Michael Spano

Michael Spano

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Syracuse, NY
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Sex Crime ... +3 more

The Crown Building, 304 South Franklin Street, Syracuse, NY

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Aggressive, knowledgeable, criminal defense. New York State's only Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer. AV Rated by Martingale-Hubbell.

33 years

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 33 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1993

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael Spano

The Crown Building, 304 South Franklin Street, Syracuse, NY, 13202

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Michael Spano's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (28) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Professional and results-oriented with unmatched experienced

Michael Spano is an excellent defense attorney. We have been his clients for the past five months, and have experienced his skill in navigating the legal process to achieve the best outcome for us. With experience in both law enforcement and prosecution, his well-rounded background gives him a unique... understanding of the defense process -- which I believe translates to an advantage for his clients. I also found him to be trustworthy, committed, and willing to take time to explain. Highly recommended!

Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Couldn't Ask For A Better Lawyer

I give Mr. Spano the highest possible recommendation. Mr. Spano was extremely professional, courteous, responsive, and possess' a mastery of the legal system. Mr. Spano helped me navigate a somewhat unorthodox legal matter, he did so quickly and always kept me informed. He resolved my case with the b...est possible outcome. I recommend Mr. Spano for any legal issue ranging from the simplest to the most complex. Your won't find a better lawyer! Thanks Mike for all your help!

Posted by Matt | May 08, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Excellent experience and results

Dealing with a DWI was a very stressful experience for me; I had never been in any type of legal trouble before, and much of the information on DWIs I had read on the web was quite frightening -- fees, loss of license, insurance costs, potential jail time, a misdemeanor on my record. Mr. Spano was... very informative in explaining the charges against me, potential defenses, and the likelihood and range of outcomes I could expect. Equally important, Mr. Spano took the time to listen to my concerns and opinions -- which is something that many other attorneys I spoke with did not do. I unequivocally decided to go with his representation. Mr. Spano handled my case with expertise and great professionalism. The outcome was literally the best that I could have asked for -- he was not only able to negotiate my charges, but the fines and penalties associated with them as well. Most importantly, he got me through this rough time in my life and kept me from having a criminal record. While I hope to never *NEED* to use his services again, he would absolutely be the first person I turn to if I ever find myself in a legal bind again. Thank you Michael.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Spano's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Richard William Gunger headshot
Richard Gunger

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Having worked with Michael on various legal matters over our lengthy careers, it is truly an honor to recommend one of the most prominent Criminal Defense Attorneys in all of Upstate New York. Additionally, Michael and I have worked on many Criminal cases while he was in private practice as co- counsel in Auburn New York. Michael subsequently was hired as an Assistant District Attorney in Syracuse New York for the Onondaga District Attorney's Office. Michael quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to lead the Homicide Division as a Chief Prosecutor in Onondaga County for many years. He subsequently opened his own private practice of Law in Syracuse New York. Michael is the best of the best at what he does and I would highly recommend him without reservation to anyone in need of an Attorney regarding any high level Criminal matter."

Annaleigh Elizabeth Porter headshot
Annaleigh Porter

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phenomenal trial attorney!"

Matthew David Dotzler headshot
Matthew Dotzler

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Michael Spano. Michael is among the elite defense and trial attorneys in Central New York. I have witnessed him in trial on several occasions and always came away extremely impressed with his skill, knowledge, preparedness and advocacy. You can not find a better or more well-respected attorney than Michael."

Eric W. Sherwood headshot
Eric Sherwood

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Iman Abraham headshot
Iman Abraham

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Spano is truly one of the better trial attorneys in the area. His reputation speaks for itself. I not only endorse this lawyer, but would recommend my own family and friends to him. Many attorneys call themselves "trial lawyers," but very few are actual true litigators. Michael is a true courtroom litigator, and one of the best at it."

Anthony Richard Tuorto headshot
Anthony Tuorto

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Kari E Arnold headshot
Kari Arnold

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"Michael Spano is a true professional and highly skilled lawyer. I would strongly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."

Clifton C. Carden headshot
Clifton Carden

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael to the fullest. As a young prosecutor I watched many attorneys seek out Mike for guidance, experience, and advice. He conducts his legal practice in the same manner by always being available, providing sound legal opinions, and ensuring customer satisfaction."

Michael A. Bottar headshot
Michael Bottar

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a skilled attorney with an excellent reputation and a proven track record in and out of the courtroom. I strongly endorse him for criminal defense."

Michael J Palumbo headshot
Michael Palumbo

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer - great criminal defense attorney!"

George F. Hildebrandt headshot
George Hildebrandt

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Mike as both a prosecutor and fellow defense lawyer. He has extensive experience as a criminal trial lawyer, works hard and achieves great results for his clients. I can think of few other lawyers I would recommend as highly."

Charles Louis Falgiatano headshot
Charles Falgiatano

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mike for several years and on several occasions have referred people that I know to him for representation. He works hard for his clients and is committed to obtaining the best possible result. I strongly endorse Mike."

Thomas Bruno Mafrici headshot
Thomas Mafrici

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Mike Spano for many years when he was an assistant district attorney in Onondaga County. He was always accessible and fair. Now, as a defense attorney, he has an excellent reputation and has represented defendants in numerous high-profile cases. Plus, he was well liked in the office of the district attorney's office and I am sure he has good connections there."

View All Endorsements
Richard William Gunger headshot
Richard Gunger

Family lawyer

Annaleigh Elizabeth Porter headshot
Annaleigh Porter

Criminal defense lawyer

H Dana VanHee headshot
H VanHee

Criminal defense lawyer

Kari E Arnold headshot
Kari Arnold

Criminal defense lawyer

Clifton C. Carden headshot
Clifton Carden

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael A. Bottar headshot
Michael Bottar

Personal injury lawyer

George F. Hildebrandt headshot
George Hildebrandt

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Louis Falgiatano headshot
Charles Falgiatano

Unknown lawyer

Thomas Bruno Mafrici headshot
Thomas Mafrici

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2013

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

2012

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers

N/A

Board Certified, National Board of Trial Advocacy

Work Experience

1998 - 2008

Chief Assistant District Attorney, Onondaga County District Attorney's Office

1993 - 1998

Partner, Bentkofsky, Simmonds & Spano, LLC

Associations

2013 - Present

American College of Board Certified Attorneys

2010 - Present

National Board of Trial Advocacy

Onondaga County Bar Association

Member

Education

1992

Syracuse University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

Nazareth College

Speaking Engagements

2013

Criminal Law Seminar

Direct Examination

Avvo Rating

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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
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