How Has COVID-19 Affected the Criminal Justice System in New York?

Published: Feb. 1, 2021, 10:38 p.m.

Kendra Monte, Co-Founder at D’Emilia Law, a criminal defense law firm in New York City who provides the highest level of criminal defense for their clients joins Enterprise Radio.
This episode of Enterprise Radio is in association with the Legal Corner.
Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Kendra Monte discuss the following:

* What are the effects of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system? (high-level)
* What are the dangers/pitfalls for clients in this new reality?
* What should someone look for when searching for representation in this new climate?
* What is the role of your attorney in this new criminal justice system?
* What do you think will be the lasting effects that COVID-19 will have on the criminal justice system?


With almost 20 years of prosecutorial and defense experience, Ms. Monte brings empathy, savvy, and a keen instinct to all her cases. She has been in criminal defense practice at D’Emilia Law for the past decade. She is deeply committed to serving her clients and always fights for the very best outcome.
Kendra Monte has established a career as one of the most competitive lawyers in New York State. During her near-decade as a leading prosecutor for the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, she continually demonstrated determination and grit in and out of the courtroom when handling misdemeanor and felony matters.
Now, defendants benefit from her knowledge of criminal law and the constant pursuit of justice in all sorts of serious criminal matters—from drugs and weapons charges to white-collar crime and tax evasion.
“Put me on a side and I will fight to the very end,” Kendra Monte said. “I’ve always believed that defense attorneys are perhaps most responsible on a daily basis for upholding our Constitution. They make sure that, at the very least, prosecutors are held to the highest standards. Most importantly, they protect their clients’ rights and we take great pride in doing just that.”
Those ideals are some of the many reasons why her transition to criminal defense was so natural. Knowing that prosecutors often held the cards following an arrest, Kendra felt a true desire to help those who were in need and to be a voice for the voiceless.
She founded D’Emilia Law in 2015 with her husband and partner, Paul D’Emilia—who was widely regarded as a trailblazing prosecutor in New York State—to better realize their vision of how criminal and trial law should be practiced. They have held fast to that vision especially as it has expanded into new practice areas.
“One of the advantages of coming to a boutique firm like ours is that we really do treat you like a family member,” she said. “We become involved in clients’ lives and we develop a genuine trust and bond that we hold sacred. Clients tell us repeatedly that they chose us to represent them because of this dynamic. This is truly rewarding in itself, as it is what we continually strive for.”
Ultimately, Kendra’s contributions have led to the strengthening of a firm that prides itself on its tenacious advocacy and building a record of success from the other side of the courtroom. By her own admission, Kendra is perhaps more competitive than ever, because now the businesses and lives of clients and their families on the line.
“I have always gravitated toward trial and defense work because of what comes with the territory—high stakes and a lot of pressure,” Kendra said. “The work is challenging, but there is nothing more satisfying than coming back with a result in my client’s favor.”
Ms. Monte is admitted in all New York State courts,