A graduate of New York University in 2001 and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2006, Danielle Muscatello began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Subsequently, in January of 2010, she took a position in a boutique criminal defense firm based in Queens County, where she thereafter dedicated herself almost entirely to criminal defense work, focusing on pre-trial motion practice and post-conviction and appellate litigation.
For the past seven years, Ms. Muscatello’s skill in legal research and writing has proven to be an invaluable asset to clients during both pre-trial and post-conviction litigation, and her tireless work has earned numerous victories for her clients. She has successfully tried cases through verdict, and she has argued cases in the First and Second Departments as well as the New York State Court of Appeals.
Significant among her wins are:
- The reversal of murder convictions in People v. Grigoroff, 131 A.D.3d 541 (2d Dep’t 2015) and People v. McDonald, 138 A.D.3d 1027 (2d Dep’t 2016);
- The reversal of a weapon possession conviction and dismissal of the indictment in People v. Furrs, 149 A.D.3d 1098 (2d Dep’t 2017);
- The reversal of a harassment conviction and dismissal of the accusatory instrument in People v. Scott, 46 Misc.3d 143(A) (2d Dep’t 2015); and
- The reversal of a weapon possession conviction and dismissal of the indictment in People v. Anokye, 88 A.D.3d 736 (2d Dep’t 2011).
Additionally, she vigorously advocated for the speedy trial rights of criminal clients in the Court of Appeals in People v. Brown, 28 N.Y.3d 392 (2016), and in People v. Ocasio, 132 A.D.3d 418 (October 13, 2015), she was able to convince the appellate court that the trial court’s decision to sentence her client to prison after his conviction was harsh and excessive, thereby ensuring the client would not be separated from his wife and child.
Ms. Muscatello’s work ethic, together with her deep understanding of the law and the unique compassion she offers to clients and their families, set her apart from other attorneys. She is committed to giving each case the particularized attention it deserves and to protecting the constitutional rights of each individual at every stage of a criminal prosecution.
Recognition
- Best Written Work for Civil Advocacy, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
- Phi Beta Kappa, New York University
Associations
- New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Kings County Criminal Bar Association
Contact Ms. Muscatello today at (888) 779-0267.