Criminal Defense

A body of rules and statutes that defines conduct prohibited by the government because it threatens and harms public safety and welfare and that establishes punishment to be imposed for the commission of such acts. Criminal law covers many types of acts.

As a citizen of the United States, you have the right to an attorney if you are ever arrested. Selecting the right defense attorney to represent you can be one of the most important choices you ever make. When your reputation and freedom hang in the balance, it’s crucial to have the right team of criminal defense attorneys representing you. Lancaster’s leading criminal lawyers, who have a proven track record in criminal defense cases, are prepared to defend you with everything possible under the law. At Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat PC, our experienced legal team is ready to go to bat for you. Experienced defense lawyers Robert H. Reese, Jr., Christopher M. Patterson, and Daniel C. Bardo work to ensure that your rights are protected to the greatest degree possible.

Our team of criminal defense lawyers is recognized as the best among PA criminal defense attorneys. Our criminal defense specialties include:

Appeals, ARD, Assaults, Criminal investigations, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Drug offenses, Expungements and Pardons, Juvenile cases, Probation and Parole Violations, Retail Theft and Shoplifting, Sex Offenses, Traffic citations, Trials, Other crimes

Criminal Defense Specialties & Practice Areas

Our Team of Lancaster County Criminal Defense Attorneys

Christopher M. Patterson

Christopher M. Patterson
Daniel C. Bardo

Daniel C. Bardo
Robert H. Reese, Jr.

Robert H. Reese, Jr.

Criminal Defense Resources

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers

    Latest News

    • Resolution of Criminal Cases Part II – Pleas
      by Gabriella Farhat
      When the police charge someone with a crime, they start a criminal case. From the moment that they do, the most important thing to the person charged is how the case ends. Generally speaking, it will end in one of four ways: The Commonwealth could drop the case, or the defendant may participate in some…
    • Resolution of Criminal Cases: Part I – The Trial
      by Gabriella Farhat
      When the police charge someone with a crime, they start a criminal case. From the moment that they do, the most important thing to the person charged is how the case ends. Generally, it will end in one of four ways: The Commonwealth could drop the case, or the defendant may enter some sort of…
    • The Effect of Rescheduling Marijuana in Pennsylvania
      by Gabriella Farhat
      The FDA Considers Rescheduling Marijuana It was recently reported that the federal Food and Drug Administration is considering rescheduling Marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. If the reschedule happens, (and it is still very much up in the air right now) the decision will change a lot. Whether Pennsylvania follows suit or not, however,…
    • Understanding Bail: A Pivotal Early Decision in Criminal Cases
      by Gabriella Farhat
      The Criticality of Bail in Criminal Proceedings Bail determination stands as one of the most critical early issues in a criminal case, often surpassing the gravity of the charges or the defense strategy planned for trial. This decisive moment occurs so early that the accused may not yet have legal representation when bail is set,…
    • Preliminary Hearings
      by Daniel Bardo
      After police file criminal charges against someone, the first critical stage of the proceedings against them is a preliminary hearing before a magisterial district judge. In Lancaster County, there are two types of cases that have preliminary hearings in specialized central courts—domestic violence and driving under the influence—those central courts will be discussed in a…