John R. Kelsey III, Criminal Defense Attorney in Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatJohn R. Kelsey III
Lebanon, PA
Practicing criminal defense in Lebanon since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
John R. Kelsey III is a member based in Lebanon, PA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. John has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John R. Kelsey III. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Lebanon, PA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Lebanon, PA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About John R. Kelsey III: John R. Kelsey III is a member based in Lebanon, PA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. John has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John R. Kelsey III. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Lebanon, Pennsylvania
John takes criminal defense matters in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Lebanon, Pennsylvania
John takes general matters in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John R. Kelsey III — criminal defense lawyer in Lebanon
John R. Kelsey III is a member based in Lebanon, PA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. John has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John R. Kelsey III. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. John R. Kelsey III is a lawyer practicing criminal law, criminal defense, general practice. John received a degree from Temple University in 1998, and has been licensed for 53 years. John practices at John R. Kelsey III in Lebanon, PA.
How John handles criminal defense matters
Mr. John R. Kelsey III is a lawyer practicing criminal law, criminal defense, general practice. John received a degree from Temple University in 1998, and has been licensed for 53 years. John practices at John R. Kelsey III in Lebanon, PA.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Lebanon and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Texas
J.D. · 1973
Temple University
LL.M. · 1998
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1976 · ACTIVE
Texas
1973 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1973 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Texas and LL.M. in Temple University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Texas and LL.M. in Temple University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania Bar Association State Bar of Texas Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
membership
Locations
John R. Kelsey III's office in Lebanon
John's primary office is at 408 Chestnut Street, Lebanon, PA, 17042-0717. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John R. Kelsey III — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Lebanon.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John R. Kelsey III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John R. Kelsey III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Lebanon, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John R. Kelsey III
How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Lebanon?
John is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Lebanon, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
John handles criminal defense matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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