Atty. James L Riotto

Atty. James L Riotto

Serving Monroe County, Ontario County, Orleans County, Livingston County, Wayne County and Genesee County James L. Riotto is a lawyer in Rochester who has an impressive law enforcement background combined with substantial criminal defense experience.

Rochester Rochester 15 yrs experience 15 year
Call (585) 565-1128 Email Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James L Riotto at a glance

James L Riotto is an Attorney based in Rochester, New York, practicing at The Law Office of James L. Riotto. They have 15+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2011. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi, drug crimes, criminal defense, federal crimes, and white collar. Admitted to practice in New York (2011), U.S. District Court, Western District of New York (2011), U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit (2012), and U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York (2016). Educated at Albany Law School J.D. (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of New York State Bar Association Monroe County Bar Association New York State Defender's Association. Serands clients in Rochester, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Serving Monroe County, Ontario County, Orleans County, Livingston County, Wayne County and Genesee County James L. Riotto is a lawyer in Rochester who has an impressive law enforcement background combined with substantial criminal defense experience
  • His extensive experience as a state trooper and within law enforcement and criminal prosecution has provided him with a unique perspective that sets him apart from other Rochester criminal defense attorneys
  • Clients get the benefit of an attorney with a clear understanding of both sides of their legal issues
  • State and federal law enforcement experience Prior to attending law school, Mr. Riotto graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy in Glynco, Georgia with honors, and subsequently took positions as an officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and then with the New York State Department of Corrections
  • After being certified as a New York State Police Officer at the University Police Department at SUNY Oswego, in 2000 he became a New York State Trooper specializing in criminal investigations, traffic enforcement and DWI
  • Mr. Riotto’s education and experience provide him with detailed knowledge of the various systems, policies and procedures utilized by New York and federal law enforcement agencies
  • As a New York State Certified Instructor, he educated New York police recruits before deciding to use his experience to pursue a career in the legal field
  • Legal background in criminal prosecution and defense Mr. Riotto began his legal career by completing internships with state, city, county and federal judges in New York
  • In those positions, he researched various civil and criminal issues and assisted with drafting judicial opinions
  • During law school, he worked at the New York State Liquor Authority, where he reviewed investigative reports, Alcohol Beverage Control ("ABC") violations and liquor license applications, and helped decide whether to approve or deny the applications
  • Before beginning his practice as a Rochester criminal defense attorney, Mr. Riotto took a position with the New York State Attorney General's Office, Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, where he researched investigations, drafted criminal charges and assisted in many high-profile criminal investigations into state agencies, including the New York State Police
  • Mr. Riotto went on to work at the Albany County District Attorney's Office, Major Offense Bureau, where he contributed to prosecuting several felony criminal matters, including DWI offenses
  • In 2008, Mr. Riotto received the Daniel S. Dwyer Fellowship Stop DWI Award, established in 2001 and awarded to a law student to assist in the prosecution of DWI cases
  • The fellowship recipient must have achieved superior academic standing and have demonstrated an interest in criminal law
  • As a Rochester DWI attorney, he is able to utilize the experience he gained in that role

Practice Areas Explained

James L Riotto's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James L Riotto handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

DUI / DWI Defense

Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.

James L Riotto is one of 29,976 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in New York →

Drug Crimes

James L Riotto is one of 6,966 drug crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse drug crimes attorneys in New York →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

James L Riotto is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in New York →

Federal Crimes

James L Riotto is one of 6,773 federal crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse federal crimes attorneys in New York →

White Collar Crimes

James L Riotto is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in New York →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in New York

Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Rochester are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Rochester or all attorneys in New York.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James L Riotto

Where is James L Riotto's law office located?
James L Riotto's law practice is located in Rochester, New York. The firm is The Law Office of James L. Riotto. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James L Riotto handle?
James L Riotto focuses on dui/dwi, drug crimes, criminal defense, federal crimes, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New York.
How long has James L Riotto practiced law?
James L Riotto has 15+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2011.
Where did James L Riotto go to law school?
James L Riotto earned their education at (—).
How can I contact James L Riotto for a consultation?
You can contact James L Riotto directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James L Riotto received?
James L Riotto's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

Albany Law School J.D.
- In Progress

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

New York
Admitted: 2011
U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
Admitted: 2011
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
Admitted: 2012
U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
Admitted: 2016

Reviews

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