Andrew J. Proto

As a former Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County, Andrew gained valuable experience while handling countless felony and misdemeanor cases. While an Assistant District Attorney he prosecuted a variety of criminal cases including murder, drug sale & possession, assault, DWI, theft, sex offenses and many others. Also, while a prosecutor he coordinated various investigations with state and local law enforcement, developing relationships he still maintains today.

Criminal Defense

Now as a criminal defense attorney Andrew has defended all types of criminal investigations and offenses including complex white collar crimes, million dollar thefts, grand and petit larcenies, assault, drug offenses, sex offenses (SORA), DWI/DUI, gun possession charges, or many other criminal actions. Andrew’s approach is aggressive and he skillfully defends those in New York State and Federal Court.

Andrew has a full understanding of various court programs such as TASC, Willard Drug Treatment, OASAS, the WAVE Program and other programs related to violence and/or drug and alcohol use.

Andrew has represented various professional clients such as school administrators, teachers, law enforcement officers, executives, recording producers, business owners, stock brokers and others with various employment or other licenses that may be threatened by a criminal arrest or conviction.

DWI Defense

After prosecuting countless DWI crimes with the Westchester County District Attorney’s office Andrew now defends those charged with DWI.  Andrew has extensive experience defending clients charged with DWI in both negotiating a plea bargain and/or defending the DWI charge at trial.

Andrew is also published in the area of DWI law and defense strategies.  His insight into the latest changes in DWI law and the best defense strategies was featured in the 2015, Inside the Minds book series titled “Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York”.  The publication is focused on educating other lawyers as to the best DWI defenses in New York State.

Traffic Ticket Defense

Andrew regularly appears in the local justice courts of Westchester and the surrounding counties defending all types of traffic tickets.  From speeding to driving with a suspended license, Andrew fights for a dismissal of the ticket or a reduction to protect his client’s driver’s license and insurance rates.     

Family Law & Divorce

In addition to criminal & traffic defense Andrew represents various clients in matrimonial and family law court proceedings. This includes prenuptial agreements, separation agreements and divorce matters both contested and uncontested.  In family court Andrew regularly represents clients in matters involving child support, paternity, custody, visitation, orders of protection, family offense, neglect, abuse, juvenile delinquency and relocation proceedings.

CPS Fair Hearings

Andrew represent clients at Fair Hearings before the Office of Children and Family Services.  After an indicated finding from ACS, DSS or CPS Andrew has found success having “indicated” findings amended to “unfounded” and sealed.  This has included parents accused of child abuse, neglect or maltreatment and employees of various child’s housing facilities. 

Education Background

Andrew is a graduate from the State University of New York College at Brockport where he graduated with academic honors. He studied both criminal justice and political science obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Andrew served as vice–president of the student government and had authority of its million dollar budget. He also served as president of the criminal justice student association.

Andrew graduated from Western New England College School of Law, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. His coursework focused on criminal law and family law, he also served on the law school moot court team. As a student he was accepted at the local District Attorney’s office to prosecute various criminal offenses, including conducting trials, even before graduation.

Employment Background

Upon graduation Andrew served as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County first in the motions and appeals bureau and then serving in the local criminal courts including the towns of Bedford, Briarcliff, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, North Salem, Ossining, Pleasantville, Pound Ridge, Somers, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye, Scarsdale, Yonkers, White Plains, North Castle, Peekskill, Yorktown, New Rochelle, Eastchester, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Hastings, Greenburgh, Elmsford, Dobbs Ferry, Mount Vernon and Pelham.

After serving with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Andrew was employed by a Westchester County civil defense firm as a senior Associate. He worked in the Supreme and County Courts of Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Bronx, New York, Queens, Brooklyn, Putnam, Dutchess and Rockland Counties. At the civil defense firm Andrew represented such clients as Allstate insurance company, Chubb, GMAC, Travelers, Putnam Hospital and Turner Construction.

Owner & Partner at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP

Today, Andrew and his law partners at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP now focus on a variety of legal matters including, criminal defense, family law (custody, support & visitation), divorce actions, traffic tickets, DWI and other general civil litigation.

Andrew is most proud of his countless satisfied clients he has helped defend through the most difficult times of their lives.  Andrew personalizes every defense and legal strategy for each client.  He is always available to speak to make sure each client has a full understanding of the legal process.