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 16 - 20 of 23 reviews

Posted by Matthew R. | April 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thank you James!

I was falsely accused of lying on a gun application. I explained to the authorities that this was a genuine misunderstanding; a clerical error. The DA did not want to hear anything but a guilty plea. My explanation fell upon "deaf" ears and I was charged with Unsworn Falsification of Documents. ...I was told if I tried to fight this charge (which would result in a MINIMUM of 1 year probation and a $1,000 fine) I would be charged with felony Perjury. Fortunately, I found Attorney Polyak. He had seen this situation before and I felt like I was in good hands from the moment we met. With Jim Polyak's relentless, hard work, he was able to convince the judge of my innocence. He was able to change my original guilty plea to a small fine and nothing on my record. Attorney Polyak is a true professional with great experience, confidence, and knowledge of the law. I will recommend EVERYONE I know who needs a criminal attorney to James M. Polyak. I can never thank him enough!

Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

DUI

My husband was unfortunately recently charged with a 2nd DUI, after reading the previous post I would have to disagree. While we don't hear from Mr.Polyak constantly when we do we realize how hard he has been working. He is an experienced lawyer and always has the answer when we have a question. Our ...case is still ongoing but we know that the best possible outcome will be achieved with Mr. Polyak as our attorney. Would highly recommend.

Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Attorney Polyak

Attorney Polyak was my legal counsel for my DUI cases. Unfortunately, I had two within a year, mainly due to a multitude of personal and emotional trauma. I appreciated his lack of judgement of me and was understanding of my dilemma and life events. Mr. Polyak was professional, informative and hon...est. Being in this situation is very frightening but Attorney Polyak helped ease my fears. He did not give me any unrealistic information but rather the truth which made the outcome easier to deal with. I highly recommend Attorney Polyak if you are ever in a situation with one or multiple DUI's. He was a pleasure to work with even under these circumstances.

Posted by Robert | May 20, 2015

Remarkable lawyer

I had the pleasure of having MR. Polyak as my attorney.I was well informed about everything and I am very pleased with the treatment he has shown me throughout my difficult time. He worked with me and for me throughout my case. I can honestly say I would recommend him to anyone.

Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2014 | Criminal Defense

I would not recommend anyone else! He made me a priority........

Attorney Polyak made me feel relaxed and kept me informed at all times of what to expect. He took my case with only a few days notice, and was ready to defend me and my future. I am in the medical profession, and had a lot to lose for a stupid, but innocent action. He had my charges lowered to the mo...st minimal charge possible, and the opportunity to expunge the charge from my record in time. An injury was going to keep me from being able to attend my hearing, and Attorney Polyak made special arrangements so I could be there. FAR ABOVE WHAT HE WOULD HAVE HAD TO DO, but he offered the help, I never even had to ask. I would trust him with any situation. THANK YOU ATTORNEY POLYAK. YOU TRULY EXCEED YOUR AWESOME REPUTATION!

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

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Russell Farbiarz

Estate planning lawyer

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Christopher Mandracchia

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Glenn Goodge

Criminal defense lawyer

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Heather Adams

Criminal defense lawyer

Emily Beth Cherniack headshot
Emily Cherniack

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc Neff headshot
Marc Neff

Criminal defense lawyer

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Konrad Jarzyna

Divorce and separation lawyer

Robert J. Kirwan II headshot
Robert Kirwan

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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

Avvo Rating

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