Legally Reviewed by Marc Robert Steinberg on June 12, 2026
A criminal defense attorney at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford defends individuals charged with crimes in Montgomery County and Bucks County courts — including the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown and the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown. Our criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how district attorney offices build cases, a former JAG officer, an attorney certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and an attorney certified to handle death penalty cases. We handle charges at every level — from summary offenses and misdemeanors to serious felonies and federal matters — and prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
When you are facing criminal charges, your job, your relationships, and your freedom are all at stake. With more than 65 years of experience defending clients in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford is one of the most experienced criminal defense firms serving Montgomery County and Bucks County. Marc Robert Steinberg was named a Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Marc Robert Steinberg and Gregory Gifford have been named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers as published in Philadelphia Magazine. Since 1992, our firm has received an AV Preeminent rating — the highest possible rating — from Martindale-Hubbell.
⚠ Charged With a Crime in Pennsylvania? Act Immediately.
Early legal intervention protects your rights from the first interaction with police or prosecutors — before charges are even filed.
More than 65 years of criminal defense experience. Former prosecutors on staff. AV-rated. Free consultations.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Build Your Defense
For more than 65 years, those accused of criminal offenses in Southeastern Pennsylvania have trusted Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford with their criminal defense. Our team includes:
- Former prosecutors who understand how the district attorney’s office builds cases — and where those cases have weaknesses
- A former JAG officer with military criminal law experience
- An attorney certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- An attorney certified to handle death penalty cases
No matter what crime you have been charged with, our attorneys handle your defense skillfully and strategically. We utilize many approaches, including interviewing witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s narrative, investigating the prosecutor’s case for weaknesses, reviewing search and seizure procedures to protect your constitutional rights, evaluating potential sentences and mandatory minimums, gathering evidence to support your defense strategy, and helping formulate plea deals that protect your interests when appropriate.
Local Court Knowledge in Montgomery and Bucks County
Our firm has deep familiarity with local courts throughout Montgomery County and Bucks County, including Magisterial District Court and trial court proceedings in Norristown, Doylestown, Lansdale, and surrounding areas. This knowledge of local procedures and relationships built over decades allows us to represent clients more effectively. When the district attorney’s office brings charges, having defense lawyers who understand local court procedures and judicial expectations can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Criminal Defense Experts We Work With
The key to successfully defending criminal cases is thinking quickly, acting rapidly, and uncovering all of the facts. We frequently consult with respected experts to build our defense strategy, including specialists in forensic toxicology, chemistry, and pharmacology, accounting for white-collar criminal matters, domestic violence assessment, accident reconstruction, fingerprint examination, DNA testing, cybersecurity for internet criminal offenses, sexual assault examination, controlled substance analysis, threat assessment, child psychology for juvenile cases, and police procedures. Our list of expert witnesses is not limited — we will consult any specialist whose expertise strengthens your defense.
Types of Criminal Cases We Defend
We prepare every case as though it will go to trial and never encourage clients to accept plea deals we do not believe are in their best interest. The following are the primary criminal defense areas we handle throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
DUI / DWI Defense
A DUI charge in Pennsylvania carries consequences that touch every area of your life — from license suspension to potential incarceration. Our DUI defense attorneys challenge breathalyzer results, blood test chain of custody, and the legality of the initial traffic stop, and can advise you on ARD eligibility for first-time offenders.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges range from simple possession to trafficking, each carrying serious collateral consequences including a permanent felony record. Our drug crimes defense attorneys frequently challenge the constitutionality of the searches and seizures that produced the evidence — a critical defense avenue in many drug cases.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime charges carry consequences far beyond the courtroom — including potential mandatory registration. Our sex crimes defense attorneys bring deep experience to suppression motions and constitutional challenges that are often central to the defense.
Aggravated Assault and Battery
Aggravated assault charges carry penalties that vary significantly based on injury severity, weapon involvement, and intent. Our assault defense attorneys build early, aggressive strategies to protect your rights from the first hearing forward.
Murder and Homicide
Homicide charges are the most serious criminal matter a person can face. Our firm vigorously defends clients accused of murder and manslaughter in both state and federal court — and if you are a suspect in an investigation, contacting us before speaking with police is critical.
Theft Crimes
Theft convictions can result in fines, jail time, and lasting reputational damage. Our robbery defense attorneys and burglary defense attorneys challenge prosecution evidence and explore every available avenue to minimize or eliminate consequences.
Internet Crimes and Fraud
Internet crime charges present unique evidentiary challenges — often hinging on attribution of digital activity to a specific person. Our internet crimes defense attorneys represent clients facing fraud, identity theft, harassment, and other cybercrime charges.
White Collar Crimes
White-collar prosecutions are resource-intensive and often brought by federal agencies with substantial investigative capacity. Our white-collar crime defense attorneys draw on forensic accounting and financial expert resources to build effective defenses.
Federal Court Criminal Charges
Federal prosecutions involve resources and sentencing guidelines that differ significantly from state court. Our federal criminal defense attorneys are experienced in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s courts and the investigative approaches federal agencies use.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
A conviction at trial is not always the final word. Our criminal appeals attorneys review trial records for reversible error, handle direct appeals, and manage federal habeas corpus petitions as part of a full post-conviction practice.
Expungement
A criminal record affects employment, housing, and licensing long after a case closes. Our expungement attorneys guide clients through Pennsylvania’s eligibility requirements — including ARD completion, acquittals, and age-based provisions — and manage the process efficiently.
Parole and Probation Violations
A parole or probation violation allegation can result in revocation and return to prison — without the procedural protections of a criminal trial. Our parole and probation violation attorneys respond quickly to protect our clients’ rights at violation hearings.
Juvenile Cases and Traffic Violations
Pennsylvania’s juvenile court system prioritizes rehabilitation, and protecting a young person’s record requires attorneys who understand its distinct procedures. Traffic violations that appear minor can still trigger license suspension and insurance consequences — we handle both with the same care we bring to every matter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Pennsylvania
What should I do if I am charged with a minor misdemeanor or summary offense?
Take it seriously even if the charge seems minor. Misdemeanors and summary offenses can still impact your record, your employment, and your future opportunities. An experienced attorney can evaluate your options, challenge the evidence, and work to have charges reduced or dismissed depending on the circumstances. Consulting a lawyer before your first hearing protects your rights from the start.
How is criminal defense representation different in state and federal court?
Federal cases involve more complex investigations, are prosecuted by the U.S. government with substantially greater resources, and follow different rules and sentencing guidelines than state cases. Federal mandatory minimums are often more severe than state equivalents. An attorney who handles both state and federal cases can tailor the defense strategy to whichever system applies and manage any overlap between the two.
Can an attorney help me before a case reaches trial?
Yes — and early intervention is often where the most impact is made. Before charges are even filed, an attorney can communicate with investigators, gather and preserve evidence, and challenge the basis of the investigation. Once charges are filed, pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or challenge the legality of the charges can significantly influence the outcome before a trial ever begins.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, misdemeanors are classified as first, second, or third degree and carry maximum sentences of one to five years depending on grade. Felonies are classified as first, second, or third degree and carry maximum sentences of seven to twenty years. Summary offenses are the least serious and typically carry fines and up to 90 days in jail. The classification affects not only the potential sentence but also collateral consequences such as employment restrictions, housing eligibility, and professional licensing.
Should I speak to police without an attorney present?
No. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and a right to counsel before and during questioning. Anything you say to police can be used against you — and even innocent statements can be mischaracterized or taken out of context. Contact an attorney before speaking with investigators regardless of whether you believe you have done anything wrong. Early representation is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.
Does Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford handle cases in both Montgomery County and Bucks County?
Yes. Our attorneys appear regularly in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown and the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown, as well as in Magisterial District Courts throughout both counties. Our Colmar office serves Montgomery County clients and our Newtown office serves Bucks County clients. We also handle cases in federal court throughout the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Montgomery County and Bucks County
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Southeastern Pennsylvania, contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford today. Our team will discuss the facts and circumstances of your case, explain your options, and do everything possible to reduce or vacate the penalties you face.
Our Colmar office is located right off Route 309 and serves Montgomery County clients. Our Newtown office at 12 Penns Trail, Suite 145 serves Bucks County clients. Both offices offer free parking and free initial consultations.
Call 215-822-7575 or reach out through our contact form to schedule your free case evaluation today.
