An arrest, criminal investigation, or formal charge can threaten a person’s freedom, employment, professional license, driving privileges, finances, and reputation. Choosing a criminal defense attorney is therefore about much more than hiring the first lawyer who appears in an online search.
A prospective client should consider whether an attorney has experience with the specific allegations involved, regularly handles criminal cases in Delaware County, communicates clearly, prepares cases for trial, and has the time and resources necessary to investigate the evidence.
Media is the county seat of Delaware County and the location of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. The courthouse is located at 201 West Front Street, making Media a central location for many attorneys who handle criminal cases throughout the county.
For people looking for a Delaware County criminal defense attorney, our featured selection for 2026 is Enrique Latoison, founder and managing partner of Latoison Law. His firm handles a broad range of misdemeanor and felony cases, represents clients in jury and bench trials, and maintains an office only a few blocks from the Delaware County Courthouse. Enrique also provides criminal-law commentary through television appearances and Latoison Law’s growing collection of educational videos.
This guide also profiles nine additional attorneys whose backgrounds, courtroom experience, local presence, or areas of focus may be relevant to people seeking criminal representation in Media and throughout Delaware County.
How This Guide Was Prepared
The attorneys in this guide were evaluated using publicly available information from law firm websites, attorney biographies, professional records, court resources, and other online materials.
Factors considered included:
- A demonstrated focus on criminal defense
- An office in Media or substantial service to Delaware County
- Experience with misdemeanor, felony, DUI, firearm, drug, sex-crime, juvenile, white-collar, or federal cases
- Former prosecutorial or public-defense experience
- Courtroom and trial experience
- Knowledge of specialized evidence or legal issues
- Educational information available to prospective clients
No single attorney will be the right choice for every person or every criminal charge. Someone facing a first-time DUI may have different needs than someone accused of homicide, a federal offense, a computer crime, a firearm violation, or a sexual offense.
What Makes These Delaware County Criminal Defense Attorneys Stand Out?
| Rank and Attorney | Law Firm | Notable Focus |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Enrique Latoison Featured Selection | Latoison Law | Broad criminal defense, jury and bench trials, DUI, felony charges, firearm offenses, expungements, and televised legal commentary. |
| #2 Joseph Lesniak | The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC | Former Delaware County prosecutor with experience in serious criminal, domestic violence, and special-victim cases. |
| #3 Mark P. Much | The Law Offices of Mark P. Much | Serious state and federal charges, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and other high-stakes criminal cases. |
| #4 Daniel McGarrigle | The McGarrigle Law Firm | DUI, drug, firearm, sex-crime, probation, expungement, appeal, and white-collar cases. |
| #5 Michael H. Fienman | Fienman Defense | State and federal criminal defense, DUI, traffic charges, and professional or administrative consequences. |
| #6 Steven M. Pacillio | Omnis Law Group | Computer forensics, cyber evidence, online allegations, and technology-related prosecutions. |
| #7 Steven F. O’Meara | Law Offices of Steven F. O’Meara | DUI, misdemeanor and felony charges, probation matters, traffic offenses, and driver’s-license issues. |
| #8 Arik Tzvi Ben-Ari | Benari Law Group | Criminal defense, DUI, juvenile cases, and domestic-violence-related allegations. |
| #9 Evan J. Kelly | Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Serious felony trials, homicide cases, federal prosecutions, and violent criminal offenses. |
| #10 Lauren Donati, Esquire | Thompson & Donati Law | Former public defender with criminal defense experience and a broader litigation practice. |
1. Enrique Latoison, Latoison Law
Featured Delaware County Criminal Defense Attorney and Our Top Choice for 2026
Enrique Latoison is the founder and managing partner of Latoison Law, a Media-based law firm representing people accused of criminal offenses throughout Delaware County and other parts of southeastern Pennsylvania.
Latoison Law handles cases involving DUI, misdemeanors, felonies, assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft, shoplifting, robbery, burglary, white-collar offenses, probation violations, bench warrants, juvenile allegations, firearm charges, homicide, attempted murder, sex crimes, and other serious criminal matters. The firm also assists qualifying clients with expungements, limited-access petitions, Clean Slate matters, and other record-clearing options.
The firm represents clients at numerous stages of the Pennsylvania criminal process, including district court proceedings, preliminary hearings, bail hearings, suppression hearings, probation and parole violation hearings, bench-warrant hearings, and proceedings before the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
When a case cannot be resolved through negotiations or another disposition, Latoison Law represents clients in both jury trials and bench trials. The firm reports more than 25 years of combined criminal defense experience and handles cases ranging from summary and misdemeanor allegations to serious felony prosecutions.
A Criminal Defense Firm Located in the Heart of Media
Latoison Law’s Delaware County office is located at 8 South Plum Street in Media, only a few blocks from the Delaware County Courthouse.
This location gives clients access to a criminal defense firm based in the same community where many Delaware County criminal cases are heard. The firm also represents clients in magisterial district courts throughout the county and handles matters in other Pennsylvania counties when appropriate.
A convenient location is not the only reason to select an attorney, but a firm that regularly handles Delaware County criminal matters may be familiar with local procedures, filing requirements, court schedules, diversionary options, and the general process through which a case moves from its earliest stages to the Court of Common Pleas.
Representation From Investigation Through Trial
Latoison Law does not limit its criminal defense work to cases in which charges have already been formally filed. The firm also advises people who believe they are under investigation or may be facing an arrest.
Early legal intervention may give a defense attorney additional time to investigate the allegations, preserve evidence, communicate with law enforcement, prepare for a voluntary surrender, address a bench warrant, or advise a client before the person makes statements that could later be used against them.
Once charges are filed, the firm can examine the circumstances surrounding an arrest, review police reports and witness accounts, evaluate searches and seizures, identify possible evidentiary issues, and prepare for upcoming hearings.
Latoison Law emphasizes a personalized approach in which clients are informed about the process and involved in important decisions affecting their defense. Rather than treating every case the same, the firm develops its strategy around the charges, evidence, prior record, personal circumstances, and potential long-term consequences involved.
A Recognized Voice on Criminal Law and Major Trials
One characteristic that distinguishes Enrique Latoison from many other local attorneys is the amount of time he has devoted to explaining criminal law to the public.
Enrique has appeared in television news coverage to provide legal analysis of criminal investigations, sentencing decisions, nationally followed trials, witness testimony, use-of-force cases, homicide charges, and constitutional issues. Latoison Law maintains an extensive online archive of his legal commentary, including numerous appearances connected with NBC10 news coverage.
He also presents Latoison Law’s Your 3 Minute Lawyer video series. The videos discuss Pennsylvania criminal charges, high-profile court cases, firearm laws, DUI issues, juvenile matters, expungements, and developments that may affect people accused of crimes.
This ability to translate complicated legal subjects into understandable language can be valuable to a client who has never encountered the criminal justice system and needs clear answers about what is happening, what the prosecution must prove, and what options may be available.
Education and Trial Advocacy Background
Enrique earned his Juris Doctor degree from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law. His firm biography states that he received awards for class excellence, distinguished class performance, and outstanding trial advocacy while attending law school.
That trial-advocacy background is particularly relevant in criminal defense because even cases that ultimately resolve without a trial should be investigated and prepared with the possibility of courtroom litigation in mind.
A defense attorney’s readiness to examine witnesses, challenge evidence, file motions, and present a case to a judge or jury may also influence negotiations before a trial becomes necessary.
Types of Criminal Cases Latoison Law Handles
Latoison Law represents clients in matters involving:
- DUI and controlled-substance DUI
- Simple and aggravated assault
- Domestic-violence-related criminal charges
- Firearm and weapons offenses
- Drug possession and distribution allegations
- Theft, retail theft, robbery, and burglary
- Juvenile offenses
- Probation and parole violations
- Bench warrants
- White-collar crimes and fraud
- Cyber and internet-related offenses
- Sex-crime allegations
- Homicide, attempted murder, and other violent felonies
- Traffic-related criminal charges
- Expungements
- Limited-access petitions
- Clean Slate matters
- Driver’s-license restoration and suspension issues
The precise services available will depend on the facts of the case, the county in which charges were filed, and the relief permitted under Pennsylvania law.
Why Latoison Law Is Our Featured Selection
Latoison Law stands out in this guide because it combines:
- A broad criminal defense practice
- A Media office near the Delaware County Courthouse
- Representation in misdemeanor and serious felony cases
- Experience with jury and bench trials
- Pre-arrest and pre-charge representation
- DUI and driver’s-license defense
- Expungement and record-sealing services
- Extensive public education and criminal-law commentary
- A focus on keeping clients informed about their cases
For someone who wants a local Delaware County firm capable of handling a criminal matter from its earliest investigative stages through hearings, negotiations, and trial, Enrique Latoison and Latoison Law provide a strong place to begin.
Charged With a Crime in Delaware County?
The time immediately following an arrest or criminal accusation can be critical. Evidence may disappear, surveillance footage can be erased, and statements made without legal guidance may later be used against you.
Contact Enrique Latoison and Latoison Law at 610-999-1439 to discuss your case with a Delaware County criminal defense attorney.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney2. Joseph Lesniak, The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC
Joseph Lesniak is a Media criminal defense attorney and the founder of The Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC. He has practiced law since 2003 and previously worked as an assistant district attorney for the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office.
During his prosecutorial career, Lesniak rose to the position of chief prosecutor of the Special Victims and Domestic Violence Division. His biography states that he prosecuted hundreds of serious criminal cases before establishing his private practice in 2012.
That prosecutorial background may help him understand how law enforcement officers and prosecutors investigate allegations, assess witnesses, prepare evidence, and make charging decisions. A former prosecutor may also be able to anticipate the arguments the Commonwealth is likely to make as a case moves forward.
Lesniak’s firm handles cases involving sex offenses, child-abuse allegations, computer crimes, firearm offenses, drug charges, traffic violations, domestic-violence-related allegations, and other misdemeanor and felony matters. The firm is based at 334 West Front Street in Media and represents clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
His previous leadership within the Special Victims and Domestic Violence Division may be particularly relevant in cases involving sensitive allegations, extensive witness interviews, forensic evidence, digital communications, medical records, or accusations arising from family and custody disputes.
Why he stands out: Lesniak brings substantial experience from inside the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, including supervisory work involving serious and sensitive prosecutions.
May be a good fit for: People facing sex-crime allegations, child-abuse accusations, domestic-violence-related charges, computer crimes, firearm offenses, or other cases involving extensive investigations and witness testimony.
3. Mark P. Much, The Law Offices of Mark P. Much
Mark P. Much is the founding partner of The Law Offices of Mark P. Much, a Media firm that concentrates heavily on criminal defense.
The firm represents clients facing serious state and federal charges, violent crimes, special-victim offenses, white-collar allegations, and other high-stakes criminal matters. Publicly identified practice areas include murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual assault, corruption, extortion, child-endangerment allegations, DUI, drug offenses, and crimes that could lead to significant incarceration.
The firm’s office is located at 341 West Baltimore Avenue in Media. Its criminal practice is supported by multiple attorneys, which may be useful in cases requiring substantial document review, investigation, motion practice, expert consultation, or preparation for a lengthy trial.
Much’s practice appears especially focused on cases in which the potential penalties and reputational consequences are substantial. Serious felony and federal cases often involve complicated evidence, multiple witnesses, forensic reports, search warrants, recorded statements, electronic communications, or parallel investigations.
Why he stands out: A long-established Media practice focused on serious state and federal prosecutions, including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and other cases with potentially severe consequences.
May be a good fit for: People accused of homicide, violent felonies, sex offenses, white-collar crimes, or other cases likely to require extensive litigation and trial preparation.
4. Daniel McGarrigle, The McGarrigle Law Firm
Daniel McGarrigle is the founder of The McGarrigle Law Firm, which maintains offices in Media and Philadelphia.
McGarrigle states that he has practiced exclusively in the field of criminal defense throughout his career. His firm handles DUI, drug charges, gun offenses, sex crimes, white-collar allegations, probation violations, expungements, criminal appeals, and other misdemeanor and felony cases.
The firm’s Delaware County office is located at 117-119 North Olive Street in Media, across the street from the Delaware County Courthouse. The firm serves clients from Media, Chester, Glen Mills, the Main Line, and other Delaware County communities.
A practice devoted to criminal defense can be appealing to clients who want an attorney whose daily work involves criminal statutes, constitutional challenges, preliminary hearings, plea negotiations, sentencing considerations, and courtroom litigation.
McGarrigle also provides representation in cases involving firearm possession, concealed-carry allegations, unlawful discharge, straw-purchase allegations, and federal felon-in-possession charges. His firm describes an approach that includes reviewing the evidence, examining the legality of police conduct, and filing suppression motions when warranted.
Why he stands out: An attorney who has concentrated his career on criminal defense and maintains an office directly across from the Delaware County Courthouse.
May be a good fit for: People seeking a criminal-defense-focused practice for DUI, firearm, drug, probation, sex-crime, white-collar, expungement, appeal, or serious felony matters.
5. Michael H. Fienman, Fienman Defense
Michael H. Fienman is the founder and managing attorney of Fienman Defense, a criminal defense firm representing clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Fienman handles criminal and traffic offenses in state court, federal court, and proceedings before administrative agencies. His practice includes DUI, aggravated assault, weapon offenses, robbery, burglary, fraud, arson, white-collar allegations, and other misdemeanor and felony matters.
The firm’s Delaware County office is located at 119 North Olive Street in Media. Fienman Defense states that it regularly represents people in Media, Upper Darby, Springfield, Chester, and other Delaware County courts.
Fienman has completed standardized field sobriety testing instruction associated with the training used by law enforcement officers. That background may be relevant when evaluating the administration and interpretation of roadside sobriety exercises in a DUI case.
His experience before administrative agencies can also matter when a criminal allegation creates consequences beyond the criminal courtroom. Depending on the person’s profession, a charge may affect employment, certification, licensing, education, or eligibility to work in a regulated field.
Why he stands out: A criminal defense practice that combines state and federal representation, DUI-related training, traffic defense, and experience with administrative proceedings.
May be a good fit for: Licensed professionals, business owners, students, commercial drivers, and others whose criminal allegations may create professional, educational, regulatory, or driving-related consequences.
6. Steven M. Pacillio, Omnis Law Group
Steven M. Pacillio is a founding member of Omnis Law Group and the managing partner of its Delaware County and Philadelphia offices.
Pacillio focuses on complex criminal defense, computer forensics, cyber evidence, and technology-related state and federal offenses. His biography identifies substantial experience in cases involving sexual assault, rape, computer crimes, online-solicitation allegations, and child sexual abuse material.
Before becoming an attorney, Pacillio worked in information technology, including computer design, network infrastructure, and network security. His firm states that he now uses that technical background in criminal cases involving digital devices, online activity, forensic analysis, electronically stored information, and cyber evidence.
He also previously worked as a prosecutor in the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and headed the county’s Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Prevention Units. This combination of prosecutorial and technical experience may be especially useful when a case depends heavily on data taken from phones, computers, accounts, servers, social media, or other electronic sources.
Digital evidence can be complicated. It may require an attorney to understand how information was collected, whether a search exceeded the scope of a warrant, whether another person had access to a device, and whether forensic conclusions accurately reflect the available data.
Why he stands out: A specialized combination of criminal defense, former prosecutorial work, information-technology experience, computer forensics, and cyber-evidence analysis.
May be a good fit for: People facing computer crimes, online-solicitation allegations, digital-evidence cases, sex-crime charges, fraud investigations, or federal offenses involving technology.
7. Steven F. O’Meara, Law Offices of Steven F. O’Meara
Steven F. O’Meara is a Media attorney whose practice includes criminal defense, DUI, traffic offenses, driver’s-license matters, and personal injury.
His firm states that he has more than 25 years of experience and represents defendants charged with summary offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies. O’Meara also handles probation violations, drug cases, assault allegations, DUI charges, and matters involving driving privileges.
The Law Offices of Steven F. O’Meara are located at 14 South Orange Street in Media. The firm serves clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and certain surrounding areas.
O’Meara’s website provides extensive educational material addressing Pennsylvania DUI charges, controlled-substance DUI, underage DUI, probation, expungements, limited-access petitions, appeals, and driver’s-license consequences.
This concentration on DUI and related driving issues may be helpful when a client is concerned not only about a criminal case but also about license suspension, employment-related driving requirements, PennDOT consequences, or future expungement eligibility.
Why he stands out: Decades of experience with criminal defense, DUI, traffic offenses, probation issues, and driver’s-license consequences from a centrally located Media office.
May be a good fit for: Drivers facing DUI, controlled-substance DUI, traffic charges, license suspension, probation allegations, or a combination of criminal and PennDOT-related problems.
8. Arik Tzvi Ben-Ari, Benari Law Group
Arik Tzvi Ben-Ari is an attorney with Benari Law Group in Media.
Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board records list him as an active Pennsylvania attorney who was admitted to practice in 2001. His registered office is located at 1 Veterans Square in Media.
Public professional profiles identify criminal defense, juvenile law, and domestic violence among his practice areas. His biography describes a practice focused on defending people accused of criminal conduct and protecting the civil rights of defendants.
A practice that includes juvenile and domestic-violence-related cases may be relevant when criminal allegations overlap with family disputes, Protection from Abuse proceedings, school disciplinary matters, custody disagreements, or allegations involving minors.
Juvenile cases can also require an approach different from adult criminal defense because the process, available dispositions, family involvement, educational concerns, and long-term objectives may differ.
Why he stands out: A longstanding Media practice that includes traditional criminal defense, juvenile allegations, and domestic-violence-related matters.
May be a good fit for: Defendants or families seeking a local attorney for juvenile cases, DUI, domestic-violence allegations, or other criminal charges involving related family or civil-rights concerns.
9. Evan J. Kelly, Bellwoar Kelly, LLP
Evan J. Kelly is a founding attorney with Bellwoar Kelly, LLP and a trial lawyer whose practice includes criminal defense, personal injury, and crime-victim representation.
His firm states that he has represented defendants in high-profile murder cases and other criminal matters that received national media attention. Bellwoar Kelly handles violent crimes, federal charges, white-collar matters, drug-trafficking allegations, political-corruption investigations, sex offenses, and other serious prosecutions.
Kelly previously served as an assistant district attorney in Chester County. He also worked as chief counsel for oversight and investigation for the United States Senate Judiciary Committee.
His background may be especially relevant in complicated cases involving government investigations, grand juries, public officials, federal agencies, significant media coverage, or the possibility of a lengthy jury trial.
The firm identifies Kelly as a death-penalty-qualified criminal attorney who has tried serious cases before judges and juries. Bellwoar Kelly maintains a Media office at 111 North Olive Street.
Why he stands out: Experience as a prosecutor, federal government counsel, and defense attorney in serious, high-profile, and trial-intensive criminal cases.
May be a good fit for: Defendants facing homicide, violent felonies, federal investigations, public-corruption allegations, sex offenses, grand-jury proceedings, or other cases requiring extensive trial preparation.
10. Lauren Donati, Esquire, Thompson & Donati Law
Lauren Donati, Esquire, is a co-founder of Thompson & Donati Law, a Media firm representing clients in criminal defense and several other areas of Pennsylvania law.
Lauren’s professional background includes criminal defense, personal injury, workers’ compensation, contract disputes, guardianships, and estate matters. She represents clients in Media and throughout Delaware County.
Thompson & Donati Law identifies Lauren as a former public defender who has handled hundreds of criminal cases. That experience can provide insight into how cases progress through Pennsylvania’s criminal courts and how attorneys must manage substantial caseloads, evaluate evidence, communicate with defendants, and respond to the prosecution’s case.
Lauren earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Cabrini University and her law degree cum laude from Widener Law School. She later co-founded Thompson & Donati Law in 2016.
Unlike several attorneys listed earlier in this guide, Lauren does not limit her practice exclusively to criminal defense. Her broader litigation experience may nevertheless be helpful when criminal allegations overlap with a personal injury claim, guardianship, estate dispute, contractual problem, employment concern, or another legal issue.
Thompson & Donati Law is located at 110 West Front Street in Media, close to the Delaware County Courthouse and other county offices.
Why she stands out: Former public-defense experience, hundreds of criminal cases handled, extensive courtroom work, and a diverse litigation background.
May be a good fit for: Someone seeking a Media attorney with criminal defense experience whose broader background may be helpful when the situation also involves a related civil, family, injury, employment, or estate issue.
How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney in Delaware County
A list of local attorneys can provide a useful starting point, but the lawyer you select should match the specific circumstances of your case.
Look for experience with the particular charge
Criminal defense covers many different types of cases. An attorney who frequently handles first-time DUI charges may not be the right person for a complicated federal fraud investigation. An attorney experienced with digital forensics may be particularly valuable when a case involves computers, phones, online accounts, social media, or electronic communications.
Ask the attorney how frequently they handle the type of charge you are facing and what issues commonly arise in those cases.
Ask who will actually handle your case
The attorney who conducts the initial consultation may not always be the person who handles every court appearance or performs the day-to-day work.
Ask who will review the evidence, communicate with you, negotiate with prosecutors, appear at hearings, prepare motions, and conduct a trial if one becomes necessary.
Discuss communication at the beginning
Find out how the firm communicates with clients, how frequently you should expect updates, and who you should contact when you have a question.
Criminal cases are stressful enough without being unsure whether your attorney has received an important document or knows about an upcoming hearing.
Ask how the attorney would begin evaluating the allegations
An attorney cannot ethically guarantee a particular outcome. The lawyer should, however, be able to explain how they would begin assessing the charge.
That process may involve reviewing the criminal complaint, police reports, body-camera footage, witness accounts, search warrants, laboratory reports, phone records, surveillance footage, prior court history, and other available evidence.
Understand the fee arrangement
Request a written explanation of the legal fees and what the quoted amount includes.
Ask whether the fee covers preliminary hearings, motions, trial preparation, a jury trial, sentencing, appeals, or probation proceedings. You should also ask whether additional expenses may arise for investigators, expert witnesses, forensic analysis, transcripts, or record retrieval.
Consider trial readiness
Many criminal cases are resolved without a trial, but that does not mean trial preparation is unimportant.
An attorney who is prepared to challenge evidence, question witnesses, file motions, and present a case in court may be in a stronger position during negotiations. Ask about the attorney’s courtroom experience and whether the lawyer who handles your case would also handle the trial.
Choose an attorney who communicates honestly
A good criminal defense attorney should explain both the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a dismissal, acquittal, or particular sentence before reviewing the evidence.
You need an attorney who will provide realistic guidance, answer difficult questions, and help you make informed decisions.
Need a Criminal Defense Attorney Near You in Delaware County?
When people search for the “best criminal defense attorney near me,” they are usually looking for more than the closest office.
They need an attorney who understands the local court system, listens to their concerns, evaluates the evidence, explains the available options, and begins protecting their rights as soon as possible.
Latoison Law represents people facing criminal allegations in Media and throughout Delaware County. The firm handles DUI, assault, firearm offenses, drug crimes, theft, probation violations, juvenile matters, homicide allegations, expungements, bench warrants, and other misdemeanor and felony cases.
Call 610-999-1439 to discuss your case with Enrique Latoison and Latoison Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about choosing a criminal defense attorney and what to expect after an arrest or criminal accusation in Delaware County.
Who is the best criminal defense attorney in Delaware County?
There is no single attorney who is objectively best for every defendant or every type of criminal case. The right attorney depends on the allegations, available evidence, experience with similar charges, availability, communication style, and the client’s comfort level.
For people seeking a locally based Media firm that handles a broad range of criminal charges, our featured selection is Enrique Latoison of Latoison Law.
How soon should I contact a criminal defense attorney after an arrest?
You should generally speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as reasonably possible after an arrest or after learning that you are under investigation.
Early involvement gives an attorney more time to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, review police conduct, prepare for a preliminary hearing, address bail or warrant issues, and advise you before you make additional statements.
Should I speak with the police before hiring an attorney?
A person being questioned about possible criminal conduct should be careful about making statements without first obtaining legal advice.
Even when someone believes an explanation will clear up a misunderstanding, statements may be recorded, taken out of context, compared with other evidence, or used later by investigators and prosecutors.
Is it better to hire a criminal defense attorney located in Media?
A Media office can be convenient when a case is being handled in Delaware County. A locally based attorney may also be familiar with county procedures and the way cases move from magisterial district courts to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Location alone should not determine whom you hire. Experience with the specific charge, preparation, communication, availability, and your confidence in the attorney are also important.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any documents connected with the case, including the criminal complaint, citations, court notices, bail paperwork, search warrants, police paperwork, photographs, videos, relevant messages, witness information, probation documents, and driver’s-license notices.
It may also help to prepare a written timeline of what occurred. Do not delete, edit, destroy, or alter possible evidence before speaking with an attorney.
Does every criminal case go to trial?
No. Some cases are dismissed, withdrawn, resolved through negotiations, or concluded through a diversionary program or another disposition.
Other cases proceed to a bench trial or jury trial. The available options depend on the charge, evidence, prior record, procedural history, prosecutor’s position, and individual circumstances.
Can a criminal record be expunged in Pennsylvania?
Some Pennsylvania records may qualify for expungement, limited access, Clean Slate sealing, or another form of record relief.
Eligibility depends on the charges, how the case ended, whether a diversionary program was completed, the person’s age, prior record, and the amount of time that has passed. An attorney should review the complete record before advising someone about available relief.
What is the difference between a public defender and a private attorney?
Public defenders are licensed attorneys who represent qualifying people who cannot afford private counsel. Many public defenders have substantial courtroom and criminal defense experience.
A private attorney may offer more flexibility in communication, scheduling, case selection, and the amount of time devoted to a particular matter. The appropriate choice depends on eligibility, finances, case complexity, and personal circumstances.
Can a criminal defense attorney guarantee that my charges will be dismissed?
No responsible criminal defense attorney should guarantee a dismissal, acquittal, or particular sentence.
Criminal cases depend on evidence, witnesses, police conduct, legal rulings, negotiations, judicial decisions, and many other factors. An attorney can evaluate the case and work toward the most favorable result available, but no outcome can be promised.
Speak With a Delaware County Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal charge does not automatically mean that the accused person will be convicted. The prosecution’s evidence, police procedures, searches, witness credibility, forensic testing, available defenses, and circumstances surrounding the arrest should all be carefully examined.
Latoison Law represents people facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Media and throughout Delaware County.
Contact Enrique Latoison and Latoison Law at 610-999-1439 to schedule a consultation.
Latoison Law
8 South Plum Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063
Phone: 610-999-1439
This guide was prepared using publicly available information and is intended as a general resource for people researching criminal defense attorneys in Delaware County. Attorney backgrounds, practice areas, and firm information may change over time. Readers should independently evaluate any attorney they are considering.