Criminal and Traffic Law

Formidable Syracuse, New York criminal defense attorneys

When you and your family are overwhelmed by an arrest and you think there is nowhere to turn, the criminal lawyers at Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP step in and offer solutions

Since 1974, our attorneys have helped hundreds of criminal defendants facing charges from murder to misdemeanors. Our experience includes obtaining acquittals and reduced charges and sentences, and we have negotiated favorable plea agreements. We have taken countless cases to trial.

The firm’s typical criminal representation includes

• An immediate and thorough investigation
• Discussions with police or federal agents, and prosecutors
• Efforts to limit charges that are ultimately brought
• Negotiation to reduce bail or gain release without it
• Plea agreement negotiation when warranted
• An aggressive strategy that protects clients rights and seeks the best possible outcome

Aggressive, experienced criminal defense lawyer protecting your rights

At Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP, we know the law and how to uphold your rights. We ensure that you understand your rights so that you can make informed decisions. We provide an honest assessment of all options.

We understand how an arrest impacts individuals and their families. You will find we offer clients compassion and discretion while staunchly defending you against criminal charges.

You have the right to an attorney at any time, even if you are only under investigation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help protect your rights. 

Central New York DWI defense attorneys

An arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can dramatically impact your life. Penalties for conviction are severe and get worse with each charge. You may no longer be allowed to drive, and you could even go to jail.

NY drunk driving laws are complex and constantly changing. If you have been charged with drunk driving, do not try to defend your case alone. It is vital to have a skilled DWI lawyer—immediately.

A drunk driving arrest does not have to result in a conviction. The Syracuse DWI lawyers at Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP know the procedures police are required to follow when making a stop and arrest and how to challenge them when they fail to meet those requirements.

In addition to defending criminal charges against you, our DWI attorneys fight to preserve your driving privileges through an administrative hearing. In New York, timing on an appeal of a license suspension or revocation is crucial. We work quickly to ensure your driving rights are protected.

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Syracuse traffic violation lawyers

You may not think you need an attorney to handle routine traffic matters. You may even be considering just pleading guilty to your traffic violation, or worse, ignoring the citation in the hopes it will just go away.

Stop. Think about how a traffic violation will impact your insurance premiums. Think of the fines you will have to pay.

The traffic law attorneys at Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP handle all types of traffic matters for our clients so that they end up with fewer points, lower fines, and smaller increases in insurance premiums.

Keep in mind that any driver who amasses 11 points in an 18-month period or has three speeding convictions in an 18-month period faces a mandatory 90-day suspension of driving privileges.

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Save points, save money

Often, our office can negotiate a plea to a lesser violation, reducing the number of points assessed against the license. Depending on the person's driving record, our office can often obtain a reduction to a no-point, non-moving violation.

Reducing the number of points you have on your license can result in a substantial savings on insurance rates and more than pays for the cost of hiring an attorney to deal with the ticket.

We represent clients charged with the following traffic violations:

We would be happy to discuss your criminal or traffic law matter. Contact Syracuse criminal and DWI lawyers at Meggesto, Crossett & Valerino, LLP online or at 315-471-1664 to see what nearly three decades of legal practice can do for you. The firm offers flexible fee arrangements.