Albany, NY is a city of approximately 95,000 along the banks of the Hudson River, and has the distinction of being New York’s state capital. The city originally developed on the site of the Dutch Fort Orange, and was named in honor of James II, Duke of Albany after being acquired by the English. Albany is geographically equidistant from the cities of New York, Boston, Montreal, and Buffalo, earning it the nickname “The Crossroads City.”

As the state capital, Albany’s industry is heavily based on government operations. The city also has a noted nanotechnology program run by the University of Albany. Albany is home to one of the oldest city parks in New York, Washington Park. Other noted attractions include Buckingham Lake Park, the USS Slater, Howe Caverns, and the NYS Museum.

The city’s location has attracted a large number of Albany lawyers who now call this area their home. Albany attorneys practice in the areas of business, real estate, criminal prosecution and defense, immigration, personal injury, and family law, as well as others.

Lawyers in Albany recently challenged the sex offender registry requirements imposed by Albany County prohibiting Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of schools and child care facilities. The plaintiff, a level 3 offender whose offense against a 14 year old girl occurred 23 years ago, sought to register a an anonymous John Doe. The man challenged the statute as being “irrational” and creating a hardship as he was precluded from living in over 30 potential addresses within Albany that he supplied to the police, and his medical condition precludes him from leaving the confines of the city. The case is currently pending.

Albany is part of the larger New York State Unified Court System. Attorneys in Albany may file a case in the trial courts of the 3^rd Judicial District, the 3rd Appellate Division, or the NY Court of Appeals. The court system is complex, and a local Albany lawyer can help you to navigate the special rules and procedures for each court.

If you need an Albany lawyer, LegalMatch.com can help. Our free service can match you with pre-screened, qualified attorneys in good standing with the New York state bar while providing you with access to lawyer background information unavailable elsewhere. Our website also contains useful tips on attorney selection and general information on popular legal topics. Use LegalMatch and make the right decision in selecting your attorney.

Additional information on New York’s legal system and Albany lawyers can be found at the following external links: