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
687 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
Gallery
Thomas L. Kearney IV's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (466)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (161)
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 (173)
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 326 - 330 of 466 reviews
Posted by Anonymous | December 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Exceptional Lawyer and case outcome.
Met with 6 lawyers in the York area and it was clear TL's understanding and knowledge was above and well beyond the rest. He achieved a great outcome in my case, and provided unconditional support and communication availability. Truly believe if another lawyer had represented me a very different and ...
Posted by Mathew | December 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Dont shop for any other lawyer than Tl Kearney
I just had the best experience getting through my legal situation with attorney Tl Kearney. He took the time to actually listen and ended up getting me an amazing sentence. He keeps in contact and gives calls back very quick. Tl cares about his clients and I recommend him. Thank you Tl
Posted by Erica | December 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Great attorney I felt that Tom Kearney was an excellent attorney. In my situation he got me the very best outcome that could be achieved and I'm very appreciative of the work he did for me. I would most definitely recommend Tom Kearney to anyone in a legal bind that's in need of a lawyer. He is very...
Posted by Chad | December 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Highly Effective
I was cited for a traffic violation that could have yielded serious negative penalties upon conviction pertaining to my driving privileges. However, thanks to the effective assistance of T.L. Kearney, those stiff penalties did not occur. That was the just result, but it wouldn’t have been likely to...
Posted by Jacob | November 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Just what I needed
I like an honest person, I got that treatment from TL Kearney. No dream case scenario's just decades of experiance with the local courts and an honest apprasial of out comes! That kind of lawyering saves you a lot of heart ache and money. Yes, If my stupid every comes out to play again , TL Kearney i...
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
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Lisa Fitzpatrick
Family lawyer
Jack Graybill
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Jennifer Galloway
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Rosina Stambaugh
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Brian Strong
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David Mueller
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Shawn Curry
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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
Q&A
If I drink today and have to get a scram bracelet tomorrow will it detect it?
13 Apr 2026
Q&A
Can I get my bail unrevoked without turning myself in
11 Apr 2026
Q&A
Can I get my bail reinstated without turning myself in
11 Apr 2026