Peter E. Kratsa - West Chester, PA
Attorney at MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in West Chester, PA
17 West Miner Street West Chester, PA 19382
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
33
Years
Experience
West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- Corporate Compliance and Internal Investigations
- White Collar Defense
- Protection From Abuse
- DUI and Homicide by Vehicle Defense
- Violent Crimes Defense
- Drug Crimes Defense
- Juvenile Delinquency Defense
- Sex Crimes Defense
Attorney Information
Overview
Pete concentrates his practice on criminal law, including state and federal criminal trials, grand jury investigations, internal investigations, appeals, as well as juvenile delinquency matters. Pete also represents individuals and entities in regulatory matters (such as professional license investigations and/or prosecutions). Pete additionally practices family law, including divorce, support, custody and adoption.
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.
Recent Representations
- 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 Case withdrawn by Commonwealth; arrest records expunged.
- 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 Charges withdrawn by Commonwealth after Preliminary Hearing (cross-examination of victim and police) and filing of Omnibus Pre-Trial Motion.
- Client acquitted by jury of DUI.
- Client accused of assault. Judge granted Pre-Trial Motion to dismiss the charges.
- Representation of state and federal grand jury witnesses.
- Representation of client accused and ultimately exonerated of Mail Fraud.
- Representation of multiple clients charged with criminal and traffic offenses calling for the collateral consequence of a license suspension. Successfully avoid convictions and license suspensions by way of negotiating with officers and Commonwealth and/or gaining acquittals after Summary Trial.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Top Lawyers, 2010 - 2013
- AV Preeminent peer rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2013
Other Sources of Feedback About Peter E. Kratsa
Included on the 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
- Villanova University School of Law, Villanova, Pennsylvania
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Non Legal Education
-
University of Richmond
Major: English
Minor: History
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University of Richmond
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Partner
Past Positions
- Chester County Public Defender’s Office, Assistant Public Defender
Published Works
Articles
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Attorney-Client Privilege: The Primary Principle of Criminal Defense
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MacElree Harvey Names New Shareholder
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Peter Kratsa featured in Bloomberg Business
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Attorney Peter Kratsa Featured on CNN
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Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Other Affiliations
- Chester County Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), 2016 - 2017 (Eastern District Vice President)
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), 2015 - 2016 (Board of Directors)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
- American Bar Foundation (Fellow)
Photo
Contact
17 West Miner Street
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-314-7020
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.macelree.com/
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