Meaghan Powers

/My focus

I represent corporations and individuals in state and federal investigations and litigate complex commercial and business disputes in state and federal courts.

Having served as a state-level prosecutor for over a decade, I bring well-honed experience in complex criminal investigations and litigation to the Nixon Peabody team. I have handled a wide array of criminal matters, including financial crime, organized crime, homicide, gang violence, sexual offenses, large-scale narcotics distribution, and other related offenses. I have successfully argued criminal appeals in both the First and Second Judicial Departments of the New York State Appellate Division. I have also lectured on constitutional issues, advancements in DNA testing, evidence-based prosecution, and appropriate standards for search and seizure. This experience has allowed me to manage a diverse caseload and handle all phases of litigation, including investigating allegations, responding to grand jury subpoenas, conducting legal research, preparing motions and briefs in high-profile cases, managing electronic discovery and evidence, representing the government at conferences, hearings, and trial, and providing post-conviction appellate support.

/Looking ahead

As a legal historian, I remain fascinated by the intersection of the Fourth Amendment and technological advancement. As societal dependance on personal electronic devices and AI broadens, so too must the legal standards governing expectations of privacy in digital data.

/Insights

PRESENTATIONS

• “Securing Orders: Arraignment to Conviction,” SCDAO, 2024
• “Hearsay: A Legal and Practical Approach,” SCDAO, 2024
• “Drafting Search Warrants for Cellphones,” SCDAO, 2021
• “Death by Dealer Statute,” DAASNY Legislative Committee, 2021
• “Admitting Social Media Evidence at Trial,” SCDAO, 2021
• “Recantation Summit-Evidence Based Prosecutions,” OCME, 2019
• “Raise the Age: Speedy Trial Issues,” New York City Law Dept., 2019

PUBLICATIONS

• “Securing Orders: Arraignment to Conviction,” 2024
• “Procedural Requirements for Pre-Trial Hearings,” 2024
• “Prosecuting Gang-Related Crimes,” 2023
• “Use of Unsubstantiated Allegations of Police Misconduct,” 2023
• “Search Warrants for Personal Electronic Devices: A Look at Developing Issues,” 2022
• “Guidelines for Authorization of “No Knock” Entry,” 2020
• “Use of Photo Identification as Direct Evidence at Trial,” 2017
• “Prosecuting Organized Crime: New York City’s War Against the Gangsters of Gotham,” 2014