“You have a truly sharp legal mind and your courtroom presence is among the best. I am forever grateful for your two years of hard work, dedication and service to my father's case.” — R.C.

“I give Mr. Spano the highest possible recommendation. Mr. Spano helped me navigate a somewhat unorthodox legal matter, did so quickly, and always kept me informed.”

“Thanks for taking my case and getting me a not guilty verdict. You are a great lawyer. I could not asked for anything more. Please know you hold a special place in my family's heart.” — G.B.

“Many thanks for the very professional and gentlemanly way that you conducted yourself at the trial of my son. I along with all of my family were thrilled beyond words with the outcome.” — B.B.

“Thank you for assuring me that just because a good honest person makes a mistake does not mean they have to be treated like a criminal!” — D.S.

Proven Criminal Defense In Upstate New York

Syracuse Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Spano Fiercely Defending Your Freedom

If you have been accused of a crime, you probably have a lot on your mind. You may be concerned with the repercussions of a conviction, including fines, incarceration or the loss of your driver’s license.

You may also be concerned about the other ways that this will impact your life. Will your co-workers find out? Will it jeopardize your career? Will it harm your reputation?

Attorney Michael Spano‘s goal is to prevent a criminal charge from hurting your future. With more than 30 years of criminal defense experience on his side, he will help you work toward your goals. Give him a call today to discuss your specific situation in a confidential consultation.

Defend Yourself Against Criminal Charges

As a criminal defense law attorney serving Syracuse and Central New York, Michael Spano can help you defend against any felony or misdemeanor charges in state or federal court, including:

  • Drunk driving defense: Legal defense for individuals charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Drug crimes: Issues related to the possession, use or distribution of illegal substances
  • Drug trafficking: The illegal trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances subject to drug prohibition laws
  • Sex offenses: Cases pertaining to crimes involving sexual conduct, such as rape or sexual assault
  • Weapons charges, including drug-related gun crimes: Issues concerning the illegal possession or use of firearms, sometimes in conjunction with drug offenses
  • Assault charges: Accusations involving an attempt or threat to inflict injury upon another person
  • Murder or manslaughter: Serious charges for unlawfully causing the death of another person, with varying degrees of intent
  • Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide: Charges related to causing injury or death through the use of a vehicle, often involving negligence or intoxication
  • White collar crimes: Financially motivated, nonviolent crimes typically committed by business and government professionals
  • Internet crimes: Criminal activities conducted via the internet, including fraud and online sexual offenses
  • Traffic violations: Minor offenses, such as speeding or running a red light, that may result in fines or other penalties
  • Theft and shoplifting: The unlawful taking of another’s property without consent, with shoplifting being a specific form of theft from a retail establishment
  • Domestic violence: Criminal offenses involving violence or abuse between individuals in a domestic setting, such as between spouses or family members
  • Hate crimes: Criminal acts motivated by bias against a person’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality or gender identity
  • Youthful offender cases: Legal proceedings involving individuals under a certain age who are accused of breaking the law, often with special considerations for their age

If you have been charged with any of these crimes or anticipate that you will be shortly, you should contact Michael Spano so that he can get started on your defense.

Commonly Asked Criminal Defense Questions

Below are some of the most common questions that clients ask at Michael Spano Law. If you need additional information, do not hesitate to reach out to Michael Spano today for help.

How does the criminal court process work in Syracuse?

The criminal court process in Syracuse follows the same general steps as other criminal courts throughout New York. The first thing that happens is that you are arrested, taken into police custody and given instructions on where to appear for the formal reading of your charges at your arraignment. The arraignment is the second step of the process, where a judge will give a formal reading of the charges against you and you will enter a plea, guilty or not guilty. Bail may also be set at this stage.

If the crime you are charged with is a felony, then you will most likely be held in custody if you cannot post bail. A grand jury hearing or a felony hearing may be held to determine if there is enough to continue holding you prior to your trial. During this time before the trial, your attorney will be working on your defense, filing motions to challenge the prosecution’s case and negotiating a potential plea bargain. These motions will likely involve multiple hearings that you will attend. Finally, if your case has not been dismissed or plea bargained by this point, then you will go to trial, which may last several days to determine the outcome. If your case is decided against you, then you will separately go to sentencing for your conviction.

Are there alternative sentencing options available in Syracuse?

There are several programs available in Syracuse for individuals convicted of a crime other than being sentenced to prison. Most of these options are dedicated to rehabilitating their behavior or treating an underlying issue. Onondaga County has many programs that can potentially be chosen by the court, including:

  • Onondaga Drug & Alcohol Program (ATIP I): A substance abuse treatment initiative for individuals with previous sobriety challenges involving evaluation, treatment planning and monitoring by a collaborative team including drug court personnel.
  • Onondaga County Day Reporting Program (ATIP II): A program addressing the complex needs of probationers with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues, offering assessments, treatment plans and case management services.
  • Onondaga Client Specific Planning Program: A defender-based advocacy service providing sentencing mitigation through personalized planning and support for individuals facing criminal charges.
  • Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Sex Offender Treatment Program: A treatment and alternative incarceration program for adults convicted of sex offenses, offering assessments and sex offender-specific group therapy.
  • Onondaga County Jail-Based CBI Program: A cognitive behavioral intervention program aimed at reducing criminal thinking and fostering pro-social values among inmates at the Onondaga County Correctional Facility.

Each of these options may be requested by your attorney at your sentencing if you have been convicted of a related crime and may offer you the opportunity to avoid incarceration.

What should I look for in a criminal defense attorney?

When seeking a criminal defense attorney, you should look for a proven track record of success and recognition by peers. Someone who will zealously advocate on your behalf and take a strategic approach to your defense to tear down the prosecution’s case, reducing or eliminating the charges against you. Attorney Michael Spano, for example, has been consistently selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers from 2011 to 2023 for New York criminal defense, indicating a high level of respect earned from peers for his professional achievements. Such accolades suggest a robust understanding of the law and a commitment to providing exceptional legal representation.

Reach Out To Michael Spano Today

When the criminal justice system is coming after you, you need an advocate who will stand up for you – Michael Spano is that advocate. He will help you understand your options and how he can help you accomplish your goals, whether that be a plea bargain or trial.

“To discuss your situation and retain my services as your criminal defense lawyer, call 315-350-3975 or contact me online. I strive to return all calls and emails within hours.” – Michael Spano.