1. Harrington & Mahoney
Focus Area: Criminal defense with experience in federal and state courts and specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder representation
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, state crimes, DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, white collar crimes
Background: Harrington & Mahoney is one of the premier criminal defense firms serving Western New York. It is known across the United States and Canada for the experience and success of the criminal defense attorneys in representing those who are investigated for and charged with crimes in federal and state courts. At Harrington & Mahoney, the firm specializes in providing comprehensive legal representation for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) facing legal challenges. The firm counts success as the case in which the client is satisfied that everything that could be done was done to get the possible result. The firm serves Buffalo, Rochester, and the surrounding areas.
Location: Buffalo, New York (serves Western New York)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.harringtonmahoney.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30+ years experience in Buffalo and Western New York
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, fraud, theft, violent crimes
Background: Arthur L. Pressman is a 1982 graduate of the State University of New York at Albany. He earned his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1985 and practiced with the law firm of Heller & Rubin in Miami, Florida from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, Arthur relocated to Buffalo, where he opened his own practice where he has continued to defend those accused of crimes in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York area. The firm has built a reputation for integrity and for extensive knowledge and aggressive defense tactics in handling criminal defense matters. Over the years, Buffalo Criminal Defense Attorney Pressman has effectively handled thousands of criminal cases in the Buffalo area. For client convenience, the office is on the subway line, and free initial phone consultations are offered seven days a week.
Location: Buffalo, New York (serves Buffalo, Amherst, and Western New York)
Contact: (716) 517-4250 | https://www.arthurpressmanlaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial phone consultation, seven days a week
3. DuBois Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and multiple Western New York locations
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, criminal defense, family law, traffic violations
Background: At DuBois Law, the focus is on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI Defense, Family Law and Traffic Violations, and the firm is here to listen and help navigate the legal system. Daniel DuBois is a former prosecutor who brings that experience to criminal defense. Legal problems can be incredibly stressful. During challenging times, a dedicated and reliable attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a matter. DuBois Law is focused solely on the needs of clients and provides professional and effective representation. Experience is part of developing a successful law practice, and at DuBois Law people from New York State get the skilled legal advice and representation they’re looking for when they need an attorney. The firm has a thorough understanding of New York State law.
Location: 390 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 (additional offices in Rochester and Clarence)
Contact: (888) 684-8589 | https://www.danduboislaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Towey Law PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with wide range of case experience and Clean Slate Act assistance
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes, probation violations
Background: The Buffalo criminal defense attorneys at Towey Law PLLC have a long record of success in a wide range of criminal cases. The firm firmly believes clients deserve a sound and professional defense. The firm has experience handling cases involving DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, and more. The consequences faced if found guilty of a criminal offense could be devastating. There are multiple penalties that will vary widely depending on the type of crime charged. Many misdemeanor convictions include fines and jail time. If convicted of a felony offense, fines could dramatically increase and you could expect to spend time in a New York state prison facility. By working with a criminal defense attorney in Buffalo, you may qualify for record sealing under the Clean Slate Act.
Location: Buffalo, New York
Contact: (716) 300-8232 | https://www.briantoweylaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Cimasi Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 24/7 availability and multilingual services
Practice Areas: DWI, criminal defense, traffic violations
Background: Cimasi Law Office is a trusted partner in Buffalo, NY for criminal defense. Experienced lawyers will fight vigorously to protect rights. The firm is excited to enhance services with a multilingual attorney fluent in Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian, specializing in criminal law and assisting first generation Americans. This expansion ensures that non-English speakers can now access expert legal assistance without language barriers. If you have been arrested or received a traffic citation, you need to defend yourself. No interaction with law enforcement is too minor to take seriously. There are too many hidden pitfalls to pleading guilty without taking the time to learn more about your rights. Help is available any time of the day or night. The firm accepts phone calls 24/7 to ensure that clients receive help as soon as they need it.
Location: Amherst office (serves Buffalo and Western New York)
Contact: (716) 267-6430 | https://cimasilaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in New York
Felony Classifications
New York classifies felonies into five classes:
Class A Felony: Divided into A-I (murder, kidnapping first degree) with 15-40 years to life, and A-II (drug trafficking, predatory sexual assault) with 3-8 years to life.
Class B Felony: Includes manslaughter first degree, robbery first degree, and burglary first degree. Penalty is 1-25 years.
Class C Felony: Includes robbery second degree, burglary second degree, and assault first degree. Penalty is 1-15 years.
Class D Felony: Includes grand larceny third degree and criminal possession of a weapon third degree. Penalty is 1-7 years.
Class E Felony: Includes grand larceny fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property fourth degree. Penalty is 1-4 years.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes assault third degree, petit larceny, and DWI (first offense). Maximum 1 year in jail.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes harassment first degree and certain drug offenses. Maximum 3 months in jail.
Unclassified Misdemeanors: Certain traffic offenses and other specific crimes with varying penalties.
Violations and Infractions
Violations are not crimes and carry maximum 15 days incarceration. Traffic infractions are not crimes and result in fines and points on license.
Record Sealing and Expungement
New York does not have traditional expungement. Instead, New York offers sealing of certain criminal records:
Automatic Sealing: Under the Clean Slate Act (effective 2024), certain convictions are automatically sealed after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 8 years for felonies after completion of sentence).
CPL 160.59 Sealing: Allows sealing of up to two convictions (only one felony) after 10 years.
Ineligible Offenses: Sex offenses, Class A felonies, and certain violent felonies cannot be sealed.
DWI Laws
New York DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense DWI is an unclassified misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail, $500-$1,000 fine, and 6-month license revocation. Aggravated DWI (.18%+ BAC) carries enhanced penalties. Second offense within 10 years is a Class E felony. Third offense within 10 years is a Class D felony. New York also has DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) for BAC of .05-.07%, which is a violation (not a crime) for first offense. New York has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Buffalo?
Criminal cases in Buffalo are heard in multiple courts depending on the offense. Buffalo City Court handles misdemeanors and some violations within Buffalo city limits. The Buffalo City Court Criminal Records office can be reached at (716) 853-9300. Erie County Court handles felony cases. Erie County is part of the 8th Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York handles federal criminal cases. Having a Buffalo criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is the Clean Slate Act in New York?
New York’s Clean Slate Act, signed into law in 2023 and effective in 2024, provides for automatic sealing of certain criminal convictions. Under the law, most misdemeanor convictions are automatically sealed 3 years after the completion of the sentence. Most felony convictions are automatically sealed 8 years after the completion of the sentence. The person must remain conviction-free during the waiting period. Sealed records are not visible to most employers and landlords but remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies. Certain offenses are excluded from automatic sealing, including sex offenses requiring registration, Class A felonies, and non-drug Class B violent felonies. A Buffalo criminal defense attorney can advise on eligibility for sealing.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in New York?
A felony conviction in New York carries consequences beyond incarceration. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and New York law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated (automatically restored upon release from prison). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. New York’s Clean Slate Act now provides for automatic sealing of many convictions after waiting periods, which can help reduce collateral consequences. A Buffalo criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue record sealing.
What diversion programs are available in Erie County?
Erie County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. Drug Treatment Court is available for defendants with substance abuse issues and involves intensive treatment and supervision. Mental Health Court is available for defendants with mental health diagnoses. Veterans Treatment Court is available for veterans with service-related issues. Felony Diversion may be available for certain first-time felony offenders. Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) allows dismissal after 6 months or 1 year if the defendant stays out of trouble. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges. A Buffalo criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion.
What is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a disposition in New York that allows the case to be adjourned for a period of time (typically 6 months for most offenses, 1 year for family offenses). If the defendant remains arrest-free and complies with any conditions during the adjournment period, the case is automatically dismissed and sealed. An ACD is not a conviction and, once dismissed, the record is sealed. ACDs are commonly used for first-time offenders charged with minor offenses like marijuana possession, petit larceny, or disorderly conduct. However, the prosecution must consent to an ACD, so a Buffalo criminal defense attorney can negotiate for this disposition.