Andrea E. Mertz
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.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
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
Polyak Law Office
645 Penn Street, Suite 500, Reading, PA, 19601
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Andrea E. Mertz's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
81 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes
Posted by Melanie | October 01, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
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 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
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 anonymous | December 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Pfa
She defended me against false allegations restored my good name and rights very professional sticks to facts and stands by her clients I would hire her again in a heart beat my confidence in her was felt at first meeting A+ ATTORNEY
Posted by anonymous | July 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Andrea has been absolutely amazing...
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 expectat...
Posted by bob | February 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
do not hire
we hired Ms. Mertz to handle a very simple civil matter. After taking our money and putting up a good front she stopped contacting us in regards to our case. Even worse, she didn't notify us we had lost our case until after the time to appeal had expired, then after reviewing court records we discove...
Andrea Mertz
Replied last February 23, 2017This client’s wife called me in 2014 seeking advice after her husband/client’s behavior got both of them sued in civil court. What the husband/client considered to be "simple", in fact, was not. While his defense could not protect him from judgement, I did negotiate away the money damages and he ended up paying nothing in money damages after judgement was entered. I am humble enough to say, I may not prevail for all my clients, but as my 60 other reviews describe in detail, I believe I am reasonable in saying that I represent all my clients with vigor and commitment. He and his wife were no exception.
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
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