Luke Z. Fenchel

I hired Luke for a Felony DWI following a car accident. This was my second felony within 10 years. Needless to say, I needed help - legally and personally. Well, I ended up finding both through Luke. I was looking at possible prison and the DA wanted at least 6 months in jail, with 5 years probation.... I told Luke that if I was on probation and couldn't drive I would lose my full time job. He didn't promise a specific result, but told me how he would work to get what I wanted. I stopped drinking, attended AA meetings, and got right involved in treatment. By following his instructions, I insured the safety of the public, as well as kept myself safe, while I built up some serious sobriety, while he worked to negotiated a plea bargain. In the end, EVEN THE DA AND THE JUDGE RECOMMENDED A CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE, and not probation. The Judge said this was "very unusual" but we got it. I kept my driving privileges - unheard of in my county. All things being considered, I couldn't be more pleased. He doesn't beat around the bush, he is dead serious when it comes to ensuring the safety of the public and he does care about you. Don't expect to be coddled, just listen, follow his instructions, and make a decision to change the course of your life and he will come through for you. A family member in law enforcement recommended Luke after seeing him represent a serious DWI. I am very glad that I found Luke, and I would recommend him to any person facing a serious DWI.

I retained Luke for Title IX defense at a local College. What first impressed me about Luke was that he encouraged me to go out and "shop around" for other attorney's before signing a retainer with him. As someone who has never needed a lawyer my entire life, this demonstrated his professionalism and... desire to not just take my money. Luke is an excellent litigator and fiercely advocates for his clients. At every turn, he was quick to call out any procedural violation done by the school. He continually put pressure on Administrators to follow their own code of conduct. As apart of his work, he brilliantly documented a paper-trail of correspondence from Administrators that displayed their unwillingness to comply with their own rules and regulations. In addition, Luke was there at times for moral support. When the case began to weigh on me emotionally, he would provide a kind word and moment of encouragement. I truly believe he cared about my case and getting justice. It is important as a client, in any situation, to feel like your attorney has your back and believes in your case, and I never felt as if Luke did not believe in me. I recommend him without reservation. Luke is very good at explaining all possible options to his client and explaining complicated legal processes. I never felt left in the dark because Luke consistently communicated with me about the case. He is sharp, courteous, respectful, brilliant and has given me a chance to preserve my future.

As the father of a client it was important to me that we find an attorney with ample experience, a thorough approach and a capability to communicate. Luke does indeed have a significant body of experience with the specific charges as well as insight into and experience with the judge, both of which ...were useful in this case. He reviewed the salient points of our case; detailed very clearly the various overlapping legal and bureacratic jurisdictions that came to bear with making a plea and sentencing, and showed considerable patience with our case. During our first few meetings I felt that his communication, ehile full and accurate, was somewhat less than clear. This changed significantly, in my mind, after those first few mereings, which coincided with starting his individual practice. The main difference was that an abundance of information was provided in a much more systematic way, and was much easier to understand. Again speaking as a parent, Luke also took the time to solicit and fully answer all of my/our questions. We were quite satisfied with Luke Fenchel.

One of my greatest secret fears was to become involved with the criminal-justice system and when it happened in a serious and potentially life-scarring manner - I was indeed afraid and very anxious. I contacted Luke Fenchel very quickly for advice and it turned out to be one of the best decisions, f...ollowing one of the worst, of my life. For one of the personally surprising things I learnt from my case is that the Justice System is as much art as science and Mr. Fenchel is equally accomplished in both aspects. He definitely is a master of the rules of law and will notice all the details, but as importantly he skillfully practices the interpersonal relationships of the system that is determining your fate. In the smaller communities of the Finger Lakes I don't think it's surprising that defense attorneys know prosecutors, know judges etc., but Luke easily goes out of 'network' and his locale to find the people and information that will benefit the case. He is an excellent in navigating the best course for his client through the laws and people involved in Criminal Defense. For some specifics of my situation: I live in Ithaca, Tompkins County, but was charged with a Felony in Cayuga County that carried a range of penalties including possible Jail time, crippling fines and years of probation. Perhaps most beneficially Luke helped me calm down, gain some perspective, advised what practical steps I could do myself to help my case and what he realistically thought would be my best outcome to hope for. He's a 'people person' and my meetings with him were always helpful, upbeat and empowering. I quickly began to realize that I would successfully get through this process and with Luke's help achieve a fair outcome. And indeed, after six months of working on my case Luke secured a plea deal with the prosecutors for a misdemeanor conviction with a Conditional Discharge and a minimal fine. (No shame at this point in mentioning that I was entirely guilty of the Felony charges.) Furthermore, I had no money to speak of when I contacted Luke, but for a mere $100 retainer he took on my case and despite it's location in Cayuga County managed to be Assigned Council and has continued to liaison with The Court and help me complete the conditions of the discharge. If you need a Criminal De fence Lawyer - hire Luke Fenchel. He's a smart guy (Harvard, Cornell) who could be at a big firm in a big city, but luckily for his clients he's practicing law in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes.

I was charged with DUI and had a lot of specific issues with my case. I consulted with who was said to be the best DUI lawyer in town by several people, before speaking with Luke. He then told me what I could expect and said he could guarantee me a reduction to a certain other crime. Then I met L...uke. Luke got me a MUCH better deal than the best DUI guy in town. I honestly think Luke is the best lawyer in the area.