding of criminal law was on point. I would highly recommend Mr. Cromwell to anyone in need of a great criminal defense attorney.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      A compassionate lawyer

      Posted by

      John Cromwell is an excellent and compassionate lawyer. He took an interest in my case and completely did his best to help me in my situation. He is very professional, courteous and is great at maintaining communication. He was very helpful and took his time to explain everything that had to do with the case. He was also very punctual on Court days. I highly recommend John Cromwell as a Lawyer to anyone who needs to be defended.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Hard case

      Posted by

      My name is oliver and just wanted to take a few minutes to just say a simple thanks to Mr.John Cromwell by far hes the best lawyer me and my family has ever deal with because every other lawyer was horrible experience never responded the emails or court dates but not Mr Cromwell always got back to me and my family right away always in court on time very nice person very caring took gis time to investigate and did thr best he could and so aiam out of jail thanks to this laywer a great awesome one to so thank you John Cromwell for making me a free person and fighting for me like you did I will recomen Mr Cromwell to anybody great guy here God bless you.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (15)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Michael Dwan

      John is well known across the state and the country as a fantastic attorney.

      Evangeline Chan, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 7, 2014
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I gladly endorse this lawyer. John is distinguishable not only for his high level of knowledge and skills as a litigator but his integrity and authenticity as a person. He's extremely experienced and effective at what he does. Quite simply, a great attorney and a great person.

      Saam Ghiaasiaan

      I endorse this lawyer. An incredible reputation with peers and clients alike

      Sean Cleary, Civil rights Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.

      Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

      Richard Rosenstein

      I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cromwell is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients.

      John O'Brien, Civil rights Attorney on May 14, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

      Jason Foy, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 8, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      John is a seasoned criminal litigator who regularly obtains great results for his client.

      Edwin Drantivy, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 23, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      John M. Cromwell is an excellent attorney. He has an insatiable thirst for law to go along with a wealth of experience.

      Christian Lassen

      Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

      Howard Lewis, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cromwell is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services.

      Howard Roitman, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 7, 2012
      Relationship: Other

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Elliot Yi

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Alena Shautsova, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 29, 2012
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Anthony Colleluori, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 24, 2012
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      John Cromwell is an amazing lawyer. Not only is he smart and erudite,but he works as hard as any lawyer I know on behalf of his clients. John is someone who truly believes in the importance of a vigorous defense. Poor or Rich clients both get John's best efforts. I have known John for most of his career and I strongly endorse him.