New York Criminal Defense Lawyers

Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC

38 North Ferry Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
USA

(518) 374-7411 or (866) 490-8416

(518) 374-7475

www.mjsacco.com

Contact Mr. Mark J. Sacco

Law Firm Overview Free Consultation

The Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC is a criminal defense law firm representing clients throughout New York State. Facing a criminal defense charge is a frightening experience. Even if you think you’ve done nothing wrong and tell the police it’s not your fault, that’s just not how they see it. Trying to talk your way out of a difficult situation can only make things worse. From drunk driving to fraud to smuggling illegal aliens, talk to a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately if you are facing serious criminal charges.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we understand that most people have never been arrested and are simply unfamiliar with the criminal court system. Our firm represents clients through all stages of a criminal case, from investigation to arrest, from bail hearings to trial. We represent juveniles and adults, as well as members of the armed forces facing charges in military courts. We provide comprehensive criminal defense services at both the state and federal level.

We thoroughly investigate the facts underlying your case. After a meticulous review of the facts, we devise a comprehensive plan of attack designed to produce results, from persuading prosecutors to back down to dropping the criminal charges.

While we will certainly consider plea negotiations if that is in the best interests of our client, we are experienced and tested trial attorneys who will not hesitate to take your case to court if that is the best way to protect your rights and your freedom.

Languages: Spanish & English

Practice Areas

Additional Practice Areas: Internet Sting Operations; Lewd Acts; SORA Issues; State Criminal Defense; Conspiracy; Drug Trafficking; Internet Pornography; Probation/Parole Violations; Violent Crimes; Business Fraud; Grand Jury Proceedings; Health Care Fraud; Mail Fraud; Medicaid Fraud; Mortgage Fraud; Public Corruption; Real Estate Fraud; Securities Fraud; Tax Fraud; Immigration Crimes; Human Trafficking; Immigration Fraud; Smuggling Illegal Immigrants; Aggravated Harassment; Child Endangerment; False Allegations; Menacing; Orders of Protection; Stalking; Criminal Diversion; Search & Seizure; CDL Violations; Felony DWI; Misdemeanor DWI/DWAI; Refusal to Test; Speeding; Vehicular Assault; Vehicular Homicide

Practice Areas Description

The Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC offers legal representation in the following areas of practice:

- Assault

The severity of the assault charges you face depends upon the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Unfortunately, the actual assault charges filed may not accurately reflect what actually happened. In these difficult times, careful consultation with a skilled criminal defense lawyer can greatly improve your chances of a more favorable outcome.

No one wants to believe that a small misunderstanding that ends in a drunken shoving match justifies assault charges, or that a heated argument at home can result in allegations of domestic violence. Regardless of how you see it, the law takes a very harsh view toward these types of scenarios. In fact, the consequences of assault charges are frequently beyond what most people expect.

Assault charges can lead to hefty fines, prison sentences, restraining orders, damaged reputations and even more serious charges if a gun is involved. We handle the following types of assault cases:

• Domestic violence
• Intent to cause physical injury
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault of a spouse or child
• Assaults with existing protective orders
• Reckless endangerment
• Felony assault
• Sexual assault
• Assault by a juvenile
• Assaulting an officer or emergency worker

- Computer Crimes

As you may have recently learned, Internet and computer crimes are being more actively investigated and prosecuted than ever before. Sting operations leading to charges such as possession or distribution of child pornography, solicitation of a minor, or fraud have been popularized by mainstream media and they "make good copy" for the FBI and police.

If you have been charged with a computer crime, had computer equipment seized, or simply learned you are part of an ongoing investigation — we urge you to get experienced representation today. Attorney Mark J. Sacco has the level of federal and state court experience that may be essential to avoiding conviction or the most extreme adverse consequences.

We have the experience and resources to defend you against a wide range of allegations involving:

• Possession or distribution of child pornography or other material deemed obscene
• Harassment or solicitation of sex using the Internet, through the use of e-mail or Web postings
• Identity theft, credit card fraud and other financial computer crimes
• Any type of business, real estate, application, or other fraud — including e-mail and Internet scams

- Domestic Violence

Legitimate occurrences of domestic violence can be tragic, and the potential consequences should never be minimized. However, false and exaggerated domestic violence charges are also common because of the emotional nature of close relationships and the way our laws are enforced.

When police in New York are called to deal with a domestic disturbance, they almost always arrest one of the people involved. Although this may be the only dependable way to separate the parties and prevent escalation, another common result is an unjustified criminal charge or an Order of Protection that will have serious consequences in your life.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we take a balanced, assertive approach to defending you against a charge or conviction that can expose you to:

• A jail sentence and/or lengthy probation term
• An order of protection (restraining order) that can disrupt your family relationships
• Serious restrictions on basic rights such as your right to possess a firearm
• Loss of your job in law enforcement, security, or other fields — and a criminal record that severely limits your future prospects for employment.

- Drug Trafficking

If you have been charged with any offense involving a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics or prescription drugs, avoiding years or decades in prison will almost certainly require a resourceful, committed lawyer.

Our firm has vigorously defended those accused of drug crimes for nearly a decade. We know that the "war on drugs" sometimes mistakenly makes victims of the innocent, and authorities often violate people's constitutional rights while trying to make a major drug bust. We will listen to all elements in your story and pursue every angle to protect your rights and future in a case involving:

• Drug possession, intent to distribute, sale, trafficking, federal conspiracy, or racketeering or RICO offenses
• Any of a vast range of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs such as Vicodin or OxyContin
• Transport of drugs across state or international borders, including importing drugs from Canada into the United States
• Other charges arising from your arrest, including weapons charges and others that — considered "enhancements" — make your drug trafficking case even more serious

- Felony

If you are facing any felony charge, whether for a violent offense, drug activity or an alleged financial crime, the defense attorney you choose could make all the difference for your future. When the potential consequences of conviction include a lengthy stay in prison — along with a criminal record that will limit your prospects for your future — proven, dedicated representation is essential.

In an intense and highly visible career, Mr. Sacco has succeeded in winning dismissals and acquittals in many state and federal felony cases. Our firm is well prepared to defend you when you face:

• Charges or an investigation related to a white collar or Internet crime such as business fraud, public corruption, or possession of child pornography
• Drug charges including possession, intent to distribute, sale or trafficking in any illegal substance — and any related conspiracy, racketeering or money laundering charges
• Charges associated with a violent crime such as homicide or attempted homicide, assault or rape
• Burglary or theft charges
• Felony DUI or a vehicular assault charge

- Fraud

Allegations of fraud are most often made against people in the business community who do not fit anyone's picture of a person involved in criminal activity. In some cases, those accused either felt they were engaging in a legitimate business practice or have fallen victim to zealous authorities or a "whistle blower" with ulterior motives.

Our founding and lead attorney Mark J. Sacco has a strong track record of achieving positive outcomes in both state and federal courts. We are prepared to thoroughly evaluate all aspects of your case and the prosecution's evidence against you for:

• Any type of business fraud, such as misrepresentation of business assets in a transaction or other forms of unjust enrichment
• Mail fraud or wire fraud — referring to allegations of disseminating false information by mail, fax, e-mail or other means
• Securities fraud
• Tax fraud
• Mortgage or other real estate fraud
• A computer crime, which may involve alleged fraudulent credit card use or other activity over the Internet

- Illegal Alien Smuggling

Since the events of 9/11, the U.S. border with Canada is more closely monitored by immigration enforcement authorities. Anyone who transports illegal aliens into the U.S., or unknowingly gives a ride to someone who has entered the country illegally faces serious felony charges and the possibility of time in prison.

If you are charged with smuggling or harboring illegal aliens, the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, is here to protect your rights. We are committed to making sure our clients are not wrongfully punished for making an innocent mistake.

- Since the events of 9/11, the U.S. border with Canada is more closely monitored by immigration enforcement authorities. Anyone who transports illegal aliens into the U.S., or unknowingly gives a ride to someone who has entered the country illegally faces serious felony charges and the possibility of time in prison.

If you are charged with smuggling or harboring illegal aliens, the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, is here to protect your rights. We are committed to making sure our clients are not wrongfully punished for making an innocent mistake.

- Illegal Immigration into the U.S.

From Clinton County to the Buffalo area, border patrols across northern New York and Vermont are cracking down on the common avenues of illegal immigration: rural roads, lakes, rivers, Native American reservations and deserted fields straddling the border.

While immediate deportation is common, the government will also pursue criminal charges against illegal aliens and anyone who helps them, either knowingly or unknowingly. For example, someone who mistakenly gives a ride to an illegal alien can face potentially serious federal charges.

Our federal criminal law practice handles cases involving:

• Illegal entry without inspection
• Illegal entry using forged or fake documents
• Reentry of a removed alien
• Reentry after deportation for aggravated felonies
• Reentry after deportation for passport fraud or identity theft
• Illegal alien smuggling
• Harboring an illegal alien
• Other immigration-related federal offenses

- Internet Pornography

While the Internet has greatly expanded the flow of information for anyone with online access, it's also now easier for people to break the law either knowingly or unknowingly. From illegal downloading of child pornography to explicit contact with underage teens and minors via social media sites, chat rooms and instant messaging/email, the consequences of online sex crimes are extremely serious and can alter your life forever.
Internet pornography encompasses a wide range of illegal online activity. We defend clients accused of or charged with the following online sex crimes:

• Downloading child pornography
• Possession of online child pornography
• Answering child pornography ads
• Posting or distribution of child pornography
• Online solicitation or enticement
• Lewd contact with a minor online

- Probation / Parole Violations

The conditions of your parole or probation may be so wide-ranging that you do not know or understand them all. In addition, probation and parole officers have been known to make mistakes, jump to conclusions, and even lodge unfounded allegations.
Whatever the basis for a threat to your probation or parole status, it is critical to take the situation seriously. A violation of any condition of your release can expose you to:

• The maximum sentence for your original criminal offense — without credit for the time you spent on probation
• A return to state prison for the remainder of your parole period

You are entitled to a hearing and/or appeal to contest any alleged parole or probation violation. Too many people facing this extremely difficult situation either attempt to handle it on their own or delay seeking counsel from an experienced attorney until it is too late.

- State Criminal Defense

Criminal defense lawyer Mark Sacco takes every criminal case seriously. He and our entire legal team understand the catastrophic effects a criminal conviction can have on your life. If you have been charged with a New York criminal offense such as drunk driving, assault and battery, burglary, rape, or murder, a defense by an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we are known for our aggressive state and federal criminal defense as well as defense in military cases. We handle misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in courts throughout the capital district, including Schenectady, Troy, and Albany:

• DWI/DUI/DWAI
• Drug crimes including possession, sales, distribution, cultivation or manufacturing, and drug conspiracy
• Theft and property offenses including breaking and entering, check kiting, larceny, fraud, Internet crimes, identity theft, burglary and robbery
• White collar crimes such as embezzlement, forgery or money laundering
• Sex crimes, including indecent exposure, solicitation or prostitution, possession or production of child pornography, rape, sexual assault and sexual battery
• Violent crimes, including assault and battery; stalking; domestic violence, assault, or battery; child abuse; and homicide
• Arson
• Conspiracy or accessory charges
• Parole or probation violations
• Traffic citations and speeding tickets
• Homicide

We also represent people who are targets of police investigations or who suspect they may be under investigation, people who are being interviewed as witnesses, and people who have been named persons of interest in criminal cases.

- Federal Criminal Defense

Federal criminal charges can be much more serious than state charges, largely because of the impact of the federal sentencing guidelines upon conviction. It is essential to work with an attorney who knows federal criminal law and has experience in federal court.

Federal criminal defense attorney Mark J. Sacco is experienced in state, federal and military courts. A former JAG officer, he understands federal criminal law and is talented, persuasive and creative at trial. Whether negotiating with prosecutors or before a judge or jury, he will take every possible step to get you the best possible resolution in your situation.

We know that the outcome of your case could have a catastrophic impact on your life. We are on your side. Our federal criminal law practice includes:

• Drug crimes including narcotics trafficking or importation, drug conspiracy charges, large-scale cultivation or manufacturing, racketeering, and forfeiture cases
• White collar crimes including embezzlement, forgery, bribery, corruption, money laundering, fraud (including IRS tax fraud), conspiracy, and charges related to terrorism
• Firearms and weapons charges, including illegal gun possession, felon in possession of a gun, possession of explosives, and others
• We also represent people who are targets of federal investigations or who suspect they may be under investigation, people who are being interviewed as witnesses, and people who have been named persons of interest in federal criminal or administrative law cases.

- Military Law

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we understand that a criminal conviction can have a catastrophic impact on your military career above and beyond the criminal penalties. For civilians, facing criminal charges covered by military law can be much more threatening than a standard criminal case, and those charges are tried under rules and procedures that are unfamiliar.

A former lawyer in the military’s criminal justice system, the Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps, as well as a former Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, attorney Mark J. Sacco represents members of the armed forces who are accused of military offenses, those who are facing criminal charges related to off-base incidents, and civilians accused of criminal behavior on military property.

Our law firm handles military law cases before any military justice tribunal, including officers’ Boards of Inquiry, Administrative Separation Boards, and summary, special and general courts-martial.

- Drug Crimes

Our firm is dedicated to protecting our clients' rights. If you have been charged with a drug crime, from possession of marijuana to international narcotics trafficking, we will fight for you.

We do not take drug charges lightly, and we understand the catastrophic effect a drug crime conviction can have on your life above and beyond the potential criminal penalties. At the Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we handle federal and state narcotics cases involving marijuana, crack, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, “designer drugs” such as Ecstasy, prescription drugs, and many others, including drug offenses such as:

• Drug possession
• Possession with intent to deliver, sales, or drug distribution
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Drug trafficking or importation
• Drug cultivation or manufacturing, including operation of a meth lab
• Drug conspiracy
• RICO

- Investigations

Most people find being under investigation by police officers intimidating. Unfortunately, this allows some law enforcement officials to take advantage of their air of authority when investigating a case. If you are under investigation – as a suspect or as a witness—and are being harassed, investigated or put under surveillance by police without sufficient reason, it could be a violation of your rights.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we have experience protecting clients who have become targets of New York State or federal administrative or police investigations. Whether you are a suspect, a witness, or a person of interest, we will fight to protect your privacy and your constitutional rights.

Our investigations practice includes a variety of areas, including general law enforcement investigations, attorney general investigations, grand jury investigations, administrative law investigations, and criminal investigations related to financial or white collar crimes, tax fraud, corporate fraud, Social Security fraud or other offenses.

- Homicide and Attempted Homicide

If you have been arrested for homicide, your choice of an attorney will probably be the most important decision of your life. You need an attorney with the experience, dedication and conviction to stand up to the state and provide a vigorous defense on your behalf.

Because of the severe consequences of homicide charges and their complexity, many criminal defense attorneys will not take homicide cases. The Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, has handled many homicide cases and has taken homicide cases to trial before a jury. In addition to state charges, we have also handled federal homicide charges.

If you have been charged with homicide or attempted homicide (commonly known as murder or attempted murder), we can provide the vigorous defense you need and deserve. Although no attorney can guarantee a not-guilty verdict or case dismissal, we promise that when you come to the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, you will receive aggressive and thorough representation. We will make the prosecution prove their case every step of the way and we will do everything in our power and within the law to show the reasonable doubt present in the prosecution's case.

- Sex Crimes

Perhaps no crime carries more social stigma than a sex crime. The mere allegation of a sex crime can have a lasting effect on your family, your business and your reputation. If you are facing sex crimes allegations, you need an attorney who will fight to protect your rights, your freedom and your good name.

We handle a variety of sex crimes charges, including:

• Rape
• Date rape
• Possession or distribution of child pornography
• Sexual misconduct
• Prostitution
• Lewd contact with a minor
• Sexual assault
• Computer and Internet sex crimes
• Child molestation
• Solicitation
• State and federal charges of a sexual nature

- Theft

Have you been arrested for shoplifting, auto theft, burglary or another theft offense? If you or a family member is facing theft charges in New York, we can help. At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we offer dedicated and experienced representation on behalf of clients statewide throughout New York.

We handle all theft-related offenses, including:

• Theft
• Shopping mall and retail theft
• Shoplifting
• Credit card fraud and identity theft
• Check kiting/stealing money/fraud
• Robbery and burglary
• Armed robbery
• State and federal theft charges

- Violent Crimes

If you have been arrested for homicide, assault and battery, domestic assault, rape, child abuse, weapons charges or another violent crime, the experienced criminal defense attorneys at our firm can help. At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, with locations in Albany and Schenectady, New York, we offer experienced and aggressive criminal defense services on behalf of clients facing criminal charges in New York.

Attorneys Mark J. Sacco and James E. Tyner are experienced trial lawyers who will fight to protect your rights. In fact, attorney Mark J. Sacco was actually a prosecuting attorney from 2000 to 2003. He uses his experience as a prosecutor to quickly analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the state's case against you.

If the state does not have the evidence to convict, our attorneys will not hesitate to take your case to trial to seek a not-guilty verdict on your behalf. Even in cases in which the prosecution has strong evidence, we provide a vigorous defense. We conduct a thorough investigation of the facts of each client's case, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to seek the best possible results.

- Conspiracy

Conspiracy is an extremely complex area of criminal law. Conduct that might otherwise be legal can actually be illegal if it was conducted in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy. To make things worse, people involved in a conspiracy in a relatively minor way may be held accountable for the acts of more serious actors. Furthermore, even if only one of the members of the conspiracy elevates the level of criminality by committing a more serious crime, criminal liability may exist for all members of the conspiracy if the state can prove that such conduct could have been reasonably foreseen.

If you are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who can adequately protect your rights and raise a strong defense on your behalf.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we represent clients throughout New York who are facing criminal charges. We handle state and federal charges, including a variety of charges involving allegations of a criminal conspiracy. Some of the conspiracy charges we handle include:

• Drug trafficking
• Money laundering
• Conspiracy to commit homicide
• Conspiracy to commit burglary
• Conspiracy to commit a white-collar crime
• Conspiracy to commit a theft offense
• RICO charges

- Juvenile Crimes

If your son or daughter has been arrested, you are now dealing with a host of challenges you probably were not expecting. Determining which attorney will defend your child is a difficult but vitally important decision.

We handle all juvenile offenses, from minor traffic violations and DWI to serious felony level offenses. Some of the juvenile crimes we handle include:

• DWI
• Shoplifting and other theft offenses
• Fighting/assault
• Property destruction/graffiti/vandalism
• Marijuana and other drug charges (possession or illegal sales)
• Sex offenses
• Violent crimes
• Computer crimes
• Traffic violations (e.g. careless or reckless driving)
• Underage drinking

- Business Fraud

High-profile accounting scandals that received national media attention early in this decade have resulted in authorities more aggressively investigating business activity. Executives and others in companies of all sizes are now commonly targeted by federal government agencies. The majority of business fraud cases are prosecuted in federal court, where federal sentencing guidelines make prison time a near-certainty for most convictions.

Our firm, led by proven criminal defense attorney Mark J. Sacco, has substantial experience defending people accused of various forms of fraud and other white collar offenses. We are well equipped to advise you, represent you, and build the best possible case for trial if necessary to protect your interests, in cases of alleged:

• Embezzlement, larceny or other types of unjust enrichment
• Mail fraud or wire fraud, including activity over the Internet
• Filing of false SEC declarations or any type of securities fraud
• Real estate fraud
• Health care fraud
• Misrepresentation of assets in a business transaction
• Enterprise corruption

- Grand Jury Proceedings

Virtually every day, people are served with subpoenas to appear before a grand jury — and most have no grasp of what grand jury proceedings involve. On a basic level, if you have been called to testify, it means a prosecutor believes you have information that will support someone's indictment on serious criminal charges.

Your specific grand jury subpoena might be for proceedings associated with a federal or New York state investigation — involving allegations ranging from drug trafficking to public corruption or business fraud. Whether or not you believe you have anything to hide, or that the prosecutor's investigation in pursuit of an indictment could ultimately impact you, it is important to understand your rights and risks.

Once we understand your circumstances, we can advise you on issues such as:

• Whether you can and should claim a specific privilege — such as the right not to incriminate yourself or your spouse — in order to exempt yourself from testifying
• How to protect yourself from exposure to a serious charge such as perjury, and from being held in contempt of court
• What legal options you have if you feel offering truthful witness testimony may put you in danger
• Any supportive or active role we may be able to play as an attorney representing you

- Health Care Fraud

If you work in any sector of the health care industry, you may be accustomed to all types of pressure — from patients, regulators, insurers, and more. Because of the near-universal concern about rising costs and several prominent cases, federal agencies have increased attention and resources devoted to exposing and prosecuting health care fraud.

Whether you are the CEO of a health care or insurance company, a doctor or other professional provider, or anyone else under investigation for health care fraud, you need an experienced, resourceful defense lawyer who has tried and won complex, high-stakes cases in state and federal court.

We will thoroughly investigate and evaluate your situation. After we have determined an appropriate course, we will fight to protect your rights and interests in all aspects of any government investigation. Our firm will fight for dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges or another favorable outcome. Our firm is prepared to provide defense against allegations and charges associated with:

• Any type of Medicare or Medicaid fraud
• False, duplicate, inflated, or other fraudulent claims and billings
• Billing for unnecessary procedures and services
• Deceptive practices involving pharmaceuticals or medical equipment, including Internet crimes
• Providing kickbacks or other illegal incentives

- Internet Crimes

If you are accused of using the Internet in the commission of a crime, there is a high probability you could face federal felony charges. Many attorneys who handle basic criminal defense are not admitted to practice in federal court; some who are have had limited experience dealing with highly skilled federal prosecutors and this venue's specific rules of evidence and procedure.

Our justice system is still grappling with the Internet's penetration of people's lives and its potential uses for illegal activity. Laws and penalties are still evolving, and a resourceful defense attorney such as Mark J. Sacco is capable of finding vulnerabilities that may be useful in your case. As in all areas of our criminal defense practice, we are committed to investigating and challenging:

• The legality of any search and seizure
• All potential violations of your constitutional rights
• The quality and credibility of all evidence against you — including witness testimony and data found on your home or workplace computer

- Medicaid Fraud

Health care service providers doing Medicaid business with the state and federal government may unknowingly cross a line where business becomes fraud. This is not altogether surprising as the rules and regulations governing Medicaid are extremely complex. At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we provide experienced and aggressive criminal defense representation for those charged with Medicaid fraud throughout the State of New York.

Our experienced Medicaid fraud attorneys represent medical professionals and health service providers accused of state or federal Medicaid violations, including:

• Doctor and dentists
• Nursing homes
• Health clinics
• Pharmacists
• Home-care providers
• Transportation providers

- Money Laundering

If you are suspected of conducting transactions that hide the source of money gained through criminal activity, federal authorities may charge you with money laundering. Most commonly, this is used as an additional charge in a prosecution arising primarily from alleged drug trafficking or some type of business fraud.

Your federal indictment may cite a wide range of charges and counts, in order to strengthen the chance of obtaining a conviction on at least one — and to apply additional pressure on you to plead guilty. Even on its own, however, money laundering is a serious federal felony with a maximum sentence including fines up to $500,000 and 20 years in prison.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we have taken federal cases to trial — and won. Our experience extends from obtaining acquittals in murder trials to positive outcomes in complex conspiracy and enterprise corruption cases. We are well equipped to handle your defense in a major drug or white collar crime case, whether negotiation for reduced consequences is the best path or taking your case all the way to jury trial is the only way to protect your interests.

- Public Corruption

One of the risks every government official or employee faces is the potential to be accused of violating the public's trust. The media thrives on stories of government scandal, and law enforcement may be compelled to devote extensive resources to breaking and winning your public corruption case.

Whether you work at the local, state, or federal level of government, almost everything you do — and every decision you make — can come under intense scrutiny. We are prepared to build and execute a vigorous defense of your interests when you are accused of involvement in activities such as:

• Contractor bid rigging
• Accepting bribes or kickbacks or engaging in preferential treatment
• Fraud, embezzlement, or some form of conspiracy

- Real Estate Fraud

The nationwide foreclosure crisis has led to dramatically increased scrutiny of real estate transactions and people involved with them. At the state and federal level, authorities have launched investigations and created special task forces to pursue allegations of mortgage fraud and real estate fraud.

We have the knowledge and experience to capably defend lenders, mortgage brokers, appraisers, investors, sellers and buyers accused of any type of real estate fraud. With proven investigative and trial skills honed in numerous cases involving financial and regulatory complexity, you can depend on us to build an aggressive defense for you in a case involving allegations such as:

• Offering or securing inflated (or "spiked") property appraisals
• Conspiracy to artificially increase a sale price
• Falsifying documents in order to obtain a mortgage or other loan
• Violations of truth in lending laws (including TILA) or other state or federal statutes
• The use of "straw buyers" to complete transactions on behalf of others who might not qualify

- RICO & Racketeering

Racketeering is a broad term that encompasses many types of criminal activity. In a range of cases, most often involving drug trafficking or some form of alleged conspiracy, federal prosecutors may choose to file charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which was passed in 1961.

If RICO or racketeering charges have been filed against you — or if you or people you associate with are under investigation for criminal offenses such as drug trafficking or money laundering, murder, arson or a range of other felonies — the quality of your defense attorney will almost certainly have a direct impact on your future.

- Mortgage Fraud

Typically, mortgage fraud cases involve an accusation of making false statements or falsifying financial information to obtain a home mortgage. In some cases, however, people who work for lending companies are arrested for making fraudulent statements or engaging in unscrupulous lending.

Our attorneys have extensive experience with the representation of clients charged with crimes involving allegations of financial fraud. These cases are complex and require the attention of an experienced attorney who will give your case the time, dedication and consideration it requires.

Our attorneys strongly believe that every defendant deserves a vigorous defense. We prepare for each case as if it may go to trial and perform a thorough investigation of the facts to determine the best possible approach to each client's defense. Our meticulous and painstaking effort to understand the details of each case is a distinct advantage for the people we represent.

- Mail and Wire Fraud

Mail fraud involves the distribution of letters or documents in the mail that are used in furtherance of criminal activity. Wire fraud involves the distribution of fraudulent information in furtherance of criminal activity via various forms of electronic and telecommunications media, including the Internet, e-mail, fax, radio and television. Whether it was intentional or an innocent mistake, the law treats everyone the same in these serious matters.

Mail and wire fraud charges are typically handled in federal court, usually as an add-on charge in an indictment. Mortgage lenders, accountants, attorneys and other business professionals are the ones most often targeted by federal authorities. A conviction on mail or wire fraud charges can result in serious consequences, including irreparable damage to a reputation, huge fines and up to 20 years in prison. We handle cases involving:

• Falsified mortgage documents sent by mail
• Identity theft using stolen mail or electronic information
• Illegal transfers of large sums of money from one bank to another
• Fraudulent charitable donations
• Tax fraud via mail or internet
• Hacking e-mail accounts and computers
• Eavesdropping on cell phones and land lines
• Online auction fraud and related Internet crimes

- Securities Fraud

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we represent stockbrokers and businesspeople throughout New York facing charges of securities fraud. Although securities fraud charges typically involve allegations of offering instruments, stocks or bonds in an unauthorized manner, such charges may arise in a number of different circumstances.

If you have been arrested for securities fraud or believe you may be under investigation for suspicion of securities fraud, it is in your best interests to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Early intervention by an attorney may limit the damage done as well as mitigate potential adverse consequences, including the possibility of criminal sanctions.

- Tax Fraud

If you are facing charges in New York for tax fraud, including allegations of filing a false tax return, income tax evasion or another tax violation, the attorneys at our law firm can help. At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we provide experienced and aggressive criminal defense representation for people throughout New York.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we are committed to meeting the highest standards of legal service. We understand that our clients are facing tremendous pressure and need responsive legal service to assist them in difficult times. We work closely with clients to understand the unique facts of their case and develop a comprehensive defense on their behalf.

We keep clients informed of key events in their case and help clients understand the nature of the charges against them. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide responsive and individualized legal representation while aggressively pursuing the protection of each client's rights and interests.

- Aggravated DWI

In recent years, New York DWI laws have become tougher in many significant ways. It is a far greater risk today to face even a "basic" first-offense DWI charge without an experienced attorney. If you have been charged with aggravated DWI — or felony DWI — working with an aggressive defense lawyer may be the only way to avoid extremely serious consequences.

- CDL Violations

While traffic tickets and serious driving offenses are problems for anyone, they can be nothing short of disastrous if you drive for a living. Our attorneys understand how essential protecting your commercial driver's license (CDL) may be to you family — and we deliver skilled, vigorous defense with that clear focus. Our mission is to explore every available angle and strategy that may help you avoid penalties that may be financially and personally devastating.

With experience across a full range of traffic matters and the most serious state and federal felonies, we are exceptionally well-equipped to offer counsel when you must deal with:

• Speeding, signal violations, and other basic traffic tickets that may put your CDL and insurance coverage at risk — even if you were off-duty and driving your personal vehicle
• Reckless driving
• Trucking violations including traveling overweight, oversized, or without proper permits
• A misdemeanor DWI or DWAI charge
• Felony offenses including felony DWI or a vehicular assault allegation

- Felony DWI

When you or someone you care about has been arrested for drunk driving or “driving while intoxicated” (DWI), it may have been a shock to learn that this DWI is a felony charge. Fairly recent changes in New York state laws extended the basic “look-back” period from five to 10 years. Consequently, even though a prior conviction occurred as long as 10 years ago, you may be dealing with felony DWI.

- License Suspensions & Traffic Tickets

Before you pay a ticket or attempt to deal with a New York traffic violation on your own, it is essential to know and understand all potential consequences. While most people recognize that penalties for DWI convictions are severe, for example, it is common to simply pay fines for other offenses and regret that decision later.

The many important reasons to hire an experienced attorney include your desire to:

• Aggressively fight conviction on a serious charge such as DWI, driving under suspension, or aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO)
• Protect the driving privilege that may be critical to your livelihood — especially if you depend on a commercial driver's license (CDL)
• Minimize the financial impact of increased insurance rates — or your driver's license suspension — due to offenses from speeding tickets to careless or reckless driving, signal violations and more

- Misdemeanor & DWI / DWAI

New York state laws against driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not only strict – they are also complex. One of the many important reasons to contact an experienced attorney is to make certain you understand the charge against you and the consequences it carries.

You may recently have been arrested and charged with:

• A misdemeanor DWI (which stands for driving while intoxicated) -- for blood alcohol content (BAC) between .08 and .17 percent
• DWAI, for “driving while ability impaired” (driving with a BAC of .05 to .07 or while impaired by a combination of drugs and alcohol)
• Aggravated DWI, if tests showed you had a blood alcohol content over .18 percent, or felony DWI, if you had a prior, similar offense in the past 10 years
• Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, if you were involved in an accident causing injuries or a fatality

The presence of illegal or prescription drugs in your system can also result in any of these charges. Our attorneys, Mark J. Sacco and James E. Tyner, offer straightforward information and informed counsel regardless of which charge you face.

- Vehicular Assault

If you have been involved in a car accident that injured someone else, you may be dealing with guilt and a range of other complex emotions. If alcohol or drugs were involved, you may also be facing the very serious charge of vehicular assault or hit and run. Depending on the exact charges against you, consequences could include a lengthy jail or state prison term, total fines above $5,000 and many years on probation. At the Law Offices of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we are committed to providing you with vigorous, resourceful defense in a vehicular assault case.

- Vehicular Homicide

If you have been arrested for vehicular homicide, you are facing serious charges with the possibility of significant jail time. Protect your rights by retaining experienced criminal defense attorneys who will dedicate themselves to the protection of your rights.

At our law office, we feel that everyone deserves a second chance. If you are facing allegations of drinking and driving, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs or another serious traffic violation involving an injury or fatal injury, we will fight to protect your rights.

We are criminal defense attorneys. We are not here to judge you. We are here to make certain that you get the best defense possible. To give each client a vigorous defense, we conduct a thorough investigation of the facts. We prepare for each case as if it may go to trial and are always prepared to effectively cross-examine the state's witnesses regarding all material allegations.

- DWI / DUI

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we take pride in dedicating much of our practice to representing clients who have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in New York. We represent clients throughout New York’s capital district, including Schenectady, Troy, and Albany.

We are known for DWI defense in New York. These offenses can include:

• DWI (driving while intoxicated)
• DUI (driving under the influence)
• DWAI (driving while ability impaired)
• DWAI (drugs)
• Refusal of a Breathalyzer test
• Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license after a drunk-driving charge

- Driving Without a License

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, PLLC, we provide experienced legal representation on behalf of adults and juveniles facing criminal charges, including traffic offenses like driving without a valid license, driving on a suspended license, speeding or reckless driving. We handle a wide range of traffic charges on behalf of clients throughout New York.

- Refusal to Test

Are you facing criminal charges in New York for a refusal to test? A chemical test refusal is a crime in New York. However, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt a number of elements to establish guilt in such a case.

At the Law Office of Mark J. Sacco, we provide experienced and aggressive criminal defense representation on behalf of clients throughout New York. In addition to our work defending clients who have refused to take chemical alcohol or drug tests, we handle a variety of other traffic violations including:

• Refusal to test (chemical test refusal)
• Driver's license revocation
• DMV hearings/ALJ
• DWI/DUI
• DWAI
• Speeding violations
• Careless driving and reckless driving
• Vehicular homicide
• Sobriety tests/breath tests