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Criminal Defense Solutions for Central New York

We Solve People Problems

From minor traffic violations to serious criminal  charges, our  award-winning team delivers the expertise  and solutions you can trust.

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We Know How To Win

With more than 50 years of experience, we leverage our insight to benefit our clients.

Voted the Best Criminal Defense Firm in

Central New York Two Years in a Row

Recognized by Community Votes and The Post Standard Readers' Choice, our firm is proud to be the trusted leader in criminal defense. With over 300 5-star Google reviews and more than 50 years of experience, we bring unmatched expertise, resources, and a client-first approach to every case.

Facing the government's vast resources can be overwhelming, but with us by your side, no case is too big or too small.  You'll receive tenacious defense and personalized representation every step of the way.  Let us fight to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

When you hire Nave Law Firm, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated team. With more than 20 attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and advocates working together, we bring a team-based approach to every case. Our collaboration, shared knowledge, and commitment to our clients give us a true advantage, ensuring you’re supported at every step.

    • Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Unique Story

      Our top priority is to listen—fully and without judgment. We'll delve into the events leading to your criminal charge or potential charges, carefully gathering every detail that could influence your case. This thorough understanding allows us to see the full picture and lays the foundation for building a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

    • Identifying Your Goals

      We'll take the time to understand your specific goals—whether it's avoiding a criminal record, minimizing the risk of jail time, reducing fines, or safeguarding your reputation. By clearly identifying what matters most to you, we can tailor our strategy to ensure every step aligns with your priorities and desired outcome.

    • Analyzing the Evidence

      We leave no stone unturned when reviewing the evidence against you, carefully examining it for weaknesses, contradictions, or procedural mistakes that could undermine the prosecution's case. This thorough analysis is essential for uncovering opportunities to challenge the charges and crafting a defense that exposes the flaws in their arguments.

    • Developing a Personalized Strategy

      With a deep understanding of your case and objectives, we'll design a strategy specifically suited to your unique circumstances. Whether that means aggressively contesting the charges in court, negotiating a favorable resolution, pursuing a reduced plea, or meticulously preparing for trial, every step will be chosen to maximize your chances of success and align with your goals.

    • Clear Communication of Next Steps

      We'll guide you through the strategy step by step, ensuring you understand every option available. This is your life and your future, and you are in the driver's seat of your defense. Our role is to provide you with as many ethical and effective choices as possible, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your goals and priorities.

    • Executing the Strategy With Confidence

      Once we've established a plan, we move forward with precision and determination. Whether it involves preparing for trial, negotiating with prosecutors, or filing critical motions, every action is taken with your best outcome in mind. As new information arises, we'll keep you informed, carefully review its impact, and, if necessary, refine our strategy together to ensure we remain on the strongest path forward. Your defense is dynamic, adaptive, and always guided by your goals.

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A Strategic, Step-by-Step Approach

No two clients are alike, and we recognize that every case comes with unique circumstances requiring a tailored approach.  Here's how we work with you step by step to build a strong defense and achieve the best possible outcome:

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Defending Without Judgment: The Nave Law Difference

Our team's diverse background—including experience as prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, and established relationships with prosecutors, law enforcement, and judges—offers unparalleled insight into the criminal justice system.  We understand how law enforcement conducts investigations and how prosecutors construct their cases.  This comprehensive knowledge enables us to anticipate their strategies, uncover weaknesses, and craft a powerful defense tailored to each client.

Our guiding principle, "If you judge, you cannot serve," ensures that we represent every client with the empathy, respect, and vigorous defense they deserve.  Here's what this means for you as our client: 

You Are Presumed Innocent

We understand that an accusation is not a conviction. From the moment you call, we view you as a person—not a case file. Our team works tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and expose weaknesses in the prosecution's case to provide you with the strongest possible defense and as many options as possible in your defense.

Advocacy Without Judgment

Facing criminal charges is overwhelming, especially under the weight of societal judgment before any conviction.  We stand by your side, offering fearless and unbiased advocacy.  Our mission is not only to protect your rights and challenge the charges but also to show that, no matter the accusations, you are a human being deserving of dignity and respect.

Building Trust Through Understanding

A strong defense starts with open, honest communication.  We provide a judgment-free space where you can share every detail of your case, no matter how difficult.  Even if you've made mistakes, that doesn't mean you're guilty of everything you're accused nor does it mean you deserve the harshest penalties.  There's always a defense, and by understanding your side fully, we can challenge the charges, expose any overreach, and work to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Protecting Your Future

We recognize that criminal charges don't just affect your present—they can have lasting consequences, from limiting career prospects to straining personal relationships.  That's why we develop a defense strategy that looks beyond the immediate case, working proactively to protect your future and mitigate any long-term impact on your life.

Integrity Over Money

Our guiding principle, "If you judge, you cannot serve," drives everything we do.  If we cannot fully commit to providing the defense you deserve, we won't take your case—or your money.  This unwavering commitment to integrity and results is why we've earned the trust of our clients, reflected in more than 300 five-star Google reviews.  We don't just promise excellence—we deliver it.

We are here to help you.

Legal solutions you CAN afford.

Start protecting your future with a free case review and personalized legal strategy.

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Disclaimer | Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
©2025 Nave Law Firm

Criminal Cases We Handle

While we handle everything from Petit Larceny to Murder and all charges in between, here is a list of some specific charges we defend:

Assault

Bribery

Burglary

Criminal Contempt

Criminal Mischief

Disorderly Conduct

Drug Possession

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)

Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Extortion

Forgery

Harassment

Identity Theft

Homicide

Grand Larceny

Larceny (Theft)

Manslaughter

Menacing

Perjury

Petit Larceny

Rape

Robbery

Sexual Abuse

Trespass

Weapons Possession

Larceny

Resisting Arrest

Criminal Trespassing

Murder

Arson

Identity Theft

DWAI Drugs

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance

Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance

Intentionally causing physical injury to another person.

Trusted by Clients, Recognized by Experts

What Clients are Saying

(Based on 300+ reviews)

5.0

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Questions? Need guidance? Reach out now for a conversation that could change the course of your future. Our Nave lawyers are here to help.

The Defenders

Aimée Tarin

Firm Administrator

Andrew Geisler

Associate Attorney

Dennis Nave

Managing Partner

Grace Trepasso

Legal Assistant

Jeff Franceschelli

Client Advocate

Shaun Moore Jr.

Attorney

Sean Kelsey

Chief Executive Officer

Savana Conrade

Law Clerk

Sarah Berben

Paralegal

Ryan Wiehl

Legal Advocate

Rowan Goodman

Senior Client Advocate

Ralph Habib

Senior Attorney

Michele Petronio

Paralegal

Megan Luton

AR/Billing Clerk

Madison MacLaury

Intern

Justin Lange

Attorney

Joanne Arndt-Coe

Senior Legal Assistant

Jennifer Bisson

Senior Paralegal

Christian Carr

Paralegal

Brady O’Malley

Senior Attorney