Practice Areas

Areas of Practice

Pennsylvania Criminal Defense, P.C. has concentrated on criminal law for 32 years. We handle complex criminal litigation, including but not limited to:

We represent clients before all Municipal, District, State and Federal Courts in Pennsylvania, as well as New Jersey.


Bail Arraignments

After you are charged with a crime, you will be required to go before a judge for your arraignment. The arraignment is the first formal court appearance and is where you will be advised of the charges and the potential penalties associated with the charges. During this proceeding, you should enter a plea of “not guilty” and request some time to consult with an attorney. It’s very important not to make any statements to police without first consulting an attorney.

John Brendan Elbert and Associates is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day for bail hearings. We make it a priority to appear in court so we can speak on your behalf and get you out of jail as soon as possible.

Forfeitures

If your car or other property has been seized for evidence or as an instrument of crime, we will file a petition for return of your property.

Violations of Parole or Probation (VOP)

There are two types of violations – a technical violation or a direct violation. If yours is a technical violation, we generally appeal to the mercy of court. If you have a direct violation, contact us as soon as possible so we can represent you at the earliest possible moment.

Appeals

Mr. Elbert is a member of all Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Federal Courts of Appeal including the United States Supreme Court. We handle criminal Appeals on every level with the highest degree of understanding and competence.

In addition Mr. Elbert is Certified by the United States Court of Military Appeals and has vast experience in UCMJ Matters.

Juvenile Matters

Mr. Elbert has defended hundreds of Juveniles for every conceivable type of charge over the course of his career. We handle these matters individually with the same professionalism and diligence as any adult matter with one added difference. As a father, Mr. Elbert is uniquely aware of the burden and stress factors associated with the arrest and criminal prosecution of one’s child. Mr. Elbert makes himself available to all parents and guardians while dealing with this tremendous burden.

Expungements

Even if you are found not guilty, it’s important to file for an expungement to remove the arrest from state and local court records. Otherwise, prospective employers doing a background check would be able to find the records of your arrest. An expungement means the state and local police will destroy all records of your arrest. In effect, the arrest becomes a legal fiction, and if you are asked on a job application if you have ever been arrested, you can answer “no.” Pennsylvania Criminal Defense specializes in criminal record expungement.