James Matthew Polyak

James Matthew Polyak

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 33 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Reading, PA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Federal Crime

645 Penn Street, Suite 500, Reading, PA

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

Homicide, Manslaughter, Rape, Burglary, Robbery, Assault, Firearms, Drugs, Theft

33 years

35%
DUI and DWI 35%

DUI, DWI, DUI Homicide

33 years

35%
Federal Crime 30%

White Collar, Tax Fraud, Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, RICO, Firearms, Drugs.

33 years

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in New Jersey for 5 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 2020

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 33 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1992

Active

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

5.0 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 23 reviews

Posted by anonymous | January 05, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Attorney James Polyak

I hired attorney James Polyak because I had heard about his work beforehand. He was able to turn a six month sentence into a 5 day stint. If I was charged with the full time of 6 months I would have been jobless and possibly homeless. I thank god everyday for this man and also the lesson I was able t...o learn. If anytime someone would need a lawyer I can promise you he is the way to go. Very honest man.

Posted by anonymous | October 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best lawyer in the county

I was looking at serious jail time, and I heard about Mr. Polyak from a friend. I liked that Mr. Polyak was straight to the point at first. Every time I went to court he made me feel relaxed. He fought hard against the DA and his closing argument was astonishing. With all his efforts my charges got d...ismissed for a third dui!! He is the best lawyer in Berks County.

Posted by Dustin | May 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

2 Offenses totalling 8-9mths mandatory imprisonment reduced to fines only.

I can't put into words the respect I have gained for Mr. Polyak within the last 2 weeks. A family friend amongst others I have spoken too highly recommended Mr. Polyak after put myself in a situation with mandatory jail time. Already being a habitual offender I knew I had to hire a top attorney and I... made the right choice, Mr. Polyak kept me informed with every interaction he made with the A.D.A and other court officials..he went above and beyond at the last moment cleaning up any confusion from my last attorney! I now consider Jim a friend and I will be sure to recommend him to all friends and strangers alike.

Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

20+ years to 2 years parole

Mr. Polyak is phenomenal attorney to have. He’s well dressed, honest, tells you how it is, and doesn’t mess around. You could weeks (months in my case) without hearing from him but when he calls you know why you waited so long. Things get done. He can be a little direct at times but that’s exacly wha...t someone in my situation needed in this case. By the end of it and everything was said and done I felt like James was a friend. A genuinely good man and I would recommend him to anyone no matter how severe your charges are.

Posted by Tahshay | December 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Happy

I got into a little legal & he helped another family member that was looking at a long time at a state prison and he did his thing with him so I knew I should reach out to him to represent me. He represented me, he was honest, he did not cut corners, and he told me what it was and wasn't going to be.... He defended me to no end and had all charges dropped, he helped me, I can't thank him enough. He is very well-spoken, polite, personable, and we'll dressed. He staff is very nice and welcoming. I recommend him to anyone that has any legalities.

See All Client Reviews

James Matthew Polyak's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Kelsey Elizabeth Frankowski headshot
Kelsey Frankowski

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Daniel Patrick Emkey headshot
Daniel Emkey

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is one of the best trial attorneys around."

Emily Beth Cherniack headshot
Emily Cherniack

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Heather Lynn Adams headshot
Heather Adams

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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!"

Konrad Bartlomiej Jarzyna headshot
Konrad Jarzyna

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Robert J. Kirwan II headshot
Robert Kirwan

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Jill M. Scheidt headshot
Jill Scheidt

Criminal defense lawyer

Russell E Farbiarz headshot
Russell Farbiarz

Estate planning lawyer

Christopher David Mandracchia headshot
Christopher Mandracchia

Criminal defense lawyer

Glenn Matthew Goodge headshot
Glenn Goodge

Criminal defense lawyer

Heather Lynn Adams headshot
Heather Adams

Criminal defense lawyer

Emily Beth Cherniack headshot
Emily Cherniack

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc Neff headshot
Marc Neff

Criminal defense lawyer

Konrad Bartlomiej Jarzyna headshot
Konrad Jarzyna

Divorce and separation lawyer

Robert J. Kirwan II headshot
Robert Kirwan

Criminal defense lawyer

Edward F. Spreha Jr. headshot
Edward Spreha

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

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 Association

Attorney Member

1992 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Attorney Member

2017 - 2020

Law Foundation of Berks County

Trustee

2011 - 2011

United States District Court Magistrate Judge Reappointment Committee

Attorney Member

2003 - 2023

United States District Court Criminal Justice Act Panel

Attorney 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

See More Legal Cases

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

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