Aggressive Berks attorney recently chosen as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.
If you are accused of a crime, the only thing standing between you and a powerful, resourceful Pennsylvanian prosecutorial government is a fierce advocate and an aggressive and persuasive litigator. In fact, as a criminal defense attorney, I represent the last, and only, bastion of protection safeguarding you, your rights and your personal freedom.
I have spent more than seventeen years defending the most difficult cases with outstanding results. I have earned a reputation among my District Attorneys, Judges and the private bar for being a fierce and formidable advocate and an aggressive and persuasive litigator. I have represented hundreds of clients in cases ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. I have tried cases in front of juries and judges and have an excellent success record.
I take each case very seriously, as though the liberty of my friend or a family member is in jeopardy. I have the experience to evaluate and give honest and reliable advice and the passion and talent to advocate on your behalf. I have a background of helping individuals overcome significant difficult challenges in their lives and arise from the challenge to a bright future. I will do the same for you.
Practice areas
I represent the criminally accused in all criminal matters.
20 years
Dedicated, understanding but relentless in court, I will defend all DUI charges.
13 years
Languages spoken
English
Polyak Law Office
645 Penn Street
Suite 500
Reading, PA, 19601
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
PA | Active | 1999 | 01/02/2021 |
MD | Inactive - Retired | 1998 | 12/30/2020 |
Legal answers | 910 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Top 100 Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorneys | The American Society of Legal Advocates | 2016 |
Purdue Scholar Athlete of the Year | John Purdue Club | 1991 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Polyak Law Office | 2016 - Present |
Attorney | Waldman Law Group, P.C. | 2009 - 2016 |
Public Defender | Berks County Office Of The Public Defender | 2001 - 2009 |
Attorney | Ellsworth, Carlton & Waldman, P.C. | 1998 - 2001 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Platform Committee Member | 2017 - Present |
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Section | Co-Chair | 2016 - Present |
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee | Co-Chair | 2015 - Present |
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2015 - Present |
Pennsylvania Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2009 - Present |
Berks County Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2001 - Present |
---|---|---|
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee | Executive Committee | 2014 - 2015 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
American University, Washington College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1996 |
Purdue University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1991 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
BCTV | Intersection Between Social Security Disability and FMLA | 2009 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Commonwealth v. B.L. | Not guilty after trial. No jail time |
Commonwealth v. N.M. | Found not guilty of DUI at trial. No jail and client was free to leave. |
CW v. RC | Not guilty of any charges. Free to leave. |
Commonwealth v. VM | No jail time upon conviction of highest rate DUI as a second offense |
Commonweatlh v. TT | Suppression Granted; All charges Dismissed |
Commonwealth v. JZ | I successfully petitioned for his approval and acceptance into the ARD program which will result in the new DUI charge being expunged. |
---|---|
Commonwealth v. RD | ARD accepted for fourth lifetime DUI |
Commonwealth v. KR | Not Guilty of 6th DUI |
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Kevin Feeney, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Andrea is a smart and tough trial lawyer. She is a great person to have on your side.
Joseph Guillama, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Andrea since the time I began practicing law and in that time I have known Andrea to be a highly effective and passionate criminal defense attorney. Not only does she truly care about her clients and their well-being, but she thoroughly knows the law and aggressively advocates for her clients at all levels of their representation. I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrea Mertz to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney.
Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer.
Thomas Spivack, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 28, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. It is very clear from her many years of experience and her contributions that Ms. Mertz is extremely knowledgeable and highly competent. I wouldn't hesitate recommending her.
Peter Marek, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
17 years of practicing law with 8 as a former deputy public defender is very court experienced.Her knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in her pro bono contributions. Client reviews are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation.
Sean Cleary, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community.
David Schwarz, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly recommend this lawyer she is a true professional
I endorse this lawyer.
Peter Schuchman, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Andrea is approachable to her clients, experienced in the complexities of the issues her many clients face and aggressive in her advocacy on their behalf.
Kevin Feeney, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Andrea is a smart and tough trial lawyer. She is a great person to have on your side.
Michael Hollinger, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
It takes a rare attorney to combine aggressive representation and knowledge with the oft-ignored compassion that is necessary to achieve the maximum benefit for their client. Andrea is one such attorney. It is therefore my privilege to endorse my colleague, Andrea Mertz.
Joseph Haines, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly recommend this attorney. I have worked with Andrea and found her to be a very talented attorney.
Joseph Guillama, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Andrea since the time I began practicing law and in that time I have known Andrea to be a highly effective and passionate criminal defense attorney. Not only does she truly care about her clients and their well-being, but she thoroughly knows the law and aggressively advocates for her clients at all levels of their representation. I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrea Mertz to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney.
Scott Mcintosh, Business Attorney on Mar 13, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
As opposing counsel, Ms. Mertz vigorously represented her client in a business matter. A true professional, she was a pleasure to work with. I look forward to working with her again.
Wayne Punshon, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Without reservation, I endorse this lawyer.
Excellent attorney. Well respected.
Eric Gibson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Elizabeth Ebner, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is very conscientious and cares about her clients.