team-member

Andrea Mertz

Reading, PA

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

Former prosecuting attorney in Reading PA, recently voted best DUI defense lawyer in Berks County. Attorney James Polyak has more than 25 years of courtroom experience and specializes in criminal defense. He has represented thousands of clients charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes in Pennsylvania. He has been lead trial counsel in more than 100 criminal jury trials, including death penalty cases. He has never had a client sentenced to the death penalty. Since 1994, he has been a member of The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a former Criminal Law Instructor at the Reading Police Academy and served as Chairman of the Berks County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

DUI and DWI

Language

English

Contact

Polyak Law Office645 Penn StreetSuite 500Reading, PA, 19601645 Penn StreetSuite 500Suite 500Reading, PA, 19601

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
March 23, 2022

Attorney Polyak helped me get the best results possible for my case. He was very knowledgeable and helped me find the best solution for me. He is experienced in the field.

Douglass
April 29, 2021

Spoke to a few lawyers about this matter went with him Polyak and He handle case swiftly with no issues and got all charges Dropped went beyond expectations you don't need any lawyer you need polyak!!!

Josh
November 5, 2020

I have use Mr. Polyak on two different occasions that could have been life changing events for me. I feel like Mr. Polyak pulls no punches and shoots you straight good or bad. I will not go anywhere else without contacting Mr. Polyak he is my lawyer and I put my faith in his hands anytime!

anonymous
July 15, 2020

I was in a situation that did not look good in regards of opportunity to fight the situation I was in. Rather, Jim and I had the task of leveraging facts and my character/history to achieve the best possible outcome the law provided for my sentencing. Jim was professional, understanding, compassionate, realistic and he and his staff were easy and wonderful to work with. I hope to never again need a lawyer but I won't use or recommend anyone else.

anonymous
January 3, 2020

I hired attorney James Polyak because I had heard about his work beforehand. He was able to turn a six month sentence into a 5 day stint. If I was charged with the full time of 6 months I would have been jobless and possibly homeless. I thank god everyday for this man and also the lesson I was able to learn. If anytime someone would need a lawyer I can promise you he is the way to go. Very honest man.

anonymous
October 26, 2019

I was looking at serious jail time, and I heard about Mr. Polyak from a friend. I liked that Mr. Polyak was straight to the point at first. Every time I went to court he made me feel relaxed. He fought hard against the DA and his closing argument was astonishing. With all his efforts my charges got dismissed for a third dui!! He is the best lawyer in Berks County.

Dustin
May 2, 2018

I can't put into words the respect I have gained for Mr. Polyak within the last 2 weeks. A family friend amongst others I have spoken too highly recommended Mr. Polyak after put myself in a situation with mandatory jail time. Already being a habitual offender I knew I had to hire a top attorney and I made the right choice, Mr. Polyak kept me informed with every interaction he made with the A.D.A and other court officials..he went above and beyond at the last moment cleaning up any confusion from my last attorney! I now consider Jim a friend and I will be sure to recommend him to all friends and strangers alike.

anonymous
March 23, 2018

Mr. Polyak is phenomenal attorney to have. He’s well dressed, honest, tells you how it is, and doesn’t mess around. You could weeks (months in my case) without hearing from him but when he calls you know why you waited so long. Things get done. He can be a little direct at times but that’s exacly what someone in my situation needed in this case. By the end of it and everything was said and done I felt like James was a friend. A genuinely good man and I would recommend him to anyone no matter how severe your charges are.

Tahshay
December 7, 2017

I got into a little legal & he helped another family member that was looking at a long time at a state prison and he did his thing with him so I knew I should reach out to him to represent me. He represented me, he was honest, he did not cut corners, and he told me what it was and wasn't going to be. He defended me to no end and had all charges dropped, he helped me, I can't thank him enough. He is very well-spoken, polite, personable, and we'll dressed. He staff is very nice and welcoming. I recommend him to anyone that has any legalities.

Matthew R.
April 22, 2016

I was falsely accused of lying on a gun application. I explained to the authorities that this was a genuine misunderstanding; a clerical error. The DA did not want to hear anything but a guilty plea. My explanation fell upon "deaf" ears and I was charged with Unsworn Falsification of Documents. I was told if I tried to fight this charge (which would result in a MINIMUM of 1 year probation and a $1,000 fine) I would be charged with felony Perjury. Fortunately, I found Attorney Polyak. He had seen this situation before and I felt like I was in good hands from the moment we met. With Jim Polyak's relentless, hard work, he was able to convince the judge of my innocence. He was able to change my original guilty plea to a small fine and nothing on my record. Attorney Polyak is a true professional with great experience, confidence, and knowledge of the law. I will recommend EVERYONE I know who needs a criminal attorney to James M. Polyak. I can never thank him enough!

anonymous
March 23, 2022

Attorney Polyak helped me get the best results possible for my case. He was very knowledgeable and helped me find the best solution for me. He is experienced in the field.

Douglass
April 29, 2021

Spoke to a few lawyers about this matter went with him Polyak and He handle case swiftly with no issues and got all charges Dropped went beyond expectations you don't need any lawyer you need polyak!!!

Josh
November 5, 2020

I have use Mr. Polyak on two different occasions that could have been life changing events for me. I feel like Mr. Polyak pulls no punches and shoots you straight good or bad. I will not go anywhere else without contacting Mr. Polyak he is my lawyer and I put my faith in his hands anytime!

anonymous
July 15, 2020

I was in a situation that did not look good in regards of opportunity to fight the situation I was in. Rather, Jim and I had the task of leveraging facts and my character/history to achieve the best possible outcome the law provided for my sentencing. Jim was professional, understanding, compassionate, realistic and he and his staff were easy and wonderful to work with. I hope to never again need a lawyer but I won't use or recommend anyone else.

anonymous
January 3, 2020

I hired attorney James Polyak because I had heard about his work beforehand. He was able to turn a six month sentence into a 5 day stint. If I was charged with the full time of 6 months I would have been jobless and possibly homeless. I thank god everyday for this man and also the lesson I was able to learn. If anytime someone would need a lawyer I can promise you he is the way to go. Very honest man.

anonymous
October 26, 2019

I was looking at serious jail time, and I heard about Mr. Polyak from a friend. I liked that Mr. Polyak was straight to the point at first. Every time I went to court he made me feel relaxed. He fought hard against the DA and his closing argument was astonishing. With all his efforts my charges got dismissed for a third dui!! He is the best lawyer in Berks County.

Dustin
May 2, 2018

I can't put into words the respect I have gained for Mr. Polyak within the last 2 weeks. A family friend amongst others I have spoken too highly recommended Mr. Polyak after put myself in a situation with mandatory jail time. Already being a habitual offender I knew I had to hire a top attorney and I made the right choice, Mr. Polyak kept me informed with every interaction he made with the A.D.A and other court officials..he went above and beyond at the last moment cleaning up any confusion from my last attorney! I now consider Jim a friend and I will be sure to recommend him to all friends and strangers alike.

anonymous
March 23, 2018

Mr. Polyak is phenomenal attorney to have. He’s well dressed, honest, tells you how it is, and doesn’t mess around. You could weeks (months in my case) without hearing from him but when he calls you know why you waited so long. Things get done. He can be a little direct at times but that’s exacly what someone in my situation needed in this case. By the end of it and everything was said and done I felt like James was a friend. A genuinely good man and I would recommend him to anyone no matter how severe your charges are.

Tahshay
December 7, 2017

I got into a little legal & he helped another family member that was looking at a long time at a state prison and he did his thing with him so I knew I should reach out to him to represent me. He represented me, he was honest, he did not cut corners, and he told me what it was and wasn't going to be. He defended me to no end and had all charges dropped, he helped me, I can't thank him enough. He is very well-spoken, polite, personable, and we'll dressed. He staff is very nice and welcoming. I recommend him to anyone that has any legalities.

Matthew R.
April 22, 2016

I was falsely accused of lying on a gun application. I explained to the authorities that this was a genuine misunderstanding; a clerical error. The DA did not want to hear anything but a guilty plea. My explanation fell upon "deaf" ears and I was charged with Unsworn Falsification of Documents. I was told if I tried to fight this charge (which would result in a MINIMUM of 1 year probation and a $1,000 fine) I would be charged with felony Perjury. Fortunately, I found Attorney Polyak. He had seen this situation before and I felt like I was in good hands from the moment we met. With Jim Polyak's relentless, hard work, he was able to convince the judge of my innocence. He was able to change my original guilty plea to a small fine and nothing on my record. Attorney Polyak is a true professional with great experience, confidence, and knowledge of the law. I will recommend EVERYONE I know who needs a criminal attorney to James M. Polyak. I can never thank him enough!

anonymous
March 23, 2022

Attorney Polyak helped me get the best results possible for my case. He was very knowledgeable and helped me find the best solution for me. He is experienced in the field.

Douglass
April 29, 2021

Spoke to a few lawyers about this matter went with him Polyak and He handle case swiftly with no issues and got all charges Dropped went beyond expectations you don't need any lawyer you need polyak!!!

Josh
November 5, 2020

I have use Mr. Polyak on two different occasions that could have been life changing events for me. I feel like Mr. Polyak pulls no punches and shoots you straight good or bad. I will not go anywhere else without contacting Mr. Polyak he is my lawyer and I put my faith in his hands anytime!

anonymous
July 15, 2020

I was in a situation that did not look good in regards of opportunity to fight the situation I was in. Rather, Jim and I had the task of leveraging facts and my character/history to achieve the best possible outcome the law provided for my sentencing. Jim was professional, understanding, compassionate, realistic and he and his staff were easy and wonderful to work with. I hope to never again need a lawyer but I won't use or recommend anyone else.

anonymous
January 3, 2020

I hired attorney James Polyak because I had heard about his work beforehand. He was able to turn a six month sentence into a 5 day stint. If I was charged with the full time of 6 months I would have been jobless and possibly homeless. I thank god everyday for this man and also the lesson I was able to learn. If anytime someone would need a lawyer I can promise you he is the way to go. Very honest man.

anonymous
October 26, 2019

I was looking at serious jail time, and I heard about Mr. Polyak from a friend. I liked that Mr. Polyak was straight to the point at first. Every time I went to court he made me feel relaxed. He fought hard against the DA and his closing argument was astonishing. With all his efforts my charges got dismissed for a third dui!! He is the best lawyer in Berks County.

Dustin
May 2, 2018

I can't put into words the respect I have gained for Mr. Polyak within the last 2 weeks. A family friend amongst others I have spoken too highly recommended Mr. Polyak after put myself in a situation with mandatory jail time. Already being a habitual offender I knew I had to hire a top attorney and I made the right choice, Mr. Polyak kept me informed with every interaction he made with the A.D.A and other court officials..he went above and beyond at the last moment cleaning up any confusion from my last attorney! I now consider Jim a friend and I will be sure to recommend him to all friends and strangers alike.

anonymous
March 23, 2018

Mr. Polyak is phenomenal attorney to have. He’s well dressed, honest, tells you how it is, and doesn’t mess around. You could weeks (months in my case) without hearing from him but when he calls you know why you waited so long. Things get done. He can be a little direct at times but that’s exacly what someone in my situation needed in this case. By the end of it and everything was said and done I felt like James was a friend. A genuinely good man and I would recommend him to anyone no matter how severe your charges are.

Tahshay
December 7, 2017

I got into a little legal & he helped another family member that was looking at a long time at a state prison and he did his thing with him so I knew I should reach out to him to represent me. He represented me, he was honest, he did not cut corners, and he told me what it was and wasn't going to be. He defended me to no end and had all charges dropped, he helped me, I can't thank him enough. He is very well-spoken, polite, personable, and we'll dressed. He staff is very nice and welcoming. I recommend him to anyone that has any legalities.

Matthew R.
April 22, 2016

I was falsely accused of lying on a gun application. I explained to the authorities that this was a genuine misunderstanding; a clerical error. The DA did not want to hear anything but a guilty plea. My explanation fell upon "deaf" ears and I was charged with Unsworn Falsification of Documents. I was told if I tried to fight this charge (which would result in a MINIMUM of 1 year probation and a $1,000 fine) I would be charged with felony Perjury. Fortunately, I found Attorney Polyak. He had seen this situation before and I felt like I was in good hands from the moment we met. With Jim Polyak's relentless, hard work, he was able to convince the judge of my innocence. He was able to change my original guilty plea to a small fine and nothing on my record. Attorney Polyak is a true professional with great experience, confidence, and knowledge of the law. I will recommend EVERYONE I know who needs a criminal attorney to James M. Polyak. I can never thank him enough!