Providing zealous and affordable representation in Supreme, Family, Justice, Surrogate, City, Town, and Village courts throughout Upstate New York, including Albany County, Columbia County, Dutchess County, Greene County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schennectady County, Schoharie County, and Ulster County, New York.
Criminal Defense
Chances are that if you are facing a serious criminal charge, then you are experienceing one of the most stressful times of your life. When it comes to legal representation, the decisions you make now could make the difference between your future freedom or your imprisonment. Furthermore, whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, a criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life, and even affect your employment or educational opportunities.
To obtain more information about your criminal charges and the possible future consequences, contact veteran attorney Heidi T. Johnston at (518) 965-1077, who will walk you through the ins and outs of your case and provide a detailed analysis of what will happen, increase the chance you will avoid jail time, and minimize the potential for hefty fines. Our proven track record provides the best defense against any and all New York State criminal charges under the penal code, including violent and non-violent felonies, misdemeanors, violations, first-time and juvenile offenders, and youthful offenders.
Family Law
Family law issues are some of the most heart-wrenching legal proceedings you may experience in your lifetime, particularly as the outcome of your legal matter will continue to have an impact on you and your children for the rest of your lives. Perhaps you are seeking to obtain primary custody of children from a less than suitable parent. Or maybe you are trying to collect fair child support payments from a parent whose true income is difficult to determine. Attorney Heidi T. Johnston provides both experienced and compassionate representation, zealously advocating for your rights while expertly navigating the complex court rules surrounding family matters involving: child custody, child visitation and parental access, child support, fathers rights, parenting agreements, and parallel parenting.
Separation & Divorce
You probably didn't choose the circumstances that led to the difficult decision to be separated or divorced from your spouse. At the Law Offices of Heidi T. Johnston, we know that a separation or divorce is one of the most difficult decisions you have ever had to make. Because of the emotional, financial, and legal impact of a divorce on you and your family, our representation is both sensitive to your turmoil and aggressive in ensuring that you do not accept a divorce settlement that you will regret. When it comes to protecting the implications to your taxes, credit rating, health care benefits, retirement plans, spousal maintenance (alimony), and other matters, Attorney Heidi Johnston will help to ensure the best possible outcome for your unique situation.
DWI’s & Traffic Infractions
An arrest and prosecution for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) can result in serious consequences, such as incarceration in jail or state prison, probation, the impoundment or forfeiture of your vehicle, the installation of an ignition interlock device in your automobile, the loss of your driver's license, and significant fines, court costs, and administrative fees.
In addition to the legal complications that arise in connection with the police, courts and the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), a DWI arrest or conviction could also lead to a permanent criminal record that might cause you to lose a job or be denied future employment (particularly in the case of State jobs, law enforcement positions, or any position requiring driving). For those with a CDL (Commercial Driver's License), commercial driving privileges can be suspended for at least a year, even if the DWI occurred when you were driving your personal vehicle. In some cases, a DWI conviction can lead to your insurance company raising your premium dramatically or even canceling your insurance policy. Other penalties following a DWI prosecution and conviction can include interstate or international restrictions on travel, community service, and mandatory substance abuse treatment.
Although DWI convictions certainly carry the most serious penalties in the state of New York, other traffic infractions, particularly when your prior driving record is less than perfect, can also lead to some of the above consequences as well. For powerful legal protection against both DWI's and lesser traffic infractions, contact The Law Offices of Heidi Johnston.
Wills & Probate
Settling a decedent's estate can be time-consuming, complicated, and costly. Therefore, in addition to preparing your last will and testament, The Law Offices of Heidi Johnston can also assist clients in managing and resolving a variety of probate issues that can arise in the New York State Surrogate Courts.
From researching simple or complex transactions or claims, analyzing high net worth estates, handling the estate's debts, distributing assests, and defending fiduciaries such as executors, administrators, and guardians, we will assist the estate executor or court-appointed administrator in handling all aspects of the decedent's estate.
Real Estate Transactions
Corporate Formation
Civil Litigation
Contract Negotiation
Legally binding agreements made between two or more parties, companies, corporations, or branches of government, or organizations are called contracts. Although many verbal contracts may be honored, most contracts must be executed in writing to be enforced. A skillful contract attorney can help draft a contract that is specific to your needs, legally binding, and which will protect your best interests. For expert legal assistance in negotiating a contract that puts your needs at the forefront, contact attorney Heidi Johnston.
Mediation for Couples, Families, and Employment or On-the-job Disputes
Alternative dispute resolution such as mediation is an increasingly popular choice for those who are seeking to avoid the cost and lengthiness of a lawsuit. Trained mediator, Attorney Heidi Johnston can assist in resolving a variety of interpersonal and economic disputes and conflicts between parties of all ages and assist you in arriving at a working solution for all parties involved, often in as little as one session.
The Law Offices of Heidi T. Johnston are located in Greenville and Windham, New York and serve clients throughout much of the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Upstate New York, including Albany, Athens, Buffalo, Cairo, Chatham, Claverack, Coeymans, Copake, Coxsackie, Durham, Ghent, Gilboa, Grand Gorge, Greenville, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Kinderhook, Kingston, Middleburgh, New Baltimore, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, Ravena, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Saratoga Springs, Schoharie, Saugerties, Taghkanic, Ulster, Village of Tannersville, Westerlo, Westkill, Windham, and Woodstock. 