I am attorney John J. Kerrigan, Jr. Since 1972, I have been helping people in trouble — people who need a criminal defense attorney who will be on their side throughout the criminal justice process. I represent adult and juvenile criminal defendants throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and in federal courts in Pennsylvania.
My clients are a cross-section of the community. They are regular people who have been charged with crimes and need a committed criminal law advocate. My goal as a lawyer is to protect your rights and give you the help you need regardless of what you are accused of. Contact me for a free consultation.
I represent all types of criminal defendants in Pennsylvania and federal courts. I handle virtually all criminal offenses:
Conspiracy, attempt, solicitation and accessory charges
Parole and probation violations
Juvenile offenses
Helping Pennsylvania Criminal Defendants at Every Stage
I represent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges ranging from DWAI/DUI to violent offenses. I am ready to help you through the entire criminal justice process. I will represent you at your bail or bond hearing. As we prepare your defense strategy, I will investigate issues such as whether the police or FBI illegally searched for or seized evidence.
If you are offered a plea bargain, I will advise you based on my experience with the system, let you decide what to do, and carry out your decision. If your case goes to trial, I will provide you with a vigorous defense, customized to your specific circumstances. I will work hard at every stage to keep you out of jail.
Offering Affordable, Accessible Criminal Law Representation
If you’ve been charged with a crime, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to afford your criminal defense. I will offer a free initial consultation about your case. During that process, we will discuss my fees. Fee agreements are available for all cases, and I accept credit cards.
Don’t hesitate to get help if you have been charged with a crime or if you know you are being investigated. Contact me today
My criminal defense practice is about helping people in trouble. I have been defending people charged with crimes for more than 35 years and have represented criminal defendants in more than 250 jury trials. Criminal defense is all I do.
I represent both adult and juvenile criminal defendants in Bucks County and throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as in federal criminal cases in Pennsylvania.
I have been selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer and am AV Peer Review Rated through Martindale-Hubbell.* I am a former president of both the Bucks County Bar Association and Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and served on the federal Criminal Justice Act panel for more than 25 years.
Everyone charged with a crime deserves a high-quality criminal defense. Contact me now for a free consultation about your defense.
*CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.
Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.
Areas of Practice
Pennsylvania and Federal Criminal Defense
Juvenile Criminal Defense
Criminal Appeals
Bail and Bond Hearings
DUI/DWAI
Drug Crimes
Theft and Property Offenses
White Collar Crimes
Sex Offenses
Assault and Violent Crimes
Parole and Probation Violations
Murder
Certification/Specialties
Rule 801 Death Penalty Qualified, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Bar Admissions
Pennsylvania, 1972
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, 1973
U.S. Supreme Court
Education
Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, Washington, District of Columbia, 1972 J.D.
St Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1965 B.S.
Classes/Seminars Taught
Course Planner and Lecturer, Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Annual Criminal Law Symposium
Honors and Awards
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
AV Peer Review Rated through Martindale-Hubbell
Recipient, Bucks County Bar Association Criminal Law Section Liberty Award, 2004
Recipient, Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Award, 2002
Professional Associations and Memberships
Pennsylvania Bar, 1972 - Present Member
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2004 - 2005 President
Pennsylvania Bar Association Board of Governors, 2000 - 2003 Zone 9 Governor (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery Counties)
Pennsylvania Bar Institute Member, Criminal Law Committee
Bucks County Bar Association Former President
Bucks County Bar Association Member, Bench & Bar Committee
Bucks County Bar Association Member, Criminal Law Section
Bucks County Bar Association Former Chairman, Pro Bono Committee
Bucks County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Committee
Bucks County Bar Association Long Range Planning Committee
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Former Member, Board of Governors
Federal Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel, 1975 - 2001 Panel Member
Birth Information
1943, Miami, Florida, United States of America
Driving while ability impaired (DWAI) — known elsewhere as driving under the influence (DUI) — is a serious charge that you need to take seriously. Having an experienced lawyer represent you can reduce the consequences of a drunk-driving charge.
Approximately 40% of all criminal charges in Bucks County are for DWAI/DUI, and the same percentage of my practice as an attorney is devoted to these cases. My clients are regular people who find themselves in trouble and need help. I have been practicing as a criminal defense lawyer for more than 35 years. Contact me for a free consultation if you have been charged with drunk driving.
Clearing Your Record and Restoring Your Driving Privileges
A DWAI/DUI charge carries a risk of jail time in addition to fines and restriction of your driving privileges. Even if you are convicted, however, there are options. Most first-time offenders are eligible for Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. With ARD, if you go a year without getting into any more legal trouble, the DWAI/DUI charges will be dropped and taken off your record. For people under 18, a consent decree from juvenile court can have the same effect.
In addition to criminal charges, people arrested for DWAI/DUI face automatic suspension of their driver’s licenses. If your license has been suspended, I may be able to help you get an occupational limited license so you can drive to work or school.
Helping People Charged with Underage Drinking
If you are under 21 and charged with DWAI/DUI, you may face an additional charge against you for underage drinking. I can help you defend yourself against both of these charges.
A DWAI/DUI charge is very serious, but with experienced legal representation you can minimize the consequences and protect your rights. Contact me today to schedule a free initial consultation.