Criminal Defense Attorneys in Philadelphia
Your Freedom, Future & Reputation Deserve the Best Defense. If you or a loved one have been arrested or are under investigation in Philadelphia, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia fighting in your corner from day one. The Town Law LLC is an award-winning criminal defense firm based in Philadelphia, PA, dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome in your case. We know the Pennsylvania criminal justice system inside and out – from the police stations and Philadelphia Municipal Court to the Court of Common Pleas and federal courthouse – and we leverage that knowledge to benefit our clients every day.
Why Choose The Town Law LLC for Your Defense?
Proven Results & 5-Star Reviews: Our firm has a track record of success, including numerous case dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements. We are proud to be top-rated by clients – earning 5.0 stars in client satisfaction. (“The team at The Town Law LLC saved my life – charges dropped and my record cleared!” says one recent client.) We invite you to read our client testimonials and case results to see the outcomes we’ve achieved for people in situations similar to. Every case is different, but our commitment to fighting for the best result never wavers.
Philadelphia Expertise: As local Philadelphia defense attorneys, we understand the local courts, prosecutors, and neighborhoods. Our lead attorney is a Philadelphia native who has practiced for years in the region – from Center City to South Philadelphia, Northeast Philly to West Philly, and beyond. We’ve appeared in front of Philadelphia judges and know how the District Attorney’s Office pursues cases. This local insight can be a game-changer in formulating an effective defense strategy tailored to Philadelphia’s legal landscape. Whether your arrest happened in a busy area like Old City or a neighborhood like Kensington, we are familiar with the terrain and ready to defend you.
Focused on You – Client-Centered Service: At The Town Law LLC, you’re not just another case number – you are our priority. We limit our caseload to ensure each client gets individualized attention. Our attorneys and staff will keep you informed at every stage of your case: we return calls and emails promptly and make sure you fully understand your options. We know how stressful criminal charges can be, so we take the time to answer all your questions and address your concerns with compassion and honesty. You will speak directly with your attorney (including our founding lawyer) – not just paralegals – because building trust is part of our defense strategy.
Aggressive & Strategic Defense: “We don’t back down from a fight.” This is more than a motto – it’s how we approach every case. Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers prepare every case for trial, even while exploring dismissal or diversion opportunities. From day one, we investigate thoroughly – gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We file robust pre-trial motions (to suppress evidence or dismiss charges) whenever possible, forcing the prosecution to prove their case or drop it. If a plea deal is in your best interest, we negotiate fiercely for the most favorable terms. And if trial is the best path, we go to court fully prepared to fight for an acquittal. Our team has successfully tried cases ranging from DUIs to serious felonies – we are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with prosecutors for you.
24/7 Availability & Support: Arrests and police investigations don’t just happen 9–5, so neither do we. Our attorneys are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including nights, weekends, and holidays – because urgent issues demand immediate attention. You can reach out anytime for help, and we will respond. If you’re in jail or at the police station, we will come to you. This round-the-clock commitment means that when you need legal help the most, The Town Law LLC will be there to intervene and protect your rights. Your emergency is our priority.
Flexible Payment Options: We believe everyone deserves high-quality defense counsel, regardless of financial situation. The Town Law LLC offers flexible payment plans and works with clients on budgeting legal fees. Don’t let cost deter you from hiring a strong defense attorney – we’ll find a way to make it work (because your future is worth it). Money should never stand between you and justice.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
At The Town Law LLC, we have the experience and skill to defend virtually every type of criminal charge. Our practice spans both state and federal cases, misdemeanors and felonies. Below is a breakdown of key criminal defense areas we cover in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties:
DUI & Traffic Offenses: Driving Under the Influence charges (alcohol or drugs), traffic violations, driving while suspended, and related offenses. We fight to save your license, keep you out of jail, and minimize fines. Our attorneys know the ins and outs of Pennsylvania’s DUI laws (including diversion programs for first-time offenders) and have a strong record of reduced charges and dismissed DUIs.
Drug Crimes: Possession of controlled substances, possession with intent to deliver (PWID), drug distribution, and drug trafficking cases. Philadelphia sees many narcotics cases, and we have successfully defended clients against charges involving marijuana, heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, and more. We challenge illegal searches and seizures (Fourth Amendment violations) and push for suppression of evidence when police overreach. Whether you’re facing a simple possession misdemeanor or a major felony drug charge, we can help.
Violent Crimes: Serious charges like assault (simple and aggravated assault), domestic violence, robbery, armed robbery, burglary, carjacking, gun-related offenses, and homicide (murder/manslaughter). These charges carry severe penalties (often years or decades in prison), so you need a defense team that will leave no stone unturned. We work with top investigators and forensic experts to challenge the prosecution’s evidence – whether it’s questioning eyewitness credibility, DNA evidence, or self-defense claims. Our team has achieved not guilty verdicts in high-stakes trials and won critical pre-trial motions in violent crime cases.
Weapons Charges: Philadelphia has strict gun laws, and a gun charge can lead to mandatory minimum sentences. We handle illegal firearm possession (VUFA), carrying without a license, prohibited offensive weapons, and federal gun charges. Our knowledge of both Pennsylvania state gun laws and federal firearms statutes allows us to mount effective defenses. For instance, we examine whether a traffic stop or search that found a weapon was lawful – if not, we fight to get that evidence thrown out.
Theft & Property Crimes: Theft, burglary, shoplifting, fraud, forgery, credit card crimes, and related offenses. From minor retail theft charges to complex white-collar fraud cases, we approach each with diligence. Often, first-time, low-level offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or conditional dismissals – we strive to secure those opportunities. In more serious theft or fraud cases, we analyze financial records and intent requirements to craft a defense. Our goal is to help you avoid a conviction that can mar your record and employment prospects.
Sex Crimes: Charges such as rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, child pornography, and other sex offenses. These cases are highly sensitive and aggressively prosecuted. Our attorneys handle them with discretion and tenacity – ensuring the presumption of innocence is upheld. We vigorously challenge unreliable accusations, misleading evidence, or constitutional violations in sting operations. With so much at stake (including registration requirements), we fight hard to protect your rights and reputation.
Federal Charges: Being indicted in the federal system (for offenses like federal drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, fraud, racketeering/RICO, etc.) requires a defense team familiar with federal court procedures. We are admitted to the U.S. District Court (Eastern District of PA) and have experience dealing with federal prosecutors and agents. Federal guidelines are tough, but we’ve helped clients navigate grand jury investigations, obtain favorable plea deals, and in some cases, beat federal charges outright. If you are facing a federal investigation or indictment, we can step in immediately to manage the situation and advocate on your behalf.
Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief: Our representation doesn’t always end at the trial verdict. If you’ve been unjustly convicted or received a harsh sentence in Philadelphia or Pennsylvania, our firm can evaluate your case for an appeal or post-conviction relief (PCRA). We have appellate experience and can handle everything from filing appeals in Superior Court to federal habeas corpus petitions. Our goal is to overturn wrongful convictions and secure second chances for our clients, when possible.
(If you don’t see your specific charge listed above, don’t worry – chances are we handle it. The Town Law LLC defends all criminal charges in Philadelphia, ranging from minor summary offenses to major felonies. Contact us about your unique case for more information.)
Where Your Case Will Be Heard: The Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center (CJC)
If you have been charged with a crime in Philadelphia, your case will almost certainly be heard at the Criminal Justice Center (CJC) — located at 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. This courthouse is the heart of Philadelphia’s criminal justice system. It handles nearly every adult criminal case in the city, from preliminary hearings and pretrial motions to jury trials and sentencing.
Understanding the CJC Process
The CJC is a multi-story courthouse that operates Monday through Friday and is home to both Municipal Court (for preliminary matters and lower-level offenses) and the Court of Common Pleas (for felony cases and trials).
Preliminary Hearings: Usually held on the lower floors, these determine whether your case proceeds to trial.
Arraignments & Pre-Trial Conferences: Scheduled hearings where charges are read, discovery is exchanged, and plea discussions begin.
Trial Courtrooms: Located on the upper floors, where juries and judges hear cases involving serious misdemeanors and felonies.
Sentencing & Post-Trial Motions: Final appearances where outcomes are decided and sentencing orders are entered.
Navigating the CJC can be overwhelming for anyone unfamiliar with the building. There are metal detectors at the entrance, long lines during peak hours, and courtrooms spread across multiple floors. Knowing where to go — and what to expect — can make an enormous difference in managing stress and ensuring that your rights are fully protected.
Experienced Representation Inside the CJC
At The Town Law LLC, we appear at the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center almost every day defending clients charged with DUI, assault, firearm, theft, and drug-related offenses. Our familiarity with the judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures gives our clients a distinct advantage.
We know how cases move through the CJC — from the first hearing to final disposition — and we use that experience to guide you every step of the way. Whether your goal is to secure a dismissal, obtain a favorable plea, or take your case to trial, our firm has the courtroom experience and local insight necessary to fight for the best outcome.
If your case is scheduled at the Criminal Justice Center, it is crucial to have an attorney who knows both the law and the local system. The Town Law LLC is that firm — local, trusted, and experienced where it matters most: inside Philadelphia’s Criminal Justice Center.
Client Testimonials and Success Stories
We know that hiring a criminal defense lawyer is a critical decision. Rather than just take our word for it, listen to those who have been in your shoes:
“Absolutely the best decision I made was hiring The Town Law LLC. My case seemed hopeless – I was facing serious felony charges – but Patrick Doherty treated me like family and fought for me every step of the way. Because of his dedication, the main evidence was thrown out and the prosecution dropped the charges. I got my life back! I can’t thank them enough.” – J.D., former client*
*“Professional, responsive, and genuinely caring. The team answered my calls at 2 AM when I was in a panic. They thoroughly explained the court process and possible outcomes, which eased my fears. In court, they were aggressive and confident – the contrast between my lawyer and the prosecutor was night and day. We won the case, but even if we hadn’t, I know they did everything possible. They truly give 110% for their clients.” – S.L., Philadelphia
These stories illustrate our firm’s core values: compassionate client service and relentless defense advocacy. We’re proud of the trust our clients place in us and the results we’ve achieved for them. Our reputation in the Philadelphia legal community is built on these successes and the positive word-of-mouth from people we’ve helped.
How We Fight Your Case – Step by Step
1. Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: It all starts with a free initial consultation. We offer a no-obligation, confidential strategy session to anyone facing criminal charges. You can call us 24/7 at (215) 307-5504 to speak with an attorney immediately or send us a message and we’ll respond promptly. In this consultation, we will review the allegations against you, discuss what happened, and provide clear advice on your next steps. Time is of the essence – the sooner you have a lawyer involved, the better we can protect you. Remember, invoking your right to an attorney can prevent police from questioning you without counsel present.
2. Investigation & Evidence Gathering: Once you hire The Town Law LLC, we immediately launch our own investigation. Our team will collect police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and any other evidence relevant to your case. If you alert us early, we may even help prevent charges – for example, by contacting investigators before you’re charged to assert your rights and present exculpatory information. We often work with professional investigators and experts (forensics, accident reconstruction, etc.) to build the strongest defense. We leave no stone unturned because every detail matters when your freedom is at stake.
3. Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Before trial, we file aggressive pre-trial motions whenever possible – to suppress illegally obtained evidence, to reveal informant identities, to dismiss charges that lack evidence, and more. Winning a motion to suppress, for instance, can gut the prosecution’s case (e.g., getting a gun or drugs thrown out due to a bad search). These motions can often lead to charges being reduced or dismissed outright. In parallel, we maintain open communication with the prosecutors – if there is an opportunity to negotiate a better outcome (like entry into a diversion program, reduced charges or a lenient plea deal), we’ll pursue it, but only if it’s in your best interest. We never recommend accepting a plea unless it truly serves you – our philosophy is to fight for dismissal or acquittal, not quick plea deals to clear a case.
4. Trial Readiness: Many cases do end up going to trial, and when yours does, The Town Law LLC will be ready to fight. Our attorneys are skilled trial lawyers who have handled cases before both juries and judges. We craft a compelling defense theory for court – whether it’s asserting your innocence, arguing self-defense, or casting reasonable doubt on every element of the prosecution’s case. We excel at cross-examining police officers and expert witnesses, and we use evidence (or lack thereof) to your advantage. In Philadelphia courts, you want lawyers who are confident and respected in the courtroom. Our team has secured not guilty verdicts in tough cases and will aim to do the same for you if your case proceeds to trial.
5. Post-Trial & Future: A win at trial is our goal. But if the outcome is not what we hoped, we can discuss appeals and post-conviction options as noted. Conversely, if we succeed (charges dropped or you’re acquitted), we can assist with expungement of your record to help erase the ordeal from public view, so you can move forward with a clean slate. Our relationship with clients often continues as a resource – whether you need your record cleared or just peace of mind that you can call us with any legal question, we’re here for you.
Serving Philadelphia and Surrounding Areas
The Town Law LLC is proud to serve clients in Philadelphia and throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Our office is conveniently located in Center City, within walking distance of City Hall and the Criminal Justice Center (CJC). We routinely represent individuals from all parts of the city: South Philadelphia, North Philly, Northeast Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Fishtown, Kensington, and beyond. We also extend our services to the surrounding counties – if you were charged in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, or Chester County, we can help (we’re just a short drive away and familiar with those courts as well).
Familiarity with local courthouses is important. We know the procedures and quirks of courts like:
Philadelphia Municipal Court (for preliminary hearings and misdemeanor trials),
Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas (for felony cases and appeals from Municipal Court),
Philadelphia Family Court (if your case involves a juvenile matter),
Eastern District of Pennsylvania – Federal Court (for federal charges in Philly).
Each of these venues has its own processes, and our experience in all of them means your defense will never miss a beat due to procedural issues. We also have experience dealing with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and even diversion programs like ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) for first-time offenders. This local savvy can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Take the First Step – Get a Free Consultation Today
Your future is on the line. The decisions you make now – including which attorney you choose – can profoundly affect the outcome of your case. Take control of the situation by contacting The Town Law LLC for a free, confidential consultation. We will give you an honest assessment of your case and outline a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
📞 Call us 24/7 at (215) 555-1234 – You will speak directly with a knowledgeable Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who can start helping immediately. Even if it’s 2 AM or a holiday, we are available.
📨 Prefer writing? Fill out our quick Online Contact Form We respond promptly to all inquiries because we know urgency is crucial in criminal matters.
When you reach out, be prepared to provide a brief overview of your issue (charges, date of incident, any court dates set). We will handle the rest – including advising you on what to do (or not do) before we meet. Remember: Do not talk to the police or investigators without your attorney present – politely exercise your right to remain silent and let us do the talking for you.
Protect your rights, your freedom, and your future – get The Town Law LLC on your side. With our Philadelphia criminal defense team fighting for you, you can trust that your case is in dedicated and capable hands. We treat your case with the urgency and care we would if it were our own family member facing charges. The prosecution is already building its case against you – don’t wait to build your defense.
Contact The Town Law LLC now and let us start crafting a powerful defense strategy for you. The consultation is free, and the peace of mind is priceless.
The Town Law LLC – 1650 Market St Ste 3669, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 307-5504