When the Government Comes for You, You Need Someone Who Knows How They Think.
Kenneth F. Smith is a former Brooklyn DA prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney — and one of the few lawyers in New York City who handles both your criminal case and your civil rights lawsuit against the police.
Why Kenneth F. Smith
The Insider Advantage
I spent years at the Brooklyn District Attorney's office prosecuting hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases. I watched how the government builds its cases, what shortcuts prosecutors take, and where the cracks form. When I left the DA's office, I brought all of that knowledge to the defense table. My clients don't just get a lawyer — they get someone who has sat on the other side and knows exactly what's coming.
Two Cases, One Attorney
If a police officer beats you, arrests you, and charges you with resisting — you have two legal problems. Most attorneys handle one. I handle both. I will fight your criminal charges to dismissal or acquittal, and I will file your Section 1983 civil rights lawsuit against the NYPD and the City of New York. You don't need two lawyers. You need the right one.
Admitted to Federal Court
Most of the serious cases — civil rights lawsuits, federal drug charges, complex conspiracies — are fought in federal court. I am admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) and the Eastern District of New York (EDNY). When your case needs to go federal, I am already there.
You Get Me — Not a Paralegal
I run a boutique practice. When you call, you get me. When you have a court date, I am there. When something happens on your case, I call you — not an assistant, not a case manager.
"I started my career putting people in prison. Now I make sure the government plays by the rules when it tries to do the same to you."
What Clients Say…
"Kenneth Smith represented us in both the resulting criminal cases and our civil case against the NYPD. His hard work resulted in total dismissal of the criminal charges AND a positive resolution of the civil case. I couldn't recommend him more highly." — Brian
"I tried an attempted murder of a police officer case with Mr. Smith and we obtained an acquittal on the top charge. He is an exceptional trial attorney." — Scott
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
Felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, assault, weapons, federal cases, desk appearance tickets. Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and New Jersey.
Civil Rights — Section 1983
Police brutality, false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, racial profiling. If the NYPD violated your rights, you may be entitled to significant monetary damages.
Cannabis Dispensary Licensing
New York's adult-use cannabis market is one of the fastest-growing in the country. If you are pursuing an OCM dispensary license, defending an existing license, or dealing with a compliance crisis, I can help.
Time May Be Running Out
Civil rights claims against New York City have a 90-day Notice of Claim deadline from the date of the incident. Criminal charges move fast too. Don't wait to find out if it's too late.