Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA

Criminal defense lawyers in Philadelphia work across more than one court system. Minor charges start in Municipal Court. Felonies move to the Court of Common Pleas, and serious cases can reach federal court. The firms below know how each one works.

Our team evaluates Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers on credentials, track record, and client reviews to help you find a good fit.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Aggregate satisfaction signals from independent sources

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Leading Philadelphia Criminal Lawyers for State & Federal Charges

Screenshot of the Fienman Defense LLC - Highest Rated Criminal Lawyer in Philadelphia Website

Michael Fienman is a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney who handles both DUI and serious felony charges. His firm, Fienman Defense, covers drug crimes, weapons offenses, and sex crime cases across the city and its suburbs.

Attorney Fienman also defends professional licenses, representing nurses, pharmacists, and other workers whose careers are at risk after an arrest. That focus sets the practice apart from firms that handle only courtroom matters.

The firm serves clients in Montgomery and Delaware counties as well as Philadelphia. It is a practical pick for licensed professionals whose job and freedom are both on the line. Phone lines stay open around the clock, and the first consultation is free.

Screenshot of the Goldstein Mehta LLC Website
1717 Arch St Unit 320, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Staffed by former prosecutors and public defenders, Goldstein Mehta LLC defends clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The team knows how the local district attorney's offices and courts work from the inside.

The firm built its reputation on taking hard cases to trial rather than pushing quick plea deals. Its lawyers have won dismissals, acquittals, and pretrial motions to suppress evidence. They have also overturned wrongful convictions and sentences that other firms had given up on.

Attorney Zak Goldstein and his team take on charges from gun possession and robbery to homicide. Hundreds of five-star reviews back the firm's reputation. The practice fits people who would rather fight a charge than settle it quickly.

Screenshot of the SKA Law Group, LLC Website
1518 Walnut St # 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA

SKA Law Group takes a concierge approach, handling fewer cases so each client works directly with a senior attorney. Partners Michael Kotik and Amato Sanita bring more than 25 years of combined experience to that model.

The practice covers criminal defense and personal injury matters throughout Philadelphia and the nearby counties. Its lawyers handle assault, theft, and probation violations, among other charges. Both partners have earned recognition from major lawyer rating services.

The firm offers flexible payment plans and staffs its phones 24/7. Clients facing charges in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs can reach the firm directly by phone or text. The setup suits people who want one-on-one attention rather than being passed between associates.

Screenshot of the The Copoulos Firm Website
1628 John F Kennedy Blvd #1301, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

The Copoulos Firm splits its work between criminal defense and landlord-tenant disputes, a mix few Philadelphia practices offer. Attorney Mark Copoulos represents people facing misdemeanor and probation violation charges, as well as property owners and tenants in civil court.

That dual focus means someone juggling both a criminal case and a housing matter can keep everything under one roof. It is a useful fit for landlords and renters who also need defense counsel.

Screenshot of the The Fishman Firm Website
100 S Broad St #1910, Philadelphia, PA 19110, USA

Brian Fishman spent years as a prosecutor before opening his own defense practice in Philadelphia. He holds an AV rating, the top peer-reviewed mark for a lawyer's skill and ethics.

The Fishman Firm handles drug charges, firearms offenses, and theft cases, along with appeals and expungements. Fishman also represents clients at bail hearings and in post-conviction petitions. That background gives him a read on how the other side builds a case.

Screenshot of the Skinner Law Firm Website
15 W Gay St Ste 1, West Chester, PA 19380, USA

Michael Skinner tried cases for the Commonwealth before moving to the defense side in Chester County, just west of Philadelphia. His firm leans heavily into DUI work, from first offenses to repeat and underage charges.

Skinner Law Firm also takes theft, weapons, and juvenile cases. The office sits in West Chester and serves the nearby suburbs. For drivers and families outside the city, it is a closer option than a center-city practice.

Screenshot of the Hughes Law LLC Website
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd Ste 2005, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Evan Hughes takes on high-stakes white-collar cases, including fraud and money-laundering charges. National outlets like CNN have featured him as a legal commentator.

Hughes Law represents clients in both state and federal court, and the office speaks Spanish for bilingual clients. Beyond criminal work, the firm pursues civil rights claims tied to law enforcement misconduct and wrongful arrest. That range makes it a fit for Spanish-speaking clients facing complex charges.

Screenshot of the The Zeiger Firm Website
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd #620a, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA

The Zeiger Firm pairs criminal defense with civil rights litigation, suing police over brutality, wrongful shootings, and excessive force. Brian Zeiger also defends clients facing assault and burglary charges. The combination suits people whose cases span both a criminal prosecution and a civil rights claim.

Screenshot of the Alva & Moscow, LLC Website
Three Bala Plaza East, Suite 120, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, USA

Alva & Moscow handles criminal defense and personal injury from its office in Bala Cynwyd, just outside Philadelphia. The firm represents people in state and federal court on charges that range from drug trafficking to violent crimes.

Screenshot of the Liberty Law Team Website
1515 Market Street Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA

Liberty Law Team defends Philadelphia clients against criminal charges and represents victims of police misconduct. The firm carved out a niche defending college students caught up in campus and criminal cases. Lead attorney Lonny Fish offers a free case review.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Richard J. Fuschino, Jr. Website

Richard J. Fuschino, Jr. is a former prosecutor with more than a decade defending serious cases in Philadelphia. Attorney Fuschino handles sex crimes, white-collar cases, and complex regulatory charges, plus expungements and probation terminations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia cost?

Usually a flat or hourly fee. Criminal defense is not handled on contingency. Cost depends on the charge level and whether the case goes to trial.

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Pennsylvania?

It depends on the offense. Most misdemeanors and many felonies have a two-year limit. Major offenses like robbery or arson get five years, and murder has none.

What is ARD and who qualifies in Philadelphia?

A diversion program for first-timers. The program lets many first-time, non-violent defendants avoid a conviction. Finish the court's conditions and the charge can be dismissed, then expunged.

Can I clear a criminal record in Pennsylvania?

Sometimes, through expungement or sealing. Pennsylvania's Clean Slate law seals some minor records automatically. Other records need a petition, and a lawyer can tell you which path fits.

What happens at a preliminary hearing in Philadelphia?

The case starts in Municipal Court. A judge decides if the evidence is strong enough to proceed. Weak charges can be challenged or dropped early, and the rest move to the Court of Common Pleas.

Do I need a lawyer for a first DUI in Pennsylvania?

Yes, even for a first offense. Pennsylvania grades DUI by blood alcohol level, so penalties climb fast. A lawyer can also check whether you qualify for a first-offender program that avoids a record.

What if I was charged with a federal crime?

Federal court is a different arena. Philadelphia federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The rules and sentencing differ from state court, so look for a lawyer with federal experience.

Types of Criminal Cases Philadelphia Lawyers Handle

DUI Charges. Pennsylvania sets DUI penalties by blood alcohol level. First offenses may qualify for ARD, but repeat charges bring jail and license loss.

Drug Crimes. These run from simple possession to trafficking. Philadelphia offers some pretrial options for low-level possession cases.

Assault and Violent Crimes. Charges range from simple assault up to aggravated assault. A conviction can carry mandatory prison time.

Theft and Property Crimes. This group covers retail theft, burglary, and receiving stolen property. Penalties depend on the value taken and your record.

Weapons Charges. Pennsylvania firearms laws are strict. Carrying without a license is a common and serious charge in the city.

White-Collar and Fraud Crimes. These include forgery, identity theft, and financial fraud. Many begin as state cases and can become federal ones.

Sex Crimes. These carry heavy penalties and registration requirements. They call for a lawyer who handles them often.

Homicide Charges. Murder and manslaughter cases go to the Court of Common Pleas. They have no statute of limitations in Pennsylvania.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Philadelphia

Check local court experience. Philadelphia courts have their own judges and routines. A lawyer who works there often knows the local players.

Ask about trial experience. Some lawyers settle nearly every case. If yours may go to trial, you want someone who tries them.

Match the lawyer to the charge. A DUI case and a federal fraud case need different skills. Pick a lawyer who handles your type of charge.

Understand the fee up front. Ask whether the fee is flat or hourly. Get the scope of work in writing before you sign.

Ask about diversion options. A good lawyer knows ARD, AMP, and other local programs. These can keep a first offense off your record.

Penalties and Outcomes in Philadelphia Criminal Cases

Outcomes depend on more than guilt or innocence. The grade of the charge, your prior record, and any mandatory minimums all shape the result. Some charges carry set prison terms that limit a judge's options. First-time, non-violent defendants may avoid a conviction through these programs. A local lawyer can review the charge and explain a realistic range of outcomes.