Bentley, Gibson, Kopecki, Smith, P.C., is an established law firm that focuses exclusively on family law and criminal law. As a small practice, we are able to devote the time and individualized attention that clients crave and deserve when facing these complex and emotional issues. Yet we are also formidable trial lawyers and experienced counselors who can effectively protect your interests in or out of court. Our firm serves the greater Reading, Pennsylvania, area, concentrating in Berks County, Lancaster County and Lebanon County. Our attorneys have consistently achieved favorable outcomes for clients in the following areas of practice: Divorce and family law Property division, child custody, financial support, paternity, adoption, domestic violence, prenuptial agreements DUI charges First offense and repeat DUI, underage or professional drivers, breath test refusal, license suspension Criminal defense Drugs, theft, fraud, assault, vehicle offenses, firearm offenses and other misdemeanor or felony charges involving adults, college students or juveniles Mindful Of The Mission The law is a service profession, but some of our colleagues have lost their way of why we do this job. At Bentley, Gibson, Kopecki, Smith, we take a client-centered and holistic approach to legal issues, which hearkens back to a time when people came to an attorney for all their problems, not just legal issues. We guide clients through every stage of the legal process and consider the short- and long-term consequences. We address the overwhelming emotions and the need to have someone truly listen to the full story of what has happened to bring you into a lawyer’s office. Our main office in Wyomissing is located in a historic building, providing a comfortable and cozy environment to spill out your concerns and work through the different scenarios. We also have convenient office locations in Lancaster and Lebanon where we can meet with you. In criminal cases, we can also arrange jail visits. Equipped To Protect You Our firm has handled hundreds of divorce and custody cases. The members of our criminal defense team are former public defenders who have been to trial on virtually every type of case, from shoplifting to murder. There are some 10,000 days of courtroom experience in this firm, and that experience plays to your advantage whether we settle your matter out of court or argue your case before a judge or jury. We know the judges, prosecutors and opposing attorneys in most cases, and we can gauge “when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em” regarding the decision to litigate or negotiate. Our firm can “triage” your legal situation to determine what immediate steps should be taken to protect your interests right now. Several of our attorneys have been through the divorce process themselves, and that empathy translates into both compassionate counsel and practical advice. When appropriate, we also hire private investigators and other experts to aid in the preparation of your case.
SKILLED DUI LAWYERS WHO CAN HELP NOW Being arrested for driving under the influence is embarrassing and unnerving. Under Pennsylvania’s strict DUI laws, you could face serious penalties even on a first offense. Enhancing factors such as a prior DUI, excessive blood alcohol or a child in the car only magnify the potential consequences. At Bentley, Gibson, Kopecki, Smith, P.C., you are defended by skilled attorneys who know how to protect your rights and respond to the allegations. We will do everything we can to mitigate the consequences of a DUI arrest. We defend adults of all walks of life, as well as college students and youths, who face drunk driving charges in Berks County, Lancaster County and Lebanon County. Experienced Drunk Driving Defense No one sets out with the intention of driving under the influence. And yet you are treated as a criminal pulled over, questioned, “tested,” subjected to the indignities of the arrest process and ultimately charged with DUI or a refusal violation. At Bentley, Gibson, Kopecki, Smith, we do not judge you or view you as a criminal. We treat you as a citizen who is charged with these offenses and presumed innocent. We take the time to listen to the circumstances of your DUI incident to spot the weaknesses in the state’s case. We give our honest assessment and work hard to position you for the most favorable result. Always remember: You have rights. You are entitled to constitutional rights and rights under the Pennsylvania DUI statutes, including the right to contest the criminal allegation and license suspension. You have defenses. Our attorneys know how to challenge the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, the blood alcohol sample and other facets of your arrest. Our efforts have resulted in favorable negotiations as well as acquittals at trial. You have options. On a first offense of DUI, you may qualify for dismissal of charges (ARD). If you face a drug DUI, repeat DUI or enhanced charges, you may qualify for alternative sentencing programs to limit the punishment or get help for an addiction problem. The biggest mistake is to plead guilty or go to court without legal representation. You need an experienced DUI defense lawyer who understands the laws and the system, especially if you are facing second- or third-tier DUI penalties under Pennsylvania’s grading system. Beyond jail and loss of driving privileges, any drunk driving conviction can affect education, employment, insurance rates and your standing in the community. Preventing A Common Scenario From Causing Severe Consequences If you contact our attorneys quickly, we can start working to reduce possible penalties before you even get to court. One option may be getting you enrolled in a treatment program to show that you are trying to prevent this from happening again. Another option may be the accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program which allows for dismissal of the charges and the arrest to be erased from your record on completion of the program. We examine the report and evidence collected by the arresting police officer. We look for possible improper conduct or mistakes made during the arrest. Whenever possible, we obtain any video footage of the traffic stop. We may also obtain the records of service for the “Breathalyzer” machine if you took a breath test as part of the arrest. Our main priority is protecting you and your future.