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

Filter Avvo Reviews (17) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 04, 2015 | DUI & DWI

DUI/Controlled Substance charges dismissed at my Preliminary Hearing.

Attorney Justin Ketchel managed to have the DUI/Controlled Substance charge against me, dismissed at my Preliminary Hearing. This was a huge relief because this would have been my second DUI in 9 years and the DUI/Controlled Substance is probably the worst DUI that a person could be convicted of! He ...came to my Preliminary Hearing prepared with the knowledge that he needed to do his best to have this charge against me dismissed. Yet, he also came with a Court Recorder in case that this would have gone to trial. I was very impressed with Attorney Justin Ketchel's professionalism and also that he tried to keep me calm, because I was extremely upset at the thought of a minimum of 6 months jail time, not to mention nearly $10,000.00 in fines if found guilty of the DUI/Controlled Substance charge! I thought for sure that I would be found guilty of this charge, because I am prescribed pain medication for physical disabilities that cause severe pain, so there was no denying that narcotics were in my system. Attorney Justin Ketchel was well worth what I paid to have him as my legal counsel and to defend me. I would recommend him to anyone, knowing that he will do what is in his clients best interest!

Posted by Matt | February 07, 2014 | Criminal Defense

As good as it gets.

I came to Justin with what seemed to be a nightmare, a broken man if you will. His knowledge and way around a courtroom was everything I could have asked for and more. I don't live in the Pittsburgh so communication was key as Justin represented me in most court appearances. He did a bang up job. ... The trial last two days and I was rightfully acquitted. His professionalism and knowledge of the legal system was excellent. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a no nonsense type of lawyer who is going to do everything he can to help you.

Posted by Brenda | August 23, 2013 | Criminal Defense

We were blessed with the best of the best.

We met Attorney Justin Ketchel approximately a couple of months ago. My son and I had a letter from him offering his services to assist us with a case that my son was encountering. It was a real case to say the least full of some really nasty criminal charges. Justin Kechel never flinched from the b...eginning. He was in control of the situation from the start and the amount of confidence that he demonstrated simply left our family feel at ease in spite of it all. Justin Ketchel is a very knowledgeable lawyer. He consistently kept us informed step by step as to everything that occurred. He is responsive and trustworthy . He is worth every dollar that we paid him. Anyone that can take a case of seven really bad charges and bring closure to that case with just one summary offense is either brilliant or nothing short of a miracle worker. I can sit here and tell you one thing and that is that Justin Ketchel will be my families attorney from this point on. We are highly inspired by him and we have a horrendous amount of confidence in him. He is stellar.

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

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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