The Criminal Defense Unit offers high-quality, client-centered representation for individuals accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and violations in Buffalo City Court. Staff attorneys are available to represent all qualifying individuals at arraignment, with appointments made by the judge. Our dedicated team of staff members will work with clients to achieve the best possible outcome.
Criminal Defense Unit
Capabilities
Defense for the Accused and Incarcerated
The attorneys of the Criminal Defense Unit at the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo are committed to providing top-tier legal representation to every client assigned to our office, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Holistic Representation Project
The Holistic Representation Project is an interdisciplinary, client-centered approach that goes beyond legal advocacy to address the underlying social, economic, and personal factors contributing to a client’s involvement in the criminal legal system.
Attorneys and Staff
Unit Leaders
Sarah Ryan
Chief Attorney
sryan@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7471
Michael Deal
Legal Director
mdeal@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7455
Carla Benz
Managing Attorney
cbenz@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7572
Monica Delmonte Lyon
Managing Attorney
mdelmonte@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7518
Brooke Meehan
Managing Attorney
bmeehan@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7534
Sean Rheinheimer
Managing Attorney
srheinheimer@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7522
Justin Schifano
Managing Attorney
jschifano@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7516
Edwina Davis
Social Work Supervisor
edavis@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7417
Kaitlyn Hutchins
Support Staff Supervisor
khutchins@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7525
Regional Immigration Assistance Center
Sophie Feal
Managing Attorney
sfeal@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7535
Wedade Abdallah
Managing Attorney
wabdallah@labbuffalo.org
716-416-7561