Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
682 Client Reviews
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Thomas L. Kearney IV
also known as T.L. Kearney, IV
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About Thomas
Biography
Thomas "T.L." Kearney, IV combines courtroom experience with client-focused advocacy. He earned his B.S. degrees in Business and Psychology, graduating Magna Cum Laude at the top of his class, from the University of Pittsburgh and a earned his J.D., graduating Cum Laude at the top of his class, from Widener University School of Law. While in law school, he served on the Executive Board of the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, was an Executive of the Student Bar Association, and was chosen for the prestigious externship with the Honorable Justice Richard Barclay Surrick of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Federal Court.
T.L. began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in York County’s Major Crimes Unit, gaining extensive jury-trial experience, and later transitioned to criminal, DUI, & traffic defense work, winning not-guilty verdicts and full & total charge dismissals across a broad range of criminal & DUI matters. He has argued before the state and federal courts and is admitted to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Federal U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. T.L. carries the highest possible AV Preeminent Rating through Martindale and has been recognized as a Martindale‑Hubbell Platinum Client Champion and repeatedly selected by clients for Avvo’s Top Attorney and Client’s Choice awards. T.L.'s practice emphasizes criminal defense, DUI defense, and traffic defense. T.L. remains active in local and state bar organizations and resides in central York County with his wife and 5 wonderful children.
Premier Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney - Former Prosecutor, Now I Defend!
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
DUI and DWI
30%
Domestic Violence
10%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2026 2025 2024
...
+
11
Licenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 16 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
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Thomas L. Kearney IV's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (463)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (160)
DUI & DWI (80)
Lawsuits & Disputes (73)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (41)
Expungement (10)
Drug Crime (6)
Car Accidents (3)
Juvenile (3)
Debt Settlement (2)
Litigation (2)
Agriculture (1)
Animal Law (1)
Appeals (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Education (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Family (1)
Federal Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (313)
Advocacy (172)
Recommendation (144)
Professionalism (114)
Responsiveness (99)
Communication Style (95)
Practice Area Knowledge (78)
General Knowledge (65)
Character & Conduct (52)
Trustworthiness (34)
Compassion (33)
Cost of Services (31)
Punctuality (9)
Payment Plans (6)
Free Consultations (3)
Showing 56 - 60 of 78 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | June 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
So happy I chose T.L as my attorney!
T.L answered all questions I had in an easy to understand way. He kept me on track with completing everything I needed to for court and to get into ARD. His helpfulness and great communication made this DUI process as simple and painless as is possible...I was very thankful he was so easy to reach an...
Thomas Kearney
Replied last June 09, 2018Yes, we’ll done! You are on your way to a full dismissal and expungement and have completed almost everything early and proactively.
Posted by James | March 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great lawyer
After reading through reviews such as this one, I decided to hire TL to help with my DUI. TL explained all the steps of the process and helped get me placed in ARD.
Thomas Kearney
Replied last March 18, 2018It is so important in DUI matters to involve a local York County defense lawyer before you even receive your charges, as there are many proactive things you need to be doing right off the bat, which is exactly how you achieve ARD or other dismissals of the charges. Everyone who is stopped for a DUI should head this advice. You did, and as you saw it led to you being accepted into ARD and getting your charges dismissed and expunged. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.
Posted by Janet | March 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Excellent DUI and criminal attorney
I attained T.L. Kearney IV when I received my 4th DUI in August of this year. I have a lengthy criminal record and I was facing state incarceration because of my prior record score. Attorney Kearney was honest with me from the moment I met with him. He helped me with the process of completing the DUI...
Thomas Kearney
Replied last March 18, 2018Every situation comes with a backstory and a personal history. We are not here to judge our clients, and never do. That would only get in the way of developing the right attack strategies for the case, and sometimes that backstory is useful to incorporate into our individualized approach. Thank you for being honest with me and believing in the strategy we undertook. I was very pleased with the result as well.
Posted by Zack | March 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Personable, timely, knowledgeable
T.L. Kearney is friendly and very knowledgeable. His experience as an assistant district attorney gives him valuable insight into the way the DA’s office operates. He came to our consultation prepared with advice and steps to take to get my case streamlined and off to a fast start. T.L. catered to th...
Thomas Kearney
Replied last March 18, 2018You are correct, understanding these inner workings is invaluable to developing the best negotiation positions and winning strategies. We will always reject a cookie cutter approach to a case, as every case demands a catered strategy depending upon the individual needs and desires of the client. Thanks for the great review!
Posted by anonymous | August 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Dui
I unfortunately got a DUI in March of this year. It was very embarrassing as I never thought I would ever be in this situation. I immediately went out looking for proper representation as I was very lost and scared for what was to come. I came across TL and contacted him. After speaking to him I felt...
Thomas L. Kearney IV's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known TL Kearney for many years even before we both became attorneys and he is a great person. He is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable in his field and works hard for his clients. I would certainly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal representation."
"Attorney Kearney has established himself in the criminal defense bar. He is pleasant to work with and willing to answer questions as they arise."
"Attorney TL Kearney has quickly made a name for himself in his chosen field of Criminal Law, because he excels at what he does. While I have fortunately not been in the position to need his services personally, I would not hesitate to send a friend, family member or client to TL for representation in their criminal matter. TL takes time to explain things to people in a way that they can understand, which is extremely important in the complicated field of law, and works hard to obtain good results for his clients. I would strongly recommend Attorney TL Kearney to anyone in search of an attorney for DUI, Criminal or drug related offenses."
"TL is an experienced criminal defense attorney who will aggressively advocate for you. He will work hard to achieve the best option for your situation. I would recommend hiring him for any criminal matter."
"I have found Attorney Kearney to be an exceptionally talented lawyer. He is equally adept at navigating the complexities of plea bargains and sentencing as he is making an argument before a judge or jury. A person facing criminal charges in York County will find no better representation than Attorney Kearney."
"I have known TL Kearney professionally for several years and have worked closely with him on several occasions. He is an excellent trial attorney, a hard worker and a zealous advocate."
"Some people just get it. Attorney Kearney is one of those people. Fortunately for people accused of crimes, he is also a criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Kearney doesn't just see the criminal accusation. He sees the person behind it and the impact it can have on their life. I find him to be sincere in his approach. I endorse this lawyer."
Richard Fisher
Criminal defense lawyer
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Family lawyer
Jack Graybill
Business lawyer
Jennifer Galloway
Estate planning lawyer
Rosina Stambaugh
Immigration lawyer
Brian Strong
Personal injury lawyer
David Mueller
Criminal defense lawyer
Shawn Curry
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023
Bar Association Member of the Year, York County Bar Association
2020
Pro Bono Award, York County Bar Association
2013
Service Award, York County Bar Association
2008
Outstanding Service Award, Widener University School of Law
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Criminal & DUI Defense - Owner & Managing Attorney, Kearney Law
2012 - 2025
Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney, Ferro Law Firm
2010 - 2012
Assistant District Attorney, York County District Attorney's Office
2008 - 2009
Federal Clerk, The Honorable Richard Barclay Surrick - Federal Judge
Associations
2024 - Present
York Opioid CollaborativeExecutive Board Memeber
2022 - Present
Stepping Up Mental Health CommitteeBoard Member
2016 - Present
York County Bar AssociationMembership Committee
2009 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationActive Member
2009 - Present
York County Bar AssociationExecutive Board Member
2009 - Present
American Inns of CourtMember
2014 - 2015
York County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionPast President
2013 - 2013
York County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionPresident
2012 - 2012
York County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionPresident-Elect
2011 - 2011
York County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionTreasurer/Secretary
Sample of Legal Cases
Juvenile Released from Custody Home With Parents
Juvenile Released from Custody
Homicide By Vehicle while DUI Felony Dismissed - State Prison Avoided
State Prison Avoided - Homicide Charge Dismissed
Felony Escape - Not Guilty
Not Guilty - Case Dismissed
DUI Dismissed
DUI Charge Dismissed - Career & Livelihood Saved
Felony Theft Dismissed
Felony Theft Dismissed - No Conviction
DUI Dismissed
Judge Dismissed DUI Charge
Driving Under Suspension Charge Dismissed
Charge Dismissed - License Saved
Nurse's Charges Dropped, Career Saved
Charges Dropped
Felony Aggravated Assault Dismissed
Felony Aggravated Assault Dismissed
DUI Charge Dismissed
DUI Charge Dismissed
Resisting Arrest, Assault & Terroristic Threats Dropped At Preliminary Hearing
Charges Dropped
Aggravated Assault Felony 1 Dismissed
Felony 1 Aggravated Assault Dismissed
3rd Offense DUI - Dismissed - Client Released From Jail
Charges Dismissed - Client Released
Tier 3 DUI Knocked Down to Tier 1 DUI
Client stayed out of jail and kept his driver's license
Accused of Felony 1 Burglary: Charges Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed: Not Guilty
DUI Dismissed
DUI Dismissed: Not Guilty
Man Accused of Felony Aggravated Assault While DUI - Felony Dismissed
Felony Dismissed. Case resolved for misdemeanor charges.
Acquitted - Not Guilty of DUI at Trial
Acquitted - Found Not Guilty By Jury
Man Accused of Felony Carrying a Firearm Without a License & Recklessly Endangering
Felony Firearm Charge Dismissed and Reduced to a Misdemeanor for Probation & Recklessly Endangering Charge Dismissed
Man Accused of Recklessly Endangering For Utilizing Firearm in Physical Altercation
Dismissal of all misdemeanor charges and client recevied a small fine for a summary ticket.
Woman Accused of DUI for Being in Vehicle With Engine Not Running
Case Dismissed At Magisterial District Court
Education
2009
Widener University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
The University of Pittsburgh
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
York County School of Technology - DUI & Criminal Defense
Aggressive & Effective Tactics in DUI & Criminal Defense
2015
York College - Criminal Law
Criminal & DUI Law
2015
Central York High School - Criminal Law
Criminal & DUI Developments
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
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