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Nicholas J. DeMartino

Criminal defense Attorney at Syracuse, NY

5.0   19 reviews

also known as Nick DeMartino

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 37 years
    State NY
    Acquired 1986
    Status
    Currently Registered No misconduct found

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

About Nicholas

Learn Nicholas’s areas of practice.

A FORMER JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR WITH OVER 35 YEARS OF COURTROOM AND TRIAL EXPERIENCE

     Nick is a lifelong resident of Syracuse, and of the City’s “Northside.” A graduate of Henninger High School, Nick holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (summa cum laude) in Political Science from Brockport State University, in Brockport, New York, and a Juris Doctor Degree from Western New England College, School of Law, in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

     Nick began his legal career in 1986 by serving as a Deputy County Attorney with the Onondaga County Department of Law, where he prosecuted child abuse and neglect cases. He then went on to serve for 15 years as an Assistant District Attorney with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. During his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, Nick prosecuted general felony cases, violent felony and career criminal cases, as well as narcotics cases. He served in the the Homicide Bureau for 11 years and also served as Chief of the White Collar Bureau. While in the Homicide Bureau, Nick investiagted and prosecuted over 100 murder and death penalty - eligible cases. 

     As an A.D.A., Nick’s administrative duties included serving as Supervisor of Project P.R.O.U.D., the District Attorney’s felony drug diversion program, Supervisor of Project Safe   Schools, and was the District Attorney’s liaison to both the Neighborhood Watch Groups of Syracuse and Neighborhood Watch of Central New York.

     Nick left the District Attorney’s Office in 2004 as a Chief Assistant assigned to the Homicide Bureau.   

     In 2001, Nick served as a Syracuse City Court Judge, during which time, among his other duties, he initiated and presided over Syracuse Community Court. 

     In 2004 he joined the Syracuse law firm of Costello, Cooney & Fearon as Special Counsel, where he specialized in Family Law, Criminal Defense and Insurance Defense. 

     Nick served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Cazenovia College, in Cazenovia, New York for 20 years, where he taught Business Law, Sports Law and Legal and Business Ethics. He also frequently serves as a guest lecturer at Syracuse University and at the Syracuse University School of Law.   

      In 2007, Nick resumed his work as a prosecutor when he joined the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Criminal Prosecutions Bureau. As an A.A.G., Nick coverd an approximate seven county Central New York Region and concentrated primarily on the investigation and prosecution of white collar, financial and environmental crimes.

      In 2015, Nick left the Attorney General's Office and joined the firm of Green & Brenneck, in Syracuse, where he specializes in all aspects of criminal defense, including homicides, major felonies, white collar, DWI and Vehicle and Traffic matters. Nick practices in all counties in New York and is admitted to practice in United States Federal Court, Northern District of New York.

      In July, 2018, Nick opened his own Criminal Defense law firm in Syracuse. His practice includes all aspects of criminal defense, ranging from simple traffic tickets to homicides. 

      Nick currently serves on the New York State Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section Executive Committee and served as the Committee's representative to the New York State Bar House of Delegates. He also serves as the Chairperson of the Criminal Justice Section's Continuing Legal Education Committee.

      In addition, he serves as Chairperson of the Criminal Law Section, Membership Committee and Animals and the Law Committee of the Onondaga County Bar Association. He is also the Director of the O.C.B.A.'s Volunteer Advocate Lawyer in Animal Abuse Court (V.A.L.A.C.) Program. In 2014, Nick served as the President of the Onondaga County Bar Association. 

      In December, 2016, Nick received the American Red Cross of Central New York's "Real Heroes Award" for his work with the V.A.L.A.C. Program.

     Nick’s community activities include serving as President of The Friends of Schiller Park and serves on the Board of Directors of the Central New York Animal Abuse Task Force and P.E.A.C.E., Inc., He has served as Chairperson of The Columbus Day Parade Through Little Italy, and has coached soccer at the Eastwood Soccer League, and basketball at Our Lady of Pompei School, in Syracuse. Nick has also served as the host of the radio show “Music D’Italia.” 

     Nick is the proud father of his daughter Elizabeth, a Senior at Oswego State University, son Joe, an engineer for SONY in Troy, Michigan and three rescue Pit Bulls, Domino, Tyra and Aphrodite. 

Photos and videos

Contact Nicholas

Nicholas J. DeMartino, Attorney at Law
120 East Washington Street
Suite 631
Syracuse, NY, 13202

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
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Posted by Martin | March 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trustworthy and masterful
There are not enough superlatives to describe Nicholas J. Demartino. Nick is a master of his craft. He understands the system from every angle and is able to focus in on what needs to be done to bring victory. At a time when it was easy to lose faith in the system entirely, Nick went above and beyond to do everything he could to secure justice. He did everything he said he would do, never gave any false expectations or hope, but helped me stay confident and positive in the face of some daunting charges. He was a rock for us, he was always available, ready to talk and answer questions, explaining everything along the way. In the end, largely because of Nick's diligence and careful guidance, my case was dismissed and I could breathe free again. I hate to think of what might have been my fate had I not had Nick on my side. I'm so grateful for all he did and I recommend him to you whole heartedly. Choosing Nick will be one of the best decisions you ever make.
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Posted by John C. | October 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
There aren’t enough great words!
Nick DeMartino has been my atty over the last several months and has helped me immeasurably. First and foremost, he has been readily available whenever I have called him. He has always been calm, supportive, and responds with sound advice. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the legal system. I trust him, I like him as a person, and I highly recommend him.
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Posted by N.J. | September 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic!
I could not be more pleased Nick as the counsel for my DWI case. From the moment I walked in his office door I felt respected and heard- never judged. He offered a concrete course of action and was able to waylay my fears. He seems to be highly respected by the judge and was able to achieve our desired outcome efficiently and expertly. I can’t recommend him highly enough.
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Posted by Elizabeth | July 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Caring Attorney
Attorney DeMartino took on my case with the utmost professionalism, which resulted in a successful result. Attorney DeMartino was available for all questions and concerns through out my case reducing stress. He is a confident, knowledgeable, sincere, and caring attorney. After the consultation I was left with no doubt he was the attorney for the case at hand. I absolutely 100% recommend Attorney DeMartino… 5 stars can’t begin to give this true professional gentleman the credit he deserves.
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Posted by John | July 2, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent and Caring Attorney
We hired Nick DeMartino to defend us and the safety of our dog after an accidental biting incident, His caring, professionalism and legal advice were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome and saving our beloved pet. If you are in the situation where you need to protect your pet as well as your rights, I would strongly recommend retaining Nick DeMartino.
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Posted by Ismael | February 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Nick DeMartino is a grade A attorney. When you go to court you want a lawyer who is thoroughly prepared to argue the facts of your case AND get you the best results possible. Nick represented me on a case and I had a favorable outcome on some serious charges. I would recommend him to anyone that is in a legal jam and serious about getting a lawyer.
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Posted by Ben | June 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One of the greatest in the area
Nick has been representing me for almost 3 years now. He has defended me better than I could have defended myself. I took what I said to him and he ran with it every time. As long as your honest with him, he will be honest with you. If your truly innocent he will fight for you till the bitter end. I couldn't be happier with Nick. I feel blessed to have been put in his good graces
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Posted by Julie | June 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Saved my Life, Career and dignity.
Attorney Nick DeMartino’s legal representation not only saved my career but it most importantly saved my life. He never gave up on me even when I screwed up. I had started to lose hope in life and the only thing that kept my hope alive was Mr. DeMartino and knowing that I had the best attorney possible. I can’t thank him enough and he will always have a special place in my heart. If you need an attorney to represent you he is the best when it comes to criminal law and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
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Posted by Michael | May 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Charges Dismissed!!!
Nick worked tirelessly to get the charges against me dismissed. When the DA offered a plea deal which was not agreeable by me... Nick stuck by me and after 4 appearances and several defense arguments presentted.... we achieved the dismissal I was looking for. Nick is well prepared, articulate and has great presentation skills.... It is very apparent the judges respect and admire his experience and service to the community for almost 40 years! I would highly recommend Nick when you need a credible formidable advocate!
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Posted by Terry | May 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer Around
I had Nick on the case that I had No way out of no lawyer could help me every lawyer said I was going to jail for a long time with Mr. DeMartino’s capabilities and his good investigation skills he was able to get me out when no one else could do it the most friendly the most honest lawyer I have ever met he is the best around if you need your case done and done right and done timely called Nick he is the best without a doubt
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Posted by anonymous | March 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Remarkable, very thorough
Mr. Demartino was a fantastic lawyer. He helped me out tremendously in a DWAI case. He was helpful in both legal and personal advice regarding my situation. I would recommend him to anyone regarding any legal matter, as I’m sure he’s just as precise and efficient in every case he takes on.
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Review
He is a very good laywer had him for a couple of cases and he got me a great deal would highly recommend him
Posted by Becca | May 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
On a Scale of 1-5, Easily merits a 10+
To begin with, this scale only allows 5 stars but he and his work easily surpass a 10+ rating. I engaged Mr. DeMartino - on several occasions - to address overdue vehicle infractions, one was over 6+ months late while the other was almost a year; since I didn’t realize I was (almost) additionally charged with AUO. He didn’t “meet expectations”, he surpassed them on every front. The characteristics he embodied: extreme professionalism, concientiousness, drive and focus, dedication and understanding, and intelligence - all roles into one. And these are just a few. Furthermore, he actually cared very much not only about my infractions bit of me. He treated me as if he had no other clients or responsibility but me. He wasn’t only calm and collected but was also compassionate. He regularly and proactively communicated even following up when I didn’t address something I was supposed to and when I wasn’t getting him the information and payment of my associated fines. Further, he dropped everything to speak/meet with me, again treating me like I was his only client. And the result? My he worked and plead down my infractions to a negligible almost irrelevant extent. Complete satisfaction on my part. I don’t believe there’s another person, much less such an intelligent and experienced attorney, who could encompass and exceed characteristics of this nature.
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Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly, highly recommend
I was being charged with manslaughter -1 and assault -2 and looking at up to 25 years in prison and Nick was my defense attorney, I was recently acquitted. Nick kept me updated on everything going on with my case both while incarcerated and out on bail. Nick is very professional and knows what he’s doing and very good at explaining if you don’t fully understand something. He was also very supportive and reassuring during times when I felt I had no hope, he helped lift me back up and look at the positives in my case. Nick always asked how I was doing and if I was alright and also asked how my family was doing during these tough times. Nick is very straightforward and doesn’t keep anything from you. I am very thankful for Nick and everything he’s done for me. Overall he is an awesome and caring person! I would highly recommend him!!!!
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Posted by ROHAN | September 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
CONFIDENT AND VERY PROFESSIONAL
I WAS CHARGE WITH CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF FORGE INSTRUMENT,AND A SLEW OF OTHER CHARGES LOOKING AT A MINIMUM TWO YEARS IN GENERAL THE COURT SYSTEM CAN BE TRULY UNFAIR BUT WHEN YOU HAVE A LAWYER THATS NAME NICHOLAS .J.DEMARTINO, IT,S ONLY ABOUT MASTERY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ,HE TOLD ME HE WILL GET ALL CHARGES DISMISS AND HE DID ,ITS LIKE HE WAS THE JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR AT ONCE I WILL RECOMMEND NICK TO ANYONE I KNOW.
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Posted by Joseph | September 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best of the Best
At the age of sixteen I was wrongly accused with a felony charge for a crime that I did not commit. During this time my family and I knew little to nothing about the criminal justice system. Nick DeMartino came highly recommended and as soon as I met him, I regained faith that everything was going to be okay. He always kept constant contact and stood by my side giving me the courage to fight for my innocence. In the midst of my darkest times, Nick was my shining beacon of hope offering me life lessons that I will never forget. His expertise, hard work, and dedication ultimately led to my exoneration. If you or your loved ones are in need of a miracle, this man literally saved my life.
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Posted by Jennifer | August 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal case
Nicholas is an amazing lawyer.... he really knows the law and has a great repoire with clients and the da office. Nicholas did an amazing job resolving my case favorably.
Posted by Bill Shaw | August 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best around- Highly Recommend
He is amazing- he knew all along the trouble I was going thru. He has feelings- he knows the impact this was having on myself and family. He is the real deal- he knows what he is doing. I highly recommend Mr. DeMartino. He fought and fought for me- he knew I was being set up. He is a great guy and even better attorney. I highly recommend him. He is a down to earth guy that fights to the end for you!!!! And he cares!!!!!
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Posted by Matt | August 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top Notch will go above and beyond
I was up against some serious charges from a bad time in my life and some really bad choices from weapons to other felony Dui and drug charges. Nick was very straight forth and advised me the best route and as in constant contact with me for any questions I needed or guidance in my cases. As stated I fortunately was new to having a defense lawyer and he helped me through a bad time of bad choices. I received great council and would hands down recommend Nick over any other attorney I either would have had a choice of or hired. Nick fought for me and got me through a truly rough time and never during my case being in his hands did I ever feel I had made the wrong choice. Punctual when I had questions about my cases, showed up ,early to every appearance to meet with me personally to consult me on the updates of the case and even allowed My family support structure to be involved in listening in and on letting us understand in bystanders terms what I was up against due to my mistakes. Thanks to Nick I gained the least of my consequences due to his fighting for me and knowledge of the law. His professionalism and making me understand the consequences and routes we were gonna take and why made my case allot more settling mentally. Highly recommended and one of a kind
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Criminal Defense Attorney
  • Law Office of Nicholas J. DeMartino
  • 2018 - 2018
  • Attorney at Law
  • Green & Brenneck
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Assistant Attorney General
  • New York State Attorney General's Office
  • 2007 - 2015
  • Special Counsel
  • Costello, Cooney & Fearon
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Syracuse City Court Judge
  • State of New York
  • 2001 - 2001
  • Chief Assistant District Attorney
  • Onondaga County District Attorney's Office
  • 1988 - 2004
  • Deputy County Attorney
  • Onondaga County Department of Law
  • 1986 - 1988
View all work experience

Education

  • National College of District Attorneys
  • Career Prosecutor Course
  • 1989
  • Western New England College School of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1983
  • State University of New York Brockport
  • Bachelor of Science
  • 1979

Legal Cases

  • People v. Dennard
  • Successful jury verdict
  • People v. Masterpol
  • Victory for Nick's client.

Associations

  • Volunteer Advocate Lawyer for Animal Abuse Court
  • Director
  • 2014 - Present
  • CNY Animal Cruelty Task Force
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Membership Chairperson
  • 2010 - Present
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Criminal Law Section Chairperson
  • 2009 - Present
  • Friends of Schiller Park, Syracuse NY
  • President
  • 2009 - Present
  • New York State Bar Association Executive Committee
  • Criminal Law Section 5th District Delegate
  • 2009 - Present
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Board of Directors
  • 2009 - Present
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • President
  • 2014 - 2014
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • President-Elect
  • 2013 - 2013
  • New York State Bar Association Executive Committee
  • Criminal Law Section Representative to the House of Delegates
  • 2012 - 2016
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Vice President
  • 2012 - 2012
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Secretary
  • 2011 - 2011
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • At-Large Member Executive Committee
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Onondaga County Bar Association
  • Talk to a Lawyer Clinic
  • 2009 - 2017
  • Cathedral Academy at Pompei School
  • Girl's Basketball Coach
  • 2008 - 2009
  • Onondaga County Assigned Counsel Program
  • Board of Directors
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Eastwood Soccer
  • Coach
  • 2004 - 2011
  • Northside Walk of Honor Committee
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Columbus Day Parade Through Little Italy Committee
  • Chairperson
  • 2003 - 2007
  • Neighborhood Watch Groups of Syracuse
  • Board of Directors
  • 2002 - 2012
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Attorney
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Award for Creation of the Volunteer Animal Advocate Program
  • Cuse Pit Crew
  • 2017
  • Real Heroes Award - Animal Rescue
  • American Red Cross of Central New York
  • 2016
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • State of New York Office of the Attorney General
  • 2015
  • The Rev. Lawrence Briggs Memorial Major Award
  • The Syracuse Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
  • 2002
  • "Making a Difference"
  • The M.I.S.T.E.R. Program
  • 2001
  • Dedicated Service
  • Onondaga County Law Department
  • 1988
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Young Lawyer's Section Trial Academy
  • Evidence - Foundations and Objections
  • 2017
  • Animal Abuse Court: Advocacy, Training and Process
  • Volunteer Advocate Lawyer for Animal Abuse Court Process and Procedure
  • 2017
  • Assigned Counsel Program Training
  • Zealously Representing Your Client While Maintaining Your Civility
  • 2017
  • Mortgage Fraud Forum VII
  • Breaking Bad: Lawyer's Edition
  • 2014
  • New York State Bar Association Young Lawyer's Association Trial Academy
  • Evidence, Foundations, and Objections
  • 2014
  • Criminal Law Series
  • Preparing a Case for Trial
  • 2013
  • New York State Bar Association Young Lawyer's Association Trial Academy
  • Evidence, Foundations, and Objections
  • 2013
  • Mortgage Fraud Forum V
  • Boom to Bust
  • 2012
  • New York State Bar Association Young Lawyer's Association Trial Academy
  • Evidence, Foundations, and Objections
  • 2012
  • New York State Bar Association Young Lawyer's Association Trial Academy
  • Evidence, Foundations, and Objections
  • 2011
  • New York State Bar Association Young Lawyer's Association Trial Academy
  • Evidence, Foundations, and Objections
  • 2010
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Identity Theft
  • 2010
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Safeguarding Your Future - One Student Loan at a Time
  • 2010
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Your Child's D.I.G.I.T.A.L Life - Safety Tips for Parents
  • 2010
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Identity Theft
  • 2009
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Safeguarding Your Future - One Student Loan at a Time
  • 2009
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Your Child's D.I.G.I.T.A.L Life - Safety Tips for Parents
  • 2009
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Safeguarding Your Future - One Student Loan at a Time
  • 2008
  • Continuing Outreach Series
  • Your Child's D.I.G.I.T.A.L Life - Safety Tips for Parents
  • 2008
  • Continuing Legal Education Program
  • Conducting a Direct Examination
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (1)
Endorse Nicholas
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Nick is one of the very best lawyers in New York State. His practice is 100% dedicated to helping those accused of crimes. He is the hardest worker I know. He has experience that is almost unmatched because he has been a homicide prosecutor, a judge and a defense lawyer. If a member of my family was facing very serious criminal charges....I would tell them to call Nick."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse Nick DeMartino. I have known Nick for eight years, both in his capacity as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. Nick is a highly skilled, knowledgeable attorney who always puts his clients' interests first. He is well-respected amongst judges, prosecutors and fellow attorneys in the local legal community. I do not hesitate to recommend and endorse Nick DeMartino."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Nick is an excellent criminal defense attorney with unparalleled state court criminal trial experience. He is bright, knowledgeable and an extremely effective advocate. I highly recommend Nick for your state court criminal defense matters."
Criminal defense

Avvo Contributions

0 Legal Answers 1 Legal Guides
Syracuse Criminal defense Lawyer Nicholas J. DeMartino
Nicholas J. DeMartino
Criminal defense Attorney
Syracuse, NY
Licensed for 37 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available