Steven Raiser is Chief Legal Officer, and Legal-Counsel at Delancey Street. Steven is a native of Long Island and has also resided in Manhattan and the Bronx.
Since being admitted to the New York Bar, Steven has represented the city of New York, serving as a Special Assistant Corporation Counsel. He handled all aspects of litigation in child neglect cases there, representing the interests of the children and the city. He then served as an Assistant District Attorney, where he successfully prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases, from violations of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to homicides. During his time as a prosecutor, Steven was involved in high-profile cases such as those involving Rapper DMX and NY Rangers’ Defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh.
While serving as a prosecutor, he joined the U.S. Army. As a commissioned officer in the Army National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Steven volunteered for active duty in Iraq. There he served in the office of the Staff Judge Advocate, defending soldiers from actions instituted by the federal government, making probable cause determinations for the command, and assisting in the training of Iraqi soldiers in legal proceedings. In recognition of his service in Iraq, he earned the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for meritorious service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Army Commendation Medal for exceptional meritorious service during combat operations. He, along with his unit, received the New York State Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and was presented with our state flag by Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.
-Steven M. Raiser is admitted to practice law in the state courts and federal court in the Eastern District. On November 14, 2010, he was sworn in to the United States Supreme Court by Chief Justice John Roberts in Washington, D.C. Steven has appeared as a legal analyst for FOX, CNN, and Court TV (TRU TV). His interviews on CNN and FOX have been posted to their websites and have been showcased under “must see videos.”
New York Merchant Cash Advance Legal Help – Finding the Right Attorney
Getting a merchant cash advance can seem like an easy way for a small business to get quick funding. But sometimes these advances can lead to legal troubles that require professional help. This article will discuss finding attorneys in New York that specialize in merchant cash advance issues like debt settlement.
-Understanding Merchant Cash Advances
A merchant cash advance (MCA) is a form of business financing where a company gets an upfront sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of future credit card and debit card sales. The advances aren’t considered a loan under New York state law, so they aren’t subject to usury caps on interest rates.This flexibility comes at a cost though – the terms of MCAs often end up being predatory. Advance providers can charge very high effective interest rates, sometimes over 100% APR! And if the business’s sales drop for any reason, they still owe the daily repayment amount as a percentage of the advance.So New York companies can easily get trapped in a crushing cycle of debt. That’s why working with an attorney that understands this area is so important.
Finding Specialized Legal Help
The legal issues around merchant cash advances and debt relief can get quite complex. When searching for an attorney, you’ll want to look for these specific qualifications:
- Experience with Business Financing Law – Have they worked with cases involving MCAs, factoring, and other alternative small business financing before? Do they understand the differences compared to bank loans?
- Background in Debt Settlement, Bankruptcy Law, and Debt Relief – Can they advise on all options for negotiating, settling, restructuring, or wiping clear MCA debts?
- Litigation Expertise in Financial Services – Have they represented clients in lawsuits related to unfair lending practices? Can they take cases to trial if settlements can’t be reached?
- Knowledge of New York Laws and Regulations – Are they familiar with state laws regarding business financing, debt collection, interest rate caps, and consumer protection statutes? Federal regulations may also come into play.
Attorneys that check all these boxes will be best equipped to defend your interests. Now let’s look at a few reputable firms to consider.
Top New York MCA Debt Attorneys
Finding the Best Attorney for Your Situation
As you can see, New York has no shortage of qualified attorneys that handle merchant cash advance disputes and debt relief. But it’s still important to find the right specific lawyer for your company’s unique situation.During initial consultations, be prepared to answer questions about:
- The details of your original MCA agreement – funding amount, payback term, repayment rate/factor, etc.
- Your communication history with the funder – have there been attempts to modify terms?
- Any legal action already taken – has the funder filed a lawsuit or sent threatening collections letters?
- Your current financial situation – are you behind on payments due to COVID impacts or other circumstances?
This info will allow attorneys to offer tailored legal strategies and determine if they have the right expertise to be truly helpful.For example, a lawyer experienced with getting debts reduced through settlements may not be the best fit if the case needs to go to trial for breach of lending statutes.With a firm understanding of your specific merchant cash advance issues, potential attorneys can also provide fee estimates and payment arrangements upfront.
-Getting Started with a Free Consultation
The great news is that reputable MCA debt relief law firms will provide free case assessments and initial consultations. This gives you the chance to interview multiple attorneys without commitment to see who best fits your needs.During the consultation, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the lawyer’s background, billing rates, payment plans, and previous case examples relevant to your situation.You can get the process started today by contacting one of the law groups mentioned in this article or searching state bar association referral services. Relief from crippling MCA debts is within reach!The right legal guidance can help New York small businesses escape predatory lending practices and regain solid financial footing. With attorneys well-versed in merchant cash advance laws by your side, you can rest easier knowing your interests are defended. Don’t wait – get informed counsel as soon as possible once debts spiral out of control.