Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Schenectady

Our Recommended Top 7

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Schenectady 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.

54

Reviewed

35

Curated

7

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
75 Columbia Street, Albany, NY 12210

Why choose this provider?

Dreyer Boyajian LLP is a law office in Schenectady that has been offering legal advice for three decades. Its criminal defense lawyers are committed to ensuring that each of their clients receives a fair trial by pursuing all legal avenues of their cases. They assist with domestic violence, sexual assault, DUI/DWI, and drug-related charges. With experience in both state and federal courts, the firm can also help those involved in wrongful death and defective product cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Dreyer - Founding Partner55 yrs
William Dreyer - Founding Partner55 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (32)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (14)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
122 West Main Street, Johnstown, NY 12095

Why choose this provider?

Viscosi Law is a criminal defense law firm that represents clients in the Schenectady area. It defends people facing felony and misdemeanor criminal charges, including DWI, DWAI, aggravated unlicensed operation, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. The firm also helps individuals with driver's license issues. Its other areas of practice include traffic ticket defense and personal injury law. Founder Michael Viscosi currently serves as an assistant city court judge.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Viscosi - Principal15 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (63)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
233 Tallow Wood Drive, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of James F. Hughes represents people in the greater Schenectady facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Founding attorney James F. Hughes defends clients arrested or accused of resisting arrest, unlawful possession of weapon, theft, and sexual assault. He also handles traffic violation cases, including DUI and traffic ticket for driving with a suspended license. Mr. Hughes has over 50 years of legal experience and is a member of the New York State Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Hughes - Principal36 yrs

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2452 U.S. 9, Malta, NY 12020

Why choose this provider?

Trainor Law PLLC is a veteran-owned law firm that defends clients' rights in state and federal courts. Its criminal lawyers near Schenectady represent individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including drug possession, white-collar fraud, weapon crimes, vandalism, and harassment. They also work on license suspension and traffic violation cases, such as DUI. Trainor Law offers counsel in the areas of real estate, personal injury, church governance, and religious liberty litigation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Trainor - Principal33 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2390 Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY 12084

Why choose this provider?

Melita Law is a multi-practice firm that provides criminal defense representation. Founder James P. Melita and attorney Adam G. Giangreco, criminal justice attorneys near Schenectady, work with all types of misdemeanor and felony cases. From petty theft to violent crimes, the firm works to safeguard clients' rights and interests by pursuing dismissed, reduced, or modified charges through mediation services or, if necessary, in court. Additionally, the firm handles DWI defense, property dispute, and family law cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Melita - Principal14 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
480 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Gregory P. Garofalo is owned by a criminal lawyer near Schenectady. Attorney Garofalo advocates on behalf of clients facing petit larceny charges. He offers legal assistance to clients charged with criminal mischief, DUI, and assault. The firm represents clients during plea negotiations to increase their chances of receiving a reduced sentence. Gregory P. Garofalo is a member of the Saratoga County Bar Association and NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gregory Garofalo - Principal33 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (125)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (72)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
632 Plank Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Why choose this provider?

Tobin & Dunshee LLP is a criminal defense law firm defending clients across the Schenectady area. It advocates on behalf of individuals who have been charged with committing crimes, including driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, and traffic or vehicle infractions, whether as felonies or misdemeanors. The firm's other practice areas include divorce and family law, disputes between landlords and tenants, and personal injury law. Denise M. Resta-Tobin, a criminal defense attorney near Schenectady, is secretary of the Italian American Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Alexander Dunshee - Founding Partner12 yrs

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 withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    For non-emergency concerns, contact the Schenectady Police Department at (518) 630-0911 or the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office at (518) 388-4300.

  • If the Schenectady police calls, should you talk to them?

    Generally, it is advised that you do not speak to law enforcement without a lawyer present. Remember that what you say may incriminate you and be used against you in court. If you are asked to go to the Schenectady police station, consult with a criminal defense attorney first before consenting. The attorney can help you get released in case you are being charged and prevent you from making incriminating statements.

  • Can your criminal defense attorney stand in for you in court if you live far from Schenectady?

    It is common for criminal defense attorneys in Schenectady to be allowed to appear in court for individuals charged with a misdemeanor, traffic violation, or DWI. In some felony cases, the attorney is also allowed to stand in for the defendant if the defendant has already appeared for the initial court sessions.

  • Can criminal records in Schenectady, NY, be sealed?

    Yes. Criminal records of charges that the defendant was acquitted for, were dismissed, or were not pursued by the prosecutor are allowed to be sealed from public view. Some criminal convictions can also be sealed if 10 years have already passed since the conviction or release from incarceration (if sentenced). Criminal records for violent crimes and sex offenses are not eligible for sealing in Schenectady.

  • What will happen if you violate your parole conditions in Schenectady, NY?

    You will be issued a warrant and sent to Schenectady jail until a decision is made regarding the alleged violation. Within 15 days of your arrest, you will undergo a preliminary hearing and then a final revocation hearing. If you have been found guilty of violating your parole, you will likely face additional incarceration of at least three months.

  • What will happen if you refuse the Schenectady police officer’s request for a breathalyzer test?

    The Department of Motor Vehicles will most likely start suspension proceedings against you. Driving is a privilege that comes with the obligation of taking the breathalyzer test if the Schenectady police have reasonable cause to suspect that you may be impaired or intoxicated. Refusing the test may result in suspension for one year or more, even if it was eventually found that you were not guilty of DWI.