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 arrest in Pennsylvania can affect every aspect of your life — your mental health, financial well-being, social life, and career. Pennsylvania uses a three-tier DUI system based on BAC: general impairment (0.08%–0.099%), high rate (0.10%–0.159%), and highest rate (0.16%+). First-time offenders may qualify for the ARD program, which results in dismissed charges and record expungement. Our DUI defense attorneys challenge breathalyzer calibration, blood test chain of custody, and the legality of the initial stop. You also have only 30 days from a PennDOT license suspension notice to file an appeal — contact us immediately after a DUI arrest.
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes carry the threat of strict criminal penalties and collateral consequences including fines, prison time, lost educational and career opportunities, and a permanent felony record. Whether your case involves simple possession or complex trafficking, our drug crimes defense attorneys have the experience and resources to defend your case effectively. Defense strategies often require challenging the legality of the search that produced the evidence.
Sex Crimes
Being charged with a sex crime can have an immediate and severe impact on your personal and professional life, regardless of conviction. Penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration. Winning motions to suppress evidence is often crucial in sex crime cases when law enforcement violates a defendant’s constitutional rights. Our firm has handled numerous sexual assault cases and understands the sensitivity these matters require.
Aggravated Assault and Battery
Aggravated assault or battery charges arise when someone is accused of causing or threatening to cause physical injury to another person. Penalties range from significant fines to extended prison time depending on injury severity, use of a weapon, and the mental state of the accused. Establishing a strong defense strategy early in the case is critical.
Murder and Homicide
When facing homicide charges, your life, freedom, rights, and reputation are all on the line. A conviction for murder or manslaughter can result in life in prison or, in the most serious cases, the death penalty. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, we vigorously defend clients accused of homicide in both state and federal court. If you are a suspect in a murder investigation, contact us immediately — before speaking with police.
Theft Crimes
Theft and financial crime convictions carry significant fines, potential jail time, and lasting reputational damage. Our theft and robbery defense attorneys and burglary defense attorneys work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, explore alternative explanations, and pursue the best possible outcome for your specific situation.
Internet Crimes and Fraud
Individuals charged with internet crimes face unique challenges. If illegal activity is associated with a computer under your control, you could face harsh penalties. We represent clients accused of credit card fraud, identity theft, online harassment, phishing and spoofing, ransomware, and other cybercrime offenses. Our firm also handles criminal appeals for internet crime cases, including post-conviction relief in appellate courts.
White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes — those motivated by financial gain and accomplished through non-violent means — are prosecuted aggressively by federal agencies. The consequences of a white-collar conviction can include significant financial penalties, prison time, and permanent reputational damage. Our attorneys bring accounting, forensic, and financial expertise to these cases through our network of specialists.
Federal Court Criminal Charges
Federal charges carry severe penalties and involve prosecution by the U.S. government with substantially greater resources than most state prosecutions. Our attorneys have extensive experience in federal court throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and understand the unique rules, sentencing guidelines, and investigation tactics involved when federal agencies bring charges.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
An unfavorable trial court verdict is not necessarily final. If errors led to your conviction, we can carefully review your trial transcript, identify mistakes supporting an appeal, and handle your criminal defense through the appellate process. Our firm handles federal habeas corpus petitions as part of our comprehensive post-conviction practice.
Expungement
A criminal record can prevent you from living your life fully — affecting job prospects, housing, education, and reputation. Expunging a criminal record allows you to legally answer “no” on job and housing applications. Pennsylvania allows expungement in certain circumstances, including ARD completion, acquittals, charge dismissals, and age-related eligibility. Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating the expungement process efficiently.
Parole and Probation Violations
Individuals on parole or probation who are accused of violations face potentially severe consequences — including return to prison without a trial. Anyone accused of violating parole or probation terms in Montgomery County or Bucks County should contact our firm immediately for defense assistance.
Juvenile Cases and Traffic Violations
Juvenile cases require special understanding of Pennsylvania’s juvenile court system, with a focus on rehabilitation and protecting young people’s futures. Traffic violations may seem minor but can lead to license suspension, increased insurance rates, and even incarceration in serious cases. We handle both with the same level of dedication we bring to our most serious matters.
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.
