Facing prosecution by the federal government can be very intimidating. The United States Attorney's office prosecutes federal crimes utilizing the vast resources of the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Homeland Security, as well as other agencies. Federal law enforcement agencies employ complex methods of investigation including physical surveillance, search warrants and electronic surveillance, such as wiretaps. Confronting and limiting the government's power to utilize investigative techniques, craft indictments, and employ the federal sentencing guidelines, is crucial to a successful defense in federal court. Any person charged with a federal offense needs an experienced, skilled and aggressive lawyer to offset the government's power. With more than two decades of federal experience, Paul J. Hetznecker has successfully defended hundreds of clients in federal court in cases ranging from major drug conspiracies, mail fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, identity theft, to racketeering and tax evasion. Whether at trial, through plea negotiations, at sentencing, or on appeal, Paul J. Hetznecker offers the experience, skill, and aggressive advocacy necessary to meet any challenge in federal court. If you, or a loved one is charged with a federal crime contact Paul J. Hetznecker.

Paul Hetznecker has successfully litigated hundreds of drug cases in both federal and state court. The right to be free from an unreasonable search and seizure is one of the most important protections against police power in our democracy. Each individual client has the right to be protected against unwarranted intrusion by the federal agencies or local police. Over the past twenty-five years, Paul Hetznecker has fought to protect the constitutional rights of his clients. Mr. Hetznecker has successfully handled dozens of major drug conspiracy indictments in federal court and thousands of state drug charges. Whether the search, seizure, or arrest involves a large scale drug operation, or a small amount of drugs stemming from a pedestrian stop, vehicle stop, or search of a person's residence, Mr. Hetznecker has protected rights of his clients by successfully battling the government in the courtroom. The "war on drugs" has been an abject failure. The on-going battle to protect our basic freedoms against the emergent police state powers begins with the protection of our precious constitutional rights, one client at a time. If you, or a loved one have been charged with a drug offense in federal or state court, contact Paul J. Hetznecker.

Paul Hetznecker has defended a variety of white collar criminal cases. With extensive experience in federal court, Mr. Hetznecker has handled major conspiracies involving mail fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, identity theft, tax invasion, and racketeering. When faced with complex criminal litigation in federal court, it is critical that you retain an attorney with the ability, experience and record of success in handling such litigation. Paul Hetznecker has the necessary experience, skill and proven record of success to meet any challenge presented by an indictment in federal court. If you, or a loved one is charged with a complex conspiracy contact Paul J. Hetznecker.

First degree murder carries the penalty of life in prison without parole, or in some circumstances the death penalty. It is imperative anyone faced with the charge of murder retain an attorney with the training, experience, and knowledge to properly defend against these allegations. There are few defense lawyers as qualified as Paul Hetznecker. For more than two decades Mr. Hetznecker has successfully represented dozens of clients charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, rape, robbery and other serious felonies. It requires years of experience to properly investigate, develop, and employ an effective defense strategy in these cases. For twenty-five years Mr. Hetznecker has a proven record of success in cases involving the most serious charges. If you, or your loved one is charged with homicide, or a serious felony, contact Paul J.Hetznecker.

Effective lawyers are not only quick and aggressive in their response in the courtroom, they also must know the law. Following a criminal conviction, a client has the right to appeal the conviction to a higher court. Mistakes made during the course of the trial by either judges, or prosecutors, may result in a new trial if properly presented on appeal. In addition to extensive trial experience, Paul Hetznecker has handled numerous complex appeals in both federal and state court. Mr. Hetznecker has also handled numerous Federal Habeas Corpus petitions, as well as state Post Conviction Relief Act petitions. In addition to practicing before the Pennsylvania appellate courts, Mr. Hetznecker is admitted to practice in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States.

Police and other law enforcement officers have broad power to make arrests. Police must have a legal basis to intrude on a person's Fourth Amendment rights. When a Police Officer, or other law enforcement officer, makes an arrest without probable cause it is a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. If you feel you, or your loved one has been falsely arrested, contact Mr. Hetznecker.

Although Police and other law enforcement officers have the authority to use physical force under certain circumstances, they cannot use excessive force in making an arrest. A civil rights violation occurs when a law enforcement officer injures a person while using unreasonable force. Whether a police officer, or other law enforcement official discharges a firearm, uses a baton, fists or any other weapon, they must follow the law. Frequently, the only effective way to challenge excessive use of force by the police is to bring a civil rights lawsuit. If you feel that you, or your loved one, has been the victim of excessive force, contact Mr. Hetznecker.

In those situations where police employ excessive force which results in the death of a loved one, the estate may have grounds to sue for wrongful death. Mr. Hetznecker has successfully sued Police officers and prison officials for wrongful death. If you feel that Police officers, or other law enforcement officials, used excessive force in the death of a loved one, contact Paul J.Hetznecker.

Malicious prosecution is a claim for damages brought when the police have pursued a prosecution without probable cause and with malice toward the accused. These claims can be very difficult to prove. In order to bring a successful claim of malicious prosecution, the plaintiff must prove that a police officer commenced the proceedings, that there was no probable cause to make the arrest, the criminal proceeding ended in favor of the plaintiff, and that it the criminal proceedings were brought with malice toward the plaintiff. If you, or your loved one has been the subject of a claim of malicious prosecution, contact Paul J. Hetznecker.

Those held in jail awaiting trial, as well as those serving sentences, are protected by the Constitution. Every person incarcerated has the right to be protected against excessive force by correctional officers, as well as the violence from other inmates. Additionally, those incarcerated have the right to constitutionally mandated medical care and conditions of confinement. If you, or your loved one feel that your rights have been violated while in jail, contact Paul J. Hetznecker.