Michael Jay Schwed, Criminal Defense Attorney in Kew Gardens, New York
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Kew Gardens, NY
Practicing criminal defense in Kew Gardens since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael Jay Schwed?
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Quick answer
Michael Jay Schwed is an attorney based in Kew Gardens, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Michael has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Kew Gardens, NY
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Kew Gardens, NY.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael Jay Schwed: Michael Jay Schwed is an attorney based in Kew Gardens, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Michael has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Jay Schwed
Michael concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, general, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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General
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Juvenile
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Probation
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Traffic
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Kew Gardens, New York
Michael takes criminal defense matters in Kew Gardens, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Kew Gardens, New York
Michael takes drug crimes matters in Kew Gardens, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Kew Gardens, New York
Michael takes dui/dwi matters in Kew Gardens, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Kew Gardens, New York
Michael takes general matters in Kew Gardens, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Kew Gardens, New York
Michael takes juvenile matters in Kew Gardens, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael Jay Schwed — Over 54 years of New York criminal defense experience
Michael Jay Schwed is an attorney based in Kew Gardens, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Michael has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Jay Schwed is a lawyer practicing criminal law, general practice, felonies and 7 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Queens College of the City University of New York in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. Michael practices in Kew Gardens, NY.
How Michael handles criminal defense matters
Michael Jay Schwed is a lawyer practicing criminal law, general practice, felonies and 7 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Queens College of the City University of New York in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. Michael practices in Kew Gardens, NY.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Kew Gardens and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Michael Jay Schwed's legal education and bar admissions
Brooklyn Law School
J.D. · 1971
Queens College of the City University of New York
B.A. · 1968
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1972 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1972 · ACTIVE
New York
1972 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in Queens College of the City University of New York.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in Queens College of the City University of New York. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Jay Schwed
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Michael Jay Schwed's office in Kew Gardens
Michael's primary office is at 12510 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, NY, 11415-1519. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Jay Schwed — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Kew Gardens.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Jay Schwed claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Jay Schwed — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Kew Gardens, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Jay Schwed
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in New York typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Kew Gardens?
Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Kew Gardens and Albany in New York
Michael handles criminal defense matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in New York
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Kew Gardens handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





