1. Harrington & Mahoney
Practice Focus: Criminal defense in federal and state courts, autism spectrum disorder legal representation, DUI/DWI defense, drug offenses, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, state felonies and misdemeanors, drug charges, DUI and DWI offenses, assault, theft, weapons offenses, white collar crimes, sex crimes, cases involving defendants with autism spectrum disorder
Legal Services: Trial defense in federal and state courts, pre-trial investigation and case preparation, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, appeals
Background: Harrington & Mahoney is recognized across the United States and Canada for its criminal defense work. The firm serves Western New York including Buffalo and Rochester. The attorneys have experience representing clients investigated for and charged with crimes in both federal and state courts. The firm specializes in providing legal representation for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder facing legal challenges.
Location: Buffalo, New York (serves Western New York region)
Contact: https://www.harringtonmahoney.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available
2. Friedman & Ranzenhofer P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, personal injury, family law
Case Types Handled: Felonies and misdemeanors, DUI and DWI charges, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, theft crimes, weapons charges, federal investigations, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Criminal defense representation in state and federal courts, investigation and case preparation, negotiations with U.S. Attorney’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, trial defense, plea negotiations
Background: Friedman & Ranzenhofer has provided criminal defense services to Western New York for over five decades. Robert Friedman was a prosecutor for 23 years and was named New York Prosecutor of the Year in 2003. Mike Ranzenhofer serves as an attorney at the firm and recognizes the potential consequences of criminal allegations on livelihood, career, and future. The firm has established working relationships with law enforcement and local court systems. The attorneys handle cases involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, NY State Police, FBI, IRS, DEA, Attorney General’s Office, and Buffalo City Police Department.
Location: Buffalo, NY (main office) with additional locations in Western New York
Contact: https://www.wny-lawyers.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Law Office of Dominic Saraceno
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, federal defense
Case Types Handled: DUI and DWI offenses, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, fraud, violent crimes, federal charges, sex crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense in town, state, and federal courts, plea negotiations, case investigation, expert witness coordination, sentencing advocacy
Background: Dominic Saraceno has been defending clients against criminal charges in Buffalo and Western New York for over 25 years. He is a felony trial lawyer who personally consults with clients on case facts. He has working relationships with local prosecutors, law enforcement, probation officers, parole officers, and drug counselors. He has been featured on major news networks including CNN, Fox News, and The Buffalo News. He serves as a mentor to many younger attorneys in the community. He provides clients with his personal cell phone number for case questions.
Location: Buffalo, New York
Contact: https://www.thebuffalocriminalattorney.com
Consultation: Free criminal defense legal consultation available
4. Law Office of Arthur L. Pressman
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence, fraud, theft, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: DUI and DWI charges, drug crimes, domestic violence, fraud, theft including shoplifting and petty larceny, grand larceny, burglary, robbery, criminal possession of stolen property, forgery, assault, gun and weapon possession, rape, murder, kidnapping, harassment
Legal Services: Trial defense, constitutional rights protection, DWI challenge including stop validity and testing procedures, motion practice, plea negotiations
Background: Arthur L. Pressman has experience defending clients against criminal charges in New York state courts. The firm offers representation for misdemeanors and felonies. The office is located on the subway line for convenient access. The firm provides services for DUI/DWI defense with knowledge of field sobriety testing procedures, blood alcohol testing equipment, and constitutional protections.
Location: Buffalo, New York (accessible via subway)
Contact: (716) 517-4250 | https://www.arthurpressmanlaw.com
Consultation: Free initial phone consultation seven days a week
5. Towey Law PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense for misdemeanors and felonies
Case Types Handled: DUI and DWI charges, drug offenses, theft crimes, assault, domestic violence, weapons charges, sex crimes, homicide, federal charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, bail arrangement assistance, defense strategy development, investigation, motion practice, plea negotiations, record sealing under the Clean Slate Act
Background: Towey Law PLLC provides criminal defense services in Buffalo, New York. The attorneys represent clients facing criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The firm handles cases in Erie County and throughout Western New York. The attorneys work to achieve case dismissals, charge reductions, or favorable verdicts at trial.
Location: Buffalo, New York
Contact: (716) 300-8232 | https://www.briantoweylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in New York
New York requires attorneys to pass the New York Bar Examination and be admitted by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court before practicing law. The bar exam includes the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and the New York Law Examination (NYLE). Applicants must pass a character and fitness evaluation and complete 50 hours of pro bono service.
New York does not have a formal specialty certification program administered by the state bar for criminal defense attorneys. However, national organizations offer certifications that New York attorneys may obtain.
The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo provides mandated representation for indigent defendants charged with offenses in the City of Buffalo. This includes misdemeanors under the Penal Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law, as well as D and E felonies. The Criminal Defense Unit handles cases for over 12,000 clients annually. All indigent defendants at arraignment in Buffalo City Court receive representation from the Legal Aid Bureau. Defendants must be qualified by an eligibility clerk to continue receiving services after arraignment. Erie County has a separate assigned counsel program for felony cases in County Court.
New York attorneys must complete 24 credit hours of continuing legal education (CLE) every two years, including at least four hours in ethics and professionalism. Newly admitted attorneys must complete additional transitional CLE requirements.
Attorney advertising in New York is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct. The rules require that attorney advertisements not be false, deceptive, or misleading. Certain disclaimers and labeling requirements apply to various forms of advertising.
New York classifies felonies into five classes: A, B, C, D, and E. Class A felonies are the most serious and are divided into A-I and A-II subcategories. Class A-I felonies carry 15 to 40 years to life imprisonment for violent offenses. Class B felonies carry up to 25 years. Class C felonies carry up to 15 years. Class D felonies carry up to seven years. Class E felonies carry up to four years.
Misdemeanors are classified as Class A, B, or unclassified. Class A misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail. Class B misdemeanors carry up to three months.
New York does not have the death penalty. The state’s death penalty statute was declared unconstitutional in 2004 and has not been reinstated.
Bail reform legislation that took effect in 2020 eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. Judges must release defendants on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions for qualifying offenses. Cash bail and remand remain available for violent felonies and certain other specified charges.
New York’s speedy trial rules require prosecution readiness within six months for felonies and 90 days for misdemeanors, with various exclusions for delays not attributable to the prosecution.
New York enacted the Clean Slate Act in 2023, which provides for automatic sealing of certain criminal convictions after specified waiting periods. Eligible misdemeanors seal automatically three years after sentence completion. Eligible felonies seal eight years after sentence completion. Sex offenses and Class A felonies are excluded. Before automatic sealing takes effect, defendants can petition for sealing under existing provisions in Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.59.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Erie County, New York?
Following an arrest in Erie County, defendants are processed at the Central Booking facility if arrested by Buffalo Police or at the local police department. Within 24 hours, defendants must be arraigned before a judge. Arraignment occurs in Buffalo City Court for City of Buffalo arrests or in the appropriate town or village court for other jurisdictions. At arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charges, assigns counsel if the defendant qualifies for a public defender, and makes a bail determination. Under New York bail reform, most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies result in release on recognizance or supervised release rather than cash bail. Felony cases proceed to a grand jury presentation or superior court information.
How does the Buffalo City Court process work for criminal cases?
Buffalo City Court handles misdemeanors and initiates felony cases. The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo represents all indigent defendants at arraignment. Following arraignment, misdemeanor cases proceed through discovery, motion practice, and either plea negotiations or trial. For felony cases, the prosecution must present the case to a grand jury or file a superior court information within a specified time. If the grand jury indicts, the case transfers to Erie County Court or Supreme Court. Buffalo City Court also operates treatment courts including Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court, which offer alternatives to traditional prosecution for eligible defendants.
What are the penalties for DWI in New York?
A first DWI offense in New York is an unclassified misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail, $500 to $1,000 fine, and six-month license revocation. Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI) is a traffic infraction for first offense with up to 15 days in jail and $300 to $500 fine. Aggravated DWI with blood alcohol of 0.18 or higher is an unclassified misdemeanor with enhanced penalties. Second DWI within 10 years is a Class E felony with up to four years in prison. Third or subsequent DWI within 10 years is a Class D felony with up to seven years. All convictions require an ignition interlock device. DWI with injury can result in vehicular assault charges. DWI with fatality can result in vehicular manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide charges.
Can criminal records be sealed in New York?
New York allows sealing of certain criminal convictions. Under Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.59, defendants can petition for sealing after 10 years from the later of conviction or release from incarceration. Petitioners may have up to two convictions sealed, with no more than one felony. Sex offenses, Class A felonies, and violent felonies are excluded. The Clean Slate Act, enacted in 2023, provides for automatic sealing of eligible misdemeanors three years after sentence completion and eligible felonies eight years after sentence completion. Sealed records remain visible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies but are hidden from standard background checks. Dismissals and acquittals result in automatic sealing.
What are the treatment court options in Buffalo for criminal defendants?
Buffalo City Court operates several specialty treatment courts. Drug Court provides an alternative to incarceration for defendants with substance abuse issues, requiring treatment, frequent court appearances, and random drug testing. Successful completion can result in dismissal of charges or reduced sentences. Mental Health Court serves defendants with mental health diagnoses, connecting them with treatment services and monitoring compliance. Veterans Court assists veterans struggling with issues related to military service, providing access to VA services and peer mentor support. The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo represents approximately 1,100 clients annually in treatment court proceedings. Eligibility depends on the charges, criminal history, and willingness to participate in treatment.