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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Buffalo, NY

Our Recommended Top 15

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Buffalo Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

210Reviewed

132Curated

15Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1234 Delaware Ave Ste 200, Buffalo, NY 14209

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Godwin Hurley Donoghue LLP is a law firm located in Buffalo that defends individuals who have been charged with crimes. In particular, the firm defends those accused of DUI, drug violations, homicide, physical assaults, and weapons violations. Its team of well-established criminal lawyers in Buffalo also assists clients with matters involving personal injury, construction site injuries, and railroad law. Attorney Robert W. Godwin has been practicing law since 1998, and he is licensed to do so in New York and Massachusetts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Godwin - PartnerActive25 yrs

415 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (24)
Avvo
4.1 (15)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Muscato & Shatkin is a law firm providing services to individuals and businesses in Buffalo and the neighboring communities. It defends clients arrested for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence. Its attorneys offer legal assistance for other practice areas, such as divorce, child custody and support, personal injury, will and estates, and immigration. They also handle business and corporate law cases. A co-founder of the firm, Joseph Anthony Muscato, is a member of the New York State Defenders Association.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Muscato - PartnerActive24 yrs

286 Delaware Avenue, Suite B, Buffalo, NY 14202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (26)

Why choose this provider?

Frank Bogulski is a multi-practice trial attorney who serves clients in Buffalo and nearby localities. One of his practice areas is criminal defense, where he represents individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a crime. His team handles a wide range of criminal lawsuits, including DWI, drug charges, assault, homicide, domestic violence, and sex offenses. Bogulski has acquitted thousands of defendants since he began his private practice in 2002. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he worked as a military police officer at Fort McClellan.

  • DWI/DUI

3099 William Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14227

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (401)
Avvo
4.9 (62)
FindLaw
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Richard R. Shaw II, a criminal lawyer near Buffalo, offers seasoned and sound advice, counsel, and representation for clients in the local area. Admitted to the bar in 2000, Mr. Shaw handles cases in local, state, and federal court. Beyond criminal law, the practice also takes on family law, estate planning, and civil litigation. Attorney Shaw is a member of the New York State Defenders Association and the Erie County Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Richard Shaw - PrincipalActive24 yrs

42 Delaware Ave. Suite 770, Buffalo, NY 14202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (24)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Louis C. Mussari Attorney at Law caters to the locals of Buffalo and the rest of Western New York. He provides legal assistance and representation for clients charged with various criminal cases. These include white-collar crimes, homicide and manslaughter, drug trafficking, sexual assault, and aggravated harassment. He works to help his clients obtain dismissals or have their sentences reduced. Mussari has been in service for over 11 years and draws from prior experience as Erie County's assistant district attorney.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Drug Crimes

5784 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (62)
Facebook
4.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Tabashneck Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm representing clients in Buffalo and the surrounding area. It's focused on defending those faced with felony and misdemeanor charges. Cases handled include juvenile delinquency, driving under the influence, and sexual offenses. The firm also defends crimes where the case involves forensic evidence. Founding attorney Andrew Tabashneck is a member of the Coalition for Economic Justice and the People United for Sustainable Housing.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andrew Tabashneck - Founding PartnerActive7 yrs

2100 Main Place Tower, 350 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Personius Melber LLP is a law firm in Buffalo that provides services in various practice areas. It offers criminal defense, representing clients accused of white-collar crimes and False Claims Act violations. It also handles business and commercial litigation as well as personal injury cases. Rodney O. Personius, one of the partners in the firm, has been practicing law since 1977. He is a former assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of New York and headed the Financial Crimes Unit from 1985 to 1987.

  • DWI/DUI

5662 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (8)
Avvo
3.7 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Justin S. White Attorney At Law caters to individuals in Buffalo and the surrounding communities who are looking for a criminal defense lawyer. The law firm provides defendants with representation and gathers and assesses all the evidence contributing to the criminal charge in order to create a solid defense for their case. Other practice areas include family law, estate planning, and DWI defense. Justin S. White brings more than 30 years of legal experience to his firm and its clients.

  • DWI/DUI

539-B Main Street, Medina, NY 14103

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Mark & Graber have been serving clients in Buffalo and the surrounding communities for over 35 years. It represents clients in felony and misdemeanor cases. The firm aims to protect an individual's rights against the criminal justice system by guiding them through proceedings, evaluating evidence, and determining optimal defense options. It also practices in real estate, business and corporate, personal injury, and divorce and family law. Founding partner Lance Mark has been handling criminal defense cases since 1975.

  • Drug Crimes

484 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Phil Modrzynski, Attorney at Law caters to individuals in Buffalo and the surrounding communities who are in need of criminal defense. The law firm provides representation for clients charged with DWIs—explaining the trial process and legal options available to them, and offering counsel up to until after the conclusion of the criminal case. It assists with other violations and misdemeanors, as well as felonies, in state and federal courts. It also handles civil litigation cases involving medical injuries, slips and falls, and car accidents. Other practice areas include family and matrimonial law.

  • DWI/DUI

403 Main St 716 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, NY 14203

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (5)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Joseph LaTona, Attorney at Law, represents criminal defendants and civil respondents from Buffalo and the surrounding areas. His practice includes white-collar and electronic surveillance investigations and prosecutions. He has also handled cases that involved allegations of fraud, murder, conspiracy, and criminally negligent homicide. In addition, he represents public and elected officials, police, and correction officers accused of civil rights violations. Joseph has been practicing solo since 2001. In 2019, he was given the Charles F. Crimi Memorial Award by the New York State Bar Association.

  • DWI/DUI

66 Park Cir, Amherst, NY 14226

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (40)
Facebook
5.0 (14)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Operating from Amherst, the Cimasi Law Office diligently represents Buffalo citizens and college students, defending their rights when they have been accused of a crime. This law office readily takes on DWI and other traffic violations, drug offenses, assault, violent crimes, and white-collar crimes. The knowledgeable criminal justice attorney in Buffalo provides clients with an aggressive and diligent defense and examines each case for weaknesses or evidence that could help secure a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Cimasi - FounderActive10 yrs

438 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (25)

Why choose this provider?

Based in Buffalo, the Law Office of Nelson Torre represents individuals who were charged with criminal offenses. As a trial lawyer, Torre advocates for the rights of defendants before the federal, state, and local courts. He develops defense strategies for cases involving DWI, drugs, forfeiture, and juvenile violations. His practice areas also include personal injury. Torre, a former NYC assistant district attorney, is affiliated with the New York Defenders Association. He also speaks German and Spanish.

  • Federal Crime

484 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)
Avvo
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

James Quinn Auricchio, Esq., provides legal counsel and representation for clients in Buffalo. The firm focuses on criminal law, handling cases that range from driving with intoxication to more serious ones that involve allegations of money laundering and securities fraud. It also assists individuals accused of criminal charges like false billings and mail fraud. James Quinn Auricchio, the firm’s attorney and founder, is a former prosecutor who has over 20 years of experience handling criminal law cases.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Federal Crime

2025 Clinton Street, Buffalo, NY 14206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.7 (3)
Avvo
5.0 (2)
FindLaw
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Michael J. Stachowski P.C. is a Buffalo-based trial attorney who represents criminal defendants and their families in both federal and state courts. For over 45 years, he has been advocating the rights of those accused of criminal offenses, such as white-collar and federal crimes, DWI cases, homicide, and gun and drug charges. Stachowski offers sound legal counsel for matters including personal injury, illegal search and seizure, and divorce and family law. He also has a degree in Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Stachowski - FounderActive50 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Godwin Hurley Donoghue, LLP
1234 Delaware Ave Ste 200, Buffalo, NY 14209
Muscato & Shatkin
415 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Frank Bogulski Trial Attorney
286 Delaware Avenue, Suite B, Buffalo, NY 14202
The Law Office of Richard R. Shaw II
3099 William Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Louis C. Mussari Attorney at Law
42 Delaware Ave. Suite 770, Buffalo, NY 14202
The Tabashneck Law Firm
5784 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
Personius Melber LLP
2100 Main Place Tower, 350 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Justin S. White Attorney At Law
5662 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221
Law Offices of Mark & Graber
539-B Main Street, Medina, NY 14103
Phil Modrzynski Attorney at Law
484 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
Joseph LaTona Attorney at Law
403 Main St 716 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, NY 14203
Cimasi Law Office
66 Park Cir, Amherst, NY 14226
Law Office of Nelson Torre
438 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
James Quinn Auricchio, Esq.
484 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
Michael J. Stachowski P.C.
2025 Clinton Street, Buffalo, NY 14206

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Buffalo, New York?

    The non-emergency contact number for the Buffalo Police Department is (716) 853-2222.

  • How should a police officer act during a traffic stop in Buffalo?

    Law enforcement personnel may change their response depending on the circumstances. But, in general, police officers will abide by the following procedures during a traffic stop in Buffalo:

    • Provide name upon request
    • Present proper identification if not wearing a uniform
    • Inform the reason for being stopped
    • Employ force only if needed to secure an arrest and maintain the person's custody
    • Will not search the body of a person of the opposite sex unless it is necessary to avoid harming someone or destroying evidence
  • What is the expungement process in Buffalo?

    In Buffalo, some situations—including certain marijuana-related misdemeanors, trespassing, traffic infarctions, juvenile offenses, and dismissed cases—are expunged automatically. Otherwise, these steps should be followed to have a conviction struck from your record:

    • Send an application to the judge or the court that handed down the conviction, along with a notarized statement of the reasons for expungement, disposition certificate, and supporting documentation.
    • Submit the application and supporting paperwork to the district attorney's office, which has 45 days to notify the court of any objections.
    • Wait for the judge's approval or dismissal of the request.
  • What questions should you ask when hiring a criminal defense attorney in Buffalo?

    When facing criminal charges in Buffalo, it is crucial to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can support your case. Some of the questions you can ask are:

    • How long have you been practicing law?
    • Do you specialize in criminal defense cases?
    • Do you have any prior experience with cases comparable to mine?
    • What strategies do you recommend for defending my case?
    • How much does your service cost? Is there any way to reduce the fees?
    • Do you have references from your previous clients?
  • Is it illegal to drink and drive on a lawnmower in Buffalo?

    Yes, it is considered a non-automobile DWI in Buffalo. According to state law, a device equipped with a motor is considered a motor vehicle. Other motorized vehicles include ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, scooters, mini-bikes, and snowmobiles. Additionally, drinking while driving a motorized watercraft, such as a jet ski or a boat, is classified as boating while intoxicated or BWI. A criminal defense lawyer can help in defending DWI cases.

  • What is an opiate treatment court in Buffalo?

    An opiate treatment court (OTC) in Buffalo is mainly a pre-plea court. It is a 90-day program primarily intended to stabilize opiate users through medically assisted treatment and daily reporting to court. Other requirements include an 8 PM curfew, daily curfew calls, random wellness checks and drug tests, and honesty. The criminal case will be put on hold while the offender is getting the treatment. Most criminal cases are resolved with an OTC disposition and a compliance period.