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Eric Vaughn Hackwelder
About Eric
Biography
I am currently a partner at Sebald, Hackwelder & Knox in Erie, PA. I graduated from Clarion University in 1996 with a degree in Political Science. In 1992 while still in college I enlisted in the Army Reserve and completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. I served with the 298th Transporation Company in Franklin, PA. In 2002, I graduted from Western Michigan Law School where I was on the Dean's List and was a moot court semi-finalist. Following law school, I began a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Judge Ernest J. DiSantis, Jr. in Erie, PA. After that, I served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Erie County District Attorney's Office. During my tenure at the District Attorney's Office, I tried approximatley 60 jury trials to verdict. Following that appointment, I served as a solicitor for the Erie County Office of Children and Youth. in 2010, I left the Office of Children and Youth and embarked on a career as a private criminal defense lawyer. Since that time, I have helped hundreds of people with crimes ranging from Driving Under the Influence to Homicide. I currently have tried approximatley 120 cases to jury. I take great pride in defending those that are wrongfully accused. I also take great pride in defending the rights of those who cannot help themselves.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
95%
24 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 22 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Eric Vaughn Hackwelder
137 East 13th Street, Erie, PA, 16503
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Eric Vaughn Hackwelder's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
15 Client Reviews
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Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Heidi | February 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Highly Recommend
I hired attorney Hackwelder for a child custody case. It was an ongoing battle for 3 years and Eric stood in my corner from day one. He was attentive, detailed, and so patient with all of my questions. He always got back to me in a timely manner, always fought for what I wanted, and never settled for...
Posted by April | February 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Committed to the last minute
I have many good things to say about Mr. Hackwelder and his team. From the beginning he came to our aid last minute and were good at keeping open lines of communication with me and my family. They worked on our case up to the last possible moment and even met with me on weekends. He answered all m...
Eric Vaughn Hackwelder's Lawyer Endorsements
"Outstanding courtroom presence! Tremendous advocate who gets results for his clients."
"Eric mixes strong advocacy with compassion for his client. I recommend many of my clients to him for his expertise and they have all been very happy."
"I endorse this lawyer. Eric is professional, prompt and an advocate for his clients. I litigated cases against Eric when he worked as counsel for OCY and the Erie County District Attorney's office and since he has became a defense attorney I have noted his authoritative presence in the courtroom. He gets results for his clients and gives his best effort every single day."
"I endorse this lawyer. Passionate about his client's cause, yet reasonable to work with."
"Eric is an asset to his clients and the Erie legal community. Eric is an excellent trial lawyer who does not hesitate to fight for his clients. I am pleased to endorse Eric."
"I endorse this lawyer. Atty. Hackwelder is a passionate advocate for his clients and his history of successful results for his clients speaks for itself. I am so confident in Atty. Hackwelder's skills that I have personally referred family members to Atty. Sebald."
"Eric is devoted to the needs of his clients. He tirelessly works to achieve the best possible results for his clients. He is one of the most passionate attorneys I know and am proud to endorse him."
"Eric is a well-respected former criminal prosecutor and OCY lawyer, who now defends people who are accused of criminal offenses and DUI. I have both worked with Eric and witnessed his good work in court. I endorse him without reservation."
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Experience
Honors
2001
Deans List, Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley School of Law
2001
Moot Court Semi-Finalist, Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley School of Law
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Attorney, Sebald, Hackwelder & Knox
2006 - 2010
Solicitor, Erie County Office of Children and Youth
2004 - 2006
Adjunct Professor, Mercyhurst College
2003 - 2006
Assistant District Attorney, Erie County District Attorney's Office
2001 - 2003
Law Clerk, Erie County Court Of Common Pleas
2000 - 2000
Intern, United States Court Of Appeals 3d Circuit
Associations
2020 - Present
Erie County Bar Association Criminal Defense SectionChair
2014 - Present
Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
2014 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers
2003 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Erie County Pennsylvania Bar Association
2019 - 2020
Erie County Bar Association Criminal Defense SectionCo-chair
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. Jamie Evans
Acquittal
Commonwealth v. Damon Amison
Acquittal on Aggravated Assault
Commonwealth v. Stephen Russell
Acquittal
Commonwealth v. Knight
Acquittal
Commonwealth v. Moore
Case dismissed following a preliminary hearing
Commonwealth v. Stainbrook
Charges reduced to a summary offense.
Commonwealth v. Evans
Acquittal
Commonwealth v. Husband
Acquittal
Commonwealth v. Altland
Acquitted of First Degree Murder
Commonwalth v. Blankenship
Acquittal
Education
2002
Western Michigan University Thomas Cooley School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2004
Take back the night
Domestic Abuse
Publications
2017
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) For the Defense
Confidential or Discoverable? Navigating the Files of Child and Youth Services
Languages
English