Best Criminal Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Lauren A. Wimmer
Criminal Lawyer
Criminal defense attorney Lauren A. Wimmer prides herself on providing aggressive representation to every client and has consistently been recognized as one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Pennsylvania. She personally handles each case at Wimmer Criminal Defense herself.
Ms. Wimmer’s clients have faced charges including felony offenses like murder, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, possession with intent to deliver and gun charges including those brought under the Uniform Firearms Act. She has worked closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Office of the Attorney General, United States Attorney’s Office, police departments, and prosecutor’s offices.
After years of experience as the judicial law clerk to a judge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Trial Division (Homicide), Lauren A. Wimmer developed a complete understanding of how the system works, what tactics the prosecuting attorney may use to put you behind bars, and what weaknesses to look for in physical evidence and witness testimony against you. Since opening one of the top criminal defense law firms in Philadelphia, Wimmer Criminal Defense, PC, she has been named to the Pennsylvania Rising Stars list and called upon to comment on criminal defense matters in the news. Attorney Lauren Wimmer is a tireless and successful advocate – let her fight for you.
Lauren A. Wimmer earned her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law – Camden, where she was the Managing Articles Editor for the Rutgers Journal of Law & Public Policy, President of the Women’s Law Caucus, and co-chair of the Mary Philbrook Public Interest Awards. During law school, Ms. Wimmer worked as an extern in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and as a Legal Services Coordinator for Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. She was awarded “Best Brief” in the Judge James Hunter III Moot Court Competition and served as the research assistant to Professor J.C. Lore, Director of Trial Advocacy and co-author of one of the country’s leading books on trial advocacy. Upon graduation, Ms. Wimmer earned the National Association of Women Lawyers Award and the Pro Bono Publico Award.
Ms. Wimmer is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She is a member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Bar Associations, the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), and the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey (ACDL-NJ).
Brian Christopher Jordan
Criminal Lawyer
- Criminal Defense40%16 years, 1,000 cases
- DUI And DWI40%
16 years, 1,000 cases
- Expungement10%
16 years, 1,000 cases
- Speeding And Traffic Ticket10%
Work Experience
- Shareholder
- Cramer, Swetz, McManus & Jordan, P.C.
- 2012 – Present
- Assistant Public Defender
- Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office
- 2007 – 2012
- Certified Legal Intern
- Dauphin County Office Of The Public Defender
- 2006 – 2007
Education
- Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg PA
- J.D.
- 2007
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park (main campus)
- BA – Bachelor of Arts
- 2004
Legal Cases
- Commonwealth v. R.R.
- Client acquitted of all charges
- Commonwealth v. M.S.
- All charges dismissed
- Commonwealth v. F.F.
- All charges dismissed
Associations
- Monroe County Bar Assosication Young Lawyers Division
- Past President
- 2017 – Present
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member
- 2015 – Present
- American Society of Legal Advocates
- Top 40 Under 40 – Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pennsylvania
- 2014 – Present
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.
Today, Mr. Fienman has transitioned his law practice to meet the growing needs of his clients and realize his ambition. He is an active member of the Montgomery and Philadelphia County bar associations and sits on several committees. With limited exception, Mr. Fienman exclusively handles criminal matters. He has additional experience as a nationwide SNAP violations attorney.
Mr. Fienman is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Supreme Court of New Jersey, the US District Court for the District of New Jersey and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Fienman is a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association, Montgomery Bar Association and Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
CORKY GOLDSTEIN
Criminal Lawyer
When experience counts, when time and personal attention matter, there is only one name that comes to mind. Corky Goldstein is a serious attorney and a Central Pennsylvania area household name for decades. You always need a respected member of the legal establishment on your side when involved in any legal matter.
Attorney Corky Goldstein has been a radio and TV commentator on all issues in the law for many years on his own shows. He also frequently appeared on Court TV, “It’s Your Call With Lynn Doyle,” produced in Philadelphia and shown nationally, and on “Comcast Newsmakers” for the PA Bar Association. One client put it best, “If I have any legal concern on any issue at all, I sit down and talk to Corky and get his input. He also does blogs on various legal topics. His experience and competency in the law cannot be matched.” Another client said, “Corky is respected by everybody, particularly everyone involved in the criminal justice system.”
PRACTICE AREAS
Attorney Goldstein specializes in criminal defense on all levels – County, State, and Federal. He serves in the surrounding counties: Dauphin, Cumberland, York, Adams, Perry, Lebanon, and Franklin. This is an all service firm including, but not limited to:
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES DEFENSE
COMPUTER CRIMES DEFENSE
CRIMINAL TRIAL LAWYER
DRUG CRIMES DEFENSE
DUI DEFENSE
FEDERAL CRIMES ATTORNEY
FEDERAL SUMMARY OFFENSES
HATE CRIMES DEFENSE
JUVENILE CRIMES DEFENSE
MAIL FRAUD CHARGES DEFENSE
MURDER CHARGES DEFENSE
PLEA AGREEMENTS
REPRESENTATION BEFORE A GRAND JURY
ROBBERY CHARGES DEFENSE
WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES
Lee A. Ciccarelli
Criminal Lawyer
Lee Ciccarelli is the founder of Ciccarelli Law Offices: a Pennsylvania litigation law firm focusing on personal injury, vehicle accidents, and workers’ compensation law. We take on the toughest cases and fight for our clients when they need a fighter.
Ciccarelli Law Offices is as unique as its founder in its sincere devotion to serving the public, fighting for injustice, and getting results. Ciccarelli Law Offices was founded in Chester County Pennsylvania over twenty years ago after ten years of extensive successful litigation experience in civil and criminal litigation. His practice is based on a foundation of trial experience as a private criminal defense attorney, and federal criminal justice act lawyer, in civil trials, Philadelphia personal injury lawyer, as well as motor vehicle, premises liability, and medical malpractice cases. His vision has always been to have a law practice devoted to the clients it served.
Lee Ciccarelli began his practice after some ten years of litigation experience in trial and at the negotiating table in disputes and forums throughout the state from Philadelphia in the east to west of Harrisburg; and from Williamsport and Coudersport in the North to York, Lancaster, West Chester, and Media in the south. Ciccarelli’s experience as a Philadelphia car accident lawyer and in other areas such as medical malpractice, and in criminal defense, serves as a foundation for a firm with the integrity, passion, and experience needed for the toughest of legal battles.
Background
Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the oldest of eight children, Lee was instilled by his parents with a keen desire to seek the truth, demand fairness, pursue justice, and serve others. Over fifty years ago, Lee’s uncle and his father, a veteran of WWII, an entrepreneur, and a deeply religious man, both rose from the shadows of the Great Depression to begin a family tradition of excellent customer service and long-term client relationships. Their devotion to satisfying their patrons, treating them with respect and honesty, and maintaining a high standard for themselves and their clients was passed on to each of their children.
No less important to his father, Pasqualino, and Uncle Clem was that their children be well-educated and devoted to the service of others. Invigorated by this purpose, Lee pursued an education at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA where he combined a curriculum of chemistry and the sciences with American history, focusing on Civil Rights and the Labor Movement, and the Women’s Movement.
Since his graduation from the George Washington University Law school, he has successfully represented individuals in personal injury and criminal defense matters including automobile accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, consumer protection, and DUI and criminal cases, in more than twenty-five (25) counties throughout central and eastern PA.
Law Firm
Lee’s Law Firm is located in Chester County, Pennsylvania with its primary locations being at 304 North High Street, West Chester, PA – where we also serve Kennett Square, and Coatesville, in Lancaster (Lancaster County), Plymouth Meeting, and King of Prussia (Montgomery County), Springfield and Radner (Delaware County), Center City Philadelphia and Williamsport (Lycoming County). Lee’s primary focus is currently personal injury and car accidents and the attorney practice area of his firm includes Criminal Defense and DUI, Family and Divorce Law, Workers’ Compensation, Employment, and General Litigation.
Lee welcomes your calls and questions. Feel free to contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation on your legal matter including advice on personal injury law and accident law; advice on workers’ compensation law and work injuries; and advice on criminal law in Pennsylvania, criminal charges, DUI, and traffic law.
Lee proudly acknowledges his Italian-American roots and relates to his family’s history of determination, persistence, hard work, humility, and honesty amidst day-to-day struggles. These are attributes that Lee upholds every day for his clients.
Michael T. van der Veen
Criminal Lawyer
As founder of the firm, Michael effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. And he has named partners to the firm who value and demonstrate these tenets as well. He is the rare 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.
His record of success in both civil and criminal courts includes acquittals in high-profile criminal cases and numerous seven-figure and eight-figure awards for victims. He has saved many corporations from unfair and oppressive government regulation and has won out-right victories for small companies and owners embroiled in complex corporate litigation.
Always a serious student, Michael graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall in 1981 and earned a BA in political science from Ohio Wesleyan in 1985. He earned his first law degree, a J.D. from Quinnipiac School of Law in 1988. He is a 1992 graduate of the National Criminal Defense College and earned an LLM in Trial Advocacy with highest honors from Temple University School of Law in 1995. Michael has been named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for thirteen consecutive years and often serves as an independent legal expert for print and television news media.
A resident of Chester County, Michael and his wife Marion have two daughters
Gary Lysaght
Criminal Lawyer
When a new client comes to my office, he or she likely is facing the consequences of what may have been the worst day of his or her life. Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is dangerous, and illegal. Pennsylvania imposes serious consequences on drivers found to be impaired. A DUI conviction could result in suspension or revocation of operating privileges, a prison sentence, and thousands of dollars in fines and costs.
Education & Experience
- 1976 B.S. with Highest Distinction, Penn State University
- Admitted to Both the Pennsylvania State Bar & the Federal Bar
- 1989-Present, Private Practice
- 1983 Juris Doctor, Dickinson School of Law
- 1983-1989, Associate Criminal & Civil Trial Lawyer, Kollas & Costopoulos
Adam M. Bishop
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Adam Bishop is a Pittsburgh native who has dedicated his career to fighting injustice and defending the wrongfully accused. Raised by two Pittsburgh Public School teachers with roots to the steel industry, Attorney Bishop understands the value of hard work and striving for excellence in your profession. Those values have motivated him to succeed throughout his career. Attorney Bishop’s tireless work ethic, commitment to his clients, and aggressive courtroom demeanor set him apart from other attorneys and make Bishop Law the preeminent criminal defense firm in the Pittsburgh area. As a Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Bishop is dedicated to zealously defending the rights of anyone who has been charged with a crime in Western Pennsylvania and getting them the best possible outcome.
After attending Duquesne University School of Law on a full academic scholarship and graduating with honors, Attorney Bishop was hired as a trial attorney by the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office. As an Assistant Public Defender, he proudly represented indigent criminal defendants and quickly solidified himself as a rising star in the Pittsburgh criminal defense community. During his tenure, Attorney Bishop handled hundreds of cases and successfully litigated countless jury and non-jury trials. A skilled and aggressive criminal litigator, Attorney Bishop has a nearly 80% acquittal rate in jury trials that go to verdict. Having handled every type of criminal case – from Simple Assault to DUI to Criminal Homicide – Attorney Bishop has a track record of proven results.
A Simple Philosophy: Be Prepared.
Many lawyers will push for a plea agreement from the outset, but Attorney Bishop’s philosophy, and that of Bishop Law, is that every client has a right to a trial and every case should be prepared as if it will ultimately be argued to a jury. Of course, in many instances, a plea bargain may be the best alternative. But without effectively preparing the case and exploring all available options, it’s impossible to accurately assess whether trying the case or entering a guilty plea is the best course of action. Simply put, as a client of Bishop Law you can rest assured that Attorney Bishop will be prepared to successfully litigate your case to verdict.
Education:
Duquesne University School of Law – Pittsburgh, PA – J.D., Cum Laude
Penn State University – University Park, PA – B.S., Marketing
Bar Admissions:
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Allegheny County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Duquesne Law Alumni Association
Keystone State Justice: Why You Need a Top-Tier Criminal Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania can feel like navigating the winding roads of the Appalachian Mountains – challenging and unpredictable. The legal system, while striving for fairness, can be intricate and unforgiving. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer in Pennsylvania is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in Pennsylvania’s Legal Landscape:
Pennsylvania has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Pennsylvania possesses in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Decode Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Pa.C.S.A.) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Pennsylvania criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
- Identify Location-Specific Issues: Pennsylvania counties or cities may have their own local ordinances or procedures. Your lawyer’s deep understanding of the state’s legal landscape allows them to identify any potential location-specific issues that could impact your case.
2. Building a Strong Defense Through Strategic Planning:
A top criminal lawyer in Pennsylvania doesn’t wait for the prosecution to make a move:
- Thorough Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing the evidence, witness statements, and any potential legal issues. They will identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence to support your defense.
3. Championing Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law:
Your fundamental rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in Pennsylvania are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures, such as respecting your right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. They will challenge any violations of your rights and work to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you. (PA.gov)
4. Negotiating for the Best Possible Outcome:
Skilled negotiation can be a powerful tool:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: A competent criminal attorney possesses excellent negotiation skills and can engage in plea bargaining with the prosecution. They will advocate on your behalf, aiming to reduce charges or penalties, and explore alternatives such as diversion programs or probation. This negotiation skill can help minimize the potential consequences of your case.
5. Courtroom Advocacy: Powerful Representation When Needed:
If your case goes to trial, having a seasoned lawyer by your side is crucial:
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: The best criminal lawyers in Pennsylvania have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.
6. Support and Guidance During a Difficult Time:
The legal process can be emotionally draining:
- Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal lawyers in Pennsylvania not only provide legal guidance but also offer emotional support. They will explain your options, answer your questions, and offer reassurance, helping you navigate the legal system with confidence.