The Law Office of Andrew G. Gay, Jr. is a full service law firm in the Rittenhouse Square area of Center City Philadelphia, with areas of concentration in criminal defense and personal injury litigation. When you need an attorney for any reason, make sure you hire someone with the expertise and knowledge you need for your case to be handled properly. Not only do you need an attorney with enough trial experience, including extensive jury trial experience, you should have an attorney willing to walk you through the complicated Philadelphia legal system, particularly when your rights are at stake. Our firm provides this needed combination of experience and personalized handling of your legal issue.
Best Criminal Lawyers in Philadelphia
Michael T. van der
Criminal Lawyer
As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.
In recent years, Michael T. van der Veen has lived up to his status by accepting and successfully representing multiple high-profile clients that most other legal practitioners had considered too difficult or controversial. Mr. van der Veen has been retained and appeared Pro Hac Vice in numerous jurisdictions throughout the country, including Massachusetts, New York, Washington D.C., Delaware, Texas, and Alabama. He successfully represented former President Donald Trump in the fourth presidential impeachment trial in American history by securing an acquittal. Recently, attorney van der Veen represented the Trump Organization in New York where he tried a two-month-long tax fraud trial brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Other high-profile clients include Brandon “Bam” Margera, Joe “Cole” Barletta, Phil Nordo, the estate of Fanta Bility, and numerous defendants in the January 6th investigation. In fact, much of his work has been featured on major news broadcasts including CNN, CBS, MSNBC, Washington Post, Fox News, NPR, New York Times, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. (See ‘More About Michael T. van der Veen’ below for more information.)
BRIAN ZEIGER
Criminal Lawyer
Contact the Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys at The Zeiger Firm, to hire a team whose backgrounds assure you that, no matter what type of criminal case you have, you will receive the finest legal representation.
Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys lead by Brian Zeiger are zealous advocates who recognize the importance of working with every client, and their friends and family to obtain the best possible results.
The lawyers at The Zeiger Firm understand the courts and know how to use the laws, rules and procedures to obtain the best results for our clients. We advocate zealously for our clients, but never forget that our most important goal is obtaining the best results for our clients, whether that means fighting procedural battles or representing our clients before a judge or jury.
We work hard for our clients, explaining their options and keeping them updated about the status of their cases.
Michael H. Fienman
Criminal Lawyer
Michael H. Fienman successfully represents individuals who have been charged with criminal and traffic offenses in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties. He is a zealous advocate who excels at relentlessly defending clients in state court, federal court and before administrative agencies.
Mr. Fienman earned his undergraduate degree from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA and his law degree from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI where he was awarded a place on the Dean’s List for superior academic achievement. During law school, Mr. Fienman clerked for a prominent Detroit firm where he discovered his passion and talent for defending others in the courtroom before judges and juries.
Prior to founding Fienman Defense, Mr. Fienman maintained a general litigation practice where he represented individuals and businesses in matters that ranged from partnership disputes and collection actions, to personal injury, probate, and of course, criminal defense. As his practice grew, Mr. Fienman recognized his strength in the area of criminal law and a determination to be the best criminal attorney in the region. His criminal defense specialities include DUI defense, weapons crimes, and defense of juvenile charges.
MICHAEL N. KOTIK, ESQ
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Michael Kotik, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense for several years. As a Philadelphia criminal lawyer, attorney Kotik has built himself a reputation for being aggressive and eager to get the right results for his clients.
Attorney Kotik is licensed in both the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He extends his representation outside of the Philadelphia area, into Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Leigh County, Chester County, York County, Lancaster, and even Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Michael Kotik, Esq., also travels outside of the state of Pennsylvania representing clients in the following New Jersey Counties: Burlington, Trenton, Mercer, Camden, Hamilton, Middlesex, Monmouth, Atlantic, Ocean, Sussex, Gloucester, Cumberland, Cape May, and even Salem County, New Jersey.
As a criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania attorney Kotik has handles various types of cases, including but not limited to: Conspiracy, Manufacture/Delivery of Drugs, Weapons Cases, Corrupt Organizations, Aggravated/Simple Assault, DUI, Terroristic Threats, Theft Cases, and even Endangering the Welfare of a Child cases.
Prior to opening up his law firm attorney Kotik worked for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and a criminal defense firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Attorney Kotik has also had his own tutoring company, a company that helped law students pass the bar exam throughout the nation.
Prior to becoming a lawyer attorney Kotik has worked for the following large corporations, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, The Vanguard Group, and Merck and Co.
Andrew G. Gay, Jr.
Criminal Lawyer
Education and Associations
- B.S., Accounting, University of Delaware, 1994
- J.D., Widener University School of Law, 1998
- Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar, 1999
- Admitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- Admitted to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Member
- Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), Member
- Federal Criminal Justice Advocate (CJA) Panel, Member
- Better Business Bureau (BBB.org), A+ Rating
Zak T. Goldstein
Criminal Lawyer
Zak T. Goldstein is a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who will take ownership of your case and fight until he obtains the best possible result for you. Most importantly, Mr. Goldstein is a lawyer who is not afraid to take a difficult case to trial. He has tried hundreds of cases before judges and juries, and he has successfully defended thousands of clients in both state and federal court. He has won critical pre-trial motions including motions to suppress evidence such as drugs, guns, and confessions. He has also won full acquittals for his clients in both bench trials and jury trials in cases involving charges as serious as murder, aggravated assault, rape, fraud, and robbery.
When the circumstances of the case call for it, Mr. Goldstein is a skilled negotiator. On many occasions, he has been able to obtain favorable non-trial resolutions to his clients’ cases, including the dismissal of charges, entry into diversionary programs like ARD, and negotiated pleas to significantly reduced charges and sentences.
Mr. Goldstein is widely considered to be one of Pennsylvania’s top appellate litigators for criminal appeals. He has successfully represented clients in criminal appeals, post-conviction relief act litigation, and federal habeas corpus petitions under 18 U.S.C. § 2544. He has obtained new trials for clients who were convicted of charges as serious as first degree murder and sexual assault and convinced appellate courts to overturn life sentences on appeal. He has argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and litigated writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. He has also obtained relief for clients in numerous PCRA and federal habeas corpus matters, including winning an exoneration based on prosecutorial and police misconduct for a client who spent 33 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.
William J. Brennan
Criminal Lawyer
There is the criminal justice system, and then there is the Philadelphia criminal justice system. If you have been charged with a crime in Philadelphia, it can help tremendously to have a defense attorney on your side who knows the lay of the land.
At Brennan Law Offices, we have over 30 years of experience helping people in the Philadelphia area and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey with a wide range of criminal defense issues. We know criminal law, and we know the city and its courts. If you need a strong defense — we have the knowledge and experience to help.
To learn more about attorney William J. Brennan, please click on the link below:
Attorney William J. Brennan has received an AV Preeminent rating* in Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system.
Mr. Brennan also offers clients the following qualifications:
- He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
- He is a certified capital murder defense attorney
- He is listed in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers by Law & Politics Magazine
Brian Fishman
Criminal Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia
Brian Fishman has been practicing law in Philadelphia for over twelve years. His practice has been dedicated almost exclusively to criminal law although he also handles personal injury, civil rights matters, and family law cases. Brian has been admitted to practice in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Brian received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY where he studied Psychology.
Former Philadelphia Prosecutor
After graduating cum laude from Temple University Law School where he was an editor on the Temple Law Review, Brian went to work as an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. There he tried hundreds of cases, including many jury trials. Brian litigated cases in Pennsylvania’s Municipal Court, Juvenile Court, and the Court of Common Pleas. Brian, as a Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney, prosecuted a variety of serious criminal cases including rape, firearm offenses, attempted murder, burglary, robbery, DUIs, and narcotics offenses. As a prosecutor, Brian handled every aspect of a criminal case from the preliminary hearing through trial.
Brian left the District Attorney’s Office in 2005 and spent the next eight years working under a very reputable Philadelphia trial attorney. At the beginning of 2014, Brian reached a milestone in his career and opened up his own law practice, the Fishman Firm, LLC.
Brian has utilized his invaluable experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney to advance his client’s interests. In private practice, Brian has handled countless preliminary hearings, bail and Nebbia motions, detainer petitions, and all types of pre-trial motions including, but not limited to, motions to quash, motions to suppress, and motions to reveal confidential informants.
Brian has tried over one hundred bench or waiver trials for charges ranging from DUI to possession with intent to deliver an assault to gunpoint rape and robbery. Brian has tried over forty jury trials to verdict as sole counsel. Also, Brian has handled appeals, filing complex legal briefs and arguing before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania as well as filed Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) Petitions and Petitions for Allowance of Appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
The City of Brotherly Love Needs Justice Too: Why You Deserve a Top-Tier Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy and a city steeped in rich history, pulsates with vibrant energy. Yet, even in the cradle of liberty, legal troubles can arise. Facing criminal charges in Philadelphia can feel isolating and overwhelming. Here’s where the best criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia step in, becoming your guiding light through the complexities of the legal labyrinth. This comprehensive guide explores the invaluable benefits of retaining a skilled Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who will fight relentlessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Navigating the Pennsylvania Legal Landscape: Understanding Your Rights as a Defendant
Pennsylvania adheres to a well-defined legal system, categorizing crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on severity. Facing criminal charges, regardless of the type, necessitates understanding your rights and the legal process:
- Know Your Rights: The Fourth Amendment safeguards protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment guarantees your right to remain silent and an attorney. A top-tier Philadelphia criminal defense attorney ensures you understand these crucial rights and empowers you to exercise them effectively throughout the legal proceedings.
- Preserving Evidence: Evidence plays a pivotal role in criminal cases. A skilled Philadelphia lawyer understands the rules of evidence and takes proactive steps to preserve evidence that may be favorable to your case. This could involve interviewing witnesses, requesting body camera footage, or contesting police reports.
- Building a Robust Defense Strategy: The best criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia meticulously review all aspects of your case, analyze evidence, and develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. This strategy might involve challenging the validity of the arrest, questioning the prosecution’s evidence, or negotiating a plea bargain that minimizes the potential consequences.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Many cases are resolved through plea bargains, where you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. An experienced Philadelphia lawyer negotiates aggressively on your behalf to secure the most favorable plea bargain option, if applicable to your case.
- Trial Representation: If a plea bargain isn’t reached, your lawyer provides steadfast representation in court. They present a compelling defense by challenging the prosecution’s case, calling witnesses, and arguing for a dismissal of charges or acquittal.
Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia
Not all criminal defense lawyers are created equal. Here’s what sets the best Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys apart:
- Deep Understanding of Pennsylvania Criminal Law: Pennsylvania has specific laws and court procedures. A lawyer with a proven track record of handling criminal defense cases in Philadelphia understands the nuances of local law and can effectively navigate the legal system on your behalf, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
- Relentless Advocacy and Tenacity: The best Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers are fierce advocates for their clients. They meticulously investigate the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s arguments, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible result.
- Empathy and Understanding: Facing criminal charges can be a highly stressful and emotionally charged experience. Your lawyer should approach your case with empathy, providing emotional support and guidance throughout the process.
- Clear Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is vital. A top-tier lawyer keeps you informed throughout the process, answers your questions promptly, and addresses your concerns with clarity and respect.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Criminal defense legal fees can vary. Discuss fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial circumstances. Many lawyers offer payment plans or contingency fee arrangements.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Philadelphia
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced criminal charges and inquire about their lawyers.
- Pennsylvania Bar Association: Contact the Pennsylvania Bar Association for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia.
- Local Bar Associations: Many counties in Pennsylvania have local bar associations that offer referral services for legal representation.
- Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for criminal defense lawyers in Philadelphia based on location, experience, client reviews, and areas of expertise in criminal law.