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Attorney James Polyak has more than 30 years of courtroom experience and specializes in criminal defense and DUI defense. He has represented thousands of clients charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes in Pennsylvania. He has been lead trial counsel in more than 100 criminal jury trials, including death penalty cases. He is a former Chairman of the Berks County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee in Reading, PA.
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Practice Areas
32 years
32 years
32 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: New Jersey
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
645 Penn Street, Suite 500, Reading, PA, 19601
Showing 1 - 5 of 23 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Justin | November 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Amazing! Mr.Polyak along with his staff! Very respectful, transparent, and caring. Thank you!
Posted by anonymous | May 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I cannot recommend their services highly enough. They are incredibly knowledgeable and provided clear, insightful advice throughout my case. They took the time to thoroughly explain all of my options, making sure I felt confident in every decision. Scheduling appointments was a breeze, and they we...
Posted by Al | May 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Polyak is a great lawyer and I would recommend him to anyone! This man has kept me out of jail not once , but twice in an 18 month time frame. He is in constant communication with updates and expectations and is always punctual. He doesn’t sugar coat the situation, just honesty. If you’re looking to ...
Posted by Blaine | March 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Would Highly recommend Mr. Polyak. Very experienced and well respected. He will work with his clients all the way to the end and make sure they are taken care of.
Posted by Jorge | September 2, 2022 | Hired Attorney
I hired Mr. Polyak to represent myself in a legal matter. Upon meeting Mr. Polyak for a consultation he was very eager to learn about all aspects of the case and was very forthcoming with what he thought he was able to accomplish for my. After agreeing to take my case, Mr. Polyak and his staff were v...
"James is an extremely experienced and professional attorney, who treats all of his clients with respect and candor. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of criminal law, and has been successful for his clients in some very difficult cases. I would highly recommend hiring Jim for any of your criminal needs. He will do everything he can to fight for your rights, and will ensure that you obtain the best outcome possible."
"Jim is one of Berks County's best! He is a fighter in the courtroom and is knowledgeable in both civil and criminal matters. He obtains amazing results in his cases. I would not hesitate to refer a case to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Polyak is a polite,professional and highly proficient defense attorney. His skill and demeanor in the courtroom will set him apart from the rest and his advice and counsel will be reliable. Highly recommend!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Amazing skills and knowledge aside, Jim is one of the most dedicated and diligent lawyers I have met. A great example to follow. And a great guy to have in your corner."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is an excellent defense attorney. A hard hitting lawyer who gets the job done! Highly recommended. I had the pleasure of working with Jim on a Death Penalty case, his persistence and professionalism turned the case around for our client."
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2020
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Distinguished Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
Board of Directors, Berks Pre-trial Services
1999
Accommodation for Bravery, Pa. Governor Tom Ridge
1994
Dedicated Service, Berks County District Attorney
1994 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Polyak Law Office
2004 - 2008
Criminal Law Committee Chairman, Berks County Bar Association
1992 - 1994
Assistant District Attorney, Berks County District Attorney's Office
2020 - Present
New Jersey State Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1992 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2017 - 2020
Law Foundation of Berks CountyTrustee
2011 - 2011
United States District Court Magistrate Judge Reappointment CommitteeAttorney Member
2003 - 2023
United States District Court Criminal Justice Act PanelAttorney Member
Not guilty verdict at trial
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Not guilty verdict at trial
Not guilty verdict at trial
Not guilty verdict at trial
All charges dismissed
Charges dismissed at first court hearing
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Case dismissed
Defense motion for suppression of all evidence granted.
Not guilty verdict at trial
Not Guilty verdict at trial
Case dismissed
All charges dismissed at second court hearing
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Case dismissed at second court hearing
All charges dismissed at first court hearing
Not guilty verdict at trial
Not guilty verdict at trial
Case dismissed at first court hearing
1992
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
BS - Bachelor of Science
2020
Criminal Law and Procedure
2020
COVID-19
2016
Criminal Law Practitioner's Guide
2015
Police Worn Body Cameras and your Privacy
2014
Trial of a Criminal Case
2013
Search and Seizure Update
2010
Criminal Law Appellate Case Review
2009
DUI Law
2008
DUI Sentencing Law
2014
Spanish
English
Legal Answers
I'm going on Probation (Haven't gone to court & taken the deal yet) If I fail 1st drug test will my probation be revoked?
13 Dec 2013
Am i eligable for ARD or avoid jail time for 2nd DUI in a different state the the first?
12 Dec 2013
I was in a car accident and never received anything. I was never arrested or anything will i be charged with a d.u.i?
12 Dec 2013