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Andrea E. Mertz

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Avvo Rating10
  • Reading, PA
  • Licensed for 22 years
Andrea E. Mertz
Andrea E. Mertz
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About Andrea

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

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    I represent the criminally accused in all criminal matters.

    19 years

  2. DUI and DWI: 50%

    Dedicated, understanding but relentless in court, I will defend all DUI charges.

    12 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

645 Penn Street
address map

Polyak Law Office

645 Penn Street
Suite 500
Reading, PA, 19601

Office (610) 376-5250

Website

https://www.polyaklawoffice.com/andrea-e-mertz

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
PAActive199909/05/2020
MDInactive - Retired199809/30/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers910
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 100 Pennsylvania Criminal Defense AttorneysThe American Society of Legal Advocates2016
Purdue Scholar Athlete of the YearJohn Purdue Club1991
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyPolyak Law Office2016 - Present
AttorneyWaldman Law Group, P.C.2009 - 2016
Public DefenderBerks County Office Of The Public Defender2001 - 2009
AttorneyEllsworth, Carlton & Waldman, P.C.1998 - 2001
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPlatform Committee Member2017 - Present
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Defense SectionCo-Chair2016 - Present
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law CommitteeCo-Chair2015 - Present
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2015 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationAttorney Member2009 - Present
Berks County Bar AssociationAttorney Member2001 - Present
Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law CommitteeExecutive Committee2014 - 2015
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
American University, Washington College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1996
Purdue UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1991
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
BCTVIntersection Between Social Security Disability and FMLA2009
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
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. RCNot guilty of any charges. Free to leave.
Commonwealth v. VMNo jail time upon conviction of highest rate DUI as a second offense
Commonweatlh v. TTSuppression Granted; All charges Dismissed
Commonwealth v. JZI successfully petitioned for his approval and acceptance into the ARD program which will result in the new DUI charge being expunged.
Commonwealth v. RDARD accepted for fourth lifetime DUI
Commonwealth v. KRNot Guilty of 6th DUI

Reviews

(72)
5 Star
94%
4 Star
3%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
1%
Review Andrea Mertz

D.F

Posted by

Pennsylvania Attorney, Andrea Mert’z has Decades of proven Professionalism, knowledge and devotion of this systems laws and representing everyday people in all cities and communities. She is someon that you want on your side when dealing with leagal battles in Pennsylvania. During my trial she provided accurate and current state and Federal law resulting in dismissal of charges due to the state Trooper who clearly overstepped his bounds. Andrea Merat’z was terrific in explaining that no laws had been broken and I was free to go on my way.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding Attorney

Posted by

Andrea was very clear, concise and upfront with what was to be expected with my case. Always kept me informed and answered all calls and any questions. Professional, honest and caring.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Went above and beyond for me!

Posted by

After a bad experience with another attorney, I found Andrea and after talking with her I felt very confident that she could get the job done. She did everything I had asked the first attorney to do but refused to so. He coerced me into taking a deal with the DA. Andrea was awesome. She made sure that the witnesses were there and ready to testify on my behalf and after it was all said and done I was found not guilty just like I knew I was from the beginning!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Andrea has been absolutely amazing...

Posted by

We retained Andrea to represent a family member in a small proceeding. From the initial consultation we felt so comfortable with her. Andrea has an absolutely fantastic personality and we felt assured she would get the job done with the great success. She not only delivered, but exceeded our expectations. Thank you, Andrea.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent and knowledgeable

Posted by

We contacted lawyer Mertz for a violation of probation on a DUI case, and even though odds were not very good, she was able to get an awesome outcome in court. She knows the law and stays up to date on new changes to it, something that came in handy when she presented the case. We are very pleased with her performance, sure didnt think it would be this good. Thank you again Ms Mertz!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very Highly Recommended

Posted by

Earlier this year, Andrea represented my brother in connection with multiple cases involving drug-related charges. Her representation was excellent throughout. She not only helped my brother get the best possible resolution of his cases under the circumstances, she also helped me navigate getting him into rehab so that he could begin to turn his life around. I would highly recommend hiring her if you or a loved one is facing criminal charges.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very caring attorney

Posted by

When my case came up I was frantic looking for a lawyer I talked to one who told me to bring him a thousand dollars right away which was every penny I had and I almost did until at the last minute I looked him up and his reviews said he was a crook,so I kept looking and saw Andreas picture and thought she's probably nice so I called her,she immediately got ahold of the detective and sorted everything out,he agreed to help me get unsecured bail because she would be representing me,all of that came true as I turned myself in on her trust,she did everything she ever told me she would and my case drug out for years honestly and she never left me. I was facing several years of prison time and she worked out a deal that gave me the opportunity to pay it all back and end up with probation,that's where I am now and I'm so grateful,I hope this review saves someone else from alot of heartache ,Andrea is the real deal. Jim
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Top notch lawyer

Posted by

Andrea is a smart, sharp attorney. She is no nonsense which when you're in need of a good defense attorney is what you need. I had a lot of medical issues tied to the case because of the parameters of it. Andrea pushed to get an appropriate resolution and a successful one. Can't say enough good things. Hire her if you need representation. BTW: I read these reviews before hiring Andrea and thought they were too good to be true. I was wrong. She is worth every penny.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A true Blessing!!!

Posted by

My bf was charged with his 3rd DUI, felony guns charges, and other things. The situation did not look good, at all. Having two young children, I was mortified the outcome of this situation. Our case went on for long duration, Andrea always kept us well informed. She was able to get charges dismissed, that I strongly believe other lawyers wouldn't have been able to get dropped. I could write a book here, but I still find it very emotional for me. In the end my bf did 3 months, and is now on probation, which isn't anything compared to the MANY, MANY YEARS he would of had. I was the one to find Andrea, for my BF, I will be forever grateful for her, as will my family. If you want someone whose strong, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable, I'd choose Andrea. I know first hand, choosing someone for yours, or your loved ones fate, is crucial. Also, it doesn't hurt that she is always dressed super cute, and very well put together, she's a tiny little thing, but explosive! Thank You, ANDREA!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Advocate

Posted by

I was referred to Andrea Mertz through word of mouth. After consulting with her I felt comfortable with her knowledge of the law and experience and hired her to represent me. She was professional, reliable and easy to communicate with. She was able to get my charges dismissed and did so with ease during my court hearing. I highly recommend her to anyone who is in need of an honest and caring attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(16)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

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, Divorce and separation 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.

Judd Nemiro

Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Thomas Spivack, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 29, 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 11, 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, Car accident 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, Child custody Attorney on Dec 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly recommend this lawyer she is a true professional

Hovanes Margarian, Consumer protection Attorney on Nov 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Peter Schuchman, Personal injury 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, Family 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, Banking 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, Divorce and separation 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, Criminal defense 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.

Tatiana Kadetskaya, Insurance Attorney on Jun 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Excellent attorney. Well respected.

Eric Gibson, DUI and DWI 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.