Peter E. Kratsa

Mr. Kratsa is an experienced criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience defending individuals and entities accused of criminal activity. His practice includes representation of clients in state and federal criminal trials, grand jury investigations, internal investigations, appeals, state and federal regulatory matters, and juvenile delinquency matters.

Prior to joining MacElree Harvey, Pete was a partner in a private law practice which concentrated exclusively on criminal cases at the state and federal court level. Before going into private practice, Pete served as an Assistant Public Defender with the Chester County Public Defender’s Office.

Education

• Villanova University School of Law, J.D.
• University of Richmond, B.A.

Admissions

• Pennsylvania
• Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Notable Representations

• Successfully represented a client acquitted by jury of Rape and related charges after week-long trial involving multiple factual and scientific witnesses.
• Successfully represented a client accused of Insurance Fraud. With assistance of investigator, developed evidence that Commonwealth witness was fabricating. Witness confronted with fabrications through cross-examination. Case withdrawn by Commonwealth; arrest records expunged. Witness confronted with fabrications through cross-examination. Case withdrawn by Commonwealth; arrest records expunged.
• Favorable disposition for multiple clients accused of sex offenses and/or violent offenses through development and advocacy of mitigation arguments.
• Successfully represented a client accused of Unlawful Restraint, False Imprisonment and firearm-related offenses. Charges withdrawn by Commonwealth after Preliminary Hearing (cross-examination of victim and police) and filing of Omnibus Pre-Trial Motion.
• Successfully represented a client acquitted by jury of DUI.
• Successfully represented a client accused of assault. Judge granted Pre-Trial Motion to dismiss the charges.
• Successfully represented a client exonerated of Mail Fraud.
• Representation of state and federal grand jury witnesses.
• Favorable dispositions for clients charged with summary criminal and traffic offenses.

Memberships

• Chester County Bar Association
• Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), Eastern District
  • President 2019-present
  • President-Elect 2018-2019
  • Vice President 2016-2017
  • Board of Directors 2015-2016
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
• American Bar Foundation, Fellow