Andrew J. Proto

A Message from Andrew:

I became a lawyer because I wanted to make positive changes in people’s lives. I enjoy problem-solving and finding the best solutions to help people. Clients come to my office in need of help and for me it is rewarding to provide advice to my clients during which is a difficult time in their lives. At the end of a case, when I know I have made a difference for my clients and my clients are better off, it is very satisfying. This is why I offer to keep in touch with my clients after representation is over to offer additional guidance and address potential problems before they arise.

Criminal Defense

As a former Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County, Andrew gained valuable experience while handling countless felony and misdemeanor cases. While an Assistant District Attorney he prosecuted a variety of criminal cases including murder, drug sale & possession, assault, DWI, theft, sex offenses and many others. Also, while a prosecutor he coordinated various investigations with state and local law enforcement, developing relationships he still maintains today.

Now as a criminal defense attorney Andrew has defended all types of criminal investigations and offenses including complex white collar crimes, million dollar thefts, grand and petit larcenies, assault, drug offenses, sex offenses (SORA), DWI/DUI, gun possession charges, or many other criminal actions. Andrew’s approach is aggressive and he skillfully defends those in New York State and Federal Court.

Andrew has a full understanding of various court programs such as TASC, Willard Drug Treatment, OASAS, the WAVE Program and other programs related to violence and/or drug and alcohol use.

Additionally, he co-authored a book titled "Defense Strategies for Drug Crimes" that focuses on educating other lawyers of the best practices for strategizing an effective defense against drug charges.

Andrew has represented various professional clients such as school administrators, teachers, law enforcement officers, executives, recording producers, business owners, stock brokers and others with various employment or other licenses that may be threatened by a criminal arrest or conviction.

DWI Defense

After prosecuting countless DWI crimes with the Westchester County District Attorney’s office Andrew now defends those charged with DWI. Andrew has extensive experience defending clients charged with DWI in both negotiating a plea bargain and/or defending the DWI charge at trial.

Andrew is also published in the area of DWI law and defense strategies. His insight into the latest changes in DWI law and the best defense strategies was featured in the 2015, Inside the Minds book series titled “Strategies for Defending DWI Cases in New York”. The publication is focused on educating other lawyers as to the best DWI defenses in New York State.

Traffic Ticket Defense

Andrew regularly appears in the local justice courts of Westchester and the surrounding counties defending all types of traffic tickets. From speeding to driving with a suspended license, Andrew fights for a dismissal of the ticket or a reduction to protect his client’s driver’s license and insurance rates.

Family Law & Divorce

In addition to criminal & traffic defense Andrew represents various clients in matrimonial and family law court proceedings. This includes prenuptial agreements, separation agreements and divorce matters both contested and uncontested. In family court Andrew regularly represents clients in matters involving child support, paternity, custody, visitation, orders of protection, family offense, neglect, abuse, juvenile delinquency and relocation proceedings.

CPS Investigations

Andrew represents clients who under investigation by Child Protective Services and can offer advice during that process. Andrew speaks to the appropriate Assistant County Attorney on his client’s behalf with the goal of having the case closed with an “unfounded” finding by CPS. A CPS investigation is very emotional that can carry severe consequences, therefore Andrew feels representation is essential early on to stop the government from interfering with you and your family’s lives.

CPS Fair Hearings

Andrew represent clients at Fair Hearings before the Office of Children and Family Services. After an indicated finding from ACS, DSS or CPS Andrew has found success having “indicated” findings amended to “unfounded” and sealed. This has included parents accused of child abuse, neglect or maltreatment and employees of various child’s housing facilities.

Education Background

Andrew is a graduate from the State University of New York College at Brockport where he graduated with academic honors. He studied both criminal justice and political science obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Andrew served as vice–president of the student government and had authority of its million dollar budget. He also served as president of the criminal justice student association.

Andrew graduated from Western New England College School of Law, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. His coursework focused on criminal law and family law, he also served on the law school moot court team.

As a student he was accepted at the local District Attorney’s office to prosecute various criminal offenses, including conducting trials, even before graduation.

Employment Background

Upon graduation Andrew served as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County first in the motions and appeals bureau and then serving in the local criminal courts including the towns of Bedford, Briarcliff, Lewisboro,Mount Pleasant, New Castle, North Salem, Ossining, Pleasantville, Pound Ridge, Somers, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye, Scarsdale, Yonkers, White Plains, North Castle, Peekskill, Yorktown, New Rochelle, Eastchester, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Hastings, Greenburgh, Elmsford, Dobbs Ferry, Mount Vernon and Pelham.

After serving with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Andrew was employed by a Westchester County civil defense firm as a senior Associate. He worked in the Supreme and County Courts of Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Bronx, New York, Queens, Brooklyn, Putnam, Dutchess and Rockland Counties. At the civil defense firm Andrew represented such clients as Allstate insurance company, Chubb, GMAC, Travelers, Putnam Hospital and Turner Construction.

Owner & Partner at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP

Today, Andrew and his law partners at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP now focus on a variety of legal matters including, criminal defense, family law (custody, support & visitation), divorce actions, traffic tickets, DWI and other general civil litigation.

Andrew is most proud of his countless satisfied clients he has helped defend through the most difficult times of their lives. Andrew personalizes every defense and legal strategy for each client. He is always available to speak to make sure each client has a full understanding of the legal process.

Andrew offers a free initial consultation.

Memberships and Admissions

Andrew is a member of the Westchester County Bar Association, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York State Defender’s Association.

Andrew is admitted to all Courts in New York State as well as the United States Federal District Court for the Southern District or New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Andrew is credited with over 30 successful trial verdicts throughout the Courts of New York and continues to successfully represent both his criminal and civil clients.

The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys™ has nominated and accepted Andrew Proto as 2016 AIOFLA's 10 Best in the state of New York for Client Satisfaction.

The online legal review website AVVO has identified Andrew as a 10.0 “superb” rating in criminal defense and recognized Andrew as a “Client’s Choice”.

Education

• Western New England College School of Law, Springfield, Massachusetts
• State University of New York, Brockport, New York

Jurisdictions - Admitted - to - Practice

• State of New York
• US Federal District Court for the Southern District
• US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Professional - & - Bar - Association - Memberships

• New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• New York State Defender’s Association
• U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
• US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• New York State Bar
• Westchester County Bar Association

Representative - Clients

• General Litigation
• State and Federal Criminal Defense
• Criminal Defense
• DWI Defense
• CPS Fair Hearings
• Family Law - Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, etc.

Past Employment - Positions

• Westchester County, Assistant District Attorney
• Chubb, General Counsel
• GMAC, General Counsel
• Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company, General Counsel
• Physicians' Reciprocal Insurers, General Counsel
• St. Joseph's Medical Center, General Counsel
• Putnam Hospital Center, General Counsel
• Travelers, General Counsel
• Turner Construction Company, General Counsel