Experienced trial attorney practicing across NYC and Long Island
Founder & Lead Trial Attorney at SMC Law Firm
Samantha Chorny is a New York criminal defense attorney and the founder of SMC Law Firm, a premier law firm dedicated to defending clients against the most serious felony charges. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Samantha has built her career on aggressive courtroom advocacy, strategic legal defense, and exceptional trial results. Known for her relentless approach, she never backs down—whether challenged by prosecutors, judges, or anyone else standing in the way of justice for her clients.
Samantha Chorny is a New York criminal defense attorney and managing partner of SMC Law Firm, PLLC, based in Queens, New York. Her core practice focuses on felony and misdemeanor cases in Queens and Nassau County, while also representing clients across New York City and Long Island. She also handles criminal appeals and CPL 440 motions throughout New York State.
Samantha earned her law degree from California Western School of Law on a full academic scholarship, awarded for her outstanding academic performance.
After graduating, Samantha began her legal career as a prosecutor at the Nassau County District Attorney's Office (2018–2022). There, she handled hundreds of criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to violent felony indictments. Her experience as a former prosecutor gives her clients a critical advantage—she understands how the prosecution builds its cases and uses that insider knowledge to anticipate and dismantle their strategies.
Following her years in the DA's office, Samantha joined the Rosenberg Law Firm as a criminal defense associate, where she honed her skills defending clients in complex felony cases before opening her own practice.
In 2023, Samantha launched SMC Law Firm with a mission to provide high-quality, aggressive criminal defense for individuals facing life-changing charges. Her trial record has quickly set her apart from other defense attorneys in New York:
Samantha is fearless in the courtroom—she never hesitates to challenge prosecutors, push back against unfair rulings, and hold judges accountable when her clients' rights are at stake. Her mastery of cross-examination, strategic use of forensic evidence, and persuasive jury arguments have earned her a reputation as one of the most relentless and results-driven criminal defense attorneys in New York City.
At SMC Law Firm, Samantha defends clients in state and federal courts against serious felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
Her goal is clear: fight for acquittals, dismissals, and the best possible outcome in every case—no matter who she has to stand up to in the process.
Full acquittals in homicide and attempted murder cases.
She knows how the DA's office works—because she worked there.
Never backs down, even when challenged by judges or prosecutors.
Every client receives direct, one-on-one attention and a customized defense strategy.
When your freedom is at stake, you need a criminal defense lawyer who has proven she can win high-stakes cases in front of a jury—and who never backs down, no matter who she's up against.
Call SMC Law Firm now at (718) 970-1960 for a confidential consultation.
We'll thoroughly investigate your case to build a strong strategy that protects your freedom
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions or make statements to police without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately so they can protect your rights and begin building your defense from the earliest stage.
Yes. Criminal charges can be dismissed for many reasons, including lack of evidence, constitutional violations, illegal searches, procedural errors, or speedy trial violations. An experienced criminal defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursue dismissal whenever possible.
Criminal cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the charges, court scheduling, motion practice, and whether the case resolves through dismissal, plea, or trial.
Your first appearance is called an arraignment. The judge will read the charges, determine bail or release conditions, and set future court dates. Having a criminal defense lawyer present is critical to protect your liberty and begin your defense immediately.
Not necessarily. Many first-time offenses result in non-jail outcomes such as dismissal, reduction, probation, fines, or an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD). The outcome depends on the charges, facts of the case, and the strength of the defense strategy.
Legal fees vary depending on the seriousness and complexity of the case. Misdemeanor cases typically cost less than felony or federal cases. Most criminal defense attorneys offer consultations and flexible payment structures depending on the circumstances.
Yes, in many cases. Options such as dismissals, ACDs, reductions to non-criminal violations, and sealing may allow you to avoid or minimize a permanent criminal record.
Yes. Even misdemeanor convictions can result in jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. A defense lawyer can often get charges reduced, dismissed, or resolved in a way that protects your future.
You will be processed, fingerprinted, and brought before a judge for arraignment. The judge will determine release conditions and schedule future court dates. A criminal defense lawyer can begin challenging the charges immediately.
Yes. Many felony cases are negotiated down to misdemeanor charges depending on the facts, evidence, and defense strategy. Early and aggressive representation greatly improves these chances.
Felony penalties vary widely and may include probation, fines, or prison. However, many felony cases can be resolved without incarceration depending on the facts and defense.
Depending on the charges, the judge may release you on your own recognizance, set bail, or impose non-monetary conditions. Bail laws in New York have changed significantly, and many charges are now non-bail eligible.
Your license may be suspended at arraignment and could later be revoked depending on the outcome. However, many drivers are eligible for conditional licenses that allow them to continue driving legally.
Immediately. The earlier a lawyer becomes involved, the more opportunities there are to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and pursue dismissal or reduction of charges.
Yes. Cases can be dismissed through motion practice, lack of evidence, constitutional violations, or negotiation. Many cases resolve favorably before ever reaching trial.
Yes. Many cases qualify for sealing after dismissal or after a waiting period following conviction. Sealing prevents most employers and the public from seeing your record.
Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and typically involve more extensive investigations and potentially more severe penalties. Federal procedures and sentencing guidelines differ significantly from state court.
Possibly. Federal agents typically do not contact individuals without reason. You should assume you may be under investigation and consult an attorney immediately.
Yes. Federal cases can be dismissed or resolved favorably depending on the evidence, legal issues, and defense strategy. Early intervention by experienced counsel is critical.
A federal grand jury reviews evidence to determine whether charges should be filed. If you believe you are involved in a grand jury investigation, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
Do not speak with them without a lawyer present. Even innocent statements can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a federal defense attorney immediately.
You will appear before a federal judge, who will determine whether you are released on bail or detained. The case will then proceed through federal court, which involves strict procedures and deadlines.
Yes. Many defendants are released on bond or conditions. The court considers factors such as risk of flight and danger to the community.
Yes. You should never speak with federal agents without a lawyer present. This is critical to protect your rights and avoid self-incrimination.
In some cases, yes. A court may grant bail pending appeal depending on the circumstances.
A CPL 440 motion is a post-conviction motion used to challenge a conviction based on issues outside the trial record, such as ineffective assistance of counsel or newly discovered evidence.
Yes. Convictions can be overturned through appeals, CPL 440 motions, or other post-conviction relief depending on the circumstances.
Yes. Newly discovered evidence can be grounds to reopen or overturn a conviction.
Yes. You have the right to appeal your conviction and challenge legal errors that occurred during your case.
Generally, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of sentencing. It is critical to act quickly to preserve your rights.
A direct appeal challenges errors in the trial record, while a CPL 440 motion raises issues outside the record, such as ineffective assistance or new evidence.
You may be able to challenge your conviction through a CPL 440 motion based on ineffective assistance of counsel.