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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Lawyer Legion Criminal Defense Information Center of Pennsylvania

Search Directory for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pennsylvania

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Criminal Defense Lawyers by Specialty

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Pennsylvania

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2024

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2024 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Pennsylvania. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys, DUI defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Pennsylvania, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Pennsylvania. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

  • Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
  • Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
  • No online directory can accurately determine a statewide list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).
Robert J Munley
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Peckville, PA
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Steve Rice
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Gettysburg, PA
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Lauren A Wimmer
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Philadelphia, PA
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George Henry Newman
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Philadelphia, PA
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David E. Kindermann
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Lancaster, PA
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David Joel Shrager
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Pittsburgh, PA
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Justin James McShane
DUI / DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Harrisburg, PA
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Theodor Kaplun
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Philadelphia, PA
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Daniel-Paul Paul Alva
Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Philadelphia, PA
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David Scott Nenner
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Philadelphia, PA
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David Zuckerman
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Pittsburgh, PA
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Marc Neff
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Philadelphia, PA
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More Noteworthy Attorneys

Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) - The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) was established in 1988. The PACDL is a member organization open to Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys who are actively engaged in the defense of criminal cases in both state and federal court. The organization also accepts law students who are enrolled in law school. The PACDL is active engaged in ensuring equal justice is found under the law.
Delaware County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (DCACDL) - The Delaware County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (DCACDL) is a non-profit organization formed in August of 1988. Members of the DCACDL include both public defenders and private attorneys practicing in state and federal court throughout Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The organization supports and trains criminal defense practitioners throughout Delaware County / Delco, Pennsylvania including the cities of Chester, Drexel, and Garnet Valley.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.
DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Pennsylvania Government and Court Resources

Pennsylvania Attorney General

Pennsylvania Attorney General - The Pennsylvania Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer responsible for upholding justice. Leading law enforcement efforts, they address issues from consumer protection to criminal investigations. This office safeguards the public interest, prosecuting criminal cases, defending state laws, and advocating for policy reforms. With authority to bring lawsuits on behalf of the state, the Attorney General plays a pivotal role in shaping Pennsylvania's legal standards.

Pennsylvania General Assembly

Pennsylvania General Assembly - The Pennsylvania General Assembly operates under a bicameral system, comprising the Pennsylvania Senate and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The Senate has 50 members serving four-year terms, while the House consists of 203 members serving two-year terms. The General Assembly is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing laws that govern the state. Its duties include formulating the state budget, levying taxes, and addressing various policy issues such as education, healthcare, and public safety.

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, led by the Attorney General elected by the people, serves as the chief legal advisor for the state. This office is responsible for providing legal counsel to state agencies and officials, representing Pennsylvania in legal matters, and overseeing law enforcement. The Attorney General plays a pivotal role in prosecuting and defending legal actions on behalf of the state, issuing legal opinions, and addressing a broad spectrum of legal issues, including consumer protection, public safety, and environmental concerns.

Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania

Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania - The Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania (PDAP) is a non-profit corporation that provides free legal representation to indigent adults and juveniles accused of crimes in the state's courts of common pleas and appellate courts. Established in 1971, the PDAP employs about 600 defenders in 67 offices. The office's mission is to provide effective representation to ensure the protection of due process rights for its clients at all stages of a criminal proceeding.

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, composed of seven justices, holds the highest legal authority in the state. It interprets laws, shapes legal precedents, and influences a broad range of matters, from constitutional issues to civil and criminal cases, shaping legal precedents and guiding the state's legal landscape. Playing a pivotal role in upholding justice, it ensures the rule of law is fairly enforced throughout Pennsylvania.

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania - The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania is responsible for the administration of justice in the state. Its duties include interpreting and applying the law, adjudicating civil and criminal cases, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring due process, and overseeing family law matters. The system operates a tiered structure with various trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court, each serving specific functions in the legal process.

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