About Rafael Muniz

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Rafael Muniz has built a reputation as a relentless and strategic advocate for individuals wronged by people in power. Since his admission to the New York State Bar on January 23, 2012, Mr. Muniz has devoted his practice to navigating complex legal systems on behalf of clients facing life-altering consequences.

Mr. Muniz is admitted to practice in New York State and before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. He is a member of the Bronx Bar Association and the New York County Lawyers Association.

Mr. Muniz offers over a decade of litigation experience dedicated to immigration and post-conviction advocacy. He has specialized in representing unaccompanied minors who entered the United States through the Mexican border, guiding them through intricate immigration proceedings and helping them obtain lawful  permanent resident status and long-term security.

Mr. Muniz has also distinguished himself in post-conviction relief matters, particularly through CPL §440 motions based on ineffective assistance of counsel, including failures to advise clients of the immigration consequences of guilty pleas. In one notable case, after two unsuccessful post-conviction motions filed by prior attorneys, Mr. Muniz successfully litigated relief for a client who had pled guilty to possession of over 20 pounds of marijuana for distribution. Mr. Muniz argued that, as a first-time offender, the client should have been offered Pretrial Intervention (PTI), which would have resulted in a non-conviction.

In addition to his criminal and immigration practice, Mr. Muniz has achieved substantial results in civil litigation. He obtained a multi-million-dollar settlement for a survivor of sexual assault under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, holding those responsible accountable after years of silence.

Mr. Muniz is known for his meticulous preparation, persuasive advocacy, and unwavering commitment to his clients. He proudly partnered with his longtime colleague and friend, Conway C. Martindale II, to form Martindale & Muniz, PLLC, where he continues to fight aggressively for justice on behalf of those who need it most.