Dennis Nave

“Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

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Dennis Nave headshot

“Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

About Dennis

Managing Partner

Syracuse criminal defense attorney Dennis Nave has practiced law in New York since 2015 and has earned a reputation in the legal community as an aggressive and talented advocate for his clients. Those charged with DWI, Traffic, Criminal Charges, and License Matters seek Attorney Nave out for legal counsel because of his deep criminal law experience and firsthand knowledge of New York State, criminal court procedures, and understanding of New York States Department of Motor Vehicle rules and regulations.

Once Attorney Nave graduated from Syracuse Law, he was determined to stay in Central New York and become one of the area’s best criminal defense attorneys. Along his path, Dennis gained experience with the NYS Attorney General Office, Onondaga County District Attorney’s office, and the largest DWI Defense firm at the time, Anelli Xavier.

He approaches each of his client’s cases as unique and each person as his equal, always going the extra mile to ensure his clients are fully educated on their case and knowing they are receiving the best quality representation. He provides 24-7 access to his clients, so when they are in need, Attorney Nave is available.

Mr. Nave is currently the founding and managing partner for Nave Law Firm, located in Syracuse, NY. Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Dennis is devoted to staying in and serving his local community. He is a member of the Onondaga County Bar Association, New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National College of DUI Defense.

Attorney Nave has been recognized by Super Lawyers, a third-party rating service, as a Top Rated DWI Lawyer. He has also been named to Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list every year from 2019 through 2025, a distinction given to no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state. In 2021 he was the only DWI attorney in Central New York to receive it.

Mr. Nave enjoys presenting and lecturing on DWI, Criminal Defense, and defensive driving. He has done so with the Madison County Tavern Association, the Onondaga County Water Authority, underclassman in the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, and for the Onondaga County Bar Association.

Traffic Offenses
Criminal Defense
DWI
License Matters
2nd Amendment
Trial Litigation
Juris Doctor – Syracuse University College of Law
Master in Public Administration – Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Certificate of Advanced Study in Security Studies – Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism
Bachelor of Arts – University of Rochester

New York State Bar, admitted 2015 (Attorney Registration No. 5352943)
United States District Court – Northern District of New York

Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2019
Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2020
Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2021 (CNY’s Only)
Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2022
Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2023
Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2024
Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2025
Super Lawyers Top Rated DWI Lawyer
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated 2022
Avvo Clients’ Choice Award 2018
Avvo Clients’ Choice Award 2019
Avvo Rating 10.0 (Superb)

Favorite Movie: A Few Good Men
Favorite Vacation Spot: Italy
If you had intro music, what song would it be: Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Proudest Moment: Being sworn in as an attorney

Why do i do what i do?

I firmly believe anyone charged with a crime by the government deserves to have their rights protected. Being charged with a crime is very frightening for most people, and it is my job to help alleviate some of that worry. I take pride in offering the best possible service to my clients and work diligently to help resolve their cases.

WHEN YOU HIRE NAVE LAW FIRM, YOU AREN’T JUST HIRING A LAWYER, YOU’RE HIRING A TEAM.

A team that consists of attorneys, counsel attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, interns, and advocates. It’s this teamwork and shared knowledge that allows us to have the ultimate competitive advantage.

Strong female lawyer with team of attorneys behind her 2
trusted representation
trusted repre-
sentation

Our honest, transparent approach to client representation helps us better protect our clients.

we know how to win

With more than 100 years of experience, we leverage our insight to benefit our clients.

24/7 access to our team

We are dedicated to being a faithful and reliable support system for our clients.

what our clients are saying
The entire team at Nave Law is second to none. They are dedicated, hard working and responsive. During my experience I felt as if I was their only client. Communication was exceptional as well as the dedication and attention to my case. Thank you all for everything!
Honest great lawyer, and very empathetic and reasonable. Their Willingness to work with you and help is amazing. Would highly recommend. Not one of those slimy lawyers that milk every dime they can out of you. One of the good ones.
Fast, honest and professional. I had court in 3 days and was about loose my license and Nave Law firm took care of everything and I didn’t even have to go to court. They were worth every penny and I will recommend them to everyone. Thank you again Nave law Firm!
It’s hard to see the “light” after you’re in such an awful position. It’s important to choose a team who will literally be by your side through it all. Working with this firm was the best decision I could have made.

Filled with hard-working employees and highly communicative about the information that they need from their clients, Nave Law Firm treats your matters with friendly manners and seriousness towards the situation. My case was handled with detail and I never felt as though I was being neglected.

Solving everyday people problems.
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