Richard Portale had been overlooked when I wrote my 2022 “must meet list” of people. Wow, was I wrong. They turned out to be the most influential, honest, true, kind, and strategic people I met in 2022. In the fall of 2021, I had a situation that should have been a simple misunderstanding with the New York County (Manhattan) District Attorney’s Office. The matter was blown wildly out of proportion, and what was an honest mistake on my part turned into a felony firearm indictment due to the poor advice from a previous attorney. When I landed in the office of Portale Randazzo, I was broken spiritually, emotionally distraught, and holding onto my professional reputation by a thread. During a routine call where I had asked for the NYPD to come to my apartment to help me in situation where I was a victim, I was asked if I had a weapon in the house. Having never been involved in a criminal situation in my life, I answered honestly that in fact I had a gun in my safe. I was always told to answer law enforcement honestly, and that’s exactly what I did. The next 48 hours were a living hell for me. What was a simple answer that posed no threat to law enforcement in the slightest, turned into 11 months of incredibly volatile emotions; fear, anger, frustration and hopelessness due to losses in court, outright fabrication by those in power positions and the malfeasance of a prior attorney. By the time the firm of Portale Randazzo came into the picture and brought stability to the out-of-control situation; I had already lost pre-trial suppression hearings, had less than a month to prepare for trial, and had exhausted all legal options presented to me by prior counsel and honestly lost all hope. Rich listened to me, tested my story, made sure that what I was relaying to them was the truth, and immediately transitioned into learning, strategy and execution mode. Chad Mair from the firm crafted a letter/memo educating the NYDA on the true facts of the case and re-imaging my life story and narrative in a way that was truthful and honest to who I am. Rich developed an executable plan to address and remedy the situation. He counseled gracefully and meticulously prepared my defense. The attorneys at Portale Randazzo have the same ethics and morals that have held true for me my entire life; if you are innocent like I was, they will go to the proverbial mat for you. Rich Portale employed the political capitol he’d earned through the years of cracking skulls and skillful negotiation, and he did not hesitate to use it to write this wrong. At the end of the day, all criminal charges were dismissed and this misunderstanding turned tragedy has a happy ending. This has not and will not affect my ability to earn a substantial living, and the firm’s successful result has allowed me to emotionally heal from the terror I experienced from being handcuffed, taken to an NYPD Precinct, tethered to a bench, verbally abused at the “tombs” (central booking), not to mention having been charged with violent criminal felonies. The resolution of my case was one part of the process, the emotional support that I have received from Rich has been outstanding, unexpected, and appreciated in ways they will never know. If you find yourself in a crisis that needs to be professionally managed - these are the people you want in your corner and need to call.
- Mathew Ellis
I am rarely impressed with "most" law firms. I am extremely impressed with Portale Randazzo, LLP. Rich Portale handled and resolved my case expeditiously and professionally every step of the way. The communication was excellent and the fees were extremely fair. I would recommend them to anyone! Thank you 🙂
- Katherine
Richard fought for my son who was charged with a crime he did not commit. They believed in my son and obtained the necessary evidence to make a motion to dismiss the case. They filed the motion to dismiss out of principle. The District Attorney offered a reduced plea but Richard said "it's not right, if I were you I would fight it", so we did. My son's case was dismissed outright! By the Judge. Richard is the best of the best and I can now say I even refer my own family to them. I wish all lawyers were as nice, intelligent and as personable as Richard. Richard has a way in the Courtroom unlike most lawyers. He takes over the courtroom in a subtle way and wins. He fights for justice. Hannah does too. They remind me of Honey Badgers - the fight, they are tough, they do not lose and they never rest on their last win. Thanks Portale Randazzo. Best of the Best!
- Ted E. N.
When my teen son was arrested for attempted murder and possession of a firearm, I felt our family was faced with the deepest and most painful experience life could offer. I felt hopeless and powerless as my child faced the possibility of 25 years to life in prison just 2 months before he was to leave for his freshman year at college. I was referred to Richard Portale for his “strong and aggressive style in court” and his “proven track record for winning cases”. Upon meeting Richard for the arraignment, I had a glimpse of his great deal of knowledge and extraordinary positive and determined nature. He was honest, and informed me about the details of the case. I was immediately relieved of all of my stress as I knew that Richard would have my son’s best interest at hand. Throughout the case, Richard became more than our attorney, Richard is a family friend. What is most important is that Richard is a human being-he genuinely cares for people. He has not only given my son his life back, but he has allowed my family to live again. Having legal representation with experience and a great deal of knowledge as a criminal defense attorney is critical when the question of any persons fate is at hand. Richard Portale is the best attorney, and ensures the most positive outcome for his clients. Words can’t express the great impact Richard has had on our lives. I wholeheartedly recommend him for his strong desire to help others and to beat all of his cases.
- Anonymous
When my teen son was arrested for attempted murder and possession of a firearm, I felt our family was faced with the deepest and most painful experience life could offer. I felt hopeless and powerless as my child faced the possibility of 25 years to life in prison just 2 months before he was to leave for his freshman year at college. I was referred to Richard Portale for his “strong and aggressive style in court” and his “proven track record for winning cases”. Upon meeting Richard for the arraignment, I had a glimpse of his great deal of knowledge and extraordinary positive and determined nature. He was honest and informed me about the details of the case. I was immediately relieved of all of my stress as I knew that Richard would have my son’s best interest at hand. Throughout the case, Richard became more than our attorney, Richard is a family friend. What is most important is that Richard is a human being he genuinely cares for people. He has not only given my son his life back, but he has allowed my family to live again. Having legal representation with experience and a great deal of knowledge as a criminal defense attorney is critical when the question of any person fate is at hand. Richard Portale is the best attorney and ensures the most positive outcome for his clients. Words can’t express the great impact Richard has had on our lives. I wholeheartedly recommend him for his strong desire to help others and to beat all of his cases.
- Anonymous
Mr. Portale displayed an excellent grasp of my complex situation. He was really there for me and my family when we needed it and maintains a vast network of outstanding experts. Thank you, Mr. Portale.
- Jeffry M.
It was wonderful having Richard Portale represent me. Very attentive, communicative and professional at all times and complete it the tasks set forth. I would highly recommend Richard.
- Edward C.
Richard helped me with an international child abduction\retention case involving my two children. He was a great support in steering me in the right direction and letting me know exactly what steps I needed to take. His advice and counsel helped me to get one step closer to being reunited with my children. The case is still ongoing, but I am confident that with Richard’s support, I can achieve results I can live with. When I need him, he is only a phone call or an email away. He is expedient in his correspondences. He also demands quality and honesty on my part and I have received nothing less from him!
- Romeo
I caught a possession charge after I knew the cops had violated my rights and…to put it simply…Mr. Portale was a godsend! He listened to my side of the story without judging me. If I ever had a question, he wasn’t one of those hard to reach lawyers. He always got back to me quickly and with all of the information I asked for. He didn’t treat me like a number – from the beginning, I knew that he actually cared about me and my case. I thought the cards were stacked against me, but because of Mr. Portale’s representation, I was able to have the charges dismissed. He told me to call him “Rich,” but after the great job he did on my case and the professional treatment I received, I call him “Mr. Portale” out of respect. The only thing that could have gone better or differently was that I wish I called his office sooner. If I were a teacher I’d give him and his staff an A+.
- Benny
My experience with Richard was phenomenal. I was kept informed from start to finish and felt like I was his only client at times. When it came to my case Richard was always honest with me which both me and my family appreciated as we were going through this process together. I hope I never need his services again but if I do I would not consider anyone else representing me.
- Bryan
I have used Rich several times and could not have been happier with the results each time. He is extremely knowledgeable and always kept me in the loop as to where my cases stood. His preparation and approach put me at ease and he delivered the results I was hoping to get.
- Greg
Richard Portale has represented me several times. Every case satisfaction guaranteed I was pleased and will always retain and maintain him as my attorney.
- Patrick
I recently had a legal situation and needed a lawyer to represent me for a criminal case, My friend highly recommended Richard Portale. From the moment I spoke to him, I felt very comfortable and confident to hire him as an attorney. He was very professional, extremely effective, and efficient throughout the entire process. He communicated back and forth giving me positive feedback and resolved my case quickly. If I ever find myself need representation or if anyone wants a recommended attorney I would without a doubt refer Richard Portale. He was simply amazing!
- Tiffany A.
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this to acknowledge the High level of professionalism but most important the act of sincerity as shown by Attorney Richard Portale. When I first contacted Mr. Portale to represent my son, he immediately showed genuine care and concern and quickly acted to represent him for not one but two cases. Not only did Mr. Portale not hesitate when I called upon him in the middle of the night, he went right into action as his attorney. He fought hard for my son’s innocence and release including seeking to obtain the lowest bond/bail possible. On one occasion during Mr. Portale’s personal illness, he sent another Attorney who matched his same level of professionalism and experience to ensure that my son would get the proper representation. The highest act of humanity was his ability to understand when my family fell into a financial setback. I failed to initially mention that Mr. Portale came highly recommended, through former colleagues and secretaries and those who have encountered him on both a business and personal level. I can truly see why he was so highly recommended. Words cannot express how it feels to have an Attorney who is not just interested in winning the next case. Attorney Portale cares about his clients and is understanding the fact that he is highly experienced, extremely qualified, professional, detailed and proficient. Mr. Portale is a Real and Great example of what an Attorney should be.
- Appreciative and Grateful Mom
Rich Portale is outstanding! Their knowledge of the law, connections in the legal arena, and successes in handling all kinds of legal issues far surpass any experiences I've known friends, family and colleagues to have had. They are reliable, communicative, responsive, thoughtful and extremely assertive in their actions for clients. They are compassionate, yet direct and honest with clients, and will go the extra mile to insure the best representation they can provide. I would highly recommend this firm for any legal situation that may arise. You will not be disappointed with Portale Randazzo!
- Linda Schluter
I had met Richard 16 years ago while he was visiting another client never realizing that one day I would have to actually put his number to use and have to hire him for my children. He has worked with my family and I on 5 separate occasions - once for my son and 4 different times for my daughter. It is beyond me how anyone could give this man one star and I read the review I highly doubt any of it to be truth. On those 4 occasions he's worked for my daughter, he could have very well took another case and made double the money he made, if not triple that, instead of helping a 16 year old girl out of a jam as he did and at that time, he was working a high profile case as well and still tended to my daughter's case in a very professional manner. He went above and beyond on more than one occasion for her and believe me, who ever made the remark about it being all about money, I beg to differ for as many times as he bailed her out of a jam and what he got payed, if it were any other lawyer they would have never agreed to help out like Rich did. But I guess this is what happens when you hire a lawyer who cares genuinely about their field of work and clients. We are grateful for all the tireless hours he invested into helping my kids and for all that he has done. A million thank you's could NEVER be enough.
- Anonymous
After a long and productive life measured by professional and family success recent years saw me suffer a downward spiral in mental health. Increasingly my sense of self-worth diminished. I’m not sure at this point that I can explain why, but I’m working on it. The downward spiral was accompanied by involvement in viewing internet pornography. Perhaps I was predisposed but without realizing I became a sex addict slipping deeper and deeper into its addictive grip and my thinking became increasingly numbed and my judgment clouded. Perhaps due to unresolved childhood emotional issues my viewing gravitated into the domain of illegal content otherwise known as child pornography. It is an awkward thing to admit. I was detected, arrested and immersed into a criminal justice system relentlessly disposed and motivated to make the worst of someone having my behavior. I fully understand and agree with the need to protect children. What I did was illegal, but at least was done in complete and total isolation, remaining within the bounds of freeware file sharing. I involved no one in my deviant behavior. The system made me the subject of an extremely exaggerated, unfair and unjust, harshly negative Pre-Sentencing Report - as it is called. The PSR resulted from the results of a little more than hour interview. This report colored the entire system process without checks and balances. There was no accountability as the authoring officer employed a great deal of unqualified clinical interpretation, personal judgment, suspicion, and bias. There did not appear to be any recourse for me being labeled a “monster.” The system wanted to bury me among the worst of the crowd. [Partner] Richard Portale, was thankfully at my defense. From the outset, he demonstrated his knowledge and understanding of my situation having dealt with other, similar difficult sex crime cases. He was effective in preventing the total destruction of my life. Initially, I was charged with possession and dissemination of Child Pornography. The charge was rapidly reduced to possession. The firm was effective in keeping the case out of the Federal System that is entirely unforgiving and narrowly mission driven. While I have earned the privilege of being punished and am willing to pay for my wrongdoing, I do not deserve to be declared the monster the system would have made me out to be. The system wanted to label me a level 3 offender. Mr. Portale was successful in negotiating a reduction to level 2 prior to the hearing. At the hearing, he was further successful in convincing the court to assign me as the lowest risk level 1 which is appropriate for my behavior. I am especially grateful for Mr. Richard Portale, without whom things would be much worse for me. They brought rationality, fairness and justice to a process in which otherwise the system would have raged entirely out of control reigning undue and unnecessary devastation.
- Anonymous
Rich was great! From the beginning, he took the time to listen and reassure which was very important to us. He defended our son in a self-defense case that resulted in a full dismissal of all charges. We had court dates monthly for more than a year and Rich never let us down. He was in court every time, on time and when needed he brought along an experienced colleague for added knowledge and experience. We truly believe that without Rich’s careful planning, vast legal knowledge and experience our son's case would have lingered much longer and very possibly had a bad ending. Rich proved that empathy and professionalism are a winning team! If this family is ever in need of legal counsel again we know who to call.
- Lola B.
One never expects to need a defense lawyer but, if you do Rich Portale. He went above and beyond to protect my family from wrongdoing. Two thumbs up.
- Sandra V.
I would like to take some time to show my gratitude towards Richard a. Portale. I was a client of his for just about a year. A horrifying year of my life. He was the first of 3 lawyers I met with. Right off the bat, I knew Mr. Portale was a great fit for me and my family. He made us feel comfortable and explained everything to us so we could understand. I was facing very serious charges and the two other lawyers told me to take the plea even though I was well within my rights with my actions. Richard and I decided that we would fight these charges since I was innocent. I knew he would ultimately come through and prove his case. Then, 10 months later when Mr. Portale had my whole family and I meet him to discuss the case, he then pulled out a letter. A letter that would change my life forever. Mr. Portale held out his hand as he told me my case was dismissed! Even in my mind, the best case scenario was dismissal after trial. Not before it even started! I will forever be grateful to him and so will my family. This is more than the outcome we hoped for, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from Mr. Portale.
- Anonymous
Everyone makes mistakes and unfortunately I was one of them. I had been hanging out with the wrong people at the time. My ex-significant other (father of my child) was not the best person to be around. I was charged with crimes that had nothing to do with me but with my ex-SO. He blamed me! I did not know what to do. I thought the worst and I was worried for my child’s well-being. I walked into Mr. Portale’s office with such negative thoughts. As soon as I spoke with Mr. Portale, I felt so much better. He explained to me the process and how my case would be handled. It all made sense. I walked out of his firm with a positive mind set. Later on, my case was dismissed. I am so thankful for meeting Mr. Portale.
- Michele
When the odds are against you and you are under persecution, Richard A. Portale is the person you want to call because he will fight for you. I called Mr. Portale when I needed a lawyer to represent me in my domestic abuse case and he went beyond his call of duty. Richard Portale didn’t see me as a number or a check he saw me as a life worth saving and that’s what I loved most about having him as my attorney. I’ve never seen anyone put such value on another person’s life. He is organized, has excellent knowledge of the law and approached my case with such conviction that I knew he was someone that I needed on my side. Thanks to his master negotiator skills and unwillingness to lose, my case was dismissed and I didn’t have to deal with the headaches of a trial. Richard Portale is the deliverer of justice; justice to the court, justice to the law and most importantly JUSTICE TO HIS CLIENT.
- Anonyomous
I used Richard a couple years ago for a case About my International Union against me, I hired Richard last minute and he was extremely prepared and helpful He is a knowledgeable on all matters of law and excellent In court!.
- Anonyomous
Richard Portale is more than an incredible and trustworthy lawyer. He is a true humanitarian and one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. I have worked with him on several subjects and each and every time he is honest, kind and fair in his assessments. It is guaranteed that he will treat you with respect and integrity. There is true passion and concern that comes from him and it automatically puts you at ease regardless of the circumstance. I highly recommend Richard Portale to everyone!
- Christy
Richard Portale is one of a kind. Not only does he have extensive knowledge of the law, he shows compassion and is determined to make sure that justice is served for his client. A few years ago I was involved in a criminal case where the District Attorney was pushing for a trail. I contacted Mr. Portale because I felt like I was being backed up in a corner and being pushed to do something I did not want to do. Shortly after contacting Mr. Portale, I was notified that I did not have to go to court or deal with the process of my case being on trial. It was like magic! Richard Portale did not waste any time when it came to making sure that I was protected and getting the justice I deserved. A trial would have destroyed me mentally, and possibly being charged with a criminal offense would have ruined my life. I don’t know where my life would be if I didn’t contact Mr. Portale. Thank you Mr. Portale, you saved my life!
- Naomi
Growing up as a child we have our ideas of hero’s and we are subjected to fictional heroes through the media. I always imagined that I would be the one saving others and being a role model for my siblings and community members. Instead, I was a person, a lost soul in need of saving. I knew Batman wasn’t going to come and save me, no rapper, and no athlete was going to save me, instead, Richard Portale was there to listen to my concerns and recommend the best treatment I needed. I am grateful that he was able to share this journey with me and provide the guidance I needed to begin my recovery. My family and I are thankful for his hard work and dedication and are pleased with the job he has done. Thank you for saving my life and giving me another chance at having a future.
- Wilson M. M.
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