“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.

OUR PRACTICE AREAS

College And University Underage Drinking

If you are underage, whether you are in college, a university or not, you know that you have your whole life ahead of you. Do not let it be derailed by a possession of alcohol or underage drinking charge.

Michael Spano is an experienced underage drinking charge defense lawyer in Syracuse. He can defend you effectively against all types of alcohol-related charges.

Give Mr. Spano‘s office a call to discuss your situation in a free consultation.

DWI Can Affect Every Aspect Of Your Life

It is important to note that there are enhanced penalties to your driver’s license if you are charged with DWI and are under 21. Your license will be suspended for a year, even if you are only charged with the lesser offense of noncriminal DWAI, which is a common juvenile crime.

“My name is Michael Spano, and I know how to fight. I also understand how to win. Not only did I spend a decade in the District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting the most serious cases and eventually leading the homicide bureau as a chief assistant district attorney, but I was also selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers 2011-2020 for New York criminal defense.— Michael Spano

Charges involving underage consumption of alcohol can also have consequences far beyond a driver’s license suspension, fines, points on your record and increased insurance rates. For instance, some colleges will suspend a student if he or she is charged or convicted of DWI or being a minor in possession of alcohol. You may have to appear before the juvenile board and face having to move out of your dorm if there is a finding to suspend you from attending classes and participating in other activities on campus.

Additionally, having a criminal record that has to be disclosed to a university or after you graduate on job applications can have long-term consequences and deprive you of many types of opportunities. A DWI criminal conviction can also never be expunged, which underscores the importance of having competent counsel on your side who will fight aggressively on your behalf.