Fenchel Defense Firm is a distinguished criminal defense practice founded by Luke Z. Fenchel, a former partner at Holmberg Galbraith, focusing exclusively on legal problem-solving, crisis management, and criminal litigation. Located in downtown Ithaca’s historic Dewitt District, the firm stands out for its strategic approach, deep local knowledge, and commitment to providing effective and efficient defense representation.
With extensive experience managing hundreds of criminal cases over the past five years, Luke Fenchel serves a diverse clientele including professionals, college students and their families, and local residents. He leverages his respected relationships with prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement across upstate New York, along with his background as a lecturer in Legal Studies at Ithaca College, to deliver compassionate and relentless advocacy aimed at achieving dismissals, reductions, or sealed records.
Services Offered
- Criminal defense
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) defense (misdemeanor and felony)
- Driving while ability impaired by drugs (DWAI) defense
- College campus violation defense
- Workplace incident defense
- Intimate partner incident defense
- Probation violation defense
- Conditional discharge violation defense
- Ignition interlock device removal litigation
- Legal problem-solving and crisis management
- Complex criminal litigation
- Advocacy in university conduct review boards
- Negotiation of medical and non-disciplinary withdrawals from academic institutions
- Federal court representation
- Civil rights litigation (based on prior experience)
The firm practices throughout upstate New York, including Tompkins, Cortland, Chemung, Seneca, Cayuga, Schuyler, and Tioga Counties, with regular appearances in local town and village courts. Recognized with multiple “Best Attorney” and “Best Law Firm” awards, Luke Fenchel brings a background from Harvard College and Cornell Law School to his dedicated advocacy for clients across the region.
