Expertise.com

2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Rochester

Our Recommended Top 19

We did the research for you!

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

168Reviewed

108Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Rochester, NY

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Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Rochester? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

​16 W Main Street, Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14614
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (10)
Avvo
5.0 (7)
Google
3.7 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Foti Law Firm, P.C., is a private legal practice that serves individuals and businesses from Rochester and the surrounding areas. It provides criminal defense services for offenses such as DWI or DUI, criminal trespass or burglary, and assault and related offenses. It also assists with the sealing of criminal records. Principal attorney Mark Andrew Foti has been practicing law for more than a decade. He is a member of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI

2509 Browncroft Blvd. Suite 224, Rochester, NY 14625

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Review Sources

Avvo
4.2 (5)
Facebook
5.0 (3)
Google
4.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of James Cole provides representation to clients in various legal proceedings in Rochester. It protects the rights of individuals accused of criminal charges, handling a full range of felonies and misdemeanor cases, from first-time petty larceny arrests to subsequent DWI offenses. In addition, the firm obtains legal remedies for traffic violations and assists clients in education law and personal injury issues. Sole practitioner James Cole is a former prosecutor who served as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County and Monroe County.

  • DWI/DUI

1 East Main Street, Suite 500, New York, NY 14614
Website

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (9)
Avvo
4.0 (4)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Monna Attorney & Counselor at Law in Rochester represents clients in criminal and civil cases. Sole attorney Chris Monna's scope of work includes defending clients charged with criminal misdemeanor and felony offenses like DUI and violent crimes, representing the defense and prosecution in class action lawsuits, and handling employment law cases. He also counsels clients on the advantages and disadvantages of elevating their criminal or civil case to appellate courts. Monna has been practicing law since 2020.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

16 East Main St. Suite 430, Rochester, NY 14614

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Brian C. Buettner, Attorney at Law, has been operating out of Rochester since 1992. The law firm aggressively fights on behalf of clients charged with misdemeanors or felonies. It takes on DUI, DWI, and drug cases and represents those who are facing extended offenses because of probation or parole violations. It builds a defense to disprove accusations and handles communication with concerned parties. In addition to criminal defense, Brian C. Buettner practices bankruptcy and family law.

  • DWI/DUI

2024 W. Henrietta Rd., Suite 6A, Rochester, NY 14623

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Jim Christie Law offers services to clients in Rochester and the surrounding areas. It counsels and represents individuals arrested for DWI, gun and drug crimes, burglary, fraud, money laundering, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. Its principal attorney, Jim Christie, is a former prosecutor and has 24 years of legal experience. In one of his cases, he helped a client charged with DWI obtain a not guilty verdict and avoid the punishment of mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Arraignment
  • Domestic Violence

2170 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618

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Why choose this provider?

For over 65 years, Friedman & Ranzenhofer, Attorneys at Law, has been serving Rochester clients. It manages criminal defense cases and represents individuals accused of felonies or misdemeanors, including domestic violence, theft, healthcare fraud, and DUI. The firm highlights procedural errors in the prosecution's case to help clients obtain a favorable outcome. Robert Friedman, one of the firm's lawyers, is the author of "Checkpoint: A Complete Guide to New York DWI Law." He has over four decades of legal experience.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

1507 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14618

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (40)
Google
4.2 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Thomas M. Splain offers criminal defense services to the residents of Rochester. The team is led by former district attorneys who have trial experience in local, state, and federal tribunals. The team handles drunk driving incidents and takes on cases related to personal injury, real estate, and estate planning law. The office is managed by Thomas M. Splain, who has more than 20 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense lawyer.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

1379 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY 14626

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Redmond Legal is a general practice that defends Rochester clients accused of crimes, mainly driving while intoxicated. It takes on various cases under criminal law, such as assault, unemployment fraud, harassment, petty theft, criminal impersonation, and traffic violations. Gregg H. Redmond, the sole practitioner, helps clients face the possible consequences of a criminal case and represent them in a trial. Redmond has more than 25 years of experience in different legal fields, including estate planning, real estate, and personal injury.

  • DWI/DUI

28 East Main Street Suite 1200, Rochester, NY 14614
Website

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Matthew J. Rich is a multi-practice firm serving Rochester and nearby areas. Matthew Rich defends individuals facing criminal charges, whether sexual abuse, murder, robbery, or assault. He also protects the rights of clients arrested because of child pornography and marijuana offenses. Rich, who has more than 15 years of experience, is a former assistant district attorney for Monroe County. He also represents clients in family offense proceedings and handles cases involving juvenile delinquency.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Federal Crime
  • Internet Crime

774 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Colombo Law Office defends individuals in Rochester and the surrounding areas who have been accused of committing crimes. The practice covers cases related to vehicular and traffic infractions like DUI. The firm also works on civil matters like personal injury suits. It has been offering legal solutions since 1980. Founder Jeanne M. Colombo is licensed to appear before the United States Court of Appeal 2nd Circuit and is part of the Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys.

  • DWI/DUI

2480 Browncroft Blvd, Rochester, NY 14625

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Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (43)
Google
5.0 (31)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Militello Law Firm PLLC defends clients facing charges of grand and petit larceny, assault/harassment, traffic violations, unlawful possession of marijuana and controlled substances, and endangering the welfare of a child. Additionally, the firm handles aggravated unlicensed operator and drunk driving cases. It deals with cases involving criminal contempt, child pornography, criminal possession of stolen property, prostitution, public indecency, and burglary. Founder P. Adam Militello provides free consultations and is a member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
P Adam Militello - PrincipalActive16 yrs

30 W Broad St Ste 306, Rochester, NY 14614

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Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (20)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of James L. Riotto is a criminal defense law firm serving the residents of Rochester and the surrounding communities. Founding attorney James Riotto has experience as a state trooper and a criminal prosecutor, and this training gives him a unique approach to defense cases. He represents clients who are being prosecuted for assault, drug possession and manufacturing, weapons violations, sexual and domestic violence, and drunk driving. Additionally, he helps clients with post-conviction appeals, as well as parole and probation. Riotto has received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Riotto - Principal/FounderActive13 yrs

1812 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd., Rochester, NY 14623
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (26)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Christopher Johnson Attorney at Law PLLC is a general practice law firm in Rochester. It protects the rights of people facing felony and misdemeanor charges, such as DUI/DWI. Christopher Johnson, the firm's founding attorney, has been practicing law since 1989. He also handles personal injury, family law, real estate, and elder law cases. For 11 years, he worked as an assistant district attorney in Monroe County. Since its inception in 2004, his firm has resolved over 10,000 cases and obtained over $10 million in settlements.

  • DWI/DUI

30 West Broad Street, Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14614
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (16)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Pilato Law is a multi-practice firm that serves clients in Rochester. It offers representation to individuals accused of felony and misdemeanor crimes, including burglary, assault, robbery, and murder. The firm advocates for its clients before federal and state courts. It also deals with personal injury law and helps victims of motor vehicle accidents and dog bite injuries obtain compensation to manage medical bills. Owner David Pilato once served as an assistant district attorney in Westchester County. He is a New York State Defenders Association member.

  • DWI/DUI

45 Exchange Blvd Suite 1020, Rochester, NY 14614
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (15)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Lindsey Pieper offers legal consultation and representation to individuals in Rochester. It works on criminal defense cases, helping the accused avoid or reduce penalties such as fines, community service, and jail time. The firm defends clients that are dealing with various types of traffic offenses, including speeding tickets, drunk driving, and failure to signal a turn or lane change. It also represents individuals charged with drug and violent crimes. Pieper is a member of the New York State Defender’s Association.

  • DWI/DUI

31 N Main St, Pittsford, NY 14534
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Sercu Law defends the rights of criminally charged persons in the Rochester community and nearby areas. The law firm counsels clients facing the criminal prosecution process for offenses such as burglary, drug offenses, assault and battery, fraud, and disorderly conduct. Its lawyers represent defendants in DWI/DUI and V&T Law infraction proceedings, probation violation hearings, and vehicular manslaughter litigation. One of the lawyers, Stephen Sercu, has lectured on criminal law at local colleges and high schools.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

100 Linden Oaks, Rochester, NY 14625

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (5)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Danielle C. Wild, Attorney at Law, caters to clients in Rochester and the surrounding areas. The firm focuses on handling criminal appeals, post-conviction motions, criminal record sealing, and probation advocacy. Its founding lawyer, Danielle C. Wild, personally takes care of the cases at her office and is committed to providing individualized attention to her clients to understand their concerns. Prior to her solo practice, Wild worked for a local criminal defense firm, where she dealt with wrongful conviction and civil rights cases.

  • Arraignment

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 Rochester, New York?

    3-1-1 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Rochester.

  • What types of cases do Rochester criminal defense attorneys handle?

    Rochester criminal defense attorneys handle an array of cases, ranging from federal charges and state crimes to sex offenses, domestic violence, weapons charges, and traffic offenses. Their expertise lies in offering sound legal advice, constructing a robust defense, safeguarding your rights, and striving to secure the best possible outcome, be it a misdemeanor or felony. Moreover, these lawyers aim to mitigate the long-term consequences of a criminal charge on your future prospects and overall well-being.

  • When do you need a criminal lawyer in Rochester?

    If you are facing charges for a misdemeanor or felony in Rochester, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process, prepare you for court appearances, and provide you with the best possible defense. It's also wise to consult with a criminal defense lawyer if you suspect that you may become a suspect in the future, as they can provide you with valuable guidance and support to help you avoid criminal charges or mitigate their impact.

  • What is the expected duration of the criminal process in Rochester?

    The duration of the criminal process in Rochester varies depending on the circumstances of each case. A lawyer can provide an estimation of how long a specific case may take, as scheduling is at the discretion of the judge and the court system can be slow. The average duration of a case is typically six to nine months, although there may be exceptions. Collaborating with an attorney can aid in completing all necessary paperwork on schedule and streamlining the process as much as possible.

  • What should you do if you're being investigated for a crime in Rochester?

    When charged with a criminal offense in Rochester, it is crucial to have a criminal defense attorney present for police questioning. It's essential to remember your right to remain silent and refuse to answer without an attorney present. When being investigated for a crime, contact a criminal attorney as soon as possible and do not talk to the police. If arrested for a first-time offense, a criminal lawyer can negotiate with the District Attorney to avoid a criminal record. Seeking legal guidance is vital in protecting your rights when facing criminal charges.

  • What types of crimes are frequently committed in Rochester?

    The most commonly charged crimes in Rochester include traffic violations such as speeding or driving while intoxicated. Furthermore, Rochester criminal attorneys typically offer representation for probation violations and violations of New York's strict gun regulations. Criminal charges are also placed on major felonies such as illegal drug transport and distribution.