Our Team
A team of DWI focused professionals that are trained to help clients work towards their desired results.
We bring you more than just an attorney. You get a defense team.
A team that consists of attorneys, counsel attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, interns, and advocates. We give good people the defense plan they need to navigate the legal consequences of their charge and keep their life moving forward.
Joanne Arndt-Coe
Senior Legal Assistant
Joanne Arndt-Coe
Mrs. Arndt- Coe has been a legal assistant for 35 years in a wide variety of high-paced, high-volume offices. Joanne thoroughly enjoys working with her team of attorneys to provide the best DWI Defense possible.
Joanne gets personal satisfaction in assisting clients during a stressful time in their lives, to inform them of what we need, what we will be undertaking and a general outline of what will happen during the pendency of their case. She also believes that no matter what the case may be, everyone deserves a strong representation in their time of legal needs.
Denise R. Barrientos
Paralegal
Denise R. Barrientos
Denise has been a paralegal for 16 years. Before accepting a position at Nave Law Firm she worked in federal courts with experience in various high-volume offices. Now at Nave Law Firm, she helps clients through what is likely one of the most challenging times of their lives in her day-to-day activities. She is dedicated to making connections with clients regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. She tackles any task from assisting her attorneys with coordinating and communicating with clients, the Courts, and the District Attorney offices to drafting documentation, preparing files for trial, and overseeing an entire caseload.
Denise is an ambitious, outgoing individual motivated to work toward any task requested of her. She is patient, observant, and firm but friendly. She believes it’s not what happens to you that makes you who you are; it’s what you make of it that matters.
Jennifer Bisson
Senior Paralegal
Jennifer Bisson
Senior Paralegal
Jennifer Bisson has a strong background of experience. She graduated from Fayetteville Manlius High School, studied at Marist College for two years, Retail Management (Victoria’s Secret & Talbots), Graduated from Bryant & Stratton College – Associates Degree (Paralegal Studies), Workers’ Compensation Coordinator at Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C. for almost 10 years.
“DWI Defense is truly about helping people through possibly one of the lowest points in their lives and doing what I can to assist them as best as possible to get through it and beyond it. I also believe everyone deserves the best representations no matter what their backstory is and I love to be part of a team that does their very best to ensure that is what our clients get”.
Jake Buckland
Of Counsel Attorney
Jake Buckland
Attorney Jake Buckland has earned a reputation in the legal community as a persistent and skilled attorney that is dedicated to his clients. A Binghamton native, Attorney Buckland is dedicated to his community. After completing law school at Penn State Law (WE ARE!), he returned home to serve his community. He is a member of the Broome County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Defender’s Association, and the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. As a former public defender, he has handled hundreds of DWI cases for hundreds of clients, and he understands that good people sometimes make mistakes. Attorney Buckland will be your voice and ally as you go through this process.
Madelyn Cittadino
Legal Intern
Madelyn Cittadino
Maddy was born and raised in the Syracuse area. After graduating from Liverpool High School, Maddy attended Le Moyne College where she majored in political science and minored in legal studies, criminology, and philosophy. Maddy was also a part of Le Moyne College’s Integral Honors Program, where she was able to thoroughly research, write, and defend her honors thesis titled “The Land of the Incarcerated and the Home of Racial Inequality: Mass Incarceration in the United States.” Maddy graduated from Le Moyne summa cum laude with the highest distinction from her participation in the Honors Program. While studying at Le Moyne, Maddy was introduced to the legal field with an internship with DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Law Firm and a study abroad program to the international courts in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Maddy’s passion for criminal justice reform and serving those in need lead her to law school, which she currently attends at Syracuse University College of Law. While at the College of Law, Maddy has achieved great academic success and was elected to the executive board of Syracuse Law Review, where she serves as the Senior Notes Editor. As a member of Law Review, Maddy has been given the opportunity to expand on her prior research of mass incarceration, race, and poverty with her Note, “Cracks in Equal Protection Analysis: A Critique of Courts’ Treatment of Equal Protection Claims Stemming from the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986.” Maddy has also served as a research assistant to multiple professors in the legal fields of criminal law and procedure, constitutional law, international law, and administrative/labor law.
Christopher Cutri
Legal Assistant
Christopher Cutri
A recent graduate of Le Moyne College, Christopher earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in law and legal studies. Mr. Cutri has worked in customer service and administrative work for over six years. Having held numerous positions in this area, he has an impressive background working with a diverse clientele of patrons.
Before graduation, he interned with a large law firm in Western New York. In this position, he worked with the criminal reentry unit by collecting data on incarceration rates and poverty levels in low-income areas of various counties. In addition, he researched resources the legal team could offer clients recently released from incarceration. He loves being challenged in any position that he holds and is excited to grow in his role at Nave Law Firm.
Jeff Franceschelli
Client Advocate
Jeff Franceschelli
Justice is easily obtainable when those who know the law pursue to fight to help others.
Jeff Franceschelli is a retired operations lieutenant with over 27 years of experience as a police officer. Jeff’s skills go beyond oral testimonies. He is a certified DCJS instructor, Evidence Technician, Crime scene preservationist, interviewer/interrogator. He is also a former DRE (Drug Recognition Expert).
Before retiring, Jeff has functioned perfectly in several offices where he demonstrated excellent skill in coordinating several human efforts towards success. He was the president of CNY Trainers Association, a member of the NYS Adult Incarcerated Education Program (NYSAIEP) board of trustees. He was also a board member of Madison County Healthy Families and chairman of the Madison County Inmate Reentry Program.
Jeff derives pleasure in helping people get through their difficult times using everything within his power as a weapon of justice. He is a man that believes in being part of the change he wants to see in the world rather than wait for others to get it done.
As a client advocate, Jeff is once again on the front lines talking with our clients and helping them through a very difficult time. This time on the defense side, Jeff will be utilizing his experience as an arresting officer. This experience will allow him to help determine if there are potential mistakes from the arresting officer. That experience will then allow our legal teams to expose potential defenses quickly.
Andrew T. Geisler
Associate Attorney
Andrew T. Geisler
Andrew is a young attorney, eager to make his mark on the legal profession. A graduate of the Elizabeth Haub School of Law (formerly the Pace University School of Law), Andrew has spent the last few years honing his craft of criminal defense. He strives to ensure his clients receive the highest quality of representation while navigating through what is likely one of the most difficult times in that person’s life, all the while achieving an outcome most favorable to the client.
Andrew took a long and winding road to the legal profession. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2011 with a BS in Biological Sciences and Sociology. After spending some time working in the biotech industry, Andrew decided to pursue his true passion and attend law school. During his schooling, Andrew spent time working for the New Rochelle City Court, where he closely worked with the two City Court Judges.
Following admission to the New York State Bar, Andrew began his career as a criminal defense attorney. He worked with various public defender’s offices in the upstate New York area during this time, building his small practice in the process. Andrew is excited to be making this next step joining the team at the Nave Law firm and looks forward to aiding those who might be in need in the Capital Region.
Outside of the office, Andrew is a big fan of sports and music and loves to play games of all kinds. The New York Yankees could be called his leisure-time passion, with the New York Giants coming in a close second.
David Gervais
Of Counsel Attorney
David Gervais
of Counsel Attorney
Mr. Gervais’s practice with the DWI TEAM currently focuses solely on drug and alcohol offenses. Mr. Gervais has been focused solely on criminal defense for the past 11 years in New York and in Quebec. He takes particular pleasure in finding possible defenses in DWI-related cases and in taking apart the prosecution’s case when possible.
Mr. Gervais has taken DWI-related continuing education classes every year which has results in assisting, successfully taken several DWI cases to trial. Whether working on a $4 million federal drug case or a low BAC cases, Mr. Gervais takes the time to become familiar with every aspect of the case and works assiduously to obtain the best results for his clients.
Mr. Gervais’s dedication to his clients has earned him a nomination to the local drug and mental health treatment courts as staff defense counsel.
Scott Gouldie
Of Counsel Attorney
Scott Gouldie
For more than 25 years, Mr. Scott Goldie has been representing Northern New York. Mr. Goldie has extensive experience in several areas of law, including drug and alcohol offenses. Mr. Goldie has an impressive list of cases that involved both negotiated and trial results.
Ralph Habib
Senior Attorney
Ralph Habib
Senior Attorney
Ralph Habib has dedicated his 25-year legal career to criminal law as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. As an Assistant District Attorney, he was assigned to both the DWI and Narcotics Bureaus, handling all types of cases from violations to the highest level felonies, including A-1 felonies. Mr. Habib’s assignment to the Narcotics unit afforded him extensive exposure to criminal investigations stages before filing charges including wiretap and search warrant applications.
As a private practice lawyer, Ralph has handled high-profile cases, including but not limited to white-collar offenders, athletes, and professionals whose livelihoods depended on favorable outcomes. Additionally, while heading his own law office, he was of-counsel for a large privately held environmental company, gaining contract, business formation, and contract negotiation experience.
Before joining the DWI TEAM, Mr. Habib’s focus has been providing top-quality criminal and traffic defense to hundreds of criminal defendants in central New York. Mr. Habib also has lectured for the New York State Bar Association.
With the firm and as a Senior Attorney, Mr. Habib will be focused on criminal matters and will be part of our Trial Litigation team.
Krystal Harrington
Senior Attorney
Krystal Harrington
Krystal brings years of courtroom and trial experience to Nave Law Firm and her clients as the Senior Attorney in Syracuse, New York. As one of the attorneys for the firm’s New York Syracuse office, Krystal is responsible for crafting unique defense strategies for clients facing criminal charges ranging from the simplest of offenses to the most complex. She has spent most of her time in the courtroom fighting for her clients and has taken numerous cases to verdict before juries. Krystal regularly researches developments in the law and incorporates new knowledge into her practice to better represent her clients.
Since her law school graduation and for the vast majority of her career, Krystal has been passionate about defending those individuals facing criminal charges or other legal matters that require a dedicated attorney. She understands that each client is unique, and the best result and path towards it will change from person to person.
Krystal’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Potsdam and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, as well as additional training through the Court System as she was previously employed as a Principal Law Clerk. She has completed Impaired Driving Training offered through the Office of Court Administration.
Randall Inniss
Of Counsel Attorney
Randall Inniss
As a former State Trooper with over 20 plus years of investigative experience with DWI’s, attorney Inniss uses his insight and experience in developing case strategies. As a former Certified Breathalyzer Operator who has personally made or participated in over one hundred DWI arrests, Attorney Inniss uses this insight and experience to help navigate clients’ cases to a successful conclusion. Not many criminal defense attorneys were State Police, and only a fraction of Certified Breathalyzer Operators have made DWI arrests. This insight and experience are almost unique among the criminal defense bar.
Kevin Kelly
Of Counsel Attorney
Kevin Kelly
Attorney Kevin Kelly believes the quality of the lawyer-client relationship is as important as the integrity of our justice system. Criminal charges, including DWI or DWAI, and disciplinary matters with colleges and universities have been a large part of Mr. Kelly’s expedience. Starting out with trial practice in the Southern Tier gave him the professional experience of felony jury trials and the fast paced consequences of DWI law. Mr. Kelly currently serves on the New York State Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Executive Committee, the Tompkins County Bar Association Board of Directors, and is a member of the Schuyler Bar Association.
Sean P. Kelly
Of Counsel Attorney
Sean P. Kelly
Sean Kelly is an attorney with deep roots in Western New York. Born in Buffalo, he attended The University of Buffalo and went on to practice almost exclusively in the area of DWI and criminal defense. Mr. Kelly has successfully handled hundreds of client’s cases, regularly appearing in Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Mr. Kelly not only has a deep understanding of the legal/criminal ramifications of a DWI charge, but the collateral consequences that come along with this as well. Although he will negotiate the best possible plea for you, Mr. Kelly relishes the opportunity to fight for you at trial if you feel as though the negotiated plea is unacceptable. Mr. Kelly is a member of the New York Bar Association, the Erie County Bar Association and the New York State Defender’s Association.
Sean D. Kelsey
Chief Executive Officer
Sean D. Kelsey
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operations Officer, Sean Kelsey manages the daily operations for the firm. These areas include Human Resources, Marketing, Budgeting, Client Relations, Employee Relations, Protocol Development, and Finance. Sean works on the implementation of the overall firm strategy. He ensures compliance with company standards, procedures, and regulations through collaboration with personnel for planning, growth, and oversight of all firm services and programs.
Sean is a graduate of the inaugural Executive Leadership Development Series. The program brought local business leaders and educational institutions together to focus on Leadership by using collaborated efforts provided by Columbia College, Syracuse College, Whitman School of Management, University College at Syracuse University, Empire State College, and Leadership Greater Syracuse.
When asked why he does what he does, the response was passionate: “People. I love what I do because of the people, the clients, the potential clients, the employees, the vendors, the competitors…they all motivate me. I believe that we have the BEST staff possible, not just for any law firm, but ANY business. They work with a purpose, and they are passionate about what they do and how they do it. Without our people, I genuinely feel like we would be like most businesses that struggle to find their identity; our identity is our people.
For the DWI TEAM to succeed, Mr. Kelsey believes we need to ensure that all the people within the organization appreciate all clients and potential clients. There is an overwhelming number of attorneys available to hire. “I don’t let the wide availability of other attorneys distract me from realizing what others do not; behind every “client” is a person who needs help, who needs guidance and protection in one of their most significant times of need. My love and passion for what I do are ignited when I can show potential clients, current clients, and our team just how powerful our work is and how we make a difference every day”.
Justin M. Lange
Attorney
Justin M. Lange
Attorney
Justin began his career early, working in the pizza shop owned and operated by his aunt and uncle in Latham, New York. His earliest work memories are making pizza boxes and helping out on the phones on busy Friday nights.
After graduating high school, Justin attended Union College in Schenectady, New York. While there, he held several politically-oriented positions, including an internship with the Office of Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), and on the reelection campaign of John Faso for Congress (NY-19). He began his career in the law with an internship with a Union College alum, Evans J. Legros, Esq., in the summer of 2018, primarily overseeing real estate transactions in Manhattan with the Legros Law Firm.
In June 2019, Justin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Union College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science while double minoring in History and German Language. Following his graduation and seeking to fulfill his dream of a future career in law, Justin decided to attend the Syracuse University College of Law beginning in August 2019. While at the College of Law, Justin has enjoyed academic success while also endeavoring to participate in extracurricular activities, including serving as Managing Editor of the Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce, as a Research Assistant for Professor C. Cora True-Frost, as a Procedural Advisor to students accused of violating the Syracuse University Student Code of Conduct, and as a Law Ambassador for the Office of Admissions.
Justin joined the Nave Law Firm in May 2021, where he primarily assists and works directly with the Managing Partner. As a result, Justin works across the firm’s practice areas but focuses particularly on criminal defense, DWI, traffic offenses, and license matters.
James R. Maloney
Of Counsel Attorney
James R. Maloney
A transformative attorney delivering client-centric professional services at every level of practice including sole practice, law clerk, assistant county attorney, and large multi-national law firm. A diverse background in law enhanced by a wealth of experience including leadership in several charity/non-profit organizations. Mr. Maloney has practiced his entire 3o years as an attorney in Western New York.
Married, father of two daughters, and an accomplished Triathlete having completed two Ironman’s, four Ironman 70.3’s, and multiple local triathlons. Developed a unique and varied set of skills as a practicing attorney; President of the Eastern Hills Sunrise Rotary; and founding member of the Eastern Hills Sunrise Rotary Foundation (1992-2004). Chaired the Raise the Roof Campaign (2018) which raised $315,000 to benefit Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Mr. Maloney is also certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (“SFST”) by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Karl Manne
Of Counsel Attorney
Karl Manne
Karl Manne has dedicated his career to aggressive advocacy on behalf of clients involved in litigation, and to a competent, professional and attentive representation of clients in all other matters. Mr. Manne’s focus is always on helping clients attain their objectives as swiftly and as directly as possible.
Mr. Manne has built a law practice centered in the Mohawk Valley which has been dedicated to aggressive advocacy on behalf of its clients for over 25 years.
In addition to his private practice, Attorney Manne serves as a Town Justice for the Town of Herkimer, as Town Attorney for the Town of German Flatts, and as Village Attorney for the Village of Mohawk.
Other positions held by Mr. Manne have included Herkimer Village Justice, Frankfort Town Attorney, Director and Second Vice-President of the New York State Magistrates Association, President of the Herkimer County Bar Association, Vice-President of the Herkimer County Magistrates’ Association, member of the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Fifth Judicial District and member of the boards of directors for various non-profit organizations.
Amanda Mead
Paralegal Non-Criminal
Amanda Mead
Paralegal Non-Criminal
Amanda was born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Western New York. She has been to over 35 of the 50 states and has met various unique and outstanding people in every state. She has learned that everyone can benefit from kindness and help, no matter the demographic. Studying law, assisting attorneys, and aiding clients is her direct way to contribute to those in need.
Amanda graduated from SUNY Oswego summa cum laude with a major in economics and a minor in political science. Her academic interests and studies revolved around income and educational inequalities, minority treatment in the law, individual rights in the law, and economic development. She intends to obtain a Juris Doctor with interest in constitutional law, business law, and international law.
Carol K. Morgan
Of Counsel Attorney
Carol K. Morgan
Carol Morgan is an experienced and successful trial attorney with more than 15 years of experience. It’s her experience at trial and her investment in clients, which helps her negotiate cases to a successful resolution, without trial. Defending her client is not just a job for Carol Morgan; it’s her passion. Carol is often working twelve to fifteen-hour days, seven days a week. Ms. Morgan has made it a point to develop strong relationships with prosecutors and court staff across many counties. Doing so gives her an advantage by understanding each municipality’s unique policies and procedures.
Her clients are never just a number or faceless name. She takes the trust her clients put in her, and she put herself into every case. When she makes a recommendation on whether to settle or go to trial, you will know she will always have your best interests at heart.
In addition to representing people, Ms. Morgan also enjoys fostering and rescue dogs and competes on her horse that she trained.
Maria Morse
Attorney – Family/Matrimonial
Maria Morse
Senior Attorney – Family/Matrimonial
Maria is an Associate Attorney at Nave Law where her practice focuses on family and matrimonial law and civil litigation. Where Maria does not handle any DWI matters for the firm, her importance is that when someone is arrested for a DWI, many times it involved ancillary matters such as family and divorce. If those situations come up, we have a focused team that can help with those matters. So when these areas happen as a result of a DWI arrest, the DWI TEAM can ensure we help solve all legal problems, not just one
Dennis J. Nave
Managing Partner
Dennis J. Nave
Managing Partner
Syracuse criminal defense attorney, Dennis Nave has earned a reputation in the legal community as an aggressive and talented advocate for his clients. Those charged with DWI, Traffic, Criminal Charges, and License Matters seek Attorney Nave out for legal counsel because of his deep criminal law experience and firsthand knowledge of New York State, criminal court procedures, and understanding of New York States Department of Motor Vehicle rules and regulations.
Once Attorney Nave graduated Syracuse Law, he was determined to stay in New York and become one of the area’s best criminal defense attorneys. Along his path, Dennis gained experience with the NYS Attorney General Office, Onondaga County District Attorney’s office, and the largest DWI Defense firm in New York State.
He approaches each of his client’s cases as unique and each person as his equal, always going the extra mile to ensure his clients are fully educated on their case and knowing they are receiving the best quality representation. He provides 24-7 access to his clients, so when they are in need, Attorney Nave is available.
Mr. Nave is currently the founding and managing partner for Nave Law Firm, the law firm that operates and is the legal oversight for the DWI TEAM. Attorney Nave is a member of the Onondaga County Bar Association, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National College of DUI Defense.
Attorney Nave has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a third-party rating service, as a Top Rated DWI Lawyer. Also, he has been received recognition as a Super Lawyer’s prestigious rising star list, which recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state.
Mr. Nave enjoys presented and lectured on DWI, Criminal Defense, and defensive driving and has done so with the Madison County Tavern Association, the Onondaga County Water Authority, underclassman in the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, and for the Onondaga County Bar Association.
Dennis firmly believes anyone charged with a crime by the government deserves to have their rights protected. “Being charged with a crime is a frightening situation, and it is part of my job to help alleviate some of that worry. I take pride in offering the best possible service to our clients, and I will work diligently to help resolve their case”.
Thomas Pickering
Of Counsel Attorney
Thomas Pickering
Attorney Tom Pickering understands the importance of offering guidance to clients during some of the most complicated and trying times they may experience. As an attorney handling a wide variety of cases from traffic violations to the highest level felonies, domestic matters, and everything in between, Tom helps to resolve matters with a client-centric focus navigating difficult and complex situations in a manner to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients. Tom is a member of the New York State Bar Association regularly handling matters in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and St. Lawrence County where his experience and relationships with the local courts and attorneys play a valuable role in helping to resolve matters in the most advantageous way and provide the most value to his clients. In addition to his criminal and family court practice, Tom is the defense attorney for all participants in the Clinton County Drug Treatment Court Program, the Clinton County Mental Health Court Program, the Plattsburgh City Treatment Court Program, and the Plattsburgh City Mental Health Court Program.
Tom is an Upstate New York Native returning to the area after obtaining his law degree from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Tom obtained his undergraduate degree at SUNY Plattsburgh where received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Political Science graduating Magna Cum Laude. Tom enjoys hiking, running, playing tennis and spending time in the Adirondacks with his family.
Matthew Porter
Of Counsel Attorney
Matthew Porter
Matthew J. Porter is from Lyons, New York. He attended the State University of New York at Stony Brook, graduating with degrees in Psychology and Sociology. He earned his Juris Doctor degree at St. John’s University School of Law in Queens, New York.
He joined the Conboy Law Firm in 2016, immediately becoming the firm’s lead criminal attorney. He became a partner in 2018. In 2020 he became the lead divorce and family law attorney in the firm’s Watertown headquarters.
Before joining the firm, he was employed by the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office for over 13 years. He spent most of his time there as a felony defense attorney and has defended many individuals in trials ranging from traffic tickets to DWI to murder. He has appeared, worked in, and is familiar with every courtroom in Jefferson County and beyond.
He has competently, efficiently, and successfully represented thousands of clients. He has an exceptional ability to negotiate and communicate with judges, opposing counsel, and those who work behind the scenes to achieve optimal results for his clients.
Tom is an Upstate New York Native returning to the area after obtaining his law degree from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Tom obtained his undergraduate degree at SUNY Plattsburgh where received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Political Science graduating Magna Cum Laude. Tom enjoys hiking, running, playing tennis and spending time in the Adirondacks with his family.
William Reddy
Of Counsel Attorney
William Reddy
Mr. Reddy is a former Senior Assistant District Attorney at the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. While there, Mr. Reddy tried numerous jury trials to successful verdict, and gained an uncommon knowledge of criminal law and the various and sundry techniques utilized by law enforcement. He has worked extensively in narcotics and was lead prosecutor on numerous wiretap investigations. As such, no defense attorney is better equipped to attack a prosecution built on such evidence. Mr. Reddy also trained younger prosecutors, engaged in appellate practice, and handled every type of criminal case that exists in New York.
With more than 20 years’ experience, Mr. Reddy understands that DWI is a common charge levied against good, law abiding Americans. Mr. Reddy has tried many DWI matters to verdict, on both sides of the isle, and is extremely well versed in DWI law and its effects on drivers. Even though Mr. Reddy handles a high volume of DWI cases, he provides a personal touch to each one, and has learned over the years that each person’s needs and goals are different. As such, his approach to each case is unique and specific to the client’s situation.
David Rynkowski
Of Counsel Attorney
David Rynkowski
David Rynkowski, Esq. Has practiced criminal law for 30 years. He focused on DWI prosecution for eight years wherein he tried several DWI cases, including homicide cases. He has won a DWI case in the highest court of New York State, the Court of Appeals. Since representing people accused of DWI in the last 22 years, he handles most felony DWI indictments and homicides for the Rensselaer County’s office and has a general criminal law private practice. He is certified in the standardized Field Sobriety Tests and attended the Breath Test Operator School and Drugs the Impair program put on by New York State. He lectured in the New York State Police Academy on DWI law and procedure.
Sean Scullion
Client Advocate
Sean Scullion
Client Advocate
Before joining Nave Law Firm, Sean has spent his working career in customer service-oriented fields, including many years with the law firm of Anelli Xavier and the DWI TEAM. His vast experience allows him to have a skill set that helps create solutions to the challenges facing his clients. Creating these solutions which allows him to put clients in a position to succeed.
Sean’s strengths lie in reliability, listening, and empathy. Doing those three things are what creates trust and long-lasting relationships.
Alexander Serles
Of Counsel Attorney
Alexander Serles
Of Counsel Attorney
Alex Serles is an Of-Counsel Attorney in Western New York. Alex’s practice with the DWI TEAM currently focuses on drug and alcohol-related offenses as well as additional criminal driving offenses. Prior to being an Of-Counsel Attorney with the DWI TEAM, Mr. Serles was lead attorney for the DWI sector at a firm in Rochester, NY. He is a current member of the Monroe County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.
Aimée L. Tarin
Firm Administrator
Aimée L. Tarin
Firm Administrator
Aimée joins the DWI TEAM with over 13 years in customer service and a strong marketing and graphic design background. She was brought into the firm due to her confidence, meticulous work ethic, dedication, and ability to advocate for others. As the Firm Administrator, Aimée works with the Chief Operating Officer to manage the firm’s administrative operations, including, yet certainly not limited to, finance, accounts receivable, case management, social media, and the firm’s processes and procedures.
Hannah Thien
Paralegal
Hannah Thien
An Albany native, Hannah’s career began in arts administration; after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College she worked as an administrator at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, New York. While she loved her work, her lifelong interest in the legal system and criminal justice continued to grow. When the opportunity presented itself Hannah returned to school to obtain a degree in paralegal studies and knew she had found the career field for her. Hannah originally joined the Nave Law Firm as an intern and was thrilled to be able to continue her work in criminal defense with the firm.
As a paralegal, Hannah is dedicated to bringing quality care and excellent work to each case and the unique stories of every client. She is committed to building a strong connection between clients and their legal team, regardless of their background or circumstances. Hannah is a team player who thrives on providing quality support to the rest of her team and creating a personalized legal experience that goes above and beyond the average firm.
Ryan Wiehl
Legal Advocate
Ryan Wiehl
Legal Advocate
Ryan is a native of Cortland, New York, attending Cortland Junior Senior High School before college. Ryan studied at Buffalo State College during his undergraduate studies, later transferring to Emory & Henry College in Virginia. Ryan is not an attorney but is a Legal Advocate, supporting our potential clients, clients, and staff attorneys with various tasks.
Adam Willman
Of Counsel Attorney
Adam Willman
Mr. Willman has the extensive skills and resources necessary to help protect your rights, preserve your liberties and improve the likelihood you will achieve the positive results you expect and deserve. As a former prosecutor, he has handled thousands of cases and litigated countless DWI cases across Upstate New York. With his unique perspective and extensive experience in DWI law, you are sure to receive the highest level of legal representation. Mr. Willman’s experience makes him all the more effective at devising the best possible strategy for your unique situation.
Maria Young
Paralegal
Maria Young
Before becoming a paralegal, Ms. Young worked as a ski instructor & in customer service positions. Her experience in customer service instilled the skills of problem-solving, organization, & unmatched compassion for others in her. She then graduated from Jefferson Community College & immediately began in the workforce as a criminal defense Paralegal. She has worked on multiple misdemeanor and felony DWI cases across New York State in addition to prepping for criminal trials & lots of document execution.
Heather Youngman
Senior Attorney – Family/Matrimonial
Heather Youngman
Senior Attorney – Family/Matrimonial
Heather is a Senior Attorney at Nave Law where her practice focuses on family and matrimonial law and civil litigation. Where Heather does not handle any DWI matters for the firm, her importance is that when someone is arrested for a DWI, many times it involved ancillary matters such as family and divorce. If those situations come up, we have a focused team that can help with those matters. So when these areas happen as a result of a DWI arrest, the DWI TEAM can ensure we help solve all legal problems, not just one.
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