Rochester Criminal Defense Lawyers
Osborn Reed & Burke, LLP has practiced law in Rochester since 1916. The firm defends misdemeanor and felony charges in Rochester City Court, Monroe County Court and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. Call (585) 542-1778 to speak with a Rochester criminal defense attorney.
- Serving Rochester since 1916
- Close to 100 trials as lead counsel (Attorney John J. Gilsenan)
- Direct one-on-one access to an attorney
- Prepared for trial
More Than a Century in the Rochester Courts
Osborn Reed & Burke, LLP was founded in 1916 and has represented clients in Monroe County courts since then. For more than a century, the firm has served families, individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Rochester area.
That history shows in how the firm works. Clients have direct, one-on-one access to an attorney, and the firm is prepared to try a case when trial is the right path.
Call us at (585) 542-1778 or contact us online today.
Our Services
Real Results Guided by Experience and Integrity
Trial Experience From the Defense Side of the Courtroom
Attorney John J. Gilsenan has served as lead counsel in close to 100 trials and has handled more than a dozen appeals. He previously served as a federal and state public defender in rural Maryland and upstate New York, and earlier worked as an associate with a leading trial boutique in Detroit, Michigan.
His trial experience covers serious felonies, including public corruption, COVID program fraud, internet crimes, murder, conspiracy, drug trafficking and DUI/DWI. He investigates the facts before trial and treats cross-examination as both an art and a science.
He has briefed and argued appeals in the New York state appellate courts and represented clients in federal habeas proceedings.
Where Rochester Criminal Cases Are Heard
Rochester City Court hears misdemeanors and lesser offenses and conducts felony arraignments, the first court appearance at which charges are formally addressed. Monroe County Court handles criminal matters and has authority to conduct felony trials.
The District Attorney of the county where the alleged crime occurred prosecutes state charges. Federal charges are brought by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York and heard in federal court. The firm regularly represents clients in Irondequoit, Brighton, and Monroe, Ontario and Wayne counties (areas we serve).
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Prepared for Trial if Necessary
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Direct One-On-One Access to An Attorney
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Highly Experienced Litigation Team Across Courts
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Client-Focused, Results-Driven Representation
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Broad, Diverse Legal Capabilities
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Over a Century of Legal Experience
Meet Our Team
Guiding You With Expertise and Integrity
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“Mike helped me after I was in a boating accident. He was helpful, responsive, and compassionate while helping to obtain a positive result. I highly recommend this firm.”- Kyle C.
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“John J. Gilsenan is an amazing lawyer. He is outstanding. He communicates and updates you on everything that is happening. He is very organized and is just an amazing person. My family and I can't thank him enough for the hard work he put in. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a great lawyer.”- Carlos M.
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“My attorney was very thorough with all aspects of selling my house. She was available to me at almost any time I needed to get answers. Excellent communication and specific written explanations made my transaction very simple.”- Former Client
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“Jane Hopfinger proved excellent and rapid service in dealing both with my wife's estate and then preparing new documents for myself. Her availability and communications were outstanding, and the value I received was extraordinary.”- Former Client
Criminal Charges We Defend
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Violent crimes and assault
- Drug crimes, including drug possession
- DWI, including first offense DUI, with representation in both the criminal case and the related Department of Motor Vehicles proceeding
- Theft crimes
The Fifth Amendment protects against self-incrimination, and the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel. Call (585) 542-1778 before you answer investigators' questions, sign a statement or consent to a search.
Other Areas of Law We Handle
Criminal defense is the firm's main focus for new Rochester clients. Osborn Reed & Burke also represents clients in these practice areas:
- Family law
- Estates and trusts
- Real estate
- Labor and employment law
- Insurance defense
- Medical malpractice defense
- Product liability defense
- Toxic tort
- Municipal law
- School law
A criminal charge can reach into a custody case, a job or a business. The firm's collaborative approach across practice areas helps clients address those connected issues. See all practice areas.
Call (585) 542-1778 today.
