Michael H. Fienman

I am a criminal trial attorney who has handled thousands of cases ranging from traffic, DUI, sex and drug offences, to money laundering, wire fraud and homicide. I also deal with issues relating to the defense of Title IX charges. Many of my clients hold professional licenses ( doctors, nurses, pilots, insurance agents) and thus my experience extends to administrative proceedings and the collateral impact of criminal charges or conviction on licensure.

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School

J.D. (2010) | Trial Advocacy

2007 - 2010

Honors: Dean's List

Dickinson College

B.A. (2006) | Religion

2002 - 2006

Attorney / Founder

Fienman Defense, PLLC

Current

No Matter Your Privacy Setting, Facebook and MySpace Accounts Are Not As Private As You May Like

Upon Further Review

May 5, 2011

Kids, Wealth, and Consequences: Managing the Pitfalls When Good Decisions Are Not Made, The Merion Cricket Club

September 12, 2018

The Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware

Kids will be kids, and some develop critical decision-making skills later than others. Add access to technology, cars, and money to the mix, and you can end up with good kids making poor decisions. How do you manage the pitfalls when good decisions are not made?

Starting a New Business in Philadelphia, Young Entrepreneurs of Philadelphia

January 1, 2011

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

2023

Certified Arbitrator

Philadephia Court of Common Pleas

AV Preeminent

Martindale-Hubbell

2024

Selected to Rising Stars: 2018 - 2024 Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence

Client Champion - PLATINUM

Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Services

2024

Rising Stars

Super Lawyers

2023

Selected to Rising Stars: 2019 - 2023

Top 10 under 40

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2016

2014 - 2016

Pro Bono Roll of Honor

First Judicial District of Pennsylvania

2015

2011, 2012, and 2015

Pennsylvania State Bar

Member

Current

Bucks County Bar Association

Member

2023 - Current

Philadelphia Criminal Law Inn of Court

Barrister

2023 - Current

Delaware County Bar Association

Member

2017 - Current

National College for DUI Defense

Member

2014 - Current

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

• Professional Licensing Defense
• Title IX Defense

Q. In DE County, at a preliminary hearing with the magistrate district court, can the charges/case be dismissed?

September 13, 2019

A: The Commonwealth has the burden of establishing a prima facie case at the preliminary hearing. If they do not meet their burden of proof, the case will be dismissed.

A lot of things can happen during a preliminary hearing - including the addition of new charges. If you are serious about having a case dismissed at the preliminary hearing, you would be well served to be represented by an attorney.

Q. While walking my 8 year old blue merle collie on a leash my dog was struck by a vehicle-street was clear when crossing

February 6, 2019

A: Your case can be pursued both criminally and civilly.

With respect to criminal prosecution, it is not your decision whether charges are filed. The local police department that responded to your call and the district attorney for the county in which this incident occurred have complete discretion when it comes to prosecuting the case. To the extent the matter is prosecuted, make sure that the police are aware of the costs incurred at the veterinarian. You may be able to obtain reimbursement through restitution if the driver is ultimately convicted.

As far as civil prosecution, you may initiate a claim. However, it does not sound like you are claiming any personal injuries, but rather injuries to your dog. Although dogs are highly regarded animals in our society, Pennsylvania law classifies them (and pets in general) as chattel or personal property. To the extent that you maintain a claim for your dog's injuries, it would be for property damage and expenditures related to the repair and rehabilitation of the same.

Additionally, based on your query, it does not sound like you have a description of the driver. This is an important evidentiary issue that will need to be considered before initiating any civil or criminal proceeding. I'm glad that you have a good description of the vehicle, but that does not necessarily establish who was driving at the time of the incident.

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