Serving all of New York at the State and Federal levels.
James L. Riotto is a lawyer with offices in Albany and Rochester who has an impressive law enforcement background combined with substantial criminal defense experience. His extensive experience as a state trooper and within law enforcement and criminal prosecution has provided him with a unique perspective that sets him apart from other Rochester criminal defense attorneys. Clients get the benefit of an attorney with a clear understanding of both sides of their legal issues.
State and federal law enforcement experience
Prior to attending law school, Mr. Riotto graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy in Glynco, Georgia with honors, and subsequently took positions as an officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and then with the New York State Department of Corrections. After being certified as a New York State Police Officer at the University Police Department at SUNY Oswego, in 2000 he became a New York State Trooper specializing in criminal investigations, traffic enforcement and DWI.
Mr. Riotto’s education and experience provide him with detailed knowledge of the various systems, policies and procedures utilized by New York and federal law enforcement agencies. As a New York State Certified Instructor, he educated New York police recruits before deciding to use his experience to pursue a career in the legal field.
Legal background in criminal prosecution and defense
Mr. Riotto began his legal career by completing internships with state, city, county and federal judges in New York. In those positions, he researched various civil and criminal issues and assisted with drafting judicial opinions. During law school, he worked at the New York State Liquor Authority, where he reviewed investigative reports, Alcohol Beverage Control ("ABC") violations and liquor license applications, and helped decide whether to approve or deny the applications.
Before beginning his practice as a Rochester criminal defense attorney, Mr. Riotto took a position with the New York State Attorney General's Office, Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, where he researched investigations, drafted criminal charges and assisted in many high-profile criminal investigations into state agencies, including the New York State Police. Mr. Riotto went on to work at the Albany County District Attorney's Office, Major Offense Bureau, where he contributed to prosecuting several felony criminal matters, including DWI offenses.
In 2008, Mr. Riotto received the Daniel S. Dwyer Fellowship Stop DWI Award, established in 2001 and awarded to a law student to assist in the prosecution of DWI cases. The fellowship recipient must have achieved superior academic standing and have demonstrated an interest in criminal law. As a Rochester DWI attorney, he is able to utilize the experience he gained in that role.
6
Practice Areas
14 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: New York
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
30 West Broad Street, Suite 100, Rochester, NY, 14614
riottolaw.com/
Other places you can find James online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 143 reviews
Posted by Sam | February 16, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Highly impressed by Riotto Law Firm
As a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, I hold integrity, professionalism and performance as characteristics that I value. I retained Mr Riotto based on the recommendation of another lawyer, and Mr Riotto exemplifies integrity, professionalism and performance. My case reached the outcome I desired ve...
Posted by Aaron | January 30, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Office of James L. Riotto Review
Was issued a speeding citation (first time offense), and team at the Office of James L. Riotto took care of the matter for me. I was skeptical at first since I wasn't sure what I was doing, but the team explained the whole process in understandable terms. Very responsive to emails and phone calls and...
Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Highly Recommend the Law Office of James Riotto
I had a wonderful experience working with the law office of attorney James Riotto. In my 20 years of driving in the area, I received a traffic ticket for the first time late one night in August last year. I was a bit shaken by it and the attorney's team especially Michela Deaton was very helpful and ...
Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Excellent Lawyer
I had an excellent experience working with James Riotto and his team on my speeding case in New York. From start to finish, they were professional, responsive, and very clear about the process and expectations.
Posted by Colin | January 08, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Best decision I could have made was Hiring James L Riotto
Best choice for an attorney in Rochester hands down, fees were very reasonable. Responsive, diligent, and results driven. Got my ticket completely dismissed. A++
"I've worked against Mr. Riotto when I was a prosecutor and now with him as a fellow private attorney- he is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about representing his clients. Highly recommend him!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jim is an excellent lawyer. He fights for every client, is incredibly knowledgable and very skilled as an attorney. I have worked with him on several matters. He gets the job done and done well. You want him on your team."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim knows his stuff. Bottom line. I have worked with him on several cases and he was always thorough and prepared. He has always been willing to help me out as a fellow attorney and his materials are always top notch."
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jim a tenacious, hard working attorney. He leaves no stone un-turned in defense of his clients. He has earned the respect of his peers in the legal community."
"Mr. Riotto regularly appears in the courts around Monroe County. I see him regularly, and he is always well-prepared and an asset to his clients. I endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Riotto is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have known James Riotto for six years, first as a classmate in law school and now as a fellow attorney. I have every confidence in his abilities and more importantly in his character. His knowledge is not only based on textbooks and what is learned in the classroom, but his years of experience in law enforcement. This background gives him a better understanding of procedure and what is needed to properly represent a client. James is well informed, hard working and professional, this is evident by his dedication to his clients and his willingness to assist and work with other attorneys. He is well respected and it is a pleasure to endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jim is a dedicated, hard-working attorney. His law enforcement background provides clients with insight unusual for this community. I endorse this lawyer."
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2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
AV Preeminent Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Client Recognition, LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell/Lawyers.com
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Stars, "SuperLawyers®"
2019
Client Recognition, LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell/Lawyers.com
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Judicial Edition, LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Rising Stars, "SuperLawyers®"
2018
AV Preeminent, ALM/Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Judicial Edition, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2011 - Present
Owner, The Law Office of James L. Riotto
2012 - 2016
Adjunct Professor, SUNY Brocport
2007 - 2008
Legal Intern, New York State Attorney General's Office
2000 - 2007
Trooper, New York State Police
1998 - 2000
Police Officer, SUNY Oswego
1997 - 1998
Correction Officer, NYS Dept of Corrections
2011 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Monroe County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
New York State Defenders AssociationMember
DWI conviction reversed
Unanimous Reversal
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2016
Careers in the Legal Field
2015
CLE Field Sobriety Testing
2013
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
2012
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
2014
2014
English
