About James L Riotto

Serving Monroe County, Ontario County, Orleans County, Livingston County, Wayne County and Genesee County

James L. Riotto is a lawyer in 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.

 

Awards

Reviews for James

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 79 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
91%
4 stars
6%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
3%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.8
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
October 13, 2014
Hired Attorney

Mr Riotto did a perfect job in appealing my speeding ticket. Before I contacted his office, I thought there would be hundreds of fine and 4 points loss in my driving record,incurring a huge increase in car insurance. But he successfully reduced the ticket to a non-moving violation and to my big surprise, there's no point loss at all and the fine was reduced to almost nothing. During the whole process, I always got the latest, even at weekend. So I highly recommend him to those in need : )

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
September 02, 2014
Hired Attorney

After doing something foolish on a Friday night, I called around on Saturday, expecting to get some answering machines or services. I got a person at Mr. Riotto's office and he called me within the next 20 minutes. He eased my fears about what happened, was honest about my options and the possible consequences, prepared my case well, and made sure I knew what was going on. I'm grateful for his personable and professional demeanor.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
August 23, 2014
Hired Attorney

James Riotto is an exceptionally talented Attorney, and I have the utmost regard for his professional capabilities. In representing me for a rather serious traffic violation, his unparalleled expertise resulted in the complete dismissal of all charges, which far surpassed my expectations. He also did an outstanding job of keeping me well informed, and putting me at ease throughout the entire process. Without hesitation, I give him my highest recommendation.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
August 22, 2014
Hired Attorney

James L. Riotto is an excellent attorney. I am incredibly grateful to have found him when I needed assistance. He is knowledgeable, professional and extremely patient with me and my numerous daily calls. He always made himself available to answer my many questions and concerns! I will gladly recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in need of his services.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
June 08, 2014
Hired Attorney

I contacted James to help with charges that my teenage son was facing. He responded within the hour and immediately made me feel less anxious about the situation. During the whole process he was always accessible to me and made the process easier to deal with. He went above and beyond on several occasions for me and my son. The outcome of the case was excellent and he saved my sons future! I would recommend Mr. Riotto to anyone needing a criminal lawyer.

 
Transportation
Posted by anonymous
January 28, 2014
Hired Attorney

James Riotto handled my cases perfectly. He was able to assist me with a hefty speeding ticket and was extremely professional and helpful throughout the entire process. He consistently updated me with the status of my proceedings and took care of almost everything himself. His office was reachable 24/7 via phone for any questions or concerns, and his communication via email was always prompt and helpful. I would highly recommend his office for any legal matters. Thanks James!

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
January 20, 2014
Hired Attorney

I found James Riotto via the internet...I had never used a lawyer before so wasn't sure what to expect. I sent an email and received a call back a few hours later...the whole experience was professional and friendly. Anytime I had a question or concern I was contacted back immediately with a response! Great experience and I will absolutely recommend James to all my family and friends if ever in the market for exceptional lawyer service!

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
December 13, 2013
Hired Attorney

James was a consummate professional. He transformed a difficult situation into a pleasant working experience and a better-than-hoped-for outcome. I would recommend him highly for his diligence and expertise.

Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
December 02, 2013
Hired Attorney

I contacted Mr. Riotto regarding a traffic violation that I felt I I inappropriately received while traveling through New York. Mr, Riotto immediately responded to my inquiry for advice and ultimately representation. He made the process so much easier than I could have anticipated. I would highly recommend the services of Mr. Riotto and his associates to anyone. Knowing that your situation is in such capable hands while you are physically so far away truly helps to decrease the stress level.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
November 24, 2013
Hired Attorney

I was driving through Rochester (60 miles into a 2,000 mile vacation) and got hit by a LASER trap. My fault, wasn't paying attention, guilty... I found Jim via Google and sent an email in the evening. Received a call back almost immediately. I had also contacted four or five others. Jim's call (and background) made me the most comfortable. Jim was honest on the probability of a reduction (low). But he got it. Speeding down to a parking ticket. I couldn't be happier with the service.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • General Practice
  • Criminal Law 6
    • Drug Crimes
    • Federal Criminal Law
    • Homicide
    • Sex Crimes
    • Weapons Charges
    • Theft
  • White Collar Crime
  • Other 28
    • College Student Criminal Defense
    • DWI/DUI
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Parole and Probation Violations
    • Drug-Related Crimes
    • Felony Cases
    • Drug Trafficking
    • Criminal Conspiracy
    • White Collar Fraud
    • Murder
    • Manslaughter
    • Mail Fraud
    • Wire Fraud
    • Money Laundering
    • Driving While Intoxicated
    • Vehicular Homicide
    • Sexual Assault
    • Burglary
    • Assault and Battery
    • Extortion
    • Embezzlement
    • Forgery
    • Wiretapping
    • Search and Seizure
    • Electronic Surveillance
    • Criminal Defense
    • White Collar Criminal Defense
    • Grand Jury Practice

Practice Details

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2016, U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
    2011, New York
    2011, U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
    2012, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
    Memberships
    New York State Bar Association
    Monroe County Bar Association
    New York State Defender's Association
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Albany Law School
    J.D.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1968
    1968

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    James L Riotto was admitted in 2011 to the State of New York.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, James L Riotto has a 4.5 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney accept major credit cards?
    Yes, James L Riotto will accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    The Law Office of James L. Riotto has 2 attorneys at this location.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    The Law Office of James L. Riotto was established in 2011.