In Philadelphia, a DUI charge—locally referred to as Driving Under the Influence—can quickly escalate from a traffic stop to a permanent criminal record. As a legal expert who has monitored the Pennsylvania judicial system for years, I know that the "Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office" has its own unique way of handling DUI cases, including the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for first-time offenders. However, if you don't qualify for ARD or are facing a second offense, the stakes in the Justice Center are incredibly high. I have meticulously vetted this list of Philadelphia DUI defense experts based on their technical knowledge of breathalyzer machines, their standing in the Philly legal community, and their relentless track record in court. These are the advocates I would trust to fight for a dismissal or a reduced charge in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Impact of Blood Testing in PA
Pennsylvania’s tiered system for DUI penalties depends heavily on your BAC level. Challenging the blood test result is often the only way to avoid mandatory jail time. The following lawyers are masters of forensic defense.
Top 10 DUI Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA
1. Steven Kellis - Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis
A former DUI prosecutor with over 30 years of trial experience, Steven is nationally certified in field sobriety testing and focuses exclusively on DUI defense.
Website: https://www.pennsylvania-dui-lawyer.com
Phone: (215) 940-1200
Email: info@kellislaw.com
2. Zachary B. Cooper - Zachary B. Cooper, Attorney at Law, P.C.
Zachary leads a team of experts with over 40 years of experience. They are known for their aggressive challenges to breath and blood testing science.
Website: https://www.pennsylvaniaduilawyers.com
Phone: (215) 542-0800
Email: info@zcooperlaw.com
3. Amato Sanita - SKA Law Group, LLC
Amato has over 25 years of experience and is widely feared by prosecutors for his zealous and uncompromising defense strategies.
Website: https://www.skalawgroup.com
Phone: (267) 513-8916
Email: info@skalawgroup.com
4. Michael Fienman - Fienman Defense, LLC
Michael is known for his effective and aggressive defense, specializing in helping professionals navigate the personal and professional fallout of a DUI.
Website: https://www.philadelphiacriminalattorney.com
Phone: (215) 839-9529
Email: michael@fienmandefense.com
5. David Jay Glassman - Law Offices of David Jay Glassman
With more than 40 years of legal experience, David is a high-profile defender who recognizes the flaws in breathalyzer and field sobriety tests.
Website: https://www.myphillycriminalattorney.com
Phone: (215) 563-7100
Email: info@glassmanlaw.com
6. Michael T. van der Veen - van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim
A nationally recognized trial lawyer, Michael is known for his high-stakes defense work and his ability to win complex criminal cases in Philly.
Website: https://www.mtvlaw.com
Phone: (215) 309-8096
Email: info@mtvlaw.com
7. Brian M. Fishman - The Fishman Firm, LLC
A former Assistant District Attorney, Brian uses his insider knowledge to identify procedural errors and negotiate the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Website: https://www.thefishmanfirm.com
Phone: (267) 758-2228
Email: brian@thefishmanfirm.com
8. Pierre LaTour - Scarpello & LaTour
Pierre is known for his aggressive courtroom style and his dedication to ensuring that his clients never go to court unprepared.
Website: https://www.phillyjustice.com
Phone: (215) 987-2227
Email: info@phillyjustice.com
9. Lauren A. Wimmer - Wimmer Criminal Defense
Lauren is a rising star in the Philadelphia defense community, known for her meticulous preparation and high success rate in DUI litigation.
Website: https://www.wimmerdefense.com
Phone: (215) 712-1212
Email: lauren@wimmerdefense.com
10. William J. Brennan - Brennan Law Offices
With decades of experience, William is a staple of the Philadelphia legal scene, known for his deep relationships and successful outcomes in DUI cases.
Website: https://www.brennanlaw.com
Phone: (215) 568-1400
Email: info@brennanlaw.com
Compare Regional DUI Standards
Legal climates vary widely. Explore our other guides: Pittsburgh PA Law, Maryland DUI Guide, Frederick MD DUI, Cleveland OH DUI Help, Columbus OH OVI, Atlanta GA Experts, Nashville TN Lawyers, Dallas TX DWI Guide, Los Angeles DUI, and VA Beach DUI Law.
