Cindy Kaplan Bennes, Criminal Defense Attorney in Buffalo, New York
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury · 4.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratPhillips Lytle LLP
Buffalo, NY
Practicing criminal defense in Buffalo since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Cindy Kaplan Bennes?
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Quick answer
Cindy Kaplan Bennes is a partner based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Cindy has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips Lytle LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Buffalo, NY
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Litigation · Personal Injury
- Handles Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from Buffalo, NY.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Cindy Kaplan Bennes: Cindy Kaplan Bennes is a partner based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Cindy has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips Lytle LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Cindy takes on
Cindy concentrates on criminal defense, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cindy handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Criminal Defense cases in Buffalo, New York
Cindy takes criminal defense matters in Buffalo, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cindy agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Buffalo, New York
Cindy takes litigation matters in Buffalo, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cindy agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Buffalo, New York
Cindy takes personal injury matters in Buffalo, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cindy agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Cindy Kaplan Bennes — criminal defense lawyer in Buffalo
Cindy Kaplan Bennes is a partner based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Cindy has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips Lytle LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Cindy Kaplan Bennes is a lawyer practicing personal injury - products liability/health effects, pharmaceutical defense litigation. Cindy received a B.S. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1979, and has been licensed for 37 years. Cindy practices at Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo, NY.
How Cindy handles criminal defense matters
Cindy Kaplan Bennes is a lawyer practicing personal injury - products liability/health effects, pharmaceutical defense litigation. Cindy received a B.S. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1979, and has been licensed for 37 years. Cindy practices at Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo, NY.
The kind of cases Cindy takes
Cindy reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, litigation, and personal injury matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
J.D. · 1988
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.S. Pharmacy · 1979
Jurisdictions
Cindy's state bar admissions
New York
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Cindy studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and B.S. Pharmacy in State University of New York at Buffalo.
Law school and academic background
Cindy completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and B.S. Pharmacy in State University of New York at Buffalo. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Cindy runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Cindy has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Cindy Kaplan Bennes's office in Buffalo
Cindy's primary office is at One Canalside, 125 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-2887. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Phillips Lytle LLP
One Canalside, 125 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203-2887
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Cindy Kaplan Bennes — 4.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Cindy. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Buffalo.
4.6
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Cindy Kaplan Bennes claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Cindy Kaplan Bennes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cindy usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Cindy charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cindy's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Cindy will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Buffalo, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Cindy
Cindy discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Cindy confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Cindy's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Cindy Kaplan Bennes
How much does it cost to hire Cindy for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cindy walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Cindy offer a free consultation?
Cindy charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cindy's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Cindy's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in New York typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Cindy gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Cindy take my case if I'm outside Buffalo?
Cindy is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Cindy will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Cindy?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Cindy will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Cindy accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Cindy's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Buffalo and Albany in New York
Cindy handles criminal defense matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in New York
If Cindy's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Buffalo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.