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.
Practice areas
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)
34 years, 5,000 cases
False arrest, use of excessive force, police brutality, malicious prosecution, illegal strip searches, unlawful searches and seizures.
27 years, 100 cases
Defending against and bringing petitions for child custody and visitation, child support, abuse and neglect proceedings.
27 years, 250 cases
Trial level defense of adolescents charged with actions in Family Court that would be considered crimes if committed by adults.
34 years, 150 cases
Languages spoken
Spanish, English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NY | Currently registered | 1990 | 02/24/2022 |
WI | Administrative Suspension | 1988 | 02/22/2022 |
Legal answers | 2189 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Law Office of John M. Cromwell | 2002 - Present |
Partner | Cromwell & Yerman | 1995 - 2002 |
Public Defender | The Legal Aid Society Of Nassau County | 1988 - 1995 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Westchester County Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section | 2002 - Present | |
Bronx County Bar Association, Criminal Court Committee | Member | 1996 - Present |
New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 1988 - Present |
New York State Defenders Association | Member | 1988 - Present |
New York State Appellate Division, First Dept. | Assigned Counsel Panel | N/A |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Wisconsin Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1988 |
Grinnell College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1982 |
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Michael Dwan, Unknown Attorney on Jan 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Michael Dwan, Unknown Attorney on Jan 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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, Unknown Attorney on Jul 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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, Unknown Attorney on May 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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, Unknown Attorney on Mar 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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, Unknown Attorney on Oct 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.