Attorney Sontz has the experience, skill, and dedication to represent you, advocate for you, and counsel you through the criminal justice system.

Attorney Sontz has over 15 years of real-world, in-court litigation experience. Attorney Sontz has tried approximately 80 jury trials.

He has represented thousands of clients through jury trials, non-jury trials, pretrial motions, negotiated plea agreements, and appeals.

Attorney Sontz will work with you to develop a litigation strategy that meets your goals and expectations.

Attorney Sontz is first and foremost a trial attorney. Many attorneys claim to have decades of experience, but they might have very little actual in-court trial experience. Attorney Sontz has tried cases, argued motions, and negotiated plea agreements in both Pennsylvania and Federal Court.

From 2015 through 2020, Attorney Sontz’s practice focused exclusively on representing clients charged with homicide and other major felony cases. Attorney Sontz can represent you in the following types of cases:

Capital Death Penalty,

First Degree Murder,

Felony Murder,

Third Degree Murder,

Manslaughter,

Vehicular Homicide,

Homicide by DUI,

Attempted Homicide,

Aggravated Assault,

Simple Assault,

Robbery,

Attempted Robbery,

Terroristic Threats,

Harassment,

Disorderly Conduct

Sexual offenses have unique laws, such as Rape Shield Statutes, and unique Rules of Evidence that make defending these types of cases different than defending other types criminal cases. Sexual offenses also carry significant collateral consequences. Attorney Sontz is very experienced representing clients charged with all types of sexual offenses and offenses against children, including:

-Rape,

-Sexual Assault,

-Aggravated Indecent Assault,

-Statutory Sexual Assault,

-Child Pornography,

-Endangering Welfare of Children,

-Corruption of Minors,

-Federal Mann Act Offenses

The outcome in Drug and Firearm cases often turns on the difference between proof and speculation. If you are charged with a drug or firearm offense, you need to hire a creative and experienced trial attorney to represent you. Attorney Sontz has represented hundreds of clients accused of drug and firearm offenses in both Pennsylvania and federal court, including:

-possession of marijuana,

-possession of a controlled substance,

-possession with intent to deliver,

-possessing a firearm while being a prohibited person,

-possessing a firearm without a license,

-underage possession of a firearm,

-possessing stolen firearms

Theft and fraud convictions can ruin your business, your reputation, and make it difficult for you to get hired. Attorney Sontz can fully advise you in all types of theft and fraud cases, including:

-Welfare fraud,

-SNAP benefit fraud,

-SEC and Tax Fraud,

-Deceptive Business Practices,

-Federal and State White Collar Crimes

Attorney Sontz is experienced at negotiating and arranging acceptance into, and compliance with, pretrial diversionary programs and alternative disposition programs including:

-Mental Health Court

-Drug Court

-DUI Court

-ARD

-Probation without Verdict

-Federal pretrial diversion

Attorney Sontz can represent you from the beginning of your case to the end. Attorney Sontz is a skilled at appellate advocacy, including:

Direct appeals to the Superior Court and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and Post Conviction Collateral Relief (PCRA) Petitions

Federal criminal law and procedure is much different than Pennsylvania criminal law and procedure. If you are charged with a federal crime, you need an attorney who has federal experience. Attorney Sontz has extensive experience in both the Pennsylvania and Federal criminal justice systems.

If you are charged with a crime, or suspect that you might get charged, you must consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. If you are charged with a crime, you should never speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. Attorney Sontz can guide you through the early stages of the prosecution to set the groundwork for you litigation strategy.

Attorney Sontz can represent you or your child through the decertification process. If you are initially charged as an adult, Attorney Sontz can represent you in the process to get your case decertified to the juvenile division. If you are initially charged as a juvenile, Attorney Sontz can represent you if the Commonwealth seeks to transfer your case to the adult criminal division.