Looking for a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia? Below: vetted firms covering Center City, University City, the Main Line, and South Philly, real PA cost ranges for flat fee representation, and what PA law actually says about your situation. Most firms offer a free initial consultation.
7 vetted firms in Philadelphia handle criminal defense cases. The shortlist below is editor-picked based on practice-area concentration, ratings, and client feedback.
Costs in Philadelphia track the national average.
Fee structure: Criminal defense is almost always flat-fee. Anyone billing hourly for a criminal matter is unusual.
Typical range: $1,500-$5,000 misdemeanor; $5,000-$50,000+ felony.
Up-front cost: Full flat fee at engagement.
For a fuller breakdown of how lawyers actually price work across all 30 legal needs we cover, see our cost guide. The numbers above are 2026 averages; your specific quote will depend on the firm's experience level, the complexity of your case, and the firm's caseload at the moment you call.
Two ways to keep costs down in any Philadelphia criminal defense matter: (1) come prepared to the first meeting with a one-page summary of facts, dates, and dollar amounts; (2) ask for a flat fee where one is offered — it removes the lawyer's incentive to take longer than necessary.
Statute of limitations: varies — ask a local attorney. This is when you have to file by — not when you have to settle by.
Court system: local trial court.
Fault rules: varies.
Damage caps: varies.
One thing to know: Criminal Defense cases are governed primarily by PA state statutes and case law. Ask the firm you call about applicable deadlines on your specific situation.
This page is a starting point, not a substitute for advice that applies to your specific situation. For that, talk to a licensed PA attorney — most of the firms above offer a free initial consultation for Philadelphia residents.
Most people hire a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia after one of these triggers:
If any of these match what's happening to you, get a free consultation booked this week. Waiting rarely improves the case and often hurts it — evidence fades, witnesses move, and statute-of-limitations clocks keep running.
No. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and innocent people often accidentally make their case worse trying to explain.
In PA, misdemeanors are punishable by less than one year in jail and felonies by more. Many DUIs are misdemeanors on a first offense and felonies after that.
Misdemeanor flat fees in Philadelphia typically run $1,500-$5,000. Felony defense starts at $5,000 and can exceed $50,000 for serious cases or trials.
PA has expungement and sealing options that vary by offense. Most first-time misdemeanor offenses are eligible after a waiting period.
The judge reads the charges, you enter a plea (almost always 'not guilty' at arraignment), bail is set, and the next court date is scheduled. Have a lawyer present.
Criminal Defense / DUI elsewhere: Criminal Defense / DUI lawyers in New YorkCriminal Defense / DUI lawyers in BostonCriminal Defense / DUI lawyers in Los Angeles
Other Philadelphia legal needs: Personal Injury lawyers in PhiladelphiaDivorce lawyers in PhiladelphiaBankruptcy lawyers in Philadelphia
Background reading: Criminal Defense / DUI guide · All Philadelphia firms · Top 10 Criminal Defense / DUI firms in Philadelphia (full editorial picks) · How to compare law firms · Legal glossary
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