Honest legal advice and a free lawyer consultation, available 24/7 across the Capital Region
When you’re facing criminal charges, getting the right legal advice early can shape the entire outcome of your case. A lawyer consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney can make the difference between a charge that derails your life and one that’s challenged effectively from day one.
At Ianniello Chauvin, LLP, our team provides dedicated legal services and legal assistance to individuals across Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, Albany, Glens Falls, and throughout the Capital Region. Managing Partner Matthew E. Chauvin spent six years as an Assistant District Attorney in Saratoga County, giving him firsthand insight into how prosecutors investigate and build their cases.
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, contact us as soon as possible for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Why a Criminal Defense Attorney Matters More Than You Think
Many people wait too long to ask a lawyer for help. They may assume they can explain their way out of a charge or that they can wait until their first court appearance to seek representation.
In reality, criminal cases can move quickly, and early legal advice can affect everything from bail conditions to what evidence prosecutors ultimately use against you.
A criminal defense attorney does more than show up in court. We review the circumstances that led to your arrest, examine the state’s evidence, challenge unlawful searches or traffic stops, negotiate with prosecutors, and, when necessary, take a case to trial.
If you’re unsure whether you need legal assistance yet, the honest answer is simple: it costs nothing to find out. Every consultation with our firm is free.
A Defense Built on Prosecutorial Experience
Most defense attorneys study how prosecutors think. Our attorneys have firsthand experience with it.
Years spent working in the District Attorney’s office, reviewing police reports, presenting cases to grand juries, negotiating pleas, and trying cases before judges and juries, provide a level of strategic insight that comes from working on both sides of the courtroom.
That experience helps us understand what evidence prosecutors consider strong, where weaknesses may exist in the state’s case, and what factors can influence charging and plea decisions.
The prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our job is to challenge that case at every stage and protect your rights throughout the process.
Practice Areas We Defend, from DWI to Violent Crimes
Our criminal defense practice covers a wide range of charges under New York law, with experience in several high-stakes areas:
DWI/DUI Defense
We defend clients facing charges ranging from DWAI and DWI to aggravated DWI, vehicular assault, and vehicular manslaughter. Our former-prosecutor team understands how the state builds DWI cases and where potential weaknesses may exist. See our full DWI/DUI defense overview or read our step-by-step guide to what happens after a DWI arrest in New York.
Violent Crimes
We defend clients facing assault charges, weapons charges, robbery, domestic violence allegations, strangulation charges, and homicide. Learn more about our approach to violent crime defense.
Assault
Assault charges can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a serious felony. We examine the evidence, evaluate potential self-defense arguments, and challenge the prosecution’s characterization of alleged injuries when appropriate. Read more about assault defense.
Drug Charges
We defend clients facing drug possession, sale, and distribution charges under New York Penal Law Article 220. When appropriate, we also pursue drug court diversion and treatment alternatives. Learn more about our drug charge defense services.
White Collar Crimes
We represent clients facing allegations involving fraud, grand larceny, forgery, identity theft, money laundering, and computer crimes. In some cases, getting an attorney involved early can help address an investigation before charges are filed. See our white collar crime defense page.
Traffic Violations
We defend clients facing speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, suspended license violations, and other Vehicle and Traffic Law offenses. Learn more about traffic violation defense.
Legal Aid, Legal Services & Getting the Right Kind of Help
If you’re searching for legal aid services or law aid after an arrest, it helps to understand the difference between public legal assistance and private criminal defense representation.
Organizations that provide legal aid legal services, including organizations such as the Legal Aid Society and Legal Services NYC, provide important legal assistance to people who meet their eligibility requirements. However, criminal defense representation in the Capital Region is a separate area of practice that requires an attorney familiar with local courts, judges, prosecutors, and procedures.
If you already have a public defender, you still have the right to explore your options for private legal services lawyer representation, particularly if you’re facing serious felony charges and want more individualized attention.
We offer a free consultation so you can understand your options before making a decision.
All Criminal Charges We Handle
Beyond our core practice areas, we represent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges throughout the Capital Region, including:
- Assault and vehicular assault
- DWI/DUI defense
- Drug possession and sale
- Firearms and weapons charges
- Robbery
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Strangulation
- Larceny and theft
- False statements and fraud
- White-collar crime
- Computer-related crimes
- Traffic violations
- Arson
- Burglary and trespass
- Conspiracy
- Corruption and misconduct
- Criminal contempt
- Criminal mischief and property damage
- Kidnapping
- Sex offenses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a criminal defense attorney actually do?
A criminal defense attorney provides legal advice and legal representation throughout a criminal case. That can include reviewing evidence, challenging unlawful searches or stops, negotiating with prosecutors, filing motions, and representing you at trial when necessary.
Getting legal assistance early, ideally before speaking with investigators, gives your attorney more opportunity to protect your rights and build an effective defense.
How do I get a free lawyer consultation?
Call us at (518) 371-5010 or request a free case review online. Every initial consultation is free and comes with no obligation. We’ll review your situation and explain your legal options clearly.
What’s the difference between legal aid and hiring a private criminal defense attorney?
Legal aid organizations generally provide free or reduced-cost representation to people who meet certain income or eligibility requirements. Private criminal defense attorneys can offer individualized representation and strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
We offer a free consultation so you can understand your options and make an informed decision about representation.
Can I ask a lawyer questions before officially hiring one?
Yes. Our free consultation gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your situation, understand what may happen next, and get honest legal advice before making any financial commitment.
Is there a criminal defense lawyer near me outside Saratoga Springs?
Yes. We provide legal services and legal help throughout Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, Albany, Glens Falls, and the broader Capital Region. See our full coverage area for details.
What should I do immediately after an arrest?
Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing basic identifying information, and ask to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Our full guide, What Happens After a DWI Arrest in New York, walks through that process step by step. While the guide focuses on DWI arrests, many of the basic principles apply to criminal arrests generally.
Defend Your Rights, Contact Us Now
Criminal charges demand prompt attention. The earlier you get reliable legal advice and legal assistance, the more options your attorney may have to protect your rights and build your defense.
Contact Ianniello Chauvin, LLP today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
We represent clients facing criminal charges in Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, Albany, Glens Falls, and throughout New York’s Capital Region. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including when representation is needed at local detention facilities.