The Right Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Make A Difference
Attorneys James Swetz and Brandon Reish have trial experience defending people accused of crimes ranging from DUI to Drug Offenses to Rape to Capital Murder Cases. Combining over 30 years of trial experience, they are the right lawyers to make the difference for your case. James Swetz is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Certification Agency. He was a 2007 Superlawyer, presently sits on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and he has tried numerous state and federal cases throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and Florida. Brandon Reish has also tried major felony cases to verdict in Monroe and Pike Counties of Pennsylvania, where he focuses his practice.
 James A. Swetz |

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 Brandon R. Reish |
Questions you should feel comfortable asking your attorney:
- Have you handled this type of case before?
- When was the last time?
- Have you previously handled cases in a particular court or county?
Choosing a criminal defense attorney with knowledge, experience, and a devotion to criminal law is a benefit you should choose. Whether negotiations lead to an acceptable plea deal, a trial is necessary to vindicate your innocence, or an appeal is required to preserve your rights, we will be innovative, persuasive, and aggressive. Incorporating courtroom methods proven effective by the test of time along with technological advances, we come to each case prepared.
In any criminal case or investigation, consider the following reasons to contact an attorney right away:
- Law enforcement agents and investigators for regulatory agencies are not there to protect your interests and liberty.
- The Government often bases its case on statements given by suspects early in the investigation.
- There may be evidence you can preserve which might disappear or become difficult to recover (i.e. myspace pages, phone messages, etc).
- We will develop a strategy for your case and you can rest assured that we are working hard for you.
Whether your state case starts in Court in Brodheadsville, Dingman's Ferry, East Stroudsburg, Hawley, Jim Thorpe, Shohola, Marshalls Creek, Milford, Mountainhome, Pocono Pines, Stroudsburg, Tannersville, or Tobyhanna, or elsewhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we'll be there from the start. If Indicted in a Federal Matter, we can be there from your Initial Appearance through Sentencing. Call today!
CRIMINAL DEFENSE PRACTICE AREAS In the traditional sense, there are crimes against persons (e.g.: assault) and crimes against property (e.g. theft). In addition to these offense, there are other categories of crime, a few of which are discussed below. However, for information on a particular type of case, call us. Please see our
DUI Page for information on drunk driving offenses.
In all practice areas, the practical aspects of sentencing are crucial to understand what is at stake in your case.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing develops guidelines that apply to convictions in Pennsylvania. At a Federal Level, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply. In State and Federal cases, government agents are more frequently using forefeiture against suspects who are believed to have profited through their illegal activities. We will defend you and your assets. Additionally, there are various statutes that can enhance sentences through mandatory penalties or collateral consequences (such as license suspensions). We will review in depth with you the potential penalties associated with your offense and inform any decisions that you may choose to make.
-Internet Crimes
Criminal Defense Attorney Swetz has aggressively defended Child Pornography cases and "Internet Sting" cases in the state and federal courts of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Given the social stigma associated with these types of cases, you need an attorney who you know will be in your corner throughout the case. The "To Catch a Predator" type of sting may entrap someone who is simply not a predator. That someone may be you or someone you love. Across Pennsylvania, these stings are becoming more common. Monroe County, Pennsylvania has been the location of these stings for a few years and continues to consistently net people who are accused of internet crimes. If you or someone that you know has been the target of an internet sting or has had his or her computers seized, call us for help immediately. "Unlawful Contact" charges can be contested, contact us. The Federal Sentences imposed in Child Pornography cases can be harsh, you will need the right lawyer to assist in your defense. Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney James A. Swetz will closely scrutinize the seizure of your computer and information to determine if your computer was unlawfully seized. We will examine what your exposure will be under the guidelines and discuss what this case means to you.
-White Collar Crimes
When compliance fails, when a subpoena or a target letter arrives, or when investigators begin to show up at your office, you need to call an attorney experienced in handling these matters. We have counseled and represented clients in a wide varitey of areas, including the following types of clients:
- Health professionals accused of fraud violations.
- Health professionals accused of controlled substance offenses.
- Companies suspected of hiring undocumented immigrants.
- Public officials accused of breaching the public trust.
- Real estate professionals accused of committing fraud.
- Individuals suspected of tax evasion.
Attorney Swetz has helped business owners and public figures through difficult times and has an integrity and reputation that can help you and your business.
-Drug Charges
When faced with drug charges, the right lawyer can make a difference. If there is just a request to search your home or vehicle, call. When in doubt, ask for an attorney and call us at (570) 421-5568. A major concern in drug cases are the potential forfeitures that can accompany drug charges, getting an attorney involved in the civil or criminal forfeiture proceedings is critical. Once the charges are filed, you need someone who can answer your questions as well as question the procedures leading to your arrest.
We have represented hundreds of individuals charged with drug crimes in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including: possession with intent to deliver, drugs found during traffic stops on interstate 80, simple possession, possession of a small amount, forged prescriptions, and drug conspiracy charges.
- Was the stop or search of your vehicle lawful?
- Was there a basis for the warrant and was it exercised properly?
- Is the state government going to turn this case over the federal government?
- Can the government take my car, my house or my firearms?
- What, if any, mandatory sentences apply?
State and Federal prosecutions vary greatly in terms of methods used and potential sentences. Federal cases in particular require extensive individual attention so that you understand what the potential sentences can be under the often unforgiving United States Sentencing Guidelines. Attorney Swetz has federal trial experience that gives him knowledge you can rely on.
The sooner an attorney is contacted the better. The right lawyer can make a difference, call us at (570) 421-5568.