Justin John-Earl Ketchel

PRO

Justin John-Earl Ketchel

also known as Ketchel Law, Attorney Justin J. Ketchel, Justin J. Ketchel

4.5
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Pittsburgh, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Sex Crime ... +9 more

429 4th Avenue, Suite 1600, Pittsburgh, PA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Justin

Biography

Practice Areas

12

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 9%

A tough Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, Attorney Justin J. Ketchel is here for you. Our #1 Goal? To get your criminal charges dismissed. Whether you were charged with DUI, drugs, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes or a federal crime, Ketchel Law can help.

9%
DUI and DWI 9%

A DUI conviction is a criminal conviction and not something you want on your record. To fight a DUI charge, first know your rights. An arrest is not a conviction - people win DUI cases in court every day. Call our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyers today.

9%
Drug Crime 9%

In Pennsylvania, even a first time drug offense can send you to jail, suspend your driver’s license and cost thousands of dollars in fines. If you have been charged with a drug crime in Pennsylvania, call our Pittsburgh Drug Attorneys - 412-456-1221

9%
Federal Crime 9%

At Ketchel Law, we are well-versed in both state and federal court systems and can help you understand your rights and your options to fight against your charges. Call our Federal Crime Lawyers in Pennsylvania for a free consultation.

9%
Health Care 9%

9%
Sex Crime 9%

Ketchel Law takes an aggressive approach to defending your rights. If a not-guilty verdict is impossible, we will fight aggressively to keep your name off of Megan’s List and your reputation preserved. We are sex crime lawyers in Pennsylvania.

9%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 9%

At Ketchel Law, we put the control back in your hands by helping you understand your rights and working aggressively to defend your rights. We will do what it takes to help you keep your license or have it reinstated.

9%
Tax 9%

9%
Tax Fraud and Tax Evasion 9%

9%
Violent Crime 9%

Being charged with a crime, does not mean that you will be convicted. Don’t wait to take action – if you have been arrested and charged with a violent crime, contact Ketchel Law today to schedule your FREE initial consultation.

9%
White Collar Crime 9%

An arrest for theft, shoplifting / retail theft, burglary or robbery can come with very harsh penalties in Pennsylvania. If you have been charged with theft, burglary or robbery in Pennsylvania, call Ketchel Law today.

9%
Other 1%

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 17 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ketchel Law

429 4th Avenue, Suite 1600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219

ketchellaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Justin online.

Justin John-Earl Ketchel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

5 star (15)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Cliff | January 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Class Act

Mr. Ketchel and his team are a first class enterprise. I hired them to help navigate some unique provisions of my probation that were affecting my ability to move forward with my life and reconnect with my children after some very bad decisions I'd made years earlier. All necessary aspects of my c...ase were carefully discussed and I was very fortunate to have an outcome on two separate motions that were filed that got me the results I was looking for. Both motions were also turned around much faster than I anticipated given my prior experience with the court system. Mr. Ketchel's team went the extra mile after we were granted our motions by contacting the probation office and my specific probation officer to assure me that all parties involved in the scope of this scenario were crystal clear on how things would proceed going forward. Many thanks...

Posted by edie | January 15, 2020 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

DUI

I contacted Justin Ketchel for a consultation when a family member didn't know where to turn arrested with a dui . Justin answered all my questions and put my mind at ease with what to expect so that I could pass the information to the family member that needed a good laywer and that he was, as he w...as hired by the family member!

Posted by Ashley | October 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Positive Results!

I contacted this attorney by email on a Saturday and heard from him the following day. He was very easy to speak with and informative. it was very important that my son not lose his license for an underage offense he had been sited for while at a concert. The attorney was able to have reduced to a... summary offense and he had to pay a manageable fine and complete a brief online class. Very happy with service we received and results. Made difficult situation much easier to deal with. Well worth the attorney fee!

Posted by anonymous | May 11, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Highly recommend Justin

I am in the process of starting my own business and wanted to speak with an attorney. After reviewing a number of different attorney’s in the area I decided to give Justin a call. Not only was he knowledgeable, but he was very responsive and professional. Justin was able to give me a step by step pl...an in order to help my business get off the ground and running. The whole process of starting your business is very stressful, but Justin was able to help me elevate any concerns. Justin was also very straightforward which I found to be very helpful and beneficial. He won’t give you the run around like other attorneys, which unfortunately I have experienced in the past. If you are looking for professional, responsive, courteous attorney don’t look any further.

Posted by Anne | April 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent firm with consistent results

We consulted and hired Justin for legal representation regarding two separate matters several years apart. Both times, they were prompt in responding to our request for a consultation and gathered the facts related to the cases in a meticulous manner. A plan was then discussed with us and implemented... in a professional manner. The results were favorable each time and could never have been achieved without their expertise and diligence. I highly recommend this firm for any matters which may benefit from and/or require legal representation.

See All Client Reviews

Justin John-Earl Ketchel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Justin
Adam Michael Bishop headshot
Adam Bishop

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Ketchel is a talented criminal litigator. He is dedicated to his clients and well-respected amongst his peers."

Kim William Riester headshot
Kim Riester

Unknown lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Edward Waltman headshot
Michael Waltman

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeffrey Nicholas Ivashuk headshot
Jeffrey Ivashuk

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A well admired lawyer in the legal community."

David Seth Zuckerman headshot
David Zuckerman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Justin is a bright, knowledgable, and skilled trial attorney who works hard to provide the highest level of representation to his clients. He closely examines the details of each case, looking to develop both traditional arguments and new defense theories to attack the Commonwealth's case. Having seen Justin in client consultations, he takes a genuine interest in the well being of both his clients and their families alike. I wouldn't hesitate to refer a matter to his firm."

Kirk Tyler Klett headshot
Kirk Klett

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Justin is a highly skilled attorney and very well respected in the legal community. He provides high end legal services, but with a cost-effective and results driven approach. I've worked with Justin on several matters and will continue to direct clients to Justin's office. Justin is very knowledgeable and really commands the courtroom which I believe is a major component of his continued success."

Rod Brandon McCullough headshot
Rod McCullough

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Justin Ketchel. Justin is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with great knowledge of the criminal courts in Western Pennsylvania, as well as Pennsylvania law. Justin is hard-working, responsive and client focused. He is also well respected by his peers. I highly recommend Justin to anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney in Western Pennsylvania."

Sean Thomas Logue headshot
Sean Logue

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is experienced, hardworking, and cares about his clients well being."

Jordan Peter Shuber headshot
Jordan Shuber

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"As a former employee of Justin Ketchel Law, I can say first hand that Attorney Ketchel is one of the top advocates in the surrounding Pittsburgh area. He will not only fight for your rights to the fullest extent of the law, but he will also take the time to guide you through the emotional circumstances surrounding whatever charges you may be facing. I fully support and endorse Attorney Ketchel."

Aaron Matthew Tomczak headshot
Aaron Tomczak

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"While many Attorneys claim to go the extra mile and be vested in their Client’s case, Attorney Ketchel truly is. Attorney Ketchel not only understands the criminal courts, he has an extensive knowledge of the current case law and how to use this to his client’s advantage. I endorse Attorney Ketchel."

Jonathan Micah Stewart headshot
Jonathan Stewart

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Justin is a hard-working, knowledgeable Attorney who knows how to get the job done for his clients."

Patrick William Murray headshot
Patrick Murray

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Justin is an experienced and highly effective criminal defense attorney. I highly recommend Justin."

Michael Francis Niznik Jr. headshot
Michael Niznik

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Justin is a highly-skilled attorney. He is known in the criminal defense community as an ambitious advocate who fights for each and every one of his clients. You're in good hands with Attorney Ketchel. I recommend him without reservation."

Christopher Philip Thomas headshot
Christopher Thomas

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Justin is a highly skilled advocate who I would refer cases to. I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew D. Slepian headshot
Andrew Slepian

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Extremely knowledgeable and well-respected in his community. I highly recommend and endorse Justin."

Matthew Thomas Logue headshot
Matthew Logue

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Nicholis Salvatore Joseph Milardo headshot
Nicholis Milardo

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam Michael Bishop headshot
Adam Bishop

Criminal defense lawyer

David Seth Zuckerman headshot
David Zuckerman

Criminal defense lawyer

Sean Thomas Logue headshot
Sean Logue

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Best Lawyer, Expertise

2018

10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

2015 10 Best Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

2008

PILA Award, Duquesne University School of Law

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Owner, Justin Ketchel Law

1900 - Present

Member, Ketchel Law

2010 - 2012

Associate Attorney, Michael Sherman, PC

2008 - 2010

Assistant Public Defender, Blair County Public Defender's Office

2006 - 2008

Legal Intern, Greenfield & Kraut

Associations

2014 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Criminal Defense

2009 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2008 - Present

Allegheny County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Allegheny County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee

Member

2008 - 2014

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Felony Theft Charges Dismissed

Charges Dismissed

DUI Charges Dismissed by Magistrate

Charges Dismissed

McKEESPORT MAN ACQUITTED BY A JURY OF ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

Acquittal

Aggravated Assault

Felony Charged Dismissed

PWID Charge

Charge Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

Duquesne University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

Pennsylvania State University

BA

N/A

Pennsylvania State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Robert Morris University Graduate Law Class Criminal Overview

2014

Graduate Law Class

Criminal Law

2010

Monthly Meeting

Criminal Overview

Publications

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution