• ‘By far the best lawyer I have ever dealt with’

    I was facing a minimum sentence of 1.5-3 years, as I am a predicate felon which comes with automatic prison time when facing a new felony. The DA had no interest in any deals whatsoever, but Luke discovered certain irregularities with my case, which forced the DA to drop the felony. Luke is by far the best lawyer I have ever dealt with. He is the reason I am free and working to this day.

    — H.H.

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • ‘Never gave up on us’

    Luke came to our aid when my son was facing serious charges at Ithaca College. The school wanted to expel him (it wasn't his first on-campus offense) and the case seemed bleak because the police witnessed the supposed violation. But we called Luke because he had helped advise and guide us with IC's rules and procedures for my son's earlier violation. This time, we went to a Conduct Review Board Hearing, and my son was found not responsible (not guilty). I was so grateful. If you or your child is facing a violation of the IC Code of Conduct, I couldn't recommend Luke more. He was patient with my son, kept me in the loop, and never gave up on us, in the end helping to clear my son's name and get him back in school.

    — S.L.

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • ‘The guy you need by your side if you are faced with a DWI’

    Being 21, feeling scared, and having no prior criminal history, I didn't know where to turn... Meeting and checking in frequently, he fought for me through a difficult hearing, and secured a non-criminal offer with no incarceration. He was more than patient, receptive and excellent through and through. Luke is the guy you need by your side if you are faced with a DWI.

    — L.T.

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Legal problem solving, crisis management, and complex criminal litigation.

The criminal justice system can be scary enough. Finding the right attorney shouldn’t be. We strive to take the time to listen to you and find the best solution for your specific case. We’ve served a diverse clientele of professionals, families of college students, and other Ithacans, using experience, knowledge, education, creativity, and technology to provide our clients with the most effective and efficient defense. Not every arrest is reasonable. Not every traffic stop is appropriate. And not all paperwork is completed properly. The right attorney will conduct the necessary investigation into the allegations and devise a defense strategy that is right for you. 


In the last five years, Fenchel was the lead attorney on hundreds of criminal cases, and successfully defended misdemeanor and felony matters in Ithaca, Tompkins County, and the Finger Lakes region. Before forming his own law practice exclusively devoted to criminal defense, he was partner at Holmberg Galbraith, LLP, where he managed the firm's criminal practice.

A familiar face in Ithaca City and Ithaca Town Court, Fenchel also regularly appears in the town courts of Dryden and Lansing, as well as those of Caroline, Danby, Enfield, Groton, Newfield, and Ulysses, and the Village Courts of Cayuga Heights and Freeville. He maintains an active practice in Cortland, Chemung, Seneca, Cayuga, Schuyler, and Tioga Counties.

Fenchel has built respected and respectful relationships with the prosecutors, judges, court clerks, probation officers, and law-enforcement officials who form the legal landscape in upstate New York. He has defended friends and family members of judges, clerks, sheriff deputies, probation and police officers, as well as other governmental employees.


Practice Areas

Defending misdemeanor and felony matters.

Defending misdemeanor and felony matters.

Resolving violations of discharge and probation, as well as litigation involving the removal of ignition interlock devices.

Resolving violations of discharge and probation, as well as litigation involving the removal of ignition interlock devices.

Representing students charged with on-campus violations at Ithaca College, Cornell University and other area schools.

Representing students charged with on-campus violations at Ithaca College, Cornell University and other area schools.

Felony or Misdemeanor

  • ‘Goes out of his way’

    Luke Fenchel is a beast of a lawyer. He got me out of a real jam – I had three felony charges as well as five misdemeanors – with a very desirable outcome. I would highly recommend Mr. Fenchel for any legal defense matter that happens to come up. He is a good-spirited, very intelligent individual who goes out of his way to help clients even when it is inconvenient.

    — D.L.

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • ‘I now have zero criminal record’

    Working with Luke was the best decision I have ever made. I was facing a class C felony and Luke was able to navigate me through this nightmare and we were able to have the charges reduced to a misdemeanor and a violation. In the end he was able to show that I was not a criminal and using his guidance and expertise was able to have my charges dropped and I paid a $200 fine for a violation. I now have zero criminal record, which has afforded me the opportunity to obtain a great job with a corporation. I would never have had this chance if it weren't for Luke. I would highly recommend him in any circumstance.

    — B.K.

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • ‘An amazing resource’

    My friend referred Luke to me with an excellent review. and ever since I contacted him he put my nerves at ease. I found him to be extremely responsive, pro-active, knowledgeable, and clear. I appreciate how much he cares for his clients, makes time to know not just the situation, but also them. He is clearly passionate about what he does, and it shows through in his results. He is an amazing resource for legal counsel and as a defense lawyer is one I would trust to obtain the best possible outcome.

    — I.S.

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

On-Campus Judicial Proceedings

  • ‘Sharp, courteous, respectful, brilliant’

    I retained Luke for Title IX defense at a local college… At every turn, he was quick to call out any procedural violation done by the school. He continually put pressure on administrators to follow their own code of conduct. As part of his work, he brilliantly documented a paper trail of correspondence from Administrators that displayed their unwillingness to comply with their own rules and regulations... I recommend him without reservation. Luke is very good at explaining all possible options to his client and explaining complicated legal processes. I never felt left in the dark because Luke consistently communicated with me about the case. He is sharp, courteous, respectful, brilliant and has given me a chance to preserve my future.

    — Anonymous

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • Testimonial #2

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    — Source 2

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • Testimonial #3

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    — Source 3

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

DWI (BAC, Refusal, Drugs)

  • ‘The best lawyer in the area’

    I was charged with DUI and had a lot of specific issues with my case. I consulted with who was said to be the best DUI lawyer in town by several people, before speaking with Luke. He then told me what I could expect and said he could guarantee me a reduction to a certain other crime. Then I met Luke. Luke got me a MUCH better deal than the best DUI guy in town. I honestly think Luke is the best lawyer in the area.

    — Anonymous

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • Testimonial #2

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    — Source 2

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  • Testimonial #3

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    — Source 3

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

 

About Luke Z. Fenchel

EDUCATION

  • A.B., High Honors, Harvard College, 1999
  • J.D., Cornell Law School, 2005

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Admitted to the Bar: New York State, U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York

    RELATED EXPERIENCE

    • Lecturer, Legal Studies, Ithaca College, 2011-present

      Awards

      • Ithaca Times, Best of Ithaca Award, Best Attorney, 2016
      • Ithaca Journal, Reader’s Choice Award, Law Firm, 2015
      • Ithaca Times, Best of Ithaca, First Runner-Up, 2014

      ASSOCIATIONS

      • Tompkins County Bar Association
      • New York State Bar Association
      • New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
      • National College for DUI Defense