Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
194 Client Reviews
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Michael Steven Pollok
also known as Michael Pollok
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About Michael
Biography
Michael S. Pollok focuses his practice on state and federal criminal defense, civil litigation and entertainment law. For more than 25 years, Mr. Pollok has represented clients charged with complex white-collar crimes, particularly in the areas of Medicaid/Medicare/healthcare fraud, mortgage and securities fraud, misconduct by public officials and less complex criminal cases including DUI, youthful offender, juvenile offenses, domestic violence and family offenses.
Mr. Pollok has substantial grand jury, pre-trial hearing, trial, appellate and post-conviction litigation experience in both state and federal courts. He also handles corporate compliance, subpoena response compliance and advising clients regarding a variety of collateral matters related to criminal prosecutions including: professional licensing hearings before the New York State Board of Regents Review Committee and Office of Professional Discipline, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit ("MFCU"), Office of the Medicaid Inspector General ("OMIG"), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") investigations, NASD/SEC arbitration/civil proceedings, civil forfeiture proceedings initiated by New York State or one of its political subdivisions or the U.S. Justice Department, New York DMV licensing and suspension issues arising from Vehicle and Traffic Law convictions and advising clients how to avoid or minimize the immigration consequences of a potential or past criminal conviction.
In the area of entertainment law, over the past two decades, Mr. Pollok has represented athletes and media artists in negotiations and litigation in the film, television, live theater, publishing and music industries and is a member of the New York State Bar Association's Entertainment Arts and Sports Law section.
Mr. Pollok is a part-time municipal special prosecutor and has lectured on police encounters, New York's "social hosting laws" and the criminal consequences of under-aged drinking and addiction. He has spoken as a panel member at Continuing Legal Education programs on topics including representation of clients addicted to drugs or alcohol, DWI and he has participated in forums discussing the collateral consequences of criminal convictions sponsored by the New York City Bar Association where he is a former member of the Criminal Law Committee.
Mr. Pollok's writings regarding the New York Court of Appeals' mandate to provide free counsel at arraignment to all defendants charged with crimes have been published in the New York Law Journal and he provides pro bono services to indigent defendants at arraignments without the benefit of counsel.
Mr. Pollok holds the highest "AV" peer review rating granted by Martindale Hubbell and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the New York State Bar Association Criminal Justice Section, the New York City Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National College for DUI Defense and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Mr. Pollok is a former member of the Assigned Counsel Plan for the Appellate Division, First Department and the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Courts of Appeal for the First and Second Circuits, the United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, Northern Districts of New York and the District of Connecticut. Mr. Pollok will be handling matters in our Hudson Valley and Manhattan offices. He may be reached after hours on his cell phone at or by email at
Federal and State Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Attorney
Michael Pollok is an AV peer review rated lawyer with focus on criminal trials, litigation, appeals.
Experience, integrity and hard work gets the results you need to get on with your life.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
33 years
DUI and DWI
50%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
9
2014
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 31 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Michael Pollok, PLLC
(845) 853-1628
Fax
44 Main Street, Suite 8, Kingston, NY, 12401
crimdef.comLaw Offices of Michael Pollok PLLC
(845) 853-1628
Fax
49 West Market Street, Red Hook, NY, 12571
crimdef.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Steven Pollok's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (137)
Advocacy (92)
Recommendation (62)
Professionalism (49)
Practice Area Knowledge (46)
Responsiveness (46)
General Knowledge (37)
Communication Style (31)
Compassion (25)
Character & Conduct (24)
Trustworthiness (19)
Cost of Services (14)
Free Consultations (6)
Staff & Support (5)
Punctuality (4)
Showing 41 - 45 of 46 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Bonnie | February 23, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Attorney Pollok went above and beyond for us!
Attorney Pollok expertly and quickly handled my son's complex legal matter. My son's case was complicated due to several reasons; one complication is that he lives out of state. Attorney Pollok arranged to appear in the New York Courts on my son's behalf numerous times without my son having to be ...
Posted by Christopher | January 30, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Reliable, knowledgeable, reasonable and honest. Highly recommend.
Having been arrested for my second DUI I was informed by a public defendant that I was for sure facing jail time. Though both arrests were under false circumstances where medication was messing up the blood/alcohol tests when I hadn't been drinking at all. I decided to contact a private attorney an...
Michael Pollok
Replied last January 31, 2013I really appreciate this kind comment but it somewhat exaggerates what I did. The toxicologist did the work and there was a problem with the timing of the blood draw and proof of impairment. It does demonstrate that an attorney should take a full medical history of the client especially since the police often do not ask defendants about their medical condition or what medications they are taking even though the "field notes" usually have a list of related questions to ask. NY has implemented tough laws on driving while under the influence of drugs or a combination of alcohol and drugs which includes legal prescription medications. I think clients are surprised to find out that you can be arrested and prosecuted for driving under the influence of drugs even if you have a prescription for the substance found in your blood. It then becomes an issue of how much of the substance is in your blood, when it was in your blood at a given level, and whether that level impaired your ability to drive. See this recent example that was reported in Syracuse: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/01/man_faces_prison_for_driving_u.html
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2008 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Knowledgeable and kind
Mr. Pollok was very well versed in the laws that affected my case. He was happy to discuss the different options I had and was willing to take the time to explain the likely outcome of each. While in court, he was very professional and kept me calm and informed of the happenings. The results he ob...
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2008 | Criminal Defense
Postconviction work
Michael was referred to me at a very difficult time in my life and stayed with my case through multiple permutations. Although the ultimate direct result was not successful, it is unlikely that any attorney could have gotten a better one. Most important, however, there was a major indirect consequenc...
Posted by anonymous | December 08, 2008 | DUI & DWI
Friendly, efficient, empathetic, and effective
Michael Pollok handled my DWI case with care and achieved results with which I was completely satisfied. The questions he asked in our initial consultation were to the point; the follow-up documentation he requested was complete; and he handled all further communication and appearances with the cour...
Michael Steven Pollok's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is one of the most hardworking and committed attorney's I have ever had the honor of being co-counsel with."
"I am a retired District Attorney from Pennsylvania. Mr. Pollock represented a family member with a DUI in New York State. He was very knowledgeable, professional and prompt. He returned phone calls immediately. His staff was equally kind and prompt. He had good relationships with the judges and their staff. He obtained an excellent outcome in the case. I recommend him without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael Pollok is a highly experienced and skilled attorney who strives to obtain the best result for his client in every criminal case. He cares about his clients as people, and is enthusiastic about the law."
"Michael is an extremely hard-working, knowledgeable and aggressive lawyer that zealously advocates on behalf of his clients. He is a true defender of his clients' rights and an obvious choice when seeking representation. You are in excellent hands with Michael."
"I came to know Michael when I was a prosecutor and he was defense counsel. Michael advocated zealously for his client and I respected his knowledge and tenacity. As a fellow defense attorney I send cases to Michael when they are too far north for me as I know he cares and works as hard for his clients as I do."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Michael's work and have the highest respect and admiration for his skills."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Pollok is one of the best out there. No exaggeration."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is experienced, skilled, strategic and thoughtful - thinking outside the box. Dedicated and focused on securing the best outcome."
"I highly endorse Mr. Pollok. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
Andrew Tolchin
Securities and investment fraud lawyer | Jan 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Michael Pollok. Michael fights hard for his clients. Michael is at the top of his game and knows the prosecution's tricks and tactics. You are in great hands with Michael."
"I endorse this lawyer. mike is a terrific lawyer who really cares about his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Experienced and highly regarded in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is an excellent attorney with great integrity. I would not hesitate to refer clients to him."
"I endorse attorney Michael Steven Pollok for his excellent professional demeanor and legal expertise in his areas of practice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer as a calm, professional and caring professional"
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
Client Champion Silver, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
Clients Choice, Avvo
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Proclamation In Appreciation for Community Legal Services, New York City Council
2005
New York State Court of Appeals Pro Bono Pabel, New York State Court of Appeals
2004
Criminal Justice Act Panel, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Of Counsel, Kantor, Davidoff, Wolfe, Mandelker & Kass
2013 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Pollok
1995 - Present
Of Counsel, Hoffman & Pollok, LLP
2010 - 2013
Of Counsel, Marvin and Marvin, PLLC
Associations
2007 - Present
New York City Bar AssociationCriminal Law Committee Member
2006 - Present
Dutchess County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Second CircuitCJA Panel
1996 - Present
New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division18B Panel
1994 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1994 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1993 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1989 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
Newport News Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Schoonmaker, 13-120049, 2014 WL 2863707 (N.Y. Just. Ct. June 24, 2014)
All Charges Dismissed
People v. Clark 2014 NY Slip Op 50946(U)
All charges dismissed granting defense motions
Abbamonte v. U.S.
Abbamonte v. U.S., 7 Fed.Appx. 58 (2nd Cir.(N.Y.)
United States v. Melvin Altman
conviction on mail fraud counts reversed on appeal
Education
1993
St. John's University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
George Washington University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Bard College
MA - Masters
Speaking Engagements
2015
A Panel Discussion coordinated by Hon. Jonah Triebwasser
CLE: Representing the Impaired Client: DWI and DWAI
2013
Rhinebeck High School
Social Hosting Law and Minors, DWI
Publications
2014
New York Law Journal
Using Video To Cover All Arraignments In New York
2013
Red Hook Observer
Keeping Your Parents Out Of Jail On Prom Night
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Michael earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Are my gun rights restored?
17 Dec 2023
Q&A
Can a sealed Criminal Conviction have an effect in NYC Family Court?
14 Dec 2023
Q&A
What is the best way to get my certificate of disposition online from NYC Clerk's Office?
16 Dec 2023