Serving Cortland, Ithaca, Auburn and Surrounding Areas
Even seemingly minor charges can have immediate and long-term consequences. When confronted with criminal charges or civil issues, it is important to work with an attorney who has the experience and knowledge to provide you with the best possible defense and who is familiar with the Courts, Judges and Prosecutors in Central New York. I have been serving the Cortland, Ithaca, Auburn and surrounding areas since graduation from Syracuse Law School.
I have built a solid reputation for strategic, successful criminal defense representation. I will take the time to listen, understand your situation and best protect your rights and your interests.
Criminal Law
I provide solid criminal defense representation against a wide range of criminal charges for clients throughout the Cortland, Ithaca, Auburn and Central New York area. I have handled numerous serious criminal cases including Homicide, Criminal Negligent Homicide, Burglary, DWI, Drug offenses, Vehicle and Traffic offenses, Assault, Sexual offenses and also minor vehicle and traffic matters which can also seriously impact your insurance.
Threat or actual loss of one’s freedom by arrest can be the most traumatic experience of one's life. Unfortunately, it can happen to you, family members, friends or acquaintances. Attorney Edward W. Goehler has extensive experience handling everything from the most serious New York felony cases, DWI and DWAI/Drugs cases. As a defense attorney, I will counsel you and guide you through the criminal defense process.
No matter what you or a loved one may be accused of, it is extremely important to obtain a lawyer early on to ensure that you receive the necessary guidance to build a proper and fair defense. With my extensive experience in a wide range of criminal matters, I am equipped to help you deal with your legal situation.
KEEPING YOUR RECORD CLEAR
One of the most important aspects of my representation involves keeping our clients’ records clear. When handled correctly, we can often make the best of a bad situation and minimize the long-term damage to our clients’ permanent records. Whenever appropriate, we seek alternatives to incarceration, such as diversionary or drug treatment programs to assist in rehabilitation for treatment and recovery.
In the courtroom, clients are defended on the basis of issues related to search and seizure. Attorney Edward W. Goehler regularly challenges search warrants and police actions on the merits of this freedom to protect our clients’ rights to be free of a warrantless or improperly conducted search and seizure.
I understand that criminal charges often require immediate action. You can talk with me about your situation instead of a secretary . If I do not answer and you get my answering service, then I am in court or with a client. Please leave your name, phone number and a brief message and I will return your phone call as soon as possible, usually within minutes, hours or on the same day.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law, for a phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080.
Trust the 30+ years of legal experience of Edward W. Goehler Esq.
I accept cash, check and credit card payments.
DWI/DWAI Cases
If you have been charged with DWI/DWAI, I understand that criminal charges often require immediate action. You can talk with me about your situation now. I will thoroughly review all documents and obtain discovery for your case. If I find something in the course of my investigation and review that I can exploit to weaken the position of the prosecution’s case that can help you get a better result, I will make good use of any such item. On the other hand, I will not charge you exorbitant fees if my investigation indicates that the prosecution has a solid case and that therefore the best option is to negotiate a favorable plea agreement for you.
If I do not answer and you get my answering service, then I am in court or with a client. Please leave your name, phone number and a brief message and I will return your phone call as soon as possible, usually within minutes, hours or on the same day.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law, for a free phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080.
Traffic and Driving Offenses
For most people, driving is an essential part of daily life. The prospect of losing the right to drive as a result of a criminal conviction can be a source of tremendous anxiety and stress. Losing the right to drive not only impacts your life, it can also impact your family, your career and your reputation in the community.
Attorney Edward W. Goehler provides effective criminal defense for clients accused of driving offenses throughout the Central New York area. I provide strategic defense backed by practical experience to help clients protect their rights and driving privileges.
Attorney Edward W.Goehler has experience defending clients against numerous charges that fall under the category of driving offenses.
DWI / DWAI/ DWAI Drugs
Many of these charges may have serious penalties attached to them. A conviction under some of these offenses can result in a suspension or revocation of your license, a hefty fine and even jail time. This can have a serious effect on your job, your personal life and your future employment prospects. Regardless of the magnitude of your charges, I will take the time to listen to your story and understand your situation.
Local Representation for Out-of-State Clients
Without the assistance of an attorney, you might have to return to New York just for a traffic ticket. Most traffic tickets can be handled by mail, including tickets that you contest for any reason. Whether I need to go to court for you or I can conduct your defense by mail, I am confident in my ability to get a better outcome for you than is the case with a traffic offense to which you plead guilty because you don't have time to fight or appear in court. You should not plead guilty to a ticket just because it is inconvenient for you to return to New York.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a free phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080
Accidents & Personal Injury
Edward W Goehler Esq.’s personal injury practice is centered on the idea that people who have been the victim of another party’s negligence should receive full compensation for their injuries and other financial losses. Attorney Edward W Goehler recognizes that anyone who is involved in an accident never expects to require the services of a lawyer, and for many, the experience can be an overwhelming one. Handling your case in the best way possible, in close consultation with you is the only way to proceed.
People in Central New York choose Attorney Edward W Goehler because he offers personalized attention, from the beginning to the end. With his experience and knowledge, he offers free consultations and contingent fee arrangements - meaning that legal fees are paid only if you recover damages.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a phone consultation and to make an office appointment
(607) 758-8080
Criminal Defense for College Students
Every year, tens of thousands of students attend colleges and universities in Central New York. Away from home and on their own, often for the first time - college students can easily find themselves in trouble with the law.
If you are a college student or the parent of a college student who has been accused of any criminal offense, from drunken driving, drug possession, rape, underage possession of alcohol, to possession of a fake ID, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Protecting Your Future
As a central New York criminal defense attorney who is committed to defending college students, I understand that a criminal conviction can have a devastating effect on your future. I will work to prevent or minimize any negative consequences you might face.
A criminal record can limit your future job opportunities, prevent you from obtaining a professional license and possibly jeopardize your student aid. Never just walk into a courtroom and plead guilty without speaking with an experienced attorney.
After three decades of practicing law, I have earned a solid reputation in both the justice system and the communities in Central New York. I have a record of achieving positive outcomes for my clients. Do not let criminal charges taint a future that is only just beginning.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a free phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080
Defending Youthful Offenders
It can be very frightening for parents to find out their child has been charged with a crime. No parent wants to see their child going through a criminal prosecution.
If your child has been accused of a crime, you have the right to enlist an experienced attorney who knows how to handle youthful offender cases.
I understand that criminal charges often require immediate action. You can talk with me about your situation instead of a secretary.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a free phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080
Child Custody
The office of Edward W. Goehler Esq. is an ideal starting place for divorcing or separated parents to reach an agreement about child custody and visitation matters. I work with my clients to help them reach a resolution on child custody and visitation issues that are in the best interests of the children. Creative plans can be devised that are beneficial for the children and the entire family.
"Parenting time" for separated or divorced parents is a more recent term for the previously referenced terms of child custody and visitation. Time together is the most reliable way for parents to preserve meaningful bonds with their children despite a divorce or parents living separately.
Schedule a consultation if you are anticipating a divorce, are already divorced or have had a child out of wedlock and need guidance regarding the custody of your child. I will help you devise a parenting plan that works for everyone involved.
Issues to Consider for Custody and Visitation Agreements
Joint custody versus sole legal custody involves questions regarding who will make the major decisions related to educational, medical, religious and behavioral issues.
Physical custody/placement is about where the child will live the majority of the time. Parents can be creative in devising a parenting schedule that takes into consideration activities of the child and can include provisions for holidays, school breaks and summers.
Relocation and transportation aspects (such as when one parent wants to move the child's permanent residence to a distant location), school district issues arising when parents live in different districts, must be given serious and due consideration. Activities such as sports, camps and after school activities often demand a flexible schedule.
Modification and Violation of a Child Custody Order
A child custody decision is not necessarily set in stone forever. Changes in circumstances within the family or with the child may dictate a change in the custodial arrangement. Access to better schools, a child getting older, parental neglect or abuse, the child's preferences and parental alienation may dictate that the arrangement should be changed.
Interference by one parent with the other parent's visitation and contact with the child may warrant the filing of a violation petition to ensure continued contact between the child and parents. There are times that the conduct of the other parent is so egregious that time is of the essence. If you have such a situation, you may need immediate assistance from the Court, such as the filing of an Order to Show Cause to gain quick access to the Court or an immediate Court Order to remedy a dangerous situation. If the situation is serious enough, a Judge will grant such an Order.
Edward W. Goehler listens closely to his client's needs, values and desires and works with each client to develop an approach that works for the entire family. Take steps to understand the law as it will impact your life during and after divorce.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a phone consultation and to make an office appointment(607) 758-8080
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a phone consultation and to make an office appointment
(607) 758-8080
Child and Spousal Support
Attorney Edward W. Goehler has a wealth of knowledge in the area of child and spousal support and has appeared in family courts throughout New York State.
Child support in New York is based upon a formula as set forth in the Child Support Standards Act. The guidelines take into account certain factors such as the income of both of the parents, the number of children in common for whom the order shall be made, and with which parent the children reside.
It is possible for both parties to agree to an amount different from the guidelines. A support obligation may include health insurance, unreimbursed medical expenses and child care expenses. A child support order may also include a contribution by the parents to the cost of the child's college education.
Modification of Child Support
A child support obligation may be subject to changes if a parent's or child's circumstances change - for instance, if the child is engaged in travel sports or enters private school or college. The obligation or amount to be paid by the paying parent (non-custodial parent) may be reduced if that parent loses their job, was injured and out of work, or has a reduction in income. The child support obligation may be increased upon a showing of an increase in income of the non-custodial parent or the needs of the child have increased (educational need or extracurricular activities). If a child has been adopted or turns twenty-one (21), the provision for child support will usually be terminated. In some cases, the child may be considered "emancipated". However, it is best to file a petition in court to terminate the obligation. An obligation will not be changed or modified without going to court to obtain a new order.
Violation of Child Support Order
If you stopped paying child support, you may be in violation of a court order and could be facing the possibility of probation, incarceration or suspension of your license and passport. Edward W. Goehler will help you learn about your options if you violated your support order and have not paid the monies owed for your child or have had your license suspended.
I can also help if your child's parent did not follow the court order and pay his or her child support obligation, including the unreimbursed health care related expenses or child care expenses.
I can help you understand your remedies.
Spousal Support Provisions
Children are not the only ones who need support following a divorce or separation. A financially dependent spouse may be entitled to spousal support (alimony). My job as a family law lawyer is to advocate on behalf of whoever is my client, the moneyed spouse or the dependent spouse.
Unlike the guidelines for child support, spousal support can more often vary from strict applications of formulas. Many factors are involved in determining whether an award of spousal support is appropriate.
These Factors Include
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a free phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080
Divorce and Separation
Divorce is a painful experience, but it is also a new beginning. Each family's needs, values and goals will be different from another family. At the law office of Edward W. Goehler, he assists clients who wish to initiate their divorce or who have had divorce thrust upon them. I have more than 30 years of experience helping people through the process of divorce.
There are many different aspects that must be considered during a divorce or legal separation.
As long as you meet one of the grounds for divorce recognized by the state, I can help you identify and resolve all potential issues. For couples who are unable to agree upon all issues sometimes trial and decision by the Judge may be the only option.
Get complete divorce and legal separation services.
Contact Edward W. Goehler, Attorney at Law for a free phone consultation and to make an office appointment (607) 758-8080