About Our Firm

The Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro, LLC represents individuals and families facing serious legal challenges in New York City. Attorney Michael S. Discioarro focuses on criminal defense, DWI defense, ACS investigations, child abuse and neglect allegations, and related Family Court proceedings.

Criminal investigations or accusation create uncertainty about your rights, your family, your reputation, and your future. Our firm helps clients understand the legal process, evaluate their options, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

New York City’s legal system involves multiple courts, District Attorney’s Offices, and government agencies. Each borough may have different procedures and prosecutorial practices. Effective representation requires a thorough understanding of the law and the local systems that influence how cases proceed.

The Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro

Michael S. Discioarro is a New York attorney with extensive experience in criminal law, child abuse allegations, and family-related legal matters. He founded the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro, LLC, where he represents clients who need guidance and legal representation during difficult circumstances.

Former Bronx Assistant District Attorney

Mr. Discioarro began his legal career in 2001 as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx. During his five years as a prosecutor, he handled hundreds of cases involving criminal investigations and prosecutions, including homicide, theft, DWI, child abuse, sexual crimes, and domestic violence allegations.

This prosecutorial experience gave him direct insight into how law enforcement agencies investigate allegations, how prosecutors evaluate evidence, and how criminal cases move through the court system. He now applies that knowledge to represent individuals accused of crimes and to help clients understand the legal issues they face.

Academic Experience

In addition to practicing law, Mr. Discioarro has served as an associate professor of Criminal Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Hunter College. His teaching experience reflects his involvement in legal education and the study of criminal justice.

Published Legal Author

Mr. Discioarro is a published Westlaw author who has written legal materials on DWI defense and family law. His writing addresses legal issues that affect individuals involved in criminal and family court proceedings.

Legal Analyst and Media Contributor

Mr. Discioarro has provided legal commentary to major media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, ABC News, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His media appearances have given him opportunities to discuss legal issues and explain developments in the justice system to the public.

Our Areas of Practice

The Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro, LLC handles a range of criminal defense and family-related matters. The firm represents clients facing investigations, accusations, administrative proceedings, and criminal charges.

ACS Investigations and Child Abuse Allegations

An investigation by New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) can raise serious concerns about parental rights, family relationships, and the possibility of child removal. Parents need legal guidance when ACS contacts them, requests interviews, or investigates allegations of abuse or neglect.

Our firm represents parents and other individuals facing ACS investigations. Legal counsel can help clients understand the investigation process, evaluate requests from investigators, and make informed decisions about their rights and responsibilities.

OCFS and State Central Register Matters

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) oversees the State Central Register (SCR), which maintains reports of suspected child abuse and maltreatment. An indicated report can have consequences for employment, professional opportunities, and other areas of life.

Individuals who receive an OCFS notice may have the right to challenge an indicated finding through the applicable administrative review and hearing procedures. Strict deadlines apply, so it is important to review the notice promptly and determine which procedures are available.

Our firm assists clients with SCR matters, challenges to indicated reports, administrative reviews, and fair hearings. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may present evidence, question witnesses, and challenge whether the agency has met its burden of proof.

Article 10 Family Court Proceedings

Article 10 proceedings address allegations of child abuse or neglect in New York Family Court. These cases can affect parental rights, family relationships, and decisions about where a child will live.

The firm represents clients involved in Article 10 proceedings and helps them understand court requirements, prepare for hearings, and evaluate their legal options.

Criminal Defense

In addition to ACS-related matters, the firm represents individuals facing criminal investigations and charges, including:

• Domestic violence allegations
• Drug possession and distribution charges
• Homicide and murder allegations
• Burglary, robbery, and other property crimes
• Sex crime allegations
• Theft and larceny charges
• Endangering the welfare of a child
• DWI and related driving offenses

Every case presents different facts. An attorney can review the allegations, examine evidence, and explain the legal process.

Experience With OCFS Administrative Hearings

OCFS administrative proceedings involve specific regulations, evidentiary requirements, and procedural deadlines. Individuals challenging an indicated report may need to prepare documents, identify relevant witnesses, present evidence, and respond to the agency’s position.

At an administrative fair hearing, the agency generally must establish the relevant allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. The respondent may have the opportunity to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and receive legal representation.

Our firm reports attending at least 70 fair hearings annually, although the number varies from year to year. The firm also reports that approximately 70% of the cases it handles are amended from indicated to unfounded during the administrative review stage before a fair hearing.

These figures reflect the firm’s reported experience and results. Outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, procedural history, and circumstances of each case. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro, LLC?

Knowledge of New York City’s Legal System

Legal procedures and prosecutorial practices can vary among Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Familiarity with local courts and agencies can help an attorney identify relevant procedures and prepare for the issues that arise in a particular case.

Experience With Investigations and Prosecutions

Mr. Discioarro’s background as a former prosecutor provides insight into how criminal cases are investigated and evaluated. His experience with ACS-related matters also helps him address the distinct legal issues that arise when child protective investigations and criminal allegations overlap.

Direct Attention to Your Case

An investigation or accusation leaves individuals unsure about what to expect or how to respond. Our firm works with clients to explain the process, review the available information, and discuss practical next steps based on their circumstances.

Multilingual Communication

Mr. Discioarro speaks Spanish and Italian, which can help clients who prefer to communicate in either language discuss their legal concerns.

Private Legal Representation

The Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro, LLC is a private law firm. The firm does not accept court-appointed 18-B assignments or legal aid cases. Legal fees and payment arrangements should be discussed with the firm before representation begins.

Client Feedback and Professional Commitment

Client testimonials describe Mr. Discioarro as attentive, direct, and knowledgeable about ACS procedures. Clients have also highlighted his familiarity with the procedural differences among New York City’s boroughs.

Every legal matter has its own circumstances, and no attorney can guarantee a particular result. Our goal is to help clients understand their options, protect their legal rights, and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Contact the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro, LLC

If you are facing an investigation or have been arrested, obtaining legal guidance can help you understand the issues and deadlines that may affect your case.

Contact the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro, LLC to discuss your situation and learn howthe firm can assist you. The firm maintains offices in New York City, with appointments arranged through the office. Call 917-519-8417 to request a consultation or inquire about urgent ACS-related concerns.

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Prior Results Do Not Guarantee Future Outcomes

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