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James Matthew Polyak
About James
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New Jersey for 6 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 33 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Polyak Law Office
645 Penn Street, Suite 500, Reading, PA, 19601
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James Matthew Polyak's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
23 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (23)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 23 reviews
Posted by anonymous | March 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best lawyer in Pennsylvania
Where do I even start James Matthew Polyak is by far the best lawyer in Berks County and the surrounding areas. His skill set is unmatched he is willing to go above and beyond and do his due diligence to get the best results for all his client's. He is resilient, decided, determined and well connecte...
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable
Attorney Polyak helped me get the best results possible for my case. He was very knowledgeable and helped me find the best solution for me. He is experienced in the field.
Posted by Douglass | April 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Old misdemeanor warrant
Spoke to a few lawyers about this matter went with him Polyak and He handle case swiftly with no issues and got all charges Dropped went beyond expectations you don't need any lawyer you need polyak!!!
Posted by Josh | November 05, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Best in the business!
I have use Mr. Polyak on two different occasions that could have been life changing events for me. I feel like Mr. Polyak pulls no punches and shoots you straight good or bad. I will not go anywhere else without contacting Mr. Polyak he is my lawyer and I put my faith in his hands anytime!
Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Professional, Reliable, Successful
I was in a situation that did not look good in regards of opportunity to fight the situation I was in. Rather, Jim and I had the task of leveraging facts and my character/history to achieve the best possible outcome the law provided for my sentencing. Jim was professional, understanding, compassionat...
James Matthew Polyak's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is one of the best trial attorneys around."
"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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Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
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
Associations
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
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth of PA vs. P.P. Docket No. TR-0000217-2015
Not guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth of PA vs. Z.H. Docket No. CR-0000092-2015
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Commonwealth of PA vs. E.R. Docket No. CR-0000108-2015
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Commonwealth of PA vs. J.A. - Docket No. CR-945-2013
Not guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth of PA vs. B.S. Docket No. MD-243-2014
Not guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth vs. D.Y. - Docket No. NT-0000002-2015
Not guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth of PA v. R.L. - Docket No. CR-0000731-2014
All charges dismissed
Commonwealth of PA vs. A.S. - Docket No. CR-0000072-2013
Charges dismissed at first court hearing
Commonwealth of PA v. D.R. - Docket No. CR-0000608-2014
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Commonwealth of PA v. C.S. - Docket No. NT-0000540-2014
Case dismissed
Commonwealth of PA vs. G.B. - Docket No. CR-0001054-2014
Defense motion for suppression of all evidence granted.
Commonwealth of PA v. F.C. - Docket No. TR-0001047-2014
Not guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth of PA v. S.O. - Docket No. CR-5327-2013
Not Guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth of PA vs. A.D.- Docket No. CR-237-2014
Case dismissed
Commonwealth of PA vs. C.M.- Docket No. CR-164-2014
All charges dismissed at second court hearing
Commonwealth of PA vs. R.Z. - Docket No. CR-0000191-2014
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Commonwealth of PA vs. R.M. - Docket No. CR-0000133-2014
Case dismissed at second court hearing
Commonwealth of PA vs. S.L. - Docket No. CR-0000120-2014
All charges dismissed at first court hearing
Commonwealth of PA vs. F.C. - Docket No. CP-06-MD-2218-2013
Not guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth of PA vs. F.K.. - Docket No. NT-0000023-2014
Not guilty verdict at trial
Commonwealth of Pa. vs. M.L. - Docket No. CR-0000021-2014
Case dismissed at first court hearing
Education
1992
Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg PA
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
Pennsylvania State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2020
Pa Driver Licensing Issues & Justice Reinvestment Initiative Update
Criminal Law and Procedure
2020
Keeping the Wheels of Justice Turning During COVID-19
COVID-19
2016
2016 Bar Retreat - Barceló Hotel, Palm Beach, Aruba
Criminal Law Practitioner's Guide
2015
Alvernia University Lecture Series
Police Worn Body Cameras and your Privacy
2014
Berks County Bar Association, Education Section
Trial of a Criminal Case
2013
Berks County Bar Association
Search and Seizure Update
2010
Criminal Law Committee
Criminal Law Appellate Case Review
2009
Criminal Law Committee
DUI Law
2008
Criminal Law Committee
DUI Sentencing Law
Publications
2014
Berks County Bar Association
Trial of a Criminal Case
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
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
Q&A
Am i eligable for ARD or avoid jail time for 2nd DUI in a different state the the first?
12 Dec 2013
Q&A
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