Sprakers Criminal Lawyers

Heidi A. Gifford is a dynamic and dedicated legal professional with a passion for advocating for her clients. A graduate of the esteemed New England School of Law, Heidi has been practicing law in Fulton County, New York since being admitted to the New York State Bar in 2005. Specializing in divorce, family law, child custody, fathers rights, criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning, she has established herself as a trusted advocate for individuals facing challenging legal situations. In 2009, Heidi took on the leadership of her practice and has since been committed to delivering exceptional results for her...

- Eagle Scout - BS and MS in Computer Science - former Attorney for the Village of Cherry Valley New York - former Attorney for the Town of Edmeston New York - Attorney for the Cherry Valley Children's Christmas Fund, Inc.

Dennis Nave has been passionate about defending individuals facing DWI, traffic, and criminal charges for most of his legal career. Dennis approaches each of his client’s cases as unique and each person as his equal, always going the extra mile to ensure his clients are fully educated on their case and knowing they are receiving the best quality representation and best defense of their rights and interests. Dennis is the founding and managing partner for Nave Law Firm located in Syracuse, New York where he was born and raised. Dennis is devoted to staying in and serving his local community. Call him...

Greg T. Rinckey, Esq. serves as the Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC. Mr. Rinckey concentrates his practice on military law, federal employment and discrimination litigation, and national security clearance mitigation. During his previous tenure as an attorney with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Mr. Rinckey prosecuted and defended military personnel in over one hundred felony cases with charges ranging from drug possession to murder. He has represented federal and private sector employees in investigations and cases in front of the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Office of Special Counsel. Since...

Attorney James L. Riotto has an impressive law enforcement background combined with substantial criminal defense experience. His extensive experience as a state trooper, within law enforcement, and in criminal prosecution provides a unique perspective that sets him apart from other Rochester criminal defense attorneys. Clients get the benefit of an attorney with a clear understanding of both sides of their legal issues.

As a Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Derrick primarily focuses his practice on criminal defense. Since joining the firm, Derrick has represented clients facing an array of criminal charges, including all classifications of misdemeanors and felonies under New York State’s Penal Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law, as well as federal criminal charges. Derrick brings a wealth of legal knowledge in multiple practice areas to Tully Rinckey, due in part to his previous role as a Client Relations Attorney. In this position, Derrick oversaw the operations of the firm’s Client Relations Department and provided legal assistance to potential new clients....

As a criminal defense attorney, my job is to help my clients navigate one of the most difficult times of their lives. To do this, it is critical to address a client's immediate concerns and fears while also ensuring that any and all long term complications are also considered. My goal is to do everything I can to ensure the criminal charges do not irrevocably alter my client's life as they know it. While the primary focus of my practice has been handling Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Impaired by Drugs cases, I also represent individuals...

Maddy, a Syracuse native, grew up in the area and graduated from Liverpool High School. She pursued her higher education at Le Moyne College, majoring in political science and minoring in legal studies, criminology, and philosophy. Maddy actively participated in Le Moyne College’s Integral Honors Program, where she conducted in-depth research, wrote, and successfully defended her honors thesis titled “The Land of the Incarcerated and the Home of Racial Inequality: Mass Incarceration in the United States.” Graduating summa cum laude with the highest distinction from the Honors Program, Maddy's academic journey also included an internship with DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Law...

Lee Kindlon, the founding partner of the Kindlon Law Firm, has represented clients in some of the area's most high-profile criminal cases. From those hard-fought courtroom battles, he uses his experience to benefit clients across the legal spectrum. Lee's experience in civil litigation includes matters based on contract, fraud, civil rights violations and negligence. He has successfully resolved a number of high-value personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Lee's practice also includes the representation of corporations and professionals in white collar criminal cases. From preventative advice for companies to successful resolution for those charged with financial crimes, fraud or...

Born and raised in Utica, NY, Attorney Nicholas A Passalacqua knows his clients. But more importantly he knows the law. Through his training and experience Mr. Passalacqua is ready to handle any of your even most complex legal matters.

Mr. Passalacqua’s education and training in trial law began back at T.R. Proctor High School as a member of the Mock Trial team. He then went on to Sacred Heart University, where he founded and led SHU’s first collegiate Mock Trial Team to two regional championship tournaments. Finally, at Michigan State University College of Law he was a member of the Moot...

Highly rated upstate New York litigator.

Matthew J. Simone is a partner at the law firm of Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Binghamton University in 2010 and graduated from Albany Law School in 2013. During Matthew’s tenure at Binghamton University, he majored in financial management, was a Division 1 Scholarship Athlete and captain of the baseball team in his senior year. In law school, Matthew interned at the Schenectady County Public Defender’s Office and the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. Prior to joining the firm, Matthew was an associate attorney at a local firm where he practiced in the areas of DWI...

Lois is a graduate of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University School of Law and graduated from McMaster University, summa cum laude. While at Hofstra, Lois participated in the Criminal Prosecution Practicum Clinic. Here, Lois gained hands-on experience with numerous types of offenses, including misdemeanor violations, and traffic infractions. Lois is particularly focused on assuring all clients receive continuous and comprehensive communication throughout their legal proceedings. She is licensed to practice law in New York.

Jonathan Cohn is a partner at Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. His practice is focused on criminal defense -- with an emphasis on alcohol-related offenses. This includes litigating difficult DWI cases where the outcome is of the utmost importance for his clients. In addition, Jonathan Cohn routinely lectures throughout the State on DWI topics.

Justin M. Lange is a young, intelligent and knowledgeable attorney who is motivated to defend his clients’ rights and interests. From the onset of his legal career, he has been passionate about defending individuals facing DWI, traffic, and criminal charges. He approaches each of his client’s cases as unique and each person as his equal, always going the extra mile to ensure his clients are fully educated on their case and knowing they are receiving the best quality representation. He provides 24-7 access to his clients so when they are in need, he is always available. Justin is always trying...

Following admission to the New York State Bar, Andrew began his career as a criminal defense attorney. He worked with various public defender’s offices in the upstate New York area during this time, building his small practice in the process. Andrew is excited to be making this next step joining the team at the Nave Law firm and looks forward to aiding those who might need help in the Capital Region.

Contact Alex if you want a lawyer that really cares. Alex knows what you are going through. He has been a defense lawyer for nearly 15 years. As a Christian lawyer Alex will listen to you and do everything in his power to get you the best outcome possible.

Sam Breslin represents both individual and corporate clients in a variety of matters, from state and federal criminal defense to personal injury and complex commercial litigation. Criminal: Sam represents clients in all criminal matters including DWI/DUI charges, as well as all other violations, misdemeanors and felonies in federal, state and local courts. Many criminal charges, no matter how minor, carry the risk of long-term consequences. In defending his clients, Sam strives to make them aware of these collateral consequences and craft a defense strategy to minimize them. Personal Injury: Sam aggressively represents clients injured as the...

Jim Hacker is a 1981 graduate of Hamilton College and a 1984 graduate of Albany Law School. He is a member of the Hamilton College Board of Trustees and is The Chair of the Albany Law Board of Trustees.

He is an elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The College is comprised of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada and membership is by invitation only. He is also an elected fellow of the International College of Trial Lawyers whose membership is limited to...

Joshua is a native of Herkimer County. After college, he served our country as a Marine Officer, achieved the rank of Captain, and served on three deployments to the Middle East. Following service in the Marines, Joshua attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2015. Joshua gives 100% to everything he does. Following a recent jury trial in the Village of Herkimer [Docket No. 17050159], Joshua's client was found not guilty on all counts which was the first misdemeanor acquittal in Herkimer County in...

The quality of an attorney's work should never be based on how much the client pays. I keep my expenses low by not wasting money on such expenses as ridiculous advertising campaigns, and I pass these savings onto my clients in the form of affordable rates. I handle each case personally and devote the time and effort needed to ensure my clients get quality and effective legal representation. I am an aggressive local attorney. I am ready to serve you.

The Manne Law Office is a law firm dedicated to aggressive advocacy on behalf of clients involved in litigation, and to competent, professional and attentive representation of clients in all other matters. Our focus is always on helping our clients attain their objectives as swiftly and as directly as possible. We are a full service law firm with over 23 years of experience. In all matters attorney Karl Manne personally assists clients in evaluating their individual needs and circumstances, determining their goals and priorities, formulating a resolution or developing a plan of attack, and then implementing that plan through...

Andrew Safranko is a founding partner and attorney with LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC focusing on personal injury litigation and criminal defense in both state and federal courts. Andrew has 20 years’ experience of representing thousands of clients on issues ranging from major felonies and complex white-collar crimes to misdemeanors and violations.

Andrew is accomplished in all aspects of criminal litigation and personal injury law, including trying many high-profile criminal cases, arguing appellate matters, and recovering millions of dollars for clients in personal injury matters, in both New York state and federal courts.

George E. LaMarche III is a personal injury and criminal defense attorney and founding member of LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC. He represents individuals who have been seriously injured and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one because of the negligence of others. George helps victims of car crashes, motorcycle accidents, birth injuries and may other personal injury claims. George also represents people who are under investigation or charged with a crime in both state and federal courts. His vast knowledge of the legal system prepares him for the case to go to trial or negotiate...

Kevin O’Brien is highly passionate about fighting for the underdog in criminal defense law. He strongly believes that criminal defense attorneys have to be more skilled and better than the prosecutors. He understands that when his clients are charged with a crime, they are not just facing the assistant district attorney who is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government, but also all the resources of the U.S. government, including crime labs, investigators, police, and other governmental agencies. While nobody is able to match the endless resources that the government has to prosecute the case, he believes that his...

Title IX & Student Defense Federal & State Criminal Defense White Collar Investigations & Defense Civil Rights Plaintiff’s Litigation Professional Licensing Defense Appeals Julie analyzes each case with an eye towards trial or litigation and implements a comprehensive strategy tailored to each client’s needs. MORE ABOUT JULIE Julie defends accused individuals against institutions including local, state, and federal governments and agencies as well as colleges and universities. Julie works tirelessly to achieve the desired outcomes for her clients and to educate them about the often misunderstood realities of defending a criminal case. Her passion for her clients is recognized and respected by judges and her adversaries in state and...

After graduating from the Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, I clerked for two years for the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, Third Judicial Department, concluding with several months working in the chambers of the Hon. Edward O. Spain.

Since then I have worked as a trial lawyer at the E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy law firm.

100% of my practice is devoted to litigation, focusing on providing aggressive criminal defense. I am willing, able and have experience fighting on behalf of my clients before a wide array of courts and tribunals, at the...

I started my own firm in Ravena, New York[15 miles south of Albany] in April of 2009 after 22 years practicing with numerous partners in firms in Albany. While I specialize in injury litigation and have tried scores of cases to verdict, I now supplement that practice with small town practice services such as wills, traffic tickets, closings and counseling my clients. I really enjoy what I do and would welcome any inquiries to see if your needs can be met.

Ryan Forbes is a litigation attorney with a practice focusing on criminal defense, governmental investigations, and civil rights claims. During his career, Ryan has investigated and defended felony matters, represented clients in several trials to verdict, drafted and researched related motions and appeals. Ryan has represented clients under Government investigations by agencies such as the United States Attorney’s Office, State Attorney General’s office, and Homeland Security. He also commits significant time to pro bono matters, including representing non-profit organizations in civil litigation and representing plaintiffs in § 1983 civil rights cases. While in law school, Ryan served as a judicial intern for...

I grew up in the Mohawk Valley, and have worked almost continuously since I was about 10 years old. I learned early on the importance of a strong work ethic, and good communication. While attending Syracuse University School of Law, I worked for the New York State Office of the Attorney General, under both Dennis Vacco and Elliot Spitzer. After graduation, I postponed taking the bar exam to take part in a special Criminal Law Clinic in Syracuse, where I was allowed to represent indigent individuals under the supervision of Law School Professors. Several months later, on my first attempt,...

Husband, father, lawyer living in Guilderland, New York.

Max Smelyansky, who grew up in Bethlehem, graduated from Manhattan College earning a Bachelor of Science with a major in economics. He then graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law, in Maryland. After graduating from law school, Max Smelyansky developed his law practice in Albany, specializing in Traffic Defense Law, Personal Injury Law, Landlord / Tenant Law, Family Law and Estate Planning Law.

As a graduate of the University at Buffalo and Albany Law School, I began my career as an Assistant District Attorney in upstate New York where I prosecuted thousands of criminal cases. As a prosecutor, I learned the values of fairness and truth. I quickly learned that good people can make mistakes, but that doesn’t make them bad people. The system sometimes forgets that it’s supposed to judge your actions and character, not your address or clothes. I fight for my clients because justice should remain blind. After leaving law enforcement, I joined the New York State Workers’ Compensation...

Thomas J. Carr, Esq. is a partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC and concentrates his practice in the area of Criminal Defense. Tom offers a full range of criminal litigation and courtroom services including misdemeanor and felony cases from pre-arraignment through trial. His proven litigation techniques and prosecutorial outlook are valuable in forming a viable defense strategy. Born in Galway, Ireland, Tom attended the National University of Ireland where he received his BA in Economics and Law. He was employed with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin and then with the Department of Defense, Operations and Civilian Employee Bureaus in...

I have been practicing criminal and family law (no divorce) for 40 years. I have handled thousands of cases and taken numerous criminal cases to trial with good results. I am regularly in court and am familiar with the judges and prosecutors. As part of my family law practice I regularly represent children in Family Court. I take many Continuing Legal Education courses to keep my skills up to date.

Prior to re-opening his office in the town of Coeymans, George served as General Counsel to Carver Companies, a group of closely held corporations and limited liability companies within upstate New York and Charleston, South Carolina.

Immediately before that, he served as a Federal Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration.

He has extensive experience working in policy making positions at every level of government, including the local level, the state level, and the federal level, and served as the liaison between the Department of Defense and the American Bar Association from 2010 through 2011.

Military Experience

As a New York Army...