Edward L. Fiandach

My experience with Mr. Fiandach and his team was exceptional. He treated me with kindness and dignity during one of the most daunting experiences in my life. Facing a second DWI in less than 10 years. Mr. Fiandach utilized his knowledge of the law, and close attention to detail to determine that my s...top was unlawful. He protected my rights, and by doing so he prevented a felony. This preserved my career, and my future. He and his team were prompt, professional, and provided me with comprehensive explanations and guidance on what to expect as my case moved through the legal processes. I placed my trust in his expertise and he was relentless in delivering the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Mr. Fiandach to anyone who is looking for representation.

In July of 2020, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was charged with my 3rd alcohol related driving offense. In the back of the police car, I asked to speak to my attorney, Ed Fiandach. It was midnight on a Saturday and Ed answered the phone within a couple of rings. Ed explained to me... that because this was my 3rd offense within 25 years, I did not have the option to refuse the breath test at the station. The laws changed in 2012 and if I refused the breath test at the station, best case scenario I would automatically lose my license for 5 years and then I’d have another 5 years with a restricted license where I would need a breathalyzer installed to legally drive – a total of 10 years. These laws were new to me but I trusted his guidance. At the station I blew a .13. I couldn’t believe it, still completely in shock. Afterwards, I was dropped off to a family member’s house both ashamed and embarrassed. The next day, I began researching the new DWI laws that passed in 2012. It turned out that because this was my 3rd offense in 25 years and if convicted of the traffic violation I would be over 20 points on my license, I would lose my license for the rest of my life. If convicted of either of the two DWI charges (VTL-1192(2) or VTL-1192(3)), I would no longer be able to drive in the United States for the rest of my life. Ed’s advice to blow into the breath test at the station was my only hope. I needed to overcome the traffic violation and both DWI charges to even have a chance at driving again. If I didn’t blow that night at the station, my life would have been forever changed as I wasn’t aware of the new laws. I hired Ed Fiandach exclusively. I needed the best attorney that was available – I did not have the option for settling. Ed’s credentials are vast and long. He’s board certified by the National College for DUI Defense and has more awards than any other DWI defense attorney in the area. He’s written books, publications, has over 200 articles pertaining to DWI/DUI enforcement, and has given over 300 lectures on related DWI/DUI topics and defense. In my opinion, he is arguably one of the best DWI defense attorneys in the nation. After numerous court dates with Ed fighting long and hard in my defense, we ended up having the breath test suppressed due to a technicality in new laws, and I was offered a plea bargain to DWAI which I accepted. This meant I would be suspended for 90 days and I would not lose my license for the rest of my life. I remain fully convinced that without Ed Fiandach, I would not be driving again. His attention to detail, knowledge of both old and new laws, and his many years of experience were truly put to the test in my case. He’s seen it all but even with unique cases like mine he simply figures it out. Ed is a pilar in our community, an exemplarily DWI defense attorney, and many times the only hope someone like me has when faced with serious DWI allegations. Do not settle, hire Ed Fiandach and his team.

I came to this firm not knowing what to expect. I had a previous DWI and used another lawyer and was convicted. Not much to say there. When I met with Ed, he was upfront and honest with me. He said from what I told him (an accident and high BAC, I bumped into a cop car) that there might not be mu...ch for a strong defense, but he would do everything he could and at the bare minimum at least try to keep me out of jail. Well, long story short, after several court appearances, hearings and a trial, I was found not guilty!!!! I almost fell to the floor! I cannot thank Ed enough. I learned a couple valuable lessons; one - I won't drink and drive again; and two - if you ever need an attorney for a DWI, Ed is the guy to call! P.S. Tim, Fran and Dan, his associates, are fantastic too! I met with them all, each had appeared with me and all were outstanding!!!!

I cannot say enough about Mr Ed Fianchach, and his team at Fiandach & Fiandach. When Ed met with me, he passed no judgement, however, was blunt and direct about possible outcomes. This was unfortunately my 2nd, and absolute last DWI. My first one, I contacted a lawyer who did not specialize in these ...cases, but had worked with some in the past. Things ended okay, but they could have been better. The outcome with Ed and his team were way better than I ever expected. I lost my license for 6 months. It could have been so worse. I signed up for a treatment program. It was suggested by Ed to do it right away, as the court will ultimately ask for it. And to be honest, it really did change myself and how I am. The court could see the real me and didn't think of me as a repeat offender, even though my history could have made them think otherwise. But I truly believe it was because of my representation. I met with Ed originally and he was at the very first court appearance. The 2nd appearance was with Daniel Magill, who did a great job. At the 3rd appearance, Mr Fiandach was there, and was the first tho shake my hand and did 2 things: a) Congratulate me on the outcome b) Told me how very lucky I was and how this is not over. Any more offenses and my punishment will be 1000 times worse. And I know he is right. The final piece to my puzzle was trying to see if the County court judge would reinstate my pistol permit, given my past. On the day of the hearing, Timoth Rath from the firm met with me for about 10-15 minutes, mainly shooting the breeze. When he represented our case to the judge, I could not believe honestly how well spoken he was, and how well he really captured me, who I am, my intentions in life and how I know what I did was wrong. All from a quick 10 minute conversation before going in. Fast forward...and I have just been reinstated for my NYS pistol permit. I cannot thank Fiandach & Fiandach enough for truly taking the time to work with me and standing by my side.

I contacted this office the day after my arrest. I met with Ed himself who assured me he would personally representing me. I was reassured that I was choosing the best option for circumstance. He recommended I have an alcohol evaluation done because the judge will want one and I will look good gettin...g it done early. At my first court appearance a man walked up asking my name & said he’s representing me today. He had my “file” and didn’t need any imformation from he said. The judge ordered intake an evaluation for next appearance. I was frustrated because the result of the one I just had was in my “file.” The DA and judge didn’t have it. Now the next appearance comes and its some different guy representing me. I actually see him almost every time after that. We rarely communicate and I’m just greatful I have my mother with me every time. Ow we get towards the end of things. The court interviews the trooper who pulled me over and I’m found guilty. Of course my lawyer, the DA and the judge are very friendly with and enjoy catching up with the trooper. He’s a friend to all apparently. So of course I’m found guilty. I’m ordered to attend a driver impact panel, take the DDP classes and to pay court fines and dmv costs. The judge and my lawyer assure me at that time that if I complete everything I shouldn’t even have to appear for the last date of compliance. I complete everything, except the DDP class as I was only in class 3 of 7. It took weeks for the dmv to get court paperwork to sign up for the class and the classes usually have monthly sign ups. So this was not by any fault of mine, as this compliance date was about 6 weeks out. A week prior to this date I called and spoke with Cassandra and explained that everything was completed except my completion of the DDP classes. She said she had to get back to me because there were no lawyers in the office. Okay, I called back that Friday, 2 days later. It was Cassandra again. She seemed to have an attitude or frustration that was calling again. She explained that there no lawyers in still and Monday was going to be a holiday, Labor Day so people were out. She would try to get answer by end of day. So Tuesday comes, my court date is Wednesday and my little preschooler’s first day of school ever. I was so excited and so was he that I bring him that first day. My court date for compliance is weighing on my mind though as it’s at 9am and I was getting anxious! I call Tuesday now, as they couldn’t help me Monday due to the holiday. Of course I get Cassandra. I’m frustrated now as she doesn’t have an answer from a lawyer still! She talks down to me and tells me I should have known I had court and had to appear and shouldn’t be upset because it’s what happens when I’m involved in something like this. If you could have seen my jaw drop! I’m so angry now and demand to talk to a lawyer or supervisor. She gets condescending and reply’s with things like I’d be so happy to do that for you and I hope your day gets better mam. I wanted to drive down there so she could look me in the face as she was speaking to me that way! I get Sue now. I explain how pissed I am and especially with Cassandra. Sue explains that Cassandra is new and should have taken care of everything the week proline but didn’t know that. Sue asked for an email with all of my paid receipts and notice I was enrolled in my class. She said the lawyer would represent me and I wouldn’t have to come to court that be t day. I thanked Sue and was feeling somewhat relieved. So of course nobody calls me after court or all week. I just wait for my documents to come in the mail. Saturday they come. It says that the judge has ordered another evaluation and a mandatory court appearance from me in 4 weeks! I’m beyond anger, frustration, sadness. Each evaluation costs me $200. Plus I thought I already complied and was sentenced & it’s less than 9 months since my last one.. I get it done & no lawyer shows up on my court date! My mom talks to Cassan