Michael D. Dautrich

Michael D. Dautrich

Prior to graduating from law school, Michael spent his summers as an intern with his uncle, David R. Dautrich, Esquire our founder. During those summers, Michael gained valuable experience in how to practice law, which ultimately led to his decision to go to law school.

While Michael was in law school, he was employed for two years with the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, which is the enforcement arm of the State Police that enforces citations against Pennsylvania Liquor Licensees. In that capacity, Michael became a certified legal intern and personally handled many hearings for the State Police. In addition, in his role enforcing the liquor code, Michael gained insight into how to defend a licensee with regard to liquor license matters. Since coming into private practice, Michael has practiced in liquor license work, including but not limited to transfer applications, nuisance bar defense, and liquor license citation defense.

Michael D. Dautrich, Esquire has been in private practice with the firm since 1996. Prior to beginning private practice, Michael was a law clerk for the Honorable Scott D. Keller in the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. During his time with Judge Keller, Michael observed all aspects of criminal cases, including but not limited to trial tactics, authoring of opinions, and assisting the Judge in research and ruling on evidentiary issues.

Over the past 20 years in private practice, Michael has participated in hundreds of civil and criminal hearings throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. He has handled numerous jury trials in both civil and criminal courts, including personally handling two murder trials. Michael is death penalty certified under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure as experienced enough to handle death penalty cases.

In his personal injury practice, Michael has successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients. In workers compensation cases, Michael has made some of the most substantial settlements in Berks County and is a past chairman of the Berks County Bar Association Workers Compensation Section.

Areas Of Practice:

Criminal Defense
· All felonies
· DUI/DWI
· Misdemeanors
· Death penalty

Personal Injury
· Automobile accidents
· Wrongful death
· Products liability
· School district liability
· Civil rights claims

Workers' Compensation Claims
Liquor License Transfers

Bar Admissions:
Pennsylvania, 1996
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1998
U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, 2000

Education:
Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania , J.D.
Honors:
Cum Laude
Law Journal: Editor, 1994-1995, Widener Journal of Public Law, 1993 - 1995

Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, USA, 1992 , B.A.
Honors:
With Honors
Major: English

Published Works:
The "Innocent Owner" Defense in Civil Drug Forfeitures After United States v. 92 Buena Vista Avenue:
Still An Uphill Battle For Third-Party Claimants
Widener Journal of Public Law, Volume 3, No. 2, 1994

Past Positions:
Pennsylvania State Police, Intern, 1993 - 1995
The Honorable Scott D. Keller, Law Clerk, 1995 - 1996

Fraternities:
Kappa Sigma