Peter E. Kratsa

Sex Crimes Defense

February 9, 2015 by Hoppel Design

Sexual assault or abuse
Sexual battery
Sexual assault by a minor
Unwanted touching
Indecent exposure
Lewd or lascivious conduct
Obscenity
Statutory rape
Sexual assault in connection with a deadly weapon
Possession of child pornography
Internet pornography
Date rape
Kidnapping
Prostitution
Solicitation
Federal crimes
Child molestation
Child abuse
Spousal rape

Allegations of sexual abuse are obviously very delicate and emotional cases. The adept defense attorney must always keep in mind who their audience is: the fact-finder, be it a judge or jury. Cross-examination of the alleged victim must be handled carefully. Impeachment of the victim (i.e., questioning their credibility through inconsistent evidence or prior statements) should be effectuated in a precise manner. Again, this is a skill developed over time, and one which our attorneys have spent 20+ years acquiring.

Computer And Other Electronic Communication Devices Crimes

Cell phones and computers have lent themselves to allegations of illicit use. A darling of prosecutors is “Criminal Use of a Communication Facility” which finds its way frequently into drug cases (i.e., cell phone used to arrange alleged deal) and other types of cases as well. As the charge is a felony, it is not to be taken lightly. Illicit pornography is frequently investigated by specialized law enforcement officers tracking it being downloaded and shared through computer networks. These cases often lend themselves to the retention of computer forensic witnesses in order to contest what are sometimes circumstantial cases as it concerns proving whether the client is the actual perpetrator.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please submit the contact request form or contact any one of our criminal defense attorneys:

Peter E. Kratsa – 610.840.0209
Caroline G. Donato – 610.840.0294

Family Law

February 6, 2015 by Hoppel Design

Family Law

Our attorneys cover all aspects of family law, from drafting prenuptial agreements before parties marry to negotiating divorce settlements when a marriage ends, as well as helping parents resolve child custody disputes.

Like the families we serve, matters of family law come in all shapes and sizes—and our Pennsylvania and Delaware Family Law attorneys are equipped to manage and resolve a variety of legal issues. Our attorneys cover all aspects of family law, from drafting prenuptial agreements before parties marry to negotiating divorce settlements when a marriage ends, as well as helping parents resolve child custody disputes.

The members of the MacElree Harvey Family Law team possess the skills necessary to assist Delaware and Pennsylvania clients in navigating the financial and emotional issues often arising in family law cases. MacElree Harvey also has an active Alternative Dispute Resolution practice where parties can mediate or arbitrate the outcome of their conflict, often at a much lower cost financially and emotionally.

Our attorneys frequently handle difficult custody disputes, including issues of abuse, substance abuse, relocation of children and parent alienation. The attorneys in MacElree Harvey’s Family Law practice group pride themselves on providing the necessary, professional and individual attention required by the clients in this sensitive area of practice.

Attorneys in MacElree Harvey’s Family Law practice group handle all types of cases, from short-term unions with little to no marital assets, to divorces involving the division of multi-million dollar marital estates for which complicated business and tax issues often exist.

MacElree Harvey attorneys are backed in their endeavors by an experienced team of paralegals and assistants. Our goal is to provide our clients with the best service available while bearing in mind each individual’s economic situation. Because legal processes for any matter relating to family law can be confusing, the sage legal counsel of MacElree Harvey’s attorneys is always beneficial. At MacElree Harvey, our family law attorneys understand that each family law case is unique and strive to meet the client’s individual needs.

ALL PRACTICE AREAS

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.

Product Liability

February 6, 2015 by Hoppel Design

MacElree Harvey’s attorneys defend individuals and self-insured businesses in high exposure products liability actions regarding a variety of claims, including aviation, toxic tort, medical products, food borne illness, industrial products, toys and power tools. The attorneys in MacElree Harvey’s products liability group have served as national coordinating counsel for Fortune 500 companies and provide efficient representation focused on minimizing costs and long term client impact. Some recent examples of successful product liability defense litigation include a favorable settlement where a client’s mechanical power press injured operator resulting in amputation and a defense verdict for a client against a plaintiff’s claim that a defective electric gate malfunctioned and injured an arm.

MacElree Harvey’s attorneys also represent individuals harmed by dangerous products, including toys, vehicles, machines, consumer products, and medicine. These victims have the right to make a legal claim against the manufacturer and/or seller for compensation for injuries sustained including but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Criminal Defense

February 4, 2015 by Hoppel Design

Criminal Defense

Being investigated or prosecuted for a crime is obvious cause for anxiety. It is imperative to have an experienced, proficient, and accessible defense attorney to guide you through this process.

Our team of criminal defense attorneys will assess your matter and advise of the most effective way to defend or mitigate it. We will advise you of the realistically obtainable outcomes and also of how to manage or avoid any collateral consequences to the allegations.

Our team has handled diverse criminal matters involving felony and/or misdemeanor offenses in Chester County and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as the Federal Courts. With well over a decade of combined experience, our criminal defense attorneys are uniquely qualified and well prepared to assist you with matters including:

Felony Offenses
Homicide – Murder and Manslaughter
Set of Offenses – Rape, Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, Corruption of Minors
Aggravated Assault
Arson
RICO
Insurance Fraud
Drug Offenses – Possession with Intent to Deliver, Drug Delivery Resulting in a Death
Burglary
Theft
Misdemeanor Offense
Simple Assault
Recklessly Endangering Another Person
Terroristic Threats
Retail Theft
Indirect Criminal Contempt
Traffic Offenses
DUI
Homicide by Vehicle
DUS
State and Federal Grand Jury Representation

We rely upon our knowledge and experience to render thorough assessments and prompt advice. We handle our criminal defense cases proactively and, when appropriate, creatively. In defending our clients, we also may utilize a variety of resources, including experienced investigators and reputable forensic witnesses.

At MacElree Harvey, we will guide and assist you throughout the criminal process and we will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome in your case, whether that be a declination of prosecution by the government, acquittal, or other favorable disposition.

REPRESENTATIVE CASES:

Acquittal by juries of multiple clients accused of rape and related allegations.
Acquittal by jury of physician accused of felony offenses of illegally dispensing controlled substances.
Acquittal by jury of client accused of homicide.
Exoneration of client accused of felony insurance fraud.
Acquittal by juries of multiple DUI clients.
Successful Pre-Trial Motions dismissing prosecution for multiple clients.
Favorable sentencings for clients accused of financial fraud and other felony offenses.
Alternative sentences (i.e., house arrest or in-patient treatment) in lieu of otherwise mandatory incarceration.

PRACTICE AREAS

Drug Crimes Defense

DUI and Homicide by Vehicle Defense

Juvenile Delinquency Defense

Sex Crimes Defense

Violent Crimes Defense

White Collar Defense

ATTORNEYS

Peter E. Kratsa

Caroline G. Donato

Mary E. Lawrence

OFFICES

Kennett Square, PA

West Chester, PA

ARTICLES

Subject to Review – Your Monthly Dose of Real Criminal Law

Subject to Cross Episode 6: “A topic near and dear to Pete’s heart… and cats.”

Subject to Cross Episode 5: “Hook, Line, and Sinker”

Subject to Cross Podcast Episode 4: “Mandatory Minimums and Listener Questions”

ALL PRACTICE AREAS

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.

Medical Malpractice

February 3, 2015 by Hoppel Design

At MacElree Harvey, we have attorneys with decades of experience in helping patients and their loved ones win justice after injury or death caused by Medical Malpractice committed by doctors, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, therapists, technicians or other medical professionals. Our Medical Malpractice lawyers are skilled at negotiating settlements and trying Medical Malpractice cases in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Medical Malpractice cases are complicated and involve proving a violation of a Standard of Care, and that serious injuries or death were caused by the violation. Our team is experienced at analyzing Medical Malpractice cases, retaining expert witnesses and achieving the best results for our clients.

Errors leading to Pennsylvania and Delaware Medical Malpractice claims can include:

Birth injury and death
Brain injury
Surgical and anesthesia errors
Medication, prescription or dosage mistakes
Errors in diagnosis
Delayed medical treatment
Cancer cases
Emergency room injuries
Infections
Nursing home abuse or neglect

If someone has been killed or injured in Pennsylvania or Delaware because of Medical Malpractice, the responsible medical professional has a legal obligation to pay fair compensation which can include lost wages, medical bills and expenses, pain and suffering and other damages. We offer free consultations in all Medical Malpractice cases and are available to meet in any of our offices in Pennsylvania or Delaware, at your home or any other convenient location.

Some examples of the types of Medical Malpractice cases our attorneys handle include:

Operating room fire – Settlement of a claim involving an operating room fire that occurred during surgery to remove a facial mole. The surgeon and anesthesiologist failed to communicate about giving the patient oxygen and using an electric cautery tool in combination. Claim for damages involving first and second degree burns. Settled just before trial.
Birth injury – Settled case involving death of a baby from misapplication of forceps during delivery.
Delayed diagnosis – Resolution of malpractice claim resulting from failure to timely diagnose and treat tendon injury causing permanent loss of use and disfigurement of thumb.

Personal Injury Law

February 3, 2015 by Hoppel Design

Personal Injury Law

A personal injury attorney is something that you never want to need, but are glad to have when you do.

When an accident occurs and causes injury in Pennsylvania or Delaware—whether on the road or because of poor medical treatment or any other accident, many questions immediately come to mind: Who will pay for medical expenses and bills when I’m out of work? What care will I need in the future and who will pay for it? How do I deal with the insurance companies? How do I make sure that the person who caused the accident accepts responsibility and pays fair compensation for all of my losses?

At MacElree Harvey, our Pennsylvania and Delaware Personal Injury attorneys will answer all of your questions, then handle all contact with the insurance companies and, ultimately, recover full and fair compensation in cases involving:

Car, truck and motorcycle accidents
Bicycle accidents
Pedestrian injuries
Uninsured and underinsured motorist cases
Slip and fall injuries
Medical malpractice
Dangerous products
Dog bite injuries
Wrongful Death

If you have been injured in an accident in Pennsylvania or Delaware, you are entitled to be fairly compensated for your injuries and damages (lost wages, medical bills, and expenses, pain and suffering). At MacElree Harvey, our team of Personal Injury attorneys has decades of experience in negotiating settlements and trying serious Personal Injury and Death cases in Pennsylvania and Delaware. While most cases settle prior to trial, some of our representative cases have included:

Motor vehicle accident
A seven-figure settlement for serious foot injuries following a broadside collision between a vehicle and an SUV that failed to yield while turning left.

Motorcycle accident
In a pick-up truck versus motorcycle accident, our client sustained multiple and serious leg and arm fractures. The claim against the driver recovered his policy limits and, likewise, we obtained policy limits from the client’s underinsurance company. To obtain additional compensation for the client, we pursued a claim against the personal assets of the responsible driver, who ultimately settled and agreed to pay significant personal monies and to have that promise secured by a mortgage on his personal residence.

Medical malpractice
Settlement of a case involving an operating room fire that occurred during surgery to remove a facial mole. The surgeon and anesthesiologist failed to communicate about giving the patient oxygen and using an electric cautery tool in combination. Claim for damages involving first and second-degree facial burns. Settled just before trial.

Car-versus-horse collision
Successfully represented a driver injured after her car collided with horses that had escaped from a breeding farm due to the negligent design and maintenance of the farm’s fencing. Recovered compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Dangerous products
A construction worker who was seriously injured when a nail gun misfired and shot a 3″ nail into his chest. Legal claims were filed against the nail gun manufacturer alleging that the nail gun was defective and dangerous because it did not have a safety switch. Case settled prior to trial.

Members of our Personal Injury team have Master’s Degrees in Trial Advocacy and have been named as Super Lawyers Top 100 in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, in Philadelphia Magazine and Top Lawyers in Main Line Today. Our attorneys are easily accessible, educate you on the law and legal process and regularly update you on the status of your case.

In addition, our fees are charged on a “Contingent” basis, meaning that the fee is based upon our attorneys recovering compensation for you. If we achieve no recovery, there is no fee. If we are successful in achieving compensation, our fee is usually a fair percentage of the recovery plus any out-of-pocket costs we pay to pursue your case.

We believe that the Contingent Fee is beneficial to our clients because the risk of the representation is on our shoulders. We pay expenses and perform work, but, if we are unsuccessful, you owe us nothing. In addition, the Contingent Fee gives a financial incentive for us to get you full and fair compensation because our fee depends on it.

ATTORNEYS

Peter E. Kratsa

Computer And Other Electronic Communication Devices Crimes

Family Law

Our attorneys cover all aspects of family law, from drafting prenuptial agreements before parties marry to negotiating divorce settlements when a marriage ends, as well as helping parents resolve child custody disputes.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.

Criminal Defense

Being investigated or prosecuted for a crime is obvious cause for anxiety. It is imperative to have an experienced, proficient, and accessible defense attorney to guide you through this process.

REPRESENTATIVE CASES:

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.

Personal Injury Law

A personal injury attorney is something that you never want to need, but are glad to have when you do.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call the firm at 610.436.0100 or submit the contact request form.

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