Premier High-Stakes Criminal Defense Firm
Federal & State Crime
We help people fight complex criminal charges by crafting an effective defense so that they win back their freedom and reputation.
Pennsylvania | New Jersey
If you’re facing A prosecutor, hire a former prosecutor to build your defense
Your Liberty is at Stake
Prosecutors typically seek prison time on criminal cases. If you are facing criminal charges, you are fighting for your liberty.
Adapting to prison life is difficult and the consequences include loss of family contact, employment, and reputational harm.
The key to your freedom is successfully defending against the government’s case.
If you want to discuss how we can help, click below for a free consultation.
What to Expect From Our Services
To avoid prison, you need a defense attorney serving you as both guide and advocate to help you build and present the strongest defense against the prosecutor’s case.
A defense attorney will provide CLARITY; ADVICE; and ADVOCACY.
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You probably have limited knowledge of criminal law and procedure.
A patient, empathetic, and clear communicator with a good “bedside manner” will enlighten you about what to expect and the decisions you will need to make.
As your guide, we will speak via phone, email, and/or in-person meetings before and after key hearings so you always know what is going on.
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You must make several complicated decisions where you must weigh questions of law, procedure, trial strategy, evidence, the judge, prosecutor, and jury pool.
As your advisor, we will help you weigh each factor so you make the best decision.
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Once you have decided on a legal strategy, you need a persuasive advocate to successfully execute the defense.
As your advocate, we will present your best arguments in the light most favorable to your case to tip the scales in your favor.
Our representation will equip you to make the best decisions in building a persuasive case so you win back your freedom and reputation.
Experienced Criminal Defense Representation
We understand the fear, uncertainty, and sense of injustice our clients and their families face when fighting a criminal case.
We have defended against unfair criminal charges where witnesses—including police—exaggerate, cherry-pick facts, and even lie.
As a former prosecutor, Ellis Palividas has investigated and tried hundreds of cases. He knows the government ‘tricks of the trade’—and how to defend against them.
As a defense attorney, he has successfully secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges/sentences in state and federal court on charges of first-degree murder, drug trafficking organizations, sexual assault cases, white collar crimes, firearms possession and trafficking
If you are facing a criminal case, you need an experienced and talented trial attorney. Click below for a free consultation.
Client Reviews
We have also represented on several high-profile and press cases
as featured in
Our Process
There are a series of steps we undertake to evaluate and prepare a criminal case:
1. Preliminary Evaluation
Our first step is to give you clarity by analyzing the initial charging documents (indictment or arrest report) which summarizes the factual allegations and the charges you are facing. We will also meet and interview the client to get their side of the story and potential avenues of investigation.
This will give you an understanding of the issues at play; your potential exposure; and outline the next steps we can take
2. Discovery Review and Investigation
We will review and analyze the evidence—highlighting the strong and weak facts. We frequently retain private investigators to identify witnesses and evidence.
3. Motions
After exhausting the investigation, the legal issues will become clear. We will proceed to develop a strategy and file appropriate motions to suppress or keep out evidence that is not admissible by the rules of evidence.
4. Negotiation
Every criminal case follows the stages outlined in the rules of criminal procedure. As we move through the system, we will be simultaneously negotiating with prosecutors. This will give you a sense of how strong they believe their case is and whether we can come to an acceptable resolution. We will negotiate the charges and the punishment, to get you the lowest possible offer. It is always the client’s choice whether to plead—we will get you the best options. We will counsel you. Not pressure you.
5. Trial
If the case does not resolve via plea bargain and is not dismissed via pretrial motion, we will try the case before a judge or jury. Preparing for trial requires developing a theory of the case, a list of key facts that must be brought out on cross-examination, opening statements, closing statements, and preparing witnesses that we intend to present—including whether the client will testify.
How to Retain the Firm
An arrest is an emergency and representation is needed immediately. We make the retainer process simple and easy.
A free 15-minute consultation to discuss the legal matter. Longer consultations may be scheduled.
Consultation
The services and costs are discussed and agreed to in advance.
Agreement
Ellis Legal represents and enters its appearance on the case.