Peter Gerstenzang

PRO

Peter Gerstenzang

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 54 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Albany, NY
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

210 Great Oaks Boulevard, Albany, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About Peter

Biography

Our goal is to deliver the highest possible quality legal services to each of our clients. Call now!

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 98%

51 years

98%
Criminal Defense 2%

51 years

2%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2015 2013
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 54 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1972

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang

210 Great Oaks Boulevard, Albany, NY, 12203

dwilawny.com/

Peter Gerstenzang's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (33) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 26 reviews | Case Results

Posted by anonymous | September 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best DWI lawyers in NY

I feel very fortunate to have chosen this firm for a very unfortunate incident involving a DUI. Patrick Campion represented me at the criminal hearing and could not have hoped for a better result! Everyone has been extremely professional and sensitive to my situation and have kept me informed throu...ghout the process. If you have any troubles with the law and drinking and driving, this is the group to hire.

Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The Eliminator

Nothing is more demoralizing than being charged with a DWI. I know because it happened to me twice but remember you have only been charged; you have been convicted of nothing. That’s where the Gerstenzang Law Firm comes into play. Peter Gerstenzang has written the book on DWI law and nobody knows ...it better. The law clerk in my first case all most fell over when he walked in, she had been to many of Peters seminars. My second case the Judge says Mr. Gerstenzang it is an honor to have you in my courtroom. From the first time you talk to Peter you will get the sense that dam this guy believes he’s going to win and it will relieve the pressure you have been under believe me. This is the best DWI law firm in the country bar none. Do not let anyone talk you into getting anyone else or settling for DWAI, get your charges dismissed. If your officer made any mistake with ticket, probable cause, roadside test or the machine, they will find it and your problem will be solved. If you are considering the Gerstenzang Law Firm, you have found the best, now hire them. Unfortunately, 4 of my friends have also had to use them so now whenever someone get in trouble, we just call the” Eliminator”.

Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

One of the best!

Words cannot express how grateful I am to Peter and his firm. Peter not only has a passion for his work but is immensely knowledgeable. During the initial consultation, he spent over an hour discussing the incident and possible defenses. During our conversation, I felt that he truly cared and want...ed to help. His insight into DWI laws is unmatched and after our initial phone call, I immediately felt like I was in good hands. After retaining Peter he continued to be available for any questions or concerns that I had. This was very reassuring as my case was fairly complex and involved a lot of moving parts. Peter made it a point to drive from Albany to Suffolk County where the incident occurred to meet me for my court appearance. Unfortunately, I was facing my second DWI in just under 10 years, which carried serious consequences. Peter was always open and honest about the situation and never promised a particular outcome. Fortunately, Peter was able to knock my charge down to a violation, which is truly a miracle. Peter is highly regarded by his peers and I could not imagine having anyone else represent me through this unfortunate time. Without a doubt, I would recommend Peter to anyone looking for a dedicated, hard-working and truly passionate attorney.

Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Peter cleared my DUI!

I was arrested in Bolton County last July with a BAC of 0.08, while I was protecting myself from an assault. As a Canadian citizen on temporary work visa, having a DUI on my record would make me inadmissible to the United States and ruin my entire career. Even worse, I was under a huge pressure to ge...t this case resolved before my visa expiration date. I immediately did my research and immediately found that Peter would be the ideal attorney to work with. He took my case as if I was his son and fought for me until the very end. He has 50+ years of expertise in DUI/DWI and he is very well recognized and respected by the prospectors which makes it a huge plus. At the end, which my charges were dropped to Disorderly Conduct violation which is even lesser than a DWAI. Given the severity of my situation, this outcome was a miracle. Peter was not only a lawyer but a father for me. He was by my side throughout the whole process but he also did not hesitate a second to tell his honest opinion. I felt in great comfort having him as my lawyer and I cannot think of anybody else who could get me out of this situation. Thank you Peter.

Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Life Saver

Peter was there for me when it mattered the most. Throughout my entire case he was never more than a call or text message away, ready to answer my questions and educate me about the process. No question was ever too small or unimportant, I always received a call back or a message as soon as it was po...ssible. Peter was always honest and up front about the challenges of my case and the possible outcomes. There was never a moment when I was surprised or confused by what was happening. His honesty, compassion, and communication with me allowed me to trust him completely; this gave me the peace of mind to focus on myself and what I had to do in my life, leaving the legal side of the equation totally in his hands. His counsel and advice allowed me the second chance I needed most, and gave me the opportunity to live life without a black cloud over my head. I will be forever grateful to Peter, Joe, and the rest of their talented firm. They are truly life savers. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

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Peter Gerstenzang's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Peter
Brian J Neary headshot
Brian Neary

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Severiano Emile Lisboa IV headshot
Severiano Lisboa

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kenneth Joshua McCauley headshot
Kenneth McCauley

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"He is the best there is at what he does, and a gentleman to boot. Bonus: he actually did write "the" book on DWI defense in New York. I was in a discovery conference the other day discussing a discovery request when the Judge asked "have you checked with Gerstenzang?""

James Hal Medows headshot
James Medows

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Other

"Mr. Gerstenzang is an expert is the field of DWI/DUI. I endorse him without hesitation or reservation."

Steven Oberman headshot
Steven Oberman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"To say Peter cares about his clients, is knowledgeable about the law, and abides by all ethical rules would be accurate, but sorely understated. Peter takes on every case as if it is a personal mission to have his client acquitted. His trial techniques and insights into the psychology of DUI trials are sought out by lawyers across the country who pay a lot of money and take time from their practice to attend his seminars. However, reading his book and attending his lectures only get them so far. While they attempt to mimic his success in the courtroom, there is only one Peter Gerstenzang. One should only hire Peter if they want every opportunity to win their case. Peter is one of only a few a great lawyers. His distinction among other lawyers and desire to help all who seek him out is, in part, why he will become Dean of The National College for DUI Defense later this year."

Michael J. Redenburg headshot
Michael Redenburg

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Gerstenzang authored the Reference Book I rely on concerning DWI cases. Further, he was easily accessible by phone when I had a question concerning his area of practice concentration and not surprisingly, knew the answer and offered his knowledge."

Joseph A Lo Piccolo headshot
Joseph Lo Piccolo

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I don't know Peter but to put it simply, he wrote the book we all rely upon, as do the Courts and the DA's even if they won't admit it. You can not do better."

Justin James McShane headshot
Justin McShane

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know and admire Attorney Gerstenzang. He has earned a national reputation for effectively representing motorists accused of a crime. He has the necessary reputation, knowledge and experience to eliminate or minimize the consequences of the government's accusation. He is a very effective and skilled litigator who has the guts to stand up to the government and their accusations to demand evidence, not simply an accusation. He is highly ethical and trustworthy. I trust him. You should too."

P. Adam Militello headshot
P. Adam Militello

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Peter wrote the book on DWI practice that other New York DWI lawyers carry in their cars and keep in their offices. The depth of his knowledge on DWI defense is impressive, and so is his willingness to share that knowledge. If you need a DWI lawyer in or near Albany, this is THE firm to call."

Victor Wallace Carmody Jr. headshot
Victor Carmody

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Peter is so very persuasive,and articulate that he teaches us all how to be more effective trial lawyers and achieve the results which have eluded others who have not benefitted from his shared knowledge and vast trial experience.When I set to write my own state DUI practice publication,my publisher Thompson/West sent me Peter's New York DUI practice book to review,in order to show me just how it is done! I patterned my written volume after consulting Peter,and reading his definitive DUI treatise.Thank you for your asistance, Peter.New York drivers are indeed fortunate to have Peter Garstenzang in their corner,and it is my honor to give Peter my highest endorsement."

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Peter Gerstenzang deserves a 10+ rating. He is the dean of New York DUI defense lawyers, literally the man who wrote the book. I endorse him enthusiastically."

View All Endorsements
Jonathan David Cohn headshot
Jonathan Cohn

DUI and DWI lawyer

John G. Leonard headshot
John Leonard

DUI and DWI lawyer

Steven Oberman headshot
Steven Oberman

DUI and DWI lawyer

W. Troy McKinney headshot
W. McKinney

DUI and DWI lawyer

Andrew Mishlove headshot
Andrew Mishlove

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Stephen Bowser Jr. headshot
Michael Bowser

DUI and DWI lawyer

Victor Wallace Carmody Jr. headshot
Victor Carmody

DUI and DWI lawyer

Barry Thomas Simons headshot
Barry Simons

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jane Fisher-Byrialsen headshot
Jane Fisher-Byrialsen

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

2013 Upstate New York Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2012

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Top 25 in Hudson Valley, Super Lawyers

2011

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Top 25 in Hudson Valley, Super Lawyers

2010

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2009

Top 25 in Hudson Valley, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2007

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2007

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2005

Board Certification In DUI Defense, National College For DUI Defense

Work Experience

1975 - Present

Senior Partner, Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang

1972 - 1975

Assistant District Attorney, Albany County District Attorney

1972 - 1984

Instructor DWI Trial Testimony (part time), New York State Police Academy

1970 - 1971

Captain, United States Army

Associations

2007 - Present

Big Apple DWI Program

Chair

New York State Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section, Traffic Safety Committee

Chairman

National College for DUI Defense

Founding Member

National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD)

Board Certified Specialist

2013 - 2014

National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD)

Dean

2012 - 2013

National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD)

Assistant Dean

2004 - 2013

National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD)

Regent

Education

1970

Albany Law School of Union University

Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2018

The Big Apple XVIII DWI Program- New York City

Handling the DWI Case in New York

2017

The Big Apple XVII DWI Program

Handling the DWI Case in New York

2013

NACDL, September 2013 -- Las Vegas

Cross-Examination of the Arresting Officer

2010

Representing a DWI Defendant in New York DWI Defense

Publications

2019

Thomson Reuters (updated and published annually) Handling the DWI Case in New York

1987

Thomson/West (Updated Annually) Handling the DWI Case in New York

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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