Andrew F. Schneider Attorney at Law

At the Andrew F. Schneider Attorney at Law office, we provide you the assistance when you need it the most. I, along with my office staff, handle criminal defense matters ranging from minor traffic matters to charges of murder. I’ve striven to provide the highest-quality representation for these matters since 1973. I understand the aspect of handling criminal cases in the federal and state courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A Lawyer Who Understands Your Personal Circumstances I’ve been successful in the practice of criminal defense in large part because I care how my clients are doing. No two criminal cases are the same so I provide each matter substantial individual attention. I understand that the consequences for anyone charged with a crime are great. Besides large fines and jail time, a criminal charge potentially could cost you your family and your home. It’s therefore my practice to get to know you and provide the sort of representation you would want for a member of your own family. I put my knowledge and skills to work for you. Background Information About Who I Am Besides working in the criminal defense area for over 41 years (including a number of years working as a public defender), I’ve worked as an adjunct professor at Temple University in Philadelphia and have published a number of works regarding criminal law. Among my teachings, I’ve addressed the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Bucks County Bar Association concerning ethics and various criminal defense trial techniques. I’ve been selected for inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for eight years in a row and also received the President’s Award as Defender of Freedom from the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1975 following my service to my country. I feel particular pride in having represented and defended hundreds of individuals in criminal law cases.

I’m familiar with ways to avoid a conviction, loss of license and a criminal record. I’m also familiar with minimizing a jail sentence to a work release or house arrest. When the case should be tried, I believe prosecutors know my reputation that I’m more than willing to try a DUI or traffic violation in court. My experience is the more you’re willing to fight, the better the chance of good deal. I will fight for your right to hold onto your driver’s license as well as contest all other criminal penalties. Pennsylvania’s DUI Laws Adult convictions for DUI occur when tests show a .08 blood alcohol reading. For anyone under 21-years-old, a .02 reading is enough for conviction. The penalties increase with higher readings and with additional convictions. The ultimate penalties for DUI often are extremely harsh. It’s for this reason you require experienced DUI defense representation anytime you’re facing DUI charges. The outcomes of DUI cases can significantly vary as do the facts of these cases. Breath, blood and field sobriety tests can be challenged in court. I’ve written a chapter on field sobriety testing. Sometimes, there was no probable cause for an arrest to occur and this leads to the evidence being thrown out. And even if a conviction occurs, there are various ways of reducing penalties and avoiding jail time. Why Representation May Be Necessary During Traffic Violation Matters Traffic violations can result in points, fines, loss of license and higher insurance costs. With each violation, and especially for certain violations, the penalties may increase to the point of jail and loss of license for years. I know the negotiation process and will use this knowledge to get you the best outcome for a lesser charge or a dismissal. In my 41 years of experience as a practicing lawyer, I’ve tried hundreds of DUI and traffic cases in courts in Bucks, Montgomery and Allegheny counties, to name a few. I’ve also tried these cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.