Andrea E. Mertz

Andrea E. Mertz

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Reading, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Drug Crime ... +2 more

645 Penn Street, Suite 500, Reading, PA

About Andrea

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 45%

I represent the criminally accused in all criminal matters.

25 years

45%
DUI and DWI 35%

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

18 years

35%
Drug Crime 10%

I represent the criminally accused in all criminal matters.

10%
Domestic Violence 5%

I represent the criminally accused in all criminal matters.

5%
Sex Crime 5%

I represent the criminally accused in all criminal matters.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 26 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1999

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 27 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1998

Inactive - Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Polyak Law Office

645 Penn Street, Suite 500, Reading, PA, 19601

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Andrea E. Mertz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

81 Client Reviews

Showing 56 - 60 of 81 reviews

Posted by RG | March 19, 2015 | Gun Law

Firearm violation case

I was in real need of a good lawyer for my firearm case, because my first lawyer was MIA. When I find Andrea from the first time I was very confident of her honesty and knowledge. She did remarkable presentation in the court and she delivers above and beyond. Extremely comfortable to work with and hi...ghly professional to boot. The overall process was effortless on my part and allowed me peace of mind. She was very flexible, responsive and patient. She was also helpful in guiding and advising me in an area that I was totally unfamiliar with. She negotiated a deal and managed to drop the charges from Felony to 3rd degree misdemeanor. I Had took a No Contest Plea with 1 year probation in my case which I was supposed to do 12-24 months in Jail. I would highly recommend Andrea Mertz. The best choice ever made. 2 thumbs up

Posted by Brendaliz | March 16, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Highly recommended!

Andrea was great all around and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a respectable and responsible defense attorney. I told her the story and she got right on the case. She kept me posted on every update and there was a multitude of ways to communicate to her when I needed to reach her.... The world of justice, judges, and attorneys overwhelmed me and the family I guided in our case and she explained the process, terms, etc. in such an easy way that was very understanding. I cannot thank Andrea enough for her efforts! I hope we don't have to go through what we did, but if I ever need her again she will be the first person I will call. From our families to you and yours...we thank you a million times, Andrea E. Mertz!

Posted by Ashley | January 24, 2015 | Employment & Labor

Best Attorney Ever!

Andrea was by far the best person to represent me for my unemployment hearing. She went above and beyond her duty as an attorney to collect information for my case as well as doing whatever it took for her to represent me the right way. I would highly recommend her for any type of case. She is very ...easy to work with and to talk to and she actually cares about you as person and not just as her client. She will do whatever it takes to help with whatever the case may require. Andrea is very knowledgeable with the law and she uses her resources to obtain any type of information that will help in representing you for your case. She does a great job with keeping you up to date with what is going on before and even after your appearance in court. I reaIly appreciate her and her time representing me so much and I will have her represent me in any type of case if needed in the future.

Posted by John | January 12, 2015

Highly Recommended

I highly recommend Attorney Mertz. When meeting with her she was professional and honest. She gave examples of how she represented former clients in similar situations and the results she achieved. She was very respectful of us as her clients (purchaser of her services) by always expeditiously return...ing our calls and emails. She explained our options and suggested our best course of action.

Posted by anonymous | January 06, 2015 | DUI & DWI

DUI Representation

Ms. Mertz represented me for a DUI charge in 2014. I had a prior DUI charge, so I knew what I wanted and needed (and didn't want or need) from an attorney. I interviewed several attorneys and decided on Ms. Mertz. If you are reading this and looking for a defense attorney, I know some of the fears, a...nxiety, and apprehension that you are currently feeling. You want an attorney that actually CARES about your situation - Ms. Mertz will. You want someone who will stay in contact with you and return your calls promptly - Ms. Mertz will. You want someone that will represent you to the best of their ability - Ms. Mertz will. She won't just simply fill out the paperwork and show up in court (like most other lawyers), she will actually care about you and your situation while guiding you through the legal process that you are currently facing. I couldn't have asked for more. The complexities and hypocrisies of our criminal (in)justice system can be varied, confusing, and downright frightening. You need someone like Ms. Mertz on your side.

See All Client Reviews

Andrea E. Mertz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Andrea
Kevin Feeney headshot
Kevin Feeney

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andrea is a smart and tough trial lawyer. She is a great person to have on your side."

Joseph Andres Guillama headshot
Joseph Guillama

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 24

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 S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Other

"Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Murray Spivack headshot
Thomas Spivack

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 28

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 John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 10

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 headshot
Sean Cleary

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

David Paley Schwarz headshot
David Schwarz

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend this lawyer she is a true professional"

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Francis Schuchman Jr. headshot
Peter Schuchman

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 18

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."

Michael Keith Hollinger headshot
Michael Hollinger

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

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 L. Haines headshot
Joseph Haines

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend this attorney. I have worked with Andrea and found her to be a very talented attorney."

Scott Christian Mcintosh headshot
Scott Mcintosh

Business lawyer | Mar 13

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 headshot
Wayne Punshon

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Without reservation, I endorse this lawyer."

Tatiana Kadetskaya headshot
Tatiana Kadetskaya

Unknown lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent attorney. Well respected."

Eric Michael Gibson headshot
Eric Gibson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elizabeth M. Ebner headshot
Elizabeth Ebner

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is very conscientious and cares about her clients."

View All Endorsements
Brett J. Riegel headshot
Brett Riegel

Criminal defense lawyer

Jay Michael Nigrini headshot
Jay Nigrini

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Patrick Emkey headshot
Daniel Emkey

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew William Muir headshot
Andrew Muir

Employment and labor lawyer

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Unknown lawyer

David Paley Schwarz headshot
David Schwarz

Family lawyer

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer

Vanessa L. Bellino headshot
Vanessa Bellino

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Feeney headshot
Kevin Feeney

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph L. Haines headshot
Joseph Haines

Commercial real estate lawyer

Joseph Andres Guillama headshot
Joseph Guillama

Divorce and separation lawyer

Judson Aaron headshot
Judson Aaron

Unknown lawyer

Scott Christian Mcintosh headshot
Scott Mcintosh

Litigation lawyer

Vincent Cimini headshot
Vincent Cimini

Medical malpractice lawyer

Michael Keith Hollinger headshot
Michael Hollinger

Criminal defense lawyer

Abby L Rigdon headshot
Abby Rigdon

Unknown lawyer

William A. Jones Jr. headshot
William Jones

Criminal defense lawyer

Wayne Punshon headshot
Wayne Punshon

Criminal defense lawyer

Susan Karnes Quirits headshot
Susan Quirits

Real estate lawyer

Barbara Hazel Beringer headshot
Barbara Beringer

Workers compensation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Lawyers

Platform Committee Member

2016 - Present

Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Defense Section

Co-Chair

2015 - Present

Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Co-Chair

2015 - Present

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Attorney Member

2001 - Present

Berks County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2014 - 2015

Berks County Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Executive Committee

Sample of Legal Cases

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

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

Purdue University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2009

BCTV

Intersection Between Social Security Disability and FMLA

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution