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Rebeka Seelinger
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Rebeka Seelinger
Seelinger Law
5148 Peach Street
Suite 330
Erie, PA 16509
Phone: (814) 824-6670
Have a Former Prosecutor Fight For YOU!
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I was a prosecutor in Pittsburgh for five years and I am comfortable with all criminal defense cases.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Felonies
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
PA, Nov 2004
Bar Number: 93897
Other Court Admissions
All Pennsylvania Courts and Federal District Court.
Association Memberships
Erie County Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars in Criminal Law including a two day update every year in Harrisburg. I always exceed the required number of continued education hours. Continuing education is how the attorneys remain up to date on the numerous changes each year in the law and legal procedure. It is an important aspect of your attorney's resume. I routinely attend seminars in my practice areas. I typically will exceed the requirements by three or four times the number of required hours. Since my practice is focused on only a few areas of law, this concentration ensures I have the most up to date information available on any changes.
Example Cases
A college student was pulled over by the police and searched. The police found a large amount of narcotics and a list of transaction or buy sheets along with the drugs. She came to me charged with a felony drug charge (possession with intent to deliver) and her biggest concern (besides going to jail of course) was whether her parents would find out. I took the case and through negotiations with the police and the prosecutor as well as legal arguments, my client not only avoided a felony charge but a misdemeanor as well. She could return to her dorm knowing that her record would be expunged after she stayed out of trouble for three months and paid fines. In other words, her secret was safe with me.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
The Ohio State University
City:
Columbus
State:
OH
Year:
2001
Honors:
Magna Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminology and Constitutional law.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Pittsburgh
City:
Pittsburgh
State:
PA
Year:
2004
Honors:
Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminal Law focus, University of Pittsburgh Law Review, and Moot Court.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Pennsylvania
Firm Focus and History
Seelinger Law was established in 2009 when Rebeka Seelinger left the Pittsburgh District Attorney's Office and moved to Erie, PA Pennsylvania, following her marriage to Brian Seelinger of Erie.
Seelinger Law is focused on our clients and their needs. Each client and case is unique and is given special attention. For example, If if a client is extremely nervous about a court appearance, we will work with them client to ease their tension so that they not only have excellent legal representation; , but will also make a positive impression on the judge and jury from the moment they enter the courtroom.
Previous Employment Summary
I am a former prosecutor for the city of Pittsburgh where I learned how the court system works from inside the system. While a prosecutor, I spent every day in court, often eight or more hours a day. Over five years, I spent over 5,000 hours inside court rooms, more hours than many attorneys will spend over an entire career. I also clerked for a judge, witnessing first-hand the decision making processes at work and what items can have the most impact on court decisions.
Activities and Awards
I was on the University of Pittsburgh Law Review which is an honor given to law students who score within the top 10% of their class.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
My clients do not have to educate themselves on legal issues for their cases. My experience as a prosecutor included having to work with advocacy groups and explaining legal situations and procedures to non-attorneys. I am confident I can answer any questions my clients may have and am happy to have these discussions.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Clients can take an active role in their defense if it provides them peace of mind. Often prison time or parole is at stake, and it is best to have any documents submitted to the police or the courts to have been prepared by an attorney.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Criminal clients are facing serious consequences and should never attempt to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Too often people are charged with serious offenses when they had a momentary error in judgment. Every person makes mistakes and unfortunately sometimes one moment can follow a person for the rest of their life. I enjoy the satisfaction of helping people move forward with their lives.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I was a prosecutor in a busy city environment where I was in court every day and litigated countless jury trials. Attorneys are similar to any other profession, the more you experience an environment, the more comfortable one is in that environment. Comfortable people perform better under pressure because they are not worried about the environment. Attorneys can spend entire careers without ever having a trial and rarely entering a courtroom. I have experienced long hours in courtrooms and at trial; this experience is invaluable when a client's future is at stake. I also have seen the courtroom from the other side of the bench while clerking for a judge. I worked side by side with a judge, exposing me to a judge's perspective.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
There is no area of law where the stakes are higher. We are not litigating money; we are litigating the client’s freedom and future.
What do you like best about your career?
Knowing that I can truly help people who end up in a bad situation.
Tell us about your law firm:
When you sign up with Seelinger Law you deal only with lawyers, no paralegal or secretary will come between you and your attorney.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a good listener. It is important for the client to feel safe when telling me their story. I discuss your options and give my opinion before developing a game plan. It is important for the client to decide how they want to proceed as long as it is an informed decision. I fill the client in every step of the way. Negotiations at trial can happen quickly and I make sure that the client remains part of the decision making process. I do not shy away from a trial and at the same time I leave communications with the prosecution open always looking for the best result.
Personal Interests:
My interests are varied and diverse, however, I particularly enjoy working out, food and wine, and traveling. I have made many trips to the Far East including Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
Office Hours
Seven days a week by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Criminal defense fees are often flat rate or per stage of the process (if a case can be dismissed in an early stage, the client doesn't pay for the later stages). Extremely complex cases can be charged at an hourly rate, however this is rare. Payment plans can be made available and credit cards are accepted. The best option for criminal defense is to call me for a consultation and a specific rate quote.
Hourly Rates
This is very rare in criminal defense and varies with case complexity.
Free Initial Consultation?
I have a free 30 minute consultation.
Typical Retainer
Yes, typically half of the fee agreement, however, these matters are worked out between the individual and the attorney.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
