Natalie Rios is the founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Natalie Rios PLLC, a premier criminal defense firm based in Brooklyn, New York. She represents individuals facing New York's most serious felony and violent crime charges.

Before founding her practice, Ms. Rios served as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, where she handled hundreds of cases, including violent felonies out of the Red Zone (including some of the most violent precincts in New York) and the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau. That experience gives her a unique advantage in defending those now accused - she knows how prosecutors think, how cases are built, and where they break.

Over the course of her defense career, Ms. Rios has assisted in high-profile and media-sensitive cases, including post-conviction assistance in the Sean "Diddy" Combs
matter and the Bronx Daycare homicide trial. These experiences reflect her ability to navigate complex, high-stakes litigation where precision, strategy, and discretion are paramount.

Natalie's passion for criminal defense is deeply personal. Growing up, she witnessed the devastating impact of violent crime and incarceration firsthand. Those experiences instilled in her a profound understanding of what her clients and their families endure.

This lived experience fuels Natalie's unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and second chances. It also drives her ability to connect authentically with clients facing the most difficult moments of their lives.

Natalie's approach is personal yet unflinching. She believes in proactive litigation, early investigation, and continuous communication - the hallmarks of true defense advocacy.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family. She’s a vegetarian and always appreciates a great food recommendation, especially when traveling. She also enjoys exploring New York and finding new places outside the city when she has the opportunity.

She cares deeply about mentorship, access to justice, and supporting women in the legal profession and in business. As a former prosecutor who later built her own law practice, she’s especially passionate about connecting with and encouraging
other women who are building careers and businesses of their own.

Fun fact: She’s a lifelong New Yorker, but she’s always looking for an excuse to get out of the city for a good hike, great meal, or weekend trip.

Ideal Client Profile

·      Serious felony cases in New York City,
particularly cases involving significant prison exposure, complex evidence, or substantial pretrial litigation.

·      Violent felony cases, including attempted murder, robbery, burglary, serious assault, and other high-exposure
felony matters.

·      Weapons and firearms cases, particularly felony gun possession cases.

·      Sex offenses and intimate-partner/domestic violence cases, especially serious felony-level allegations requiring careful investigation and mitigation.

·      Federal criminal investigations and
prosecutions, including individuals contacted by federal agents, served with
subpoenas, or facing federal charges.

·      Criminal cases involving non-citizens,
where the immigration consequences of a plea or conviction must be considered
as part of the defense strategy.

·      Pre-arrest representation and voluntary surrenders, including individuals who learn that law enforcement is seeking to question or arrest them.

·      Second opinions in serious criminal cases, including independent review of discovery, plea offers, defense strategy, or potential trial exposure.

Her ideal referral is a client facing a serious criminal matter who is looking for hands-on,
strategic representation and values thorough preparation, clear communication, and a candid assessment of the evidence and available options.