Philadelphia
All courts in the most populous county are located in downtown Philadelphia.
Why Are You Here?
You need information and experienced defense counsel on your side – right now. Call me at 215-839-9529 to discuss your case.
If you’re researching on information regarding criminal law offenses in the State of Pennsylvania, our site offers in depth information for all types of offense. View our list of Pennsylvania offense categories or use the search box below to help you find the information you need.
If we’ve already accepted your case, please contact our office at 215-839-9529 and I will return your call.
October 8, 2024
Defamation Sexual Assault Case Withdrawn and Expunged
October 2, 2024
Trafficking Food Stamps Violation Downgraded to Fine
September 26, 2024
Resolution Achieved for Client Accused of Food Stamp Coupon Trafficking
October 8, 2024
Defamation Sexual Assault Case Withdrawn and Expunged
October 2, 2024
Trafficking Food Stamps Violation Downgraded to Fine
September 26, 2024
Resolution Achieved for Client Accused of Food Stamp Coupon Trafficking
Whether it is in court or behind the scenes with judges, prosecutors and police, the top-rated Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys at Fienman Defense will fight hard for you.
Michael H. Fienman was born in Philadelphia and is a lifelong resident. He chose to open his law practice here because of his strong commitment to the city, the region, and its people. He knows that navigating the legal system can be confusing and scary. As Fienman Defense’s founder and managing attorney, Michael wants to help you make sense of the system and show you how to work within it.
From preliminary arraignments through plea negotiations, and trials, there’s a lot to keep track of in Pennsylvania’s criminal process, and mistakes can be dire. Since the start of his legal career, Mr. Fienman has practiced law in the Philadelphia area courts. He has good working relationships with local judges, magistrates and prosecutors. Mr. Fienman the system and how to navigate it, having handled cases in every district and common pleas court in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
Located at 1608 Walnut Street, Suite 900, the Fienman Defense office is in the heart of the city, near historic Rittenhouse Square, in the Center City neighborhood. Fienman Defense is walking distance to Philadelphia’s Common Pleas Courts and Municipal Courts. Attorney Fienman also has convenient offices in Bucks County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
Dealing with the justice system alone is scary, but you don’t have to deal with things alone. Also, every criminal case can be improved. By working with an experienced defense lawyer at Fienman Defense, we can protect your rights & stand between you and the government.
There are two types of attorneys in the Philadelphia area criminal defense system: public defenders and private attorneys, If you can’t afford a private attorney, you may qualify for a public defender. Public defenders are very able but extremely overworked. A private defense attorney will have more time to spend with you, and you can usually reach them more easily by phone.
Our lawyers start by evaluating the evidence and explaining all your legal options. Then, we’ll build your defense, fight for the result you need, and represent your interests at every stage. Let us provide you with the insight and resources you need to resolve criminal matters favorably, from charge reductions, dismissals, and proving your innocence.
Attorney Michael H. Fienman represents clients in criminal and traffic matters throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Fienman has completed the same DWI detection training as most law enforcement officers and he holds a certificate in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) As an experienced trial attorney, he is a zealous advocate known for relentlessly defending clients in state court, federal court, and before administrative agencies.
Attorney Fienman is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the 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.
At Fienman Defense, we care about you and the effect your case has on your family and your life. We know your future and livelihood depend on reducing the penalties you’re facing. Our criminal defense lawyers will listen, return your phone calls, keep you informed, and work diligently to protect you.
You may have been charged with a crime, but that does not mean you are guilty. We understand the difference. Click here to learn more about Fienman Defense.
Ready to discuss your legal situation? We Offer free initial consultations.
The prosecutor told my public defender that he was going to lock me up for 8 months in county. I knew that I needed to hire a private attorney who would go to bat for me. I ended up with probation and community service. Without Mike’s help, I know that I definitely would have done some time.
I would highly recommend Michael for another person’s defense attorney. Although I hated the court process that was my fault for breaking the law. Mr. Fienman made it a very positive experience.
Mike answered any and all questions I had and handled everything. Made me feel like I got my money’s worth, an experienced attorney who is good at his job.
Criminal charges in Pennsylvania are categorized as either a felony, which is the most serious, followed by misdemeanors and summary offenses.
Felony charges in PA are divided into degrees based on the “severity” of the crime. The minimum and maximum penalties for a felony conviction depend on the degree, victims, and your criminal record.
Misdemeanors are generally less serious than felonies but can still result in jail time and fines. Misdemeanor convictions in Philly can carry up to five years, and like felonies, are divided by degree, from 1st degree to 3rd-degree misdemeanors. Ungraded misdemeanors are usually the same as M3.
Driving Under the Influence
Like every state, Pennsylvania treats driving under the influence (DUI) as a serious offense.
Federal Criminal Defense
While most crimes are prosecuted under the authority of the States, in some scenarios the federal authorities will investigate the crime and prosecute the suspect.
Professional License Defense
Holding a professional license in Pennsylvania usually means years of hard work and a significant commitment to your chosen career path.
Food Stamp Fraud
At Fienman Defense, we handle Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) violation cases throughout the country.
Assault & Domestic Violence
Information and understanding at a time of serious and emotionally charged criminal accusations.
Drug Crimes
Detailed information and defense strategies when facing criminal drug charges in the Philadelphia metro area.
Marijuana Charges
Understand personal use, cultivation and other marijuana related crimes and how to defend your case.
Firearms / Weapons
Owning and possessing a firearm comes with great responsibility. Weapon violations carry serious consequences.
Sex Crimes
Find the information and a criminal defense when facing frightening sexual crime allegations.
Kidnapping & Family Crimes
Abduction charges and other crimes against children related offense information.
Theft
When bad judgment leads to theft charges, you need information and strong experienced counsel.
Fraud
Pennsylvania fraud law information for those accused of wrongful or criminal deception of another person.
Arson & Property Crimes
Crime against property information, including setting fire, trespassing and vandalism.
Officer & Public Crimes
Laws and information about harming a member of a police force or other public official.
Violent Crimes
Learn more about the broad range of violent crime charges and their severe penalties.
Juvenile Crimes
Crimes committed by minors ranging from underage drinking to criminal mischief.
We will sponsor your pro hac vice application and provide valuable insight with respect to local practice and rules in PA and NJ.
If you are an attorney from outside Pennsylvania or New Jersey with a client facing criminal charges in the Commonwealth, Fienman Defense can help you through the process of a pro hac vice admission. Attorney Michael Fienman is a member of the bar in good standing with the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and District of New Jersey, and all counties surrounding Philadelphia, including Bucks County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Lehigh County and Chester County.
To learn more, fill out the form on the right or contact Fienman Defense today at (215) 770-3352.
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Answers You Need When Facing a Pennsylvania DUI
DUIs have severe consequences if you’re convicted. Depending on the circumstances, you face substantial fines, potential jail time, and a driver’s license suspension. But the impact of a DUI can go far behind what is court mandated. You may face issues maintaining or obtaining employment or professional licensure.
Being charged with a DUI doesn’t have to affect your future, but it can. The best way to improve your situation after a DUI arrest is to hire a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer.
All courts in the most populous county are located in downtown Philadelphia.
Contains 20 Magisterial District Courts located throughout the county.
Contains 33 Magisterial District Courts located throughout the county.
Contains 30 Magisterial District Courts located throughout the county.
From Municipal Court to a trial in the Court of Common Pleas. Fienman Defense assists clients across the Philadelphia region and surrounding counties. With considerable experience at all levels of the Pennsylvania court system , we can protect your rights at every stage of the justice system.
Wherever you are in the process, let us advise and defend you.
Most criminal cases in Pennsylvania are prosecuted at the state level via state statutes. However, some crimes are handled by federal courts in the U.S. District Courts of the Eastern, Western, or Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. These are for violations of the United States Code and are prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys rather than local district attorneys.
Generally, federal convictions carry longer terms of incarceration, heavier fines, and additional statutory penalties. The federal courts also follow different rules and procedures. In addition, some crimes are only illegal under federal law, while others can be prosecuted under either federal or state law.
If you or a loved one are facing federal charges in or around Philadelphia, you need experienced representation to handle the situation properly and avoid harsh penalties. Michael Fienman has successfully helped individuals charged with federal crimes in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester counties. Let us assess your situation and guide your next steps.