My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York (NYC)
Hi all,
My brother, let's call him John, robbed someone last year. Probably with the aid of another and probably with the threat of a weapon of some sort. He's been in jail for the past 9 months (still there), a trial has since started, and is using a public defendant.
John has several misdemeanors already on his records including grand larceny (that actually might be a felony). So this is unfortunately not new at all. He has pleaded not guilty to the initial offer of 5 years and the next offer of 8 years. John is now 21 years old.
My question are as follows:
1. Is it too late to seek a private defense attorney?
2. What would be the benefit of a private defense attorney for a case like this?
3. What is the usual outcome for a case like this?
Notes:
We have no dealings with the law and are ignorant of things criminal justice. My parents have had a change of heart and are wondering what's possible (cost benefit analysis). Bail is set quite high ($20k+), though not impossible. The idea that spending money will somehow influence the legal system for what appears to be an open and shut case is foreign to me. (Let me know if I am wrong.)
Thanks in advance.

