Business Details
Trusted Criminal Defense in Harrisburg, PA
The Dorward Law Firm has built a reputation as a dedicated legal practice serving Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania. With over a decade of experience, our team specializes in criminal defense, offering strategic representation for cases ranging from DUI offenses to violent crimes. Our approach combines deep legal expertise with personalized advocacy, ensuring clients receive tailored defense strategies grounded in thorough case analysis. We prioritize client communication, maintaining transparency throughout legal proceedings while leveraging relationships within the legal community to achieve favorable outcomes.Our founder, Shawn Dorward, brings specialized training in DUI defense through certifications from the American Chemical Society and the National College for DUI Defense. By focusing exclusively on criminal defense, we maintain a sharp understanding of evolving legal standards and courtroom dynamics. Our commitment extends beyond individual caseswe actively educate clients about their rights and options while working to minimize long-term consequences of criminal charges. This client-centered philosophy, combined with rigorous legal preparation, forms the foundation of our practice.
Services
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Sex Crimes
Theft Crimes
Violent Crimes
Drug Crimes
Felony Defense
Misdemeanor Defense
Federal Crimes
Domestic Violence
Highlights and features
- Over a decade of experience in criminal defense
- Specialized DUI defense training from accredited institutions
- Proven track record of dismissed charges and reduced sentences
- Personalized case strategy development with client input
- Direct access to lead attorney throughout legal proceedings
Associations and certifications
- American Chemical Society
- National College for DUI Defense
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Pennsylvania Bar Institute
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
What people say
Unwavering determination
Very personable
Not guilty verdict
Prompt and upfront
Worked very hard
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice protects clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges. We handle cases involving drug offenses, DUI, sex crimes, and violent crimes with strategic courtroom advocacy. Our approach combines thorough evidence analysis with proactive negotiation to achieve charge dismissals or sentence reductions. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of Pennsylvania criminal law and local court procedures.
DUI Defense
Specialized DUI defense services address alcohol and drug-related driving charges. We challenge blood test accuracy, field sobriety test validity, and police procedure compliance. Our attorney's certifications from the American Chemical Society enhance technical challenges to prosecution evidence. We represent clients facing first-time offenses through aggravated DUI charges involving accidents or repeat offenses.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime defense covers charges ranging from assault to registration requirements. We handle sensitive cases with discretion while aggressively challenging evidence credibility. Our experience includes defending against rape allegations and negotiating plea agreements that avoid lifetime registration. We leverage Pennsylvania Supreme Court rulings to challenge unconstitutional registration mandates for juvenile offenders.
Drug Crimes
Drug crime defense addresses possession, distribution, and manufacturing charges. We challenge unlawful search and seizure practices to suppress evidence. Our strategies include proving lack of possession control or disputing drug quantity allegations. We represent clients in both state and federal courts, with success in dismissing charges based on constitutional violations during evidence collection.
Violent Crimes
Violent crime defense covers assault, domestic violence, and homicide charges. We investigate self-defense claims and challenge witness credibility. Our approach includes forensic analysis of injury patterns and accident reconstruction. We represent clients in complex cases involving vehicular homicide and aggravated assault, with demonstrated success in jury trial acquittals.
People
Shawn Dorward
Attorney
Shawn Dorward is a criminal defense attorney with over a decade of experience. Certified by the American Chemical Society in DUI defense, he has secured dismissals in complex cases involving blood test challenges and accident reconstructions. His practice focuses on protecting client rights through aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Heidi Etter
Accountant
Heidi Etter manages the firm's financial operations. With expertise in legal accounting, she oversees payment plans and financial compliance. Her role ensures efficient business operations while maintaining client-focused financial solutions.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
Contact The Dorward Law Firm immediately. Avoid speaking to law enforcement without representation. Preserve evidence like dashcam footage and witness statements.
Can DUI charges be dismissed without a blood test?
Yes. We've successfully dismissed cases by challenging field sobriety test validity and police procedure compliance even without blood alcohol evidence.
How do you handle sex offender registration challenges?
We use Pennsylvania appellate rulings to challenge unconstitutional lifetime registration requirements, particularly for juvenile offenders, with proven success in removal cases.
What differentiates your violent crime defense?
Our approach combines forensic accident reconstruction with constitutional challenges to evidence collection. We leverage technical expertise in blood spatter and injury pattern analysis.
Do you handle federal criminal cases?
Yes. Our experience extends to federal courts, addressing charges like drug trafficking and white-collar crimes with strategies tailored to federal sentencing guidelines.
Are payment plans available for legal fees?
Yes. We offer flexible payment options to ensure quality defense representation remains accessible during challenging legal situations.
