Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
5 Client Reviews
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Donald Edward Kelly
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About Donald
Biography
When the stakes are highest — when a conviction means decades behind bars or the end of a career — you need an attorney who has stood in a courtroom and fought for acquittals in the cases that matter most. For 30 years, Donald Kelly has done exactly that for clients across Central New York.
"I don't take cases to settle them. I take cases to win them."
With over 75 criminal trials as lead counsel, Donald Kelly has built a record that speaks for itself. He has earned not-guilty verdicts in homicide, rape, criminal possession of a weapon, assault, and a wide range of serious felony charges — the kinds of cases where other attorneys advise their clients to take a plea.
Kelly's practice is focused on the most serious criminal charges in New York: weapons offenses, drug crimes ranging from simple possession to large-scale distribution, and homicide. He knows these cases inside and out — the evidence, the statutes, the prosecution strategies, and — critically — how to dismantle them before a jury.
Clients facing criminal charges in Syracuse and throughout Onondaga County choose Donald Kelly because he brings 30 years of courtroom experience, undivided attention to their case, and an aggressive defense strategy from day one. He does not believe the government always gets it right. He holds the prosecution to its burden, challenges every piece of evidence, and fights for the best possible outcome — every single time.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a serious crime, the time to act is now. The earlier an experienced defense attorney gets involved, the better the outcome. Call today for a confidential consultation.
If you or a loved one is suspected or accused of a crime it is essential that you have a top-flight Criminal Defense Attorney at the earliest possible time. Certain rights will evaporate if they are not preserved.
Kelly Criminal Law Welcomes You
I have successfully defended clients charged with possession of Kilos and others with only Grams, either way, it is essential that anyone charged or suspected of a narcotics offense obtain legal counsel immediately in order to protect vital rights.
I have successfully defended clients charged with Homicide, Assault and Weapons charges. It is essential that anyone charged or suspected of a violent felony offense obtain legal counsel immediately in order to protect vital rights.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Drug Crime
25%
Criminal Defense
20%
30 years | 1,000 cases
Violent Crime
20%
DUI and DWI
15%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 29 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Kelly Law Center, P.C.
(315) 915-5939
Mobile
205 South Salina Street, Suite 400, Syracuse, NY, 13202
kellylawcenterpc.com/Gallery
Donald Edward Kelly's Reviews
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Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Posted by Alaina | July 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Professional, Prompt, Knowledgeable
Mr. Kelly assisted me with two small legal items. He and his team were prompt to set up the retainer and kept me up to date on all important matters. The resolution on both items far surpassed my expectations. I could NOT be more pleased!!!
Posted by Kate | November 06, 2012 | Real Estate
A top notch attorney
I have used Donald E. Kelly as my personal attorney as well as a referral for all my real estate clients. He is very knowledgable and proffessional. He treats his clients with respect, and keeps them informed. My clients have been very satisfied that I referred an attorney that gets the job done in a...
Posted by anonymous | November 06, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Review Donald Edward Kelly
He is very knowledgeable, kept me informed of everything going on, contacted me several times, answered all my questions, and was very professional and polite. He represented me as well as I expected.
Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Easy to work with
Mr. Kelly helped me with a relatively simple matter. Never-the-less, he was able to set up the retainer quickly, offered a solution and was able to ensure that my claim was dismissed. Getting the right result was the most important thing and he came through.
Donald Edward Kelly's Lawyer Endorsements
"Don is a thorough and attentive attorney. He proactively pursues the best possible outcome for every client he represents. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation."
"Don is a great attorney: wonderful to work with and proactively works to save clients money. I highly endorse Don."
"I endorse this lawyer. Don has one of the finest lawyers I know."
"I endorse this lawyer. Don is an aggressive and proactive attorney and manager. Don has a vast amount of experience, which would be valuable to any future client."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the finest attorneys in upstate New York. Highly regarded in legal community."
"Few Criminal Defense attorneys have the great track record of Donald Kelly and that is because he's aggressive in the courtroom and pays attention to all the details. As a Criminal Defense attorney myself I know that many times it's the digging into details that gives our clients the best possible verdict. I know Donald's track record and you can'd do better than to put your case in is very capable hands."
"The difference between a good criminal defense attorney and a great one depends on two traits: being aggressive in court and pinning down every detail. As zealous as Don is at trial, he knows the value of winning cases even before they go to trial. He is effective, thorough and attentive to every detail that help his clients. I endorse Don without hesitation or reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Don Kelly is an experienced, competent criminal defense attorney with many trial victories. He cares deeply about his clients and works hard to get them the best possible outcome in their cases. Don’s inclusion in the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers was hard earned and well deserved."
"Don Kelly is an excellent defense lawyer with a vast amount of experience in defending complex cases. He has representation experience at all levels of the state and federal court systems. He is extremely prepared and knowledgeable when he enters a courtroom. I recommend him enthusiastically for any criminal defense matter in the Syracuse area."
"With his extensive knowledge of the laws of New York state and his expansive trial experience, Don Kelly is one of the premiere criminal defense attorneys in central New York. His dedication to his clients is unmatched, and his unwavering determination in his representation of his clients is nothing less than fierce."
"Don Kelly’s aggressive representation of his clients in a wide array of criminal matters has placed him amongst the preeminent criminal defense attorneys in Central New York. His knowledge of the law and his ability to stand up to even the most determined of prosecutors has earned Mr. Kelly numerous acquittals for his clients, as well as accolades and invitations into elite associations of trial attorneys. I would highly recommend Mr. Kelly to defend any client accused of a crime."
"I highly recommend Don as a Criminal Defense attorney. Don’s legal knowledge, professionalism and dedication to his clients is unmatched."
"I had the pleasure of working with Don for several years. He is very bright. His legal research and writing were top notch and I always looked to him for advice and opinions. A client would be well served to hire him. I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2026
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2025
Best Criminal Defense Attorneys Upstate New York, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Upstate New York, SuperLawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Upstate New York, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Upstate New York, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Upstate New York, SuperLawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Top Criminal Defense Attorneys Central New York, Expertise
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Principal Attorney, Kelly Law Center, P.C.
2014 - 2017
Managing Partner, Tully Rinckey, PLLC
2012 - 2018
Partner, Tully Rinckey, PLLC
2002 - 2012
Principal, Kelly Law Offices
1998 - 2001
Child Support Enforcement, Onondaga County Depatment of Social Services
Associations
2015 - Present
Fifth District New York State CourtsPart 137 Attorney/Client Fee Dispute Arbitrator
1996 - Present
Onondaga County Bar AssociationSustaining Member
2007 - 2013
Onondaga County Bar Association, Assigned CounselVice President
2003 - 2017
Syracuse Parking Violations BureauSenior Hearing Examiner
1998 - 2001
Onondaga County Department of Social ServicesSupport Collection Attorney
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Edwin Martinez
Charges Dismissed
Supreme Court Decision
All charges were dismissed
Client v. Sexual Assault Charges
Acquitted On All Charges
Client Faced 15 years in Prison
Charged with a Lesser Sentence
llegal Search Trial
Dismissed all charges
Education
1992
Syracuse University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor Cum Laude
1987
State University of New York, College at Oswego
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Making it to the Top
White Collar Criminals
2014
Daily Defense: Life as a Criminal Attorney
Like as a Criminal Attorney
2012
Ask The Lawyer - Radio Segment
Liability and Self Defense
Publications
2014
National Trial Laywers
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
2014
Syracuse Public Media
CNY Drunk Driving Arrests
2014
Syracuse Public Media
Police Interrogations
2013
2013
WSYR - Radio Segment
Plea Bargains for Speeding
2013
Galaxy Communications
Ask the Lawyer: Missing Court Dates
2012
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How likely am I to go to jail?
21 May 2026
Q&A
CPL 170.55 ACD (Dismissed Case) – Background Check disclosure for a role at Financial institution
01 Apr 2026
Q&A
How is my son still being detained (6 mos) in a federal detention facility without being indicted?
03 Apr 2026