Tom Anelli

PRO

Tom Anelli

4.7
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 28 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Syracuse, NY
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI

272 West Jefferson Street, Syracuse, NY

Virtual Consultation Available

About Tom

Biography

Have you been charged with a DWI in New York State?

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

DUI and DWI 100%

I have dedicated my entire career to assisting those charged with DWI. For years now I have attended nearly every major conference in the Nation designed to better defend those charged with DWI. I know have built up a team of attorneys whom know the same knowledge that help the wrongfully accused or the people that make a mistake (and realize it) ensure its not something that affects the rest of their lives.

30 years | 2,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2021
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 28 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1997

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Tom Anelli and Associates, PC

272 West Jefferson Street, Syracuse, NY, 13202

tomanellidwi.com/

Tom Anelli's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hire Sandra Alrabaa for any DWI offense!

Sandra Alrabaa was the best lawyer I could have ever had for my case. She worked her butt off for me. Always quick to answer my emails, text, and/or calls. My case was hard. I was facing jail time, and thanks to her, I do not have to see the inside of a jail cell. I could not thank her enough for her... hard work, dedication, and loyalty to myself and this case. I recommend her to anyone who needs help getting out of a difficult situation with a drinking and driving offense. A+ to Sandra Alrabaa. She is outstanding.

Posted by Angela ortiz | April 15, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Very gratefull

Thank you very much, you are excellent people and very kind. you did an excellent job

Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Fantastic experience

First and foremost I want to thank Evan, Katie and the entire Tom Anelli team for handling my case. Evan is the epitome of professionalism by handling my case in a timely manner and any questions I had he promptly replied to me. His reassurance that this does not make me a bad person was very encoura...ging for me to hear those words during this time. I would highly recommend Evan Naylor as your defense attorney hands down.

Posted by Hazel | November 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Brandon is the best

Brandon Hellwig from Tom Anelli was impressive. The first few months I had so much anxiety, but each time I talked to Brandon my anxiety lessened. He guided me through the next steps I needed to take, regarding everything in my life that this case affected. He was honest about my options, what might ...be possible, and was clear that his honest professional opinion will only come after he reviewed all the evidence. My entire livelihood was on the line and everything that I worked hard for! Brandon listened to my concerns and worked diligently on my behalf. One day he called me with an offer that was the best offer and did not require further delay. When we arrived at our next court date, no one could believe what had just happened and I mean no one. I mean! everyone looked like what/how. So yes, I have earned the right to say, “Brandon is the Man,” and although I will never end up in another position where I will need Brandon, he is my go-to and if you want a good defense, he will hopefully your go to as well. My initial consultation was warm, comforting, and welcoming. I did have an issue when I could not get Brandon on the phone right away, but Kaylee was awesome in delivering messages and listening to me vent, sorry Kaylee and I do appreciate you. I do, however, get why the system is set up in such a way. At the end of the day, he can work to get favorable outcomes if he is listening/talking to people like me all day with their anxiety at 150%. A bit pricey but worth your life and freedom.

Posted by Jon | October 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

They truly care and work hard for the best result

I can not speak highly enough about Evan Naylor and this firm. It was a rocky start at first but when Evan took over my case, he proved to me i was in good hands. Evan explained all options good & bad, but always had a positive attitude and never gave up & fought hard till the very end. Evan Nayolr s...howed me that i was more than a client. Thank you Evan & Tom Anelli!!!

See All Client Reviews

Tom Anelli's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Tom
John Charles Bateman headshot
John Bateman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Anelli is a dedicated, tenacious advocate who fights for his clients."

Elisha Rachel Rudolph headshot
Elisha Rudolph

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Experienced and dedicated attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Jeffrey J. Padgett headshot
Jeffrey Padgett

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Other

"There is a reason he's known as The Dui Guy."

Paul Stanko headshot
Paul Stanko

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Irvin Simser headshot
Christopher Simser

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Thomas Anelli is better versed in DWI defense than any attorney I have ever met or spoken with. His practice combines years of experience and hundreds of cases. He has completed a significant amount specialized training usually reserved for prosecutors, policemen, or members of the scientific community. His firm employs experts that are able to explore every possible avenue of DWI defense. In sum, if you are charged with a DWI in New York State, Thomas Anelli is the man you want to speak with to assist you."

Kevin Kelly O'Brien headshot
Kevin O'Brien

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Steven Ernest Kellis headshot
Steven Kellis

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Tom Anelli is one of the best DWI Lawyers in the country. His knowledge of DWI Law is very impressive and I highly recommend him to any perspective clients who were arrested in New York for DWI."

Eric Tolin Schwartzreich headshot
Eric Schwartzreich

Unknown lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Tom for over 15 years. He is precise, skilled, knowledgeable and competent."

James O Ruane headshot
James Ruane

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Atty. Anelli for a number of years and he is my NY State resource for all issues related to DUI. I wholeheartedly endorse his work - and would recommend him to any family member of my own that needed DUI representation in NY. I have seen, in person, the dedication he has to mastering the defenses he raises for his clients and know that anyone trusting their case to Anelli Xavier is in the best of hands."

John Hunsucker headshot
John Hunsucker

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is the go to DWI guy in New York. I have spent many hours discussing DWI defenses and tactics with Tom at various national DWI seminars over the last several years and continue to be amazed at the cutting edge approach Tom and his DWI team take to defend his clients. If I had a loved one facing DWI charges in New York, Tom is who I would hire."

Bruce Edge headshot
Bruce Edge

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is the clear choice for who I would send a client needing help in New York. He is a skilled attorney who also cares about his clients. He is constantly working to improve his already impressive wealth of knowledge. Tom is the man for sure"

Steve Wayne Sumner headshot
Steve Sumner

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have no reservations about endorsing Tom Anelli and his amazing practice in New York. Not only is he a great attorney who gets wonderful results for his clients, but he is also a man who has respect from his peers. That's not so easily earned in our field. I would not hesitate to recommend Tom to a friend or a family member."

Donald John Ramsell headshot
Donald Ramsell

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thomas Anelli is a hardworking fighter. If you have been arrested for DWI, then call Tom now!"

Darren Mark Finebloom headshot
Darren Finebloom

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Tom for many years. We have been to DUI seminars together and I have the utmost respect for the way he practices law and represents his clients. If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI I highly recommend Tom he is an exceptional attorney."

Mark L. Stevens headshot
Mark Stevens

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Tom Anelli is at the top of the DWI and criminal defense field in New York state. Any prospective client would be wise to hire him."

James Morris Balagia headshot
James Balagia

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have to admit that I am biased in my endorsement of Tom Anelli. Tom and I have been friends and colleagues for about seven years. I met Tom while attending a top national DUI seminar and was immediately impressed by his legal knowledge, intensity of personality, experience in our field and his total committment to victory. More important was Tom's level of character and honesty. Tom and I exchange ideas on trial tactics and trial strategies and I am the better for it. Throughout my network of nationally known DUI attorneys Tom is known as a hard hitting trial lawyer and a master of cross examination of arresting officers. Tom has worked hard to attain the top level of respect as a trial lawyer in the Syracuse area and is my "go to guy" when I am asked for a referral there. As a former cop and judge, I know how to spot a winner in the courtroom. When you have to win your case or attain an alternative result that keeps you employed and out of jail Tom is your man. - the DWI Dude"

Michael Jeffrey Kessler headshot
Michael Kessler

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom Anelli is a superb DUI defense lawyer. He is the one I turn to when I need help with NY law."

Theodore Lyons Araujo headshot
Theodore Araujo

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom has spent his entire career creating one of the largest, most sophisticated specialty firms in the United States. I know his work and i know him personally. Tom makes sure that all of his clients receive personal attention and their problems are his problems. Even at social gatherings Tom is talking in confidence to his fellow attorneys to determine strategies to help his clients. I wholeheartedly recommend Tom to you and unhesitatingly send my own clients to him when they need these services."

Jason M Kalafat headshot
Jason Kalafat

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is an excellent DUI attorney. He possesses the highest ethics and abilities, and he puts his clients' interests first. I fully recommend him."

Calvin Andrew Carroll headshot
Calvin Carroll

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is an exceptional lawyer. His commitment to excellence in the defense of his clients is second to none. When you need the best New York DWI lawyer, Tom is the lawyer you need."

View All Endorsements
Ian Penders headshot
Ian Penders

DUI and DWI lawyer

Derek Sean Wild headshot
Derek Wild

DUI and DWI lawyer

Elisha Rachel Rudolph headshot
Elisha Rudolph

DUI and DWI lawyer

Derek S Andrews headshot
Derek Andrews

DUI and DWI lawyer

Richard Caro Roxin headshot
Richard Roxin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Christopher Irvin Simser headshot
Christopher Simser

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jeff D. DeFrancisco headshot
Jeff DeFrancisco

Medical malpractice lawyer

Mark L. Stevens headshot
Mark Stevens

DUI and DWI lawyer

Darren Mark Finebloom headshot
Darren Finebloom

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Hunsucker headshot
John Hunsucker

DUI and DWI lawyer

Theodore Lyons Araujo headshot
Theodore Araujo

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Edward Stephen Ryan headshot
Edward Ryan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Calvin Andrew Carroll headshot
Calvin Carroll

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jason M Kalafat headshot
Jason Kalafat

Criminal defense lawyer

Justin James McShane headshot
Justin McShane

DUI and DWI lawyer

David B. Benowitz headshot
David Benowitz

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Top New York Lawyer, Arrive Magazine

2010

BV Rating, Distinguished Lawyer, Very High Legal Ability, Martindale Hubbell

2008

Certfified in the Science of Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing, National Patent Analytical Systems

2007

Certified Instructor Field Sobriety Testing, Walden Platt & Associates

2006

DUI Award of Excellence, DUI-Help.com

2005

Certified Practioner In Field Sobriety Testing, Walden Platt & Associates

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Founding Member, Tom Annelli & Associates, PC

2003 - 2017

Senior Attorney, Anelli Xavier, PC

Associations

2009 - Present

Bar Association of Erie County

Member

2005 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2005 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2004 - Present

National Association for Criminal Justice

Member

1997 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

Onondaga County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Smith

Dismissed in the interest of justice.

State v. Scubsci

Dismissal on Motions

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

St. Thomas University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

Syracuse University

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2011

Strategies in Defending DWI

DWI Defense

2011

Joran Van Der Sloot Documentary

Criminal Law

2011

DUI Masterminds Group

DWI Defense

2010

The Learning Channel

LIve Commentary on Natalee Holloway Documentary

2009

Court TV / Tru TV

Live Trial Commentary Expert Analysis - Ward Case

2009

Court TV / Tru TV

Live Trial Commentary Expert Analysis - Nauman Case

2008

DWI Update

DWI Defense

2008

Court TV / Tru TV

Live Trial Commentary Expert Analysis - Hough Case

2008

Court TV / Tru TV

Live Trial Commentary Expert Analysis - Walker Case

2007

News Ten Now

Legal Expert Analysis Police Chief Charged with DWI

2007

Court TV / Tru TV

Live Trial Commentary Expert Analysis - Haq Case

2007

Court TV / Tru TV

Live Trial Commentary Expert Analysis - Entwistle Case

2006

WTVH News Channel 5

Expert DWI Commentary

2006

WSYR News Channel 9

Expert DWI Commentary

Publications

2011

New York Law Journal Only Half of Interlock Devices Ordered After Leandra Law Violations Are Actually Installed

2011

Syracuse Post Standard DWI prevention, not penalty.

2010

New York DWI Survival Guide A Citizen's Protection Manual

2010

What You Need To Know Right Now If Your Charged With A DWI In New York A Guide To Those Charged with DWI

2008

The DUI Book, New York Edition Book for DUI Clients

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • 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
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution