Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer
Andrew Gay Jr. has defended thousands of successful criminal cases in Philadelphia
If you, or someone you know, has been arrested, your case needs immediate attention and representation. When you call the Law Offices of Andrew Gay Jr., you will be working directly with Andrew Gay, Jr., a highly reviewed Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer. Whether you are charged with a minor misdemeanor offense, such as DUI/DWI, or drug possession (K&I), or facing more serious felonies, such as Aggravated Assault, Murder, Robbery, or Possession with Intent to Delivery Narcotics (PWID), our firm has the knowledge, trial experience and insight into the federal and state court criminal justice systems to properly handle your case to a successful conclusion. Andrew Gay, Jr., is also a well-respected federal practitioner, adept at navigating the intricacies of the complex federal courts.
Andrew Gay, Jr. is admitted to practice in Philadelphia state court, federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. When you’re facing serious charges, insist on the assurance of an attorney who is knowledgeable, experienced and will evaluate your particular case. Mr. Gay has more than twenty years of trial experience in the complicated Philadelphia criminal justice system, and will provide you with the comfort of knowing that your case will be handled properly.
If you are facing the increased penalties of a federal prosecution, hire the experience needed to ensure you receive the benefits of right departures and adjustments to which you are entitled under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, as issued by the United States Sentencing Commission.
Personal service, respect and attention to detail matter
Our firm puts personal service back into the legal profession, treating all clients with dignity and compassion. You are kept up to date on the progress of your case, and we return calls as your inquiries arise. When calling our office, or visiting our office near Rittenhouse Square, a live individual will personally handle your concerns. Our after-hours answering service provides a live, personal receptionist to properly route your call.
The Law Office of Andrew Gay, Jr. has applied the experience of over twenty years and provides personal, skilled criminal defense in the following Pennsylvania Counties: Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, Dauphin, Clearfield, York, and more. Andrew Gay, Jr. knows the differences in local practices of each county, and will obtain the most favorable result, paying particular attention to your case.
We provide superior defense services in Philadelphia state and federal court to clients accused of:
Quick Facts
24/7 Customer Service
24+ Years of Trial Experience
Flexible Payment Plans
125+ Five Star Google Reviews
1,000+ Successful Cases
“All I heard was, NOT GUILTY, NOT GUILTY, NOT GUILTY, NOT GUILTY.”
Important Notice:
Philadelphia is no longer imposing mandatory minimum sentences on Guns & Drug cases. On August 20, 2014, the Superior Court of PA declared these sentences unconstitutional in the matter of Commonwealth v. Newman, based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Alleyne v. United States.
White Collar & Federal Crimes
The federal government only brings the most serious cases. No matter what charges you’re facing, it’s important to act early to secure a lawyer who will investigate your case and work tirelessly to challenge the government’s allegations on your behalf. Andrew Gay, Jr., successfully represented clients with white collar criminal charges, including business, financial and tax fraud, drug offenses, and internet crimes.
Andrew Gay, Jr., an attorney in good standing since 1999, is admitted to practice in the Philadelphia Court of Common Plea (State Court) and throughout the Commonwealth, as well as the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He has also been admitted pro hac vice to practice in other jurisdictions. Highly experienced in state and federal prosecutions, Andrew will take the time to explain the issues surrounding your case and the guidelines and strategies necessary to avoid harsh outcomes.
If the federal government has decided to prosecute you, there are choices to make concerning the handling of your case. Those decisions must be made quickly. Federal mandatory minimum sentences are particularly harsh in cases involving Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to distribute drugs, and possession of firearms. Your legal representative must be extremely familiar with these complex rules and guidelines that are constantly changing. Andrew Gay, Jr., continually educates himself on the changes in law, including the First Step Act (1SA) and Fair Sentencing Act (FSA), and will guide you to make sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to receive for a successful outcome.
Federal crimes we provide defense for:
- Aggravated Identity Theft
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), “Cybercrime”
- Conspiracy to distribute drugs
- Embezzlement
- Health Care Fraud
- Possessing Firearms
- Mail Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Mortgage Fraud
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance
- Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO)
- Securities Fraud
- Wire Fraud
We also defend people charged with the following state crimes:
- Aggravated Assault
- Arson
- Homicide by Vehicle
- Murder
- Robbery
- Simple Assault
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Weapons Possession
Assault & Homicide
Any allegation of assault needs an early and thorough investigation into the events that led up to the arrest. Andrew Gay, Jr., investigates and identifies witnesses before the preliminary hearing to ensure the best outcome for your case.
Whether yours is a case of mistaken identity, self-defense or a complete fabrication of events, Andrew Gay, Jr., will put in the work necessary to prepare your case for a successful outcome.
Theft, Burglary & Robbery
While these terms are often used interchangeably, the charges have important and different meanings. Theft involves the taking of property and the penalty typically depends on the value of what was allegedly stolen. Burglary crimes are committed any time someone enters any building or structure with the intent to commit a crime, whether or not anything was actually stolen. With Robbery charges, the prosecution needs to prove that someone stole from another person by using force or threatening violence. Some charges may have increased guidelines, if an injury was sustained or a weapon was used.
The intricacies of these charges require a full legal investigation and identification of the witnesses who saw the events forming the basis for the arrest. Completing this investigation prior to your preliminary hearing is essential for a successful outcome. Whether your matter involves mistaken identity, self-defense or a complete fabrication of events, Andrew Gay, Jr., will put in the work necessary to prepare your case for a successful outcome.
Gun Possession
The Pennsylvania Legislature imposes stiff penalties for gun possession, and the stakes are even higher if you’re not eligible to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm. In Philadelphia and the surrounding area, even more harsh penalties are being imposed for people who can’t legally possess a gun. Federal mandatory minimum sentences apply for possessing a firearm. However, the First Step Act removed the stacking of firearms offenses and now the federal penalties for a second, or subsequent, conviction only apply with a previous final conviction for using a firearm.
Your defense in this matter depends on all of the evidence involved, including witness and surveillance footage. The most frequent ways to approach an illegal gun case in Philadelphia are:
- Motion to suppress evidence
- Challenge the sufficiency of the evidence
To win a motion to suppress evidence, you need to convince the court that your constitutional rights were violated by an illegal search. Even if the evidence against you is admissible, it could be deemed insufficient if it was not recovered from your person. This is referred to as a challenge to whether the person arrested constructively possessed the item.
If the government (Philadelphia Police, DEA, FBI or USPIS) wish to attribute an illegal item to you that was not recovered from your person (i.e., nearby car or home), hire the experience needed to challenge whether the government can prove you constructively possessed the illegal item.
Sexual Assault
If convicted of a sexual offense, you likely face jail time and will also be required to register under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law. This can affect where you are permitted to live and your employment. Depending on the crime, reporting requirements can be lifelong and failing to comply may result in mandatory jail sentences.
To reduce the chance of a possible conviction, and being subjected to Megan’s Law requirements, you need an attorney who is familiar with all aspects of these offenses to properly handle and prepare your case for a successful outcome.
We defend those accused of the following sexual-related offenses:
- Possession of Child Pornography (18 Pa.C.S.A. 6312)
- Indecent Assault (18 Pa.C.S.A. 3126)
- Indecent Exposure (18 Pa.C.S.A. 3127)
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI) (18 Pa.C.S.A. 3123)
- Rape (18 Pa.C.S.A. 3121)
- Statutory Sexual Assault (18 Pa.C.S.A. 3122.1)
DUI / DWI
In recent years, Pennsylvania has dramatically increased the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI). Being convicted of a DUI can damage your personal life and employment, because you will face possible jail time, fines, and a license suspension. The penalties are more serious, if you were convicted of a DUI in the previous 10 years. If this is your first arrest and no one was injured, we will make sure you have the option to participate in Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD). The ARD program permits you to avoid prosecution and have the incident expunged from your record. If your license is suspended due to a DUI conviction, Andrew Gay, Jr., will verify if you are eligible for an Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL).
In Philadelphia and surrounding counties, there are several programs available to help you avoid many of the penalties associated with a DUI conviction. Andrew Gay, Jr. is an experienced DUI lawyer, who will explain your rights and potential DUI sentencing implications.
Drug Possession
Pennsylvania has serious penalties for a conviction involving the trafficking or selling of narcotics in certain quantities.
There are several strategies to build the best defense for your particular case, and the foundation begins with preparation before your preliminary hearing. Andrew Gay, Jr., will thoroughly investigate your case and witnesses to:
- Prepare a motion to suppress evidence
- Determine if you are eligible for a reduced sentence under Pennsylvania’s Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive (RRRI)
If you are able to demonstrate that your rights were violated while police obtained the evidence against you, the evidence will be excluded at trial. If an illegal item was not recovered by the police from your person, you may be able to challenge the sufficiency of evidence. Additionally, for some cases, there are alternatives, such as substance abuse programs, available to reduce or avoid incarceration.
It’s important that you obtain legal counsel at an early stage and hire someone who is familiar with all aspects of your charges. Andrew Gay, Jr., has the experience necessary to guide your drug possession case to a successful conclusion.
Preparing for Your Criminal Defense Trial
Learn how we prepare to get you the best possible outcome
Video Transcript
Speaker: Andrew Gay, Jr., Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer
“In a criminal matter, preparation is key. Whether you are walking into a preliminary hearing room, or you are preparing for trial.
When I’m preparing for your criminal trial, I will look over every scrap of evidence that exists. I will look at police reports, witness statements, 911 tapes, transcripts of 911 tapes, preliminary hearing testimony, anything that is available for me will have been thoroughly reviewed and discussed with you before we walk in.
I will know what each individual witness has to say about the most important issues in your trial. And it’s honing in on those important issues and the differences in testimony between the prosecution witnesses and the defense witnesses that will better prepare me to make sure that the correct argument is made to your jury.
In order to make sure that I’m able in your criminal trial to attack the witnesses that are testifying against you, I make sure that I look at each and every statement and compare it to their prior testimony at a preliminary hearing to make sure that there is no way for them to change their story, to make sure that there’s no way for them to then embellish upon what they previously told the police, or what they previously testified to in court. And many times, being able to attack a witness based on prior inconsistent testimony is what helps us win criminal trials.
It’s very important for you as the client to make sure that you have someone on your side from the very beginning of the case. So waiting to hire a lawyer until after the preliminary hearing many times is a big mistake, because if the lawyer who’s representing you at trial also properly prepared for your preliminary hearing and interviewed your witnesses prior to your preliminary hearing, the trial result is going to be much better.”
Reasons to Choose Us
24/7 Customer Service
24+ Years of Trial Experience
Flexible Payment Plans
125+ Five Star Google Reviews
Millions Recovered
1,000+ Successful Cases
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