Christopher Jude Pelli

Christopher Jude Pelli

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Utica, NY
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

3 Derbyshire Pl, Utica, NY

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Everything from traffic infractions to murder

27 years | 1,000 cases

50%
Personal Injury 50%

All types of accidents (car, bus, taxi, motorcycle, airplanes trains, bicycle, etc.).

27 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 200-400 per hour

Contingency

25%-33%

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 25 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2000

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Christopher Jude Pelli

3 Derbyshire Pl, Utica, NY, 13501-4705

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Christopher Jude Pelli's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

39 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (39) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Todd | November 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent, Honest, Reliable Attorney Who Cares About The Rule of Law

In April 2019 I was falsely arrested based upon perjury. I was fortunate to find Christopher Jude Pelli’s website during a Google search. After speaking to him on the telephone, I set up a consultation at his office. Upon meeting with Mr. Pelli, I found him to be very kind, intelligent, knowledgeab...le about the law and an excellent advocate. Mr. Pelli is not about the money, but is genuinely interested in justice and the rule of law. Upon hiring Christopher Jude Pelli, he promised to do everything in his power to defend me to the best of his ability, and he delivered. Mr. Pelli knows the law and is quick to counter anything a prosecutor can throw at him. At one point, I was dealing with both dishonest police officers and judicial misconduct, and Mr. Pelli was calm and focused. He would often draft letters at night after a hearing regarding my case. Mr. Pelli called me and kept me informed via text and email. The prosecutor was no match for him, and the false charge against me was dismissed without prejudice. I have nothing but praise for Christopher Jude Pelli and I highly recommend him as an honest, capable, reliable attorney. Mr. Pelli will probably be a Judge someday. I consider him luck’s last match, struck in the pouring down rain. 5 STARS!

Posted by Amy | January 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Great Help

He was very fast in responding and he felt honest with his advice! Very great professional!!

Posted by N.C. | November 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Outstanding Counsel!

I just left the Courthouse relieved and very grateful because the disposition of my case was beyond what I could have ever hoped for. I was facing a very serious charge and I admit I was worried, but my decision to go with Chris Pelli was one of the best decisions I've ever made. His confidence, s...kills and expertise in Criminal Law got me the results I needed. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a top-notch lawyer that will give them the best defense possible! On a more personal note, the last time I got in trouble, I went with a court-appointed attorney-what a mistake! Not only did that guy not fight for me, but he talked me into taking a plea which resulted in my getting pretty much the maximum sentence. This time around however, I paid for a real attorney and let me tell you Chris was affordable and well worth every dime. Several lawyers had been reccommended to me but of the 3 or 4 I called, only Chris called me back almost immediately. I got nothing but answering machines for all the others. Even before I paid him a retainer, Chris took the time to thoroughly inquire about the particulars of my arrest, asked me about myself and answered all my questions. He didn't blow smoke up my *** instead he explained to me what I was facing and how he could help me. His personality is warm, compassionate and empathetic, but more importantly he is a sharp, enthusiastic and extremely competent litigator. In researching him, I learned that his colleagues and other members of the Bar hold him in very high regard -and justifiably so. His record is impressive-even for murder cases. He has a very good rapport with local Judges and DA's and believe me, that's very important. Instead of my case dragging out for months and racking up legal fees, Chris's shrewd negotiating skills resulted in my walking out a free woman on the day of my arraignment having only to pay a small fine. He told me he was prepared for trial if that's what I wanted and if it had gone that far, I have no doubt that he would have been a bulldog in court. I recommend Mr. Pelli to anyone who finds himself in serious trouble because he's definitely the professional you want next to you when facing a judge. Thanks to him, I can move on with my life and stay out of trouble-period. I have no doubt that Chris will continue to build upon his great reputation and help many more people like myself in the future. Thanks again Chris!!

Posted by Cameron | November 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Motorcycle Accident

Look no Further

Chris is the epitome of what all lawyers should emulate. I was in high-speed motorcycle accident in mid July 2016. A few days after the accident, I contacted Chris about representing me. He was honest and concise about what to expect during the process. It was not long into our initial sit down t...hat I noticed Chris' moral compass was set for due north. I could go on for days about Chris' character, but it will be evident to you within minutes of speaking to him. The truth is, Chris produces results. My accident was July 16, 2016. A large settlement check was issued to me on November 17, 2016. The best part you ask? No court. No hearings. No testifying. No back and forth. Chris literally handled everything. He always returned my calls within 24 hours. Chris is determined to get you what you deserve. Do yourself a favor. Choose Chris Pelli.

Posted by Victor | August 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Highly recommended

Christopher Pelli is an outstanding professional and that's an understatement! I contacted Chris after being accused of a horrible crime I did not commit. He responded within 30 minutes of my call and was very polite and gave me excellent legal advice. I hired him and will never regret it. My charges... were dismissed today and I thank him for obtaining justice for my family and me. The best lawyer in town!!

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Jude Pelli's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Michael Joseph Garcia headshot
Michael Garcia

Criminal defense lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I was fortunate to have Mr. Pelli assist me in resolving a case . His professionalism and the respect he garnered from everyone in the legal system was essential to the successful outcome we received . I will not hesitate to seek his opinions on all future matters . Mr Pelli is a very rare attorney who is caring , yet extremely knowledgable at the same time ."

Severyn Rebisz headshot
Severyn Rebisz

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Pelli's answers on Avvo show a great deal of knowledge of criminal law."

Christopher Douglas Mulder headshot
Christopher Mulder

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Todd Daniel Bennett headshot
Todd Bennett

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Chris for many years and always found him to be professional and hard working."

Malorie A. Carbone headshot
Malorie Carbone

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I admire and respect Chris as a colleague. He is very knowledgeable of the law and takes great pride in his work."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nicholas A. Passalacqua headshot
Nicholas Passalacqua

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a wonderful attorney, who zealously fights for his clients rights, in and out of court!"

Patrick Ferriter Scully headshot
Patrick Scully

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Chris's reputation as an experienced and skilled courtroom lawyer is well deserved. As a prosecutor, I had an opportunity to appear against a number of defense attorneys from across the State of New York and Chris was consistently among the most effective. I would strongly recommend Chris to anyone who is seeking qualified counsel for any type of criminal action."

Benjamin J Lieberman headshot
Benjamin Lieberman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Pelli dedicates his time to answering and consistently providing sound advice to the questions posed here on Avvo. It demonstrates his knowledge and expertise as well as his commitment to helping others. I endorse this lawyer."

Rebecca L. Wittman headshot
Rebecca Wittman

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have long maintained that if I were ever in trouble, Chris is the lawyer I would hire to represent me. Recently I needed Chris' services on a civil matter and he went above and beyond the call of duty. He did research which wowed the Court and opposing counsel and got the relief we were seeking. Outstanding work!"

View All Endorsements
Audrey Baron Dunning headshot
Audrey Dunning

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Douglas Mulder headshot
Christopher Mulder

Criminal defense lawyer

Ricardo J Mauro headshot
Ricardo Mauro

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicholas A. Passalacqua headshot
Nicholas Passalacqua

Criminal defense lawyer

Rebecca L. Wittman headshot
Rebecca Wittman

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas Michael Demarche Jr headshot
Douglas Demarche

Criminal defense lawyer

Todd Daniel Bennett headshot
Todd Bennett

Personal injury lawyer

Malorie A. Carbone headshot
Malorie Carbone

Divorce and separation lawyer

Karl Erik Manne headshot
Karl Manne

General practice lawyer

Benjamin J Lieberman headshot
Benjamin Lieberman

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2021

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Preeminent 4.5 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

Young Entrepreneur, 40 under 40

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Attorney, Christopher Jude Pelli, Esq. PLLC

2000 - 2003

Counsel, JETNET, Ltd.

1997 - 2000

Legal Aide, New York State Attorney General

Associations

2006 - Present

Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association

Admitted to Practice

2002 - Present

New York State Defenders Association

Member

2002 - Present

Herkimer County Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

NYS Attorney For Children

Member

2000 - Present

Oneida County Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

New York State Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2009

Herkimer County Bar Association

Vice President

2004 - 2005

Technology Committee - Oneida County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Derrick Carter

Indictment dismissed.

People v. Skelton

Plea bargain

People v. Auchmoody

Plea bargain

People v. Blake

Jury Verdict - Not Guilty on all counts.

Caruso v. Stewart

Settlement

Evans v. Fitzgerald

Settlement

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

Syracuse University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

Utica College of Syracuse University

English

Speaking Engagements

2005

The Law and Advancing Technologies

Law and technology

Publications

2014

Utica Observer Dispatch Sex Charges Dropped

2014

Utica Observer Dispatch Murder Appeal

2014

Utica Observer Dispatch Boating While Intoxicated

2014

The Weekly Adirondack Boating and Alcohol

2014

Utica Observer Dispatch Murder Indictment Dismissed

2014

Leagle.com NAPPI v. YELLACH

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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