Westchester County Criminal Defense and Family Law Attorneys

Experienced Legal Representation in White Plains and Throughout Westchester County

An arrest, a DWI stop, or a breakdown at home can put your freedom, your driver’s license, your finances, and your relationship with your children on the line at the same time. When a legal problem affects your freedom, family, finances, or future, you need more than general legal advice. You need an attorney who understands the stakes and can help you navigate the court system with a strategy tailored to your circumstances.

At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, our Westchester County criminal defense and family law attorneys represent clients facing serious legal challenges in White Plains and throughout the surrounding area. Our practice includes criminal defense, DWI defense, divorce, custody, support matters, and other family law proceedings.

With more than 100 years of combined experience, including experience as former prosecutors, our attorneys bring knowledge of both sides of the legal process to every case. Call (914) 840-5104 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Criminal Defense in Westchester County

A criminal accusation can affect far more than the immediate court case. Depending on the charge, you may face incarceration, financial penalties, restrictions on your driving privileges, or consequences that continue after the case ends.

Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP defends clients facing a broad range of New York criminal charges, including:

• DWI and DWAI
• Drug possession and distribution
• Assault and other violent crimes
• Theft and larceny
• Sex crimes
• White collar crimes
• Weapons charges
• Burglary and robbery
• Computer crimes
• Felony and misdemeanor charges

Former Westchester Prosecutors Defending Your Rights

Founding partners Andrew J. Proto and David R. Sachs began their careers as prosecutors in Westchester County and New York County. They learned firsthand how the government assembles a case, which evidence carries weight, and where investigations fall short. Today they use that knowledge to defend people accused of crimes.

The firm’s work has earned recognition from Super Lawyers®, The National Trial Lawyers, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, along with the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award in both Family Law and Criminal Defense. Our attorneys have also co-authored national bestsellers on DWI and criminal defense.

White Plains Criminal Courts

For many people facing criminal charges in Westchester County, White Plains is an important part of the local court system. A case typically starts at White Plains City Court, which hears misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the early stages of felony cases. Arraignment usually takes place within 24 hours of an arrest. The judge reads the charges, takes a plea, and decides on bail or release. More serious felonies move to Westchester County Court, where the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes them.

DWI cases carry extra layers. A BAC of 0.08% supports a DWI charge, and 0.18% or higher supports aggravated DWI. Because the courts coordinate with the DMV and probation departments, a single arrest affects both your record and your driving privileges.

Our defense work starts with the evidence: police reports, body camera footage, forensic results, witness statements, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records. When police violate your rights during a stop, search, or arrest, we move to suppress what they found. When a conviction is on the table, we push for alternatives such as probation, treatment programs, community service, or Youthful Offender status. 

Learn more about our criminal defense and DWI defense services.

DWI Defense in Westchester County

DWI and DWAI cases can create both criminal and driving-related consequences. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction may result in fines, license suspension or revocation, probation, jail time, or ignition interlock requirements.

A DWI defense may involve examining the circumstances of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath testing, police procedures, and other evidence used against you. Our attorneys defend clients against first-time and repeat DWI charges, aggravated DWI, and DWAI allegations.

Taking action early can be particularly important when both your criminal case and driving privileges are at issue.

Family Law Representation in Westchester County

Family matters in the county go before the Westchester County Family Court, a formal, high-volume court that operates Monday through Friday. A case begins with a petition, filed in person or through the court’s virtual filing system. Judges and magistrates preside, often encourage mediation, and decide custody issues under the “best interests of the child” standard. Divorce runs on a separate track in the Supreme Court.

Family law disputes can be deeply personal while also involving significant financial and legal consequences. Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP represents clients in matters including:

• Contested and uncontested divorce
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support and modifications
• Spousal support
• Property division
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Orders of protection
• Domestic violence matters

Our matrimonial team is led by Keith M. Brown, whose practice is devoted entirely to matrimonial and family law. William Cally brings more than 25 years of family law litigation, and Irene Martinez serves Spanish-speaking families in their own language. Together they handle divorce, custody and visitation, child and spousal support, property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and orders of protection.

Divorce and Family Court Matters

Divorce proceedings may involve questions concerning marital property, financial support, custody, and parenting arrangements in addition to ending the marriage itself. Our attorneys help clients address these issues throughout the New York divorce process, including contested, uncontested, and high-net-worth divorce matters.

Family-related proceedings may instead be handled through Westchester County Family Court. Custody and visitation cases, child support proceedings, and family offense matters can require a different process from a divorce action.

Understanding which court handles a particular issue is an important part of developing an effective legal strategy.

When a Criminal Charge and a Family Case Collide

Criminal and family law matters do not always exist separately. Allegations of domestic violence, for example, may result in both criminal proceedings and family law issues involving custody or an order of protection. A divorce or custody dispute may also involve allegations that have consequences beyond the family case.

Handling these cases with two unconnected law firms risks conflicting strategies, where a statement made in Family Court ends up harming a criminal defense. Our firm handles both practice areas, so we build one coordinated plan that accounts for your freedom, your parental rights, and your financial future together.

Because Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP handles both criminal defense and family law, our attorneys can evaluate the broader legal circumstances when these issues overlap.

Talk to a Westchester County Attorney

Whether you are facing criminal charges, a DWI arrest, a divorce, a custody dispute, or another family law matter, the decisions you make early in the process can have lasting consequences.

Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP serves clients from our White Plains office at One North Broadway, Suite 401. Our attorneys represent clients across the county, including Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill, Yorktown, Greenburgh, and Mamaroneck. We also serve clients in Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan counties.

Contact Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP at (914) 840-5104 to schedule a free initial consultation.