H VanHee - Lawyer in Syracuse, NY

H Dana VanHee

Criminal defense Attorney at Syracuse, NY

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Compassionate

Attention to details without wasting any time!

About H

Learn H’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

30%

I represent individuals and business entities charged with or being investigated for violations of state law, including Driving While Intoxicated and Boating While Intoxicated, in all New York courts.
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20 years
DUI and DWI

30%

I represent individuals charged with driving or boating under the influence of alcohol in all New York State Courts.

20 years
Speeding and traffic ticket

25%
Federal crime

15%

I represent individuals and business entities charged with or being investigated for violations of federal law. I have handled the following types of cases: Asset Forfeiture, RICO with murder allegation, international drug smuggling, conspiracy, environmental crimes, money laundering, Hobbs Act violations, criminal asset forfeiture defense, Analogue Enforcement Act (designer drugs), post-release supervision violations.
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19 years

I represent individuals and businesses in connection with investigations and prosecutions brought by federal and state authorities, including those who have been arrested and those who are targets or subjects of a criminal investigation.

I have been practicing law in New York State and Federal Courts since 2000. Initially, I worked for two respected New York City law firms, where I practiced labor law and state and federal litigation.

In 2004, I began my own law practice in Syracuse, New York. Since then, I have handled all kinds of criminal defense and civil litigation cases for clients around the country, including: international drug smuggling cases, RICO cases with murder allegations, conspiracy cases, Hobbs Act cases, environmental cases, kidnapping cases, weapons cases, internet crime cases and larceny cases. I also handle small but important matters, such as shoplifting, DWI and BWI and traffic offenses. I also represent children who have been charged with crimes in New York State Family Court.

I have experience handling federal civil litigation including copyright violations, international contract cases and federal bankruptcy litigation. In New York State Supreme Court, I have handled business disputes, personal injury matters and contract litigation.

Although I have varied experience, I do not take every case that comes in to my office. I will meet with you to determine whether your issue is a matter that I feel that I am best suited to handle. If I feel that you would be better served by another attorney, such as a personal injury specialist, medical malpractice specialist or dedicated divorce lawyer, I will make a referral to a highly-qualified attorney that will best suit your needs.

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Licensed for 22 years

State NY

Status Due to Register within 30 Days of Birthday

Acquired 2000

Updated 11/17/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact H

Law Office of H Dana Van Hee, PLLC

120 E Washington St Ste 721

Syracuse, NY, 13202-4003

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

9 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Elaine | September 20, 2016

Compassionate

Mr. VanHee represented me on a matter that could have affected me profoundly on both a personal and professional level. Dana's demeanor in conference and during court showed confidence, strength and comfort. I recommend him to anyone I meet that needs a professional, honest and sincere lawyer. Thank you Mr. VanHee for representing me.

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Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2016

Attention to details without wasting any time!

Mr VanHee has been by far the best lawyer I have worked with. He listens to everything you bring forth to him, while explaining the process of the courts and assuring you that he will do everything possible to make sure your case is handled properly. In addition, Mr VanHee is a calm presence and really keeps your mind at ease - I was extremely pleased and thankful for how the whole process was handled, from the office to the courts.

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Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2016

Prompt Response & Excellent Results

Back in 2008, I got into some trouble with multiple DWI charges, in a few different counties. Another lawyer referred me to Dana, and when I called him he answered my call immediately. I ended up hiring Dana for all of my cases, and he resolved them all to my satisfaction. In fact, the outcome was MUCH better than I could have ever expected. Fortunately, I didn't need a criminal defense attorney again until 2016, when I got another DWI. I wasn't sure if Dana would handle the case, because it was far away from his office. I called Dana from the police station, and he answered the phone and was able to give me advice regarding what I should do. I followed Dana's instructions and hired him to handle the case. I was really scared about what would happen to me. The charges were serious, and I was going to lose my license for a very long time (maybe forever), if I was convicted of the charges. I was concerned about my job, as I travel extensively for work and, as a single mother, rely upon my job to support my child. During the course of my case (which was handled very efficiently), Dana was always available to meet or talk by phone to address my concerns. He has the patience of a saint! Somehow, Dana kept my license from ever being suspended and got my felony DWI charges DISMISSED! He saved my life and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone needing a compassionate, skilled criminal defense attorney.

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Posted by CC | January 17, 2016

Very Professional and personable

Dana really took the time to help me understand the legal process. He was very professional yet extremely personable. Helping to make me feel very supported and confident going into a situation that really is not-so enjoyable. Dana was always quick to respond when I had any questions and he helped keep me on track with my obligations in the process.

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Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2016

Skilled, Thorough and Attentive

Mr. VanHee recently represented me in a serious legal matter. I was extremely satisfied with his high level of expertise, professionalism and attention to detail. I felt very pleased with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend Mr. VanHee to anyone seeking a tough, skilled and trustworthy defense attorney.

Posted by Matt | January 14, 2016

110%

I have hired Mr. VanHee numerous times to handle my legal troubles. He is aggressive, efficient and reliant while working diligently on my behalf to benefit me with the best possible outcome of my situation. I recommend him to anyone that has come across serious hard times or the smallest of infractions, he can help.

Posted by Eric | January 14, 2016

Great Lawyer

If I were to recommend a Criminal lawyer it would be hands down Attorney VanHee he's addressed all my needs for everything and exceeded my expectations which were all in my favor.

Posted by Kalimah | January 13, 2016

Save my life

My name is Kalimah and I made some bad choices and was facing jail time. And I found him on the Internet and he was very on point and walk every step of the way with me when I was afraid and scared he made me feel at ease with the entire process he is a top lawyer at what he do and he gives you a payment plan so you can get him and he good at what he do. Before you look at anthor lawyer you look at him. He is the man I would put my life on it thank you Mr Vahee

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Posted by Joe | January 13, 2016

Representation

Dana represented me on a federal case. He was the best thing that could of happened to me during that time. I went thrue 3 lawyers while fighting my case & had to fire them because of the lies they were feeding me. I ended up hiring Dana. He is very honest and tells you how it is without watering it down. At the end I was very happy with the outcome and all along that was what Dana said we would be trying to achieve. I defiantly recommend him!!

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Resume

AVVO RATING 7.7 (Very Good)

Work Experience

Attorney
Law Office of H Dana VanHee, PLLC
2005 - Present

Attorney
Mackenzie Hughes, LLP
2002 - 2005

Attorney
Bainton McCarthy, LLC, New York, NY
2001 - 2002

Attorney
Raab, Sturm & Goldman, LLP, New York, NY
2000 - 2001

Law Clerk
American International Group, Inc., New York, NY
1998 - 1998

Law Clerk
Onondaga County District Attorney's Office
1997 - 1997

View all work experience

Education

Western New England College School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1999

Northeastern University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1994

Legal Cases

Felony DWI Offender Charges Dismissed
Total Victory

Continuing Criminal Enterprise client gets 33 months
Total Victory

$62,000 Asset Seizure
100% recovery

View all legal cases

Associations

New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2016 - Present

FEAR.org (Forfeiture Endangers American Rights)
Listed Forfeiture Attorney
2015 - Present

New York State Bar Association
Member
N/A

Languages Spoken

English

Publications

Syracuse.com & The Post Standard
"Upstate NY Police Seize 8.5 Million a Year Without Having To Prove A Crime."
2016

Syracuse.com
2-Week-Long Manhunt Ends in 5 Minutes After SWAT Team Arrests Fugitive on Onondaga Nation
2015

Time Warner Cable News
Onondaga Nation Member Girlfriend: 'SWAT Team Never Had Permission to Come Onto That Land"
2015

Pressconnects.com/Part of the USA Today Network
Man gets 6 years in prison for role in Broome drug trio
2015

News.com.au/News Online From Australia and the World
Man Faces $5000 Fine For Accusing His Boss of Being A Foreign Spy
2014

WSYR News Channel 9, Syracuse, NY
Commentary on Boeheim Defamation Suit
2012

News Channel 10, Syracuse, NY
Homeless Man Hit Along the Onondaga Lake Parkway
2012

Syracuse.com
Defendant seeks drinking advice from Onondaga County judge
2010

www.syracuse.com
Roy Brown Will Get $2.6 Million From State
2008

Watertown Daily Times
Judge Denies Bail for Suspect in Shooting
2008

Watertown Daily Times
Federal indictment names six suspects
2008

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Attorney endorsements

Received (7)

Given (9)

Endorse H

Matthew Dotzler

Criminal defense Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Dana for several years and have seen his expertise and strong advocacy skills in representing his clients. I do not hesitate to endorse and recommend Dana VanHee."

Nicholas DeMartino

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Dana's extensive experience in civil litigation and criminal defense make him uniquely qualified in the area of federal forfeiture law. His high ethical standards and determined work ethic serve his client's exceptionally well."

Michael Spano

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. VanHee for several years. I have had many opportunities to see how he conducts himself in court. I have always found him to be prepared and have an excellent grasp of legal concepts. He also cares very much about providing a high level of service to his clients. Mr. VanHee is especially knowledgeable in the area of criminal asset forfeiture."

George Hildebrandt

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Dana as a fellow criminal defense lawyer for a number of years. He provides a strong defense for his clients, and I recommend him without hesitation."

Michael Bottar

Federal crime Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As one of upstate New York's top criminal defense attorneys - with unique experience handling some of the area's most significant forfeiture cases - Dana is well-known for his ability to secure excellent results in state and federal courts. Dana works tirelessly to protect his clients' rights. I endorse him without reservation."

Anthony Pietrafesa

Federal crime Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dana VanHee for some time and find him to be a man of compassion and an attorney of skill. I would refer to him for criminal matters. His knowledge of federal forfeiture rights is superb."

Robert Wells

Federal regulation Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Dana has developed a true expertise in the area of recovering assets seized by the government from ordinary folks; people who may actually be guilty of nothing. Dana brings the powerful big government to task and gets accountability for their actions. He has had money and property returned to people even though the government has taken possession of it from them and they hold on to it tightly. His ability and capability are unquestionable. Dana handles all the asset forfeiture work for my office."

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Matthew Dotzler

Speeding and traffic ticket