PRO
Andrea E. Mertz
Virtual Consultation Available
About Andrea
Biography
With over 22 years of practice in Reading, Pennsylvania, Andrea E. Mertz has made it her mission to fiercely defend individuals accused of crimes in Berks County. From serious felonies such as homicide, aggravated assault, and burglary to misdemeanors including DUI and drug offenses, she combines steadfast dedication with courtroom savvy to protect her clients’ rights at every level—from preliminary hearings through jury trials. Known for her persistence, passion, and unwavering principles, Attorney Mertz leverages an intimate understanding of the local court system and extensive trial experience to secure the best possible outcomes. Beyond her casework, she serves as Co-Chair of both the Criminal Defense Section and the Criminal Law Section of the Berks County Bar Association and is an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Her achievements include recognition as a Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pennsylvania by the American Society of Legal Advocates, a “Superb” rating on AVVO, and AVVO’s Client’s Choice award for DUI and criminal defense.
Aggressive Berks attorney recently chosen as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.
Aggressive Berks attorney recently chosen as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.
Aggressive Berks attorney recently chosen as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
25 years
18 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 26 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 27 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Andrea online.
Andrea E. Mertz's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 80 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Melanie | October 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Andrea Mertz - Highly Recommended
I would like to formally my sincere appreciation for Attorney Andrea Mertz. Throughout our professional interactions, Ms. Mertz consistently demonstrated an extraordinary level of expertise, integrity, and dedication to me as her client. Andrea’s legal acumen is truly impressive. She approached my...
Posted by Janice | September 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Knows the law inside and out. INCREDIBLE attorney.
I've retained Ms. Mertz twice and both outcomes were the BEST personal outcomes I could have asked for. She works FOR you and WITH you, with compassion and understanding. What makes her an incredible lawyer is her experience in the courtroom and her knowledge of the laws. I would not want to appe...
Posted by Luis | August 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Awesome attorney
Andrea Mertz was very Helpful and attentive in my case. I'm glad that I hired her. I only gave her 5 stars because that's all they would allow me to give her. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Janson | July 3, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Great Job!
From the beginning to the end, I cannot think of another lawer I would want to be helping me. Andrea Mertz was the first person I called when my situation happened, she was willing to go up to bat for me with no hesitation. Every other lawyer I talked to, didnt think they could keep me out of jail ot...
Posted by Adeyemi | June 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Ms mertz is a great lawyer who represented me in 2018 for a Criminal case with my record I was looking at alot of time. With her knowledge she got me house arrest and probation. Highly recommended
Andrea E. Mertz's Lawyer Endorsements
"Andrea is a smart and tough trial lawyer. She is a great person to have on your side."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I highly recommend this lawyer she is a true professional"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I highly recommend this attorney. I have worked with Andrea and found her to be a very talented attorney."
"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."
"Without reservation, I endorse this lawyer."
"Excellent attorney. Well respected."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is very conscientious and cares about her clients."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top 100 Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorneys, The American Society of Legal Advocates
1991
Purdue Scholar Athlete of the Year, John Purdue Club
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Attorney, Polyak Law Office
2009 - 2016
Attorney, Waldman Law Group, P.C.
2001 - 2009
Public Defender, Berks County Office Of The Public Defender
1998 - 2001
Attorney, Ellsworth, Carlton & Waldman, P.C.
Associations
2017 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPlatform Committee Member
2016 - Present
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Defense SectionCo-Chair
2015 - Present
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law CommitteeCo-Chair
2015 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2001 - Present
Berks County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2014 - 2015
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law CommitteeExecutive Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
Not guilty after trial. No jail time
Found not guilty of DUI at trial. No jail and client was free to leave.
Not guilty of any charges. Free to leave.
No jail time upon conviction of highest rate DUI as a second offense
Suppression Granted; All charges Dismissed
I successfully petitioned for his approval and acceptance into the ARD program which will result in the new DUI charge being expunged.
ARD accepted for fourth lifetime DUI
Not Guilty of 6th DUI
Education
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Intersection Between Social Security Disability and FMLA
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Andrea earned significant contribution points in 2016.
Legal Answers
What are my chances of getting a dui charge dismissed?
04 Aug 2021
What happens if i was granted a delayed commitment and I failed to turn myself in on the specified date
30 Jul 2021
My daughter caused an accident while she was on probation and is being charged for DUI. Will she go to jail after preliminary?
23 Jul 2021