High-Stakes Representation for Immediate Threats to Your Freedom & Rights
In addition to general criminal and DUI defense, Attorney Mark D. Hauser gives particular prominence to Protection From Abuse (PFA) representation and high-stakes traffic offenses involving points, license suspensions, or mandatory jail time.
Philadelphia PFA Defense
Protection From Abuse Hearings, Violations & Criminal Contempt
A PFA petition can result in an emergency eviction from your residence, loss of custody, and firearms surrender before you ever speak in court. A final order can last up to three full years. Attorney Hauser provides aggressive representation in three core PFA situations:
- Defending Against PFA Petitions: Challenging false allegations, cross-examining witnesses at final hearings in Philadelphia Family Court (1501 Arch St).
- Indirect Criminal Contempt Violations: Defending alleged contact, texts, or order violations carrying up to 6 months jail under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 6114.
- Representing Plaintiffs Seeking Orders: Helping victims of genuine domestic abuse petition the court and obtain legal protective relief.
Philadelphia Traffic Tickets
Fight Speeding Points, License Suspensions & Section 1543(b) Jail
Paying a ticket online is an automatic admission of guilt that assesses points against your driving record, triggers insurance increases, or leads to mandatory license suspensions. Attorney Hauser focuses on defense for motorists facing severe consequences:
- Section 1543(b) DUI Suspensions: Mandatory 60-day jail term and $500 fine for driving under a DUI-related suspension. Do not plead guilty without counsel.
- Mandatory License Suspensions: Passing a stopped school bus (5 pts + 60-day suspension), railroad crossing (4 pts + 30-day suspension), reckless driving.
- Speeding & Point Reductions: Fighting points (2 to 5 pts) to prevent PennDOT 6-point corrective examinations, departmental hearings, and suspensions.
Experienced Representation in Philadelphia & Surrounding Counties
Mark D. Hauser, Esquire
Philadelphia Criminal Defense, DUI & PFA Attorney Since 1994
For over 30 years, attorney Mark D. Hauser has represented individuals facing legal challenges in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania counties. Since 1994, Attorney Hauser has practiced law in Philadelphia, handling a broad spectrum of legal matters with a primary, unwavering emphasis on criminal defense.
Facing criminal charges or a PFA petition can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person's life. Attorney Hauser understands that clients are often concerned not only about criminal penalties or loss of driving privileges, but also about their employment, professional licenses, reputations, families, and futures.
You work directly with Mark D. Hauser from consultation through resolution. Your case is never passed off to junior associates or paralegals.
Deep familiarity with Philadelphia judges, prosecutors, Family Court procedures, and the Criminal Justice Center (CJC).
Arrests and PFA petitions do not wait for business hours. Immediate emergency availability ensures critical early intervention.
Common Charges Defended in Pennsylvania & Federal Courts
With over 30 years of criminal defense experience, Attorney Hauser represents clients facing a broad spectrum of criminal allegations across Pennsylvania state courts and federal court.
Why a Suspect Should Never Talk to the Police in Philadelphia
Over 30 years of courtroom defense experience condensed into vital guidance from Attorney Mark D. Hauser on protecting your constitutional rights during police stops, arrests, PFA contempt investigations, and criminal questioning.
Attorney Mark D. Hauser breaks down Pennsylvania criminal procedures, coercive police tactics, and how suspects inadvertently waive their 5th Amendment protections before an attorney can intervene.
4 Rules When Under Investigation or Arrest
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The 5th Amendment Is an Absolute Shield
You have a constitutional right to remain completely silent. Choosing not to speak can never be used as evidence of guilt in a Pennsylvania courtroom.
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Police Are Legally Permitted to Deceive Suspects
Investigators may claim they have eyewitnesses, fingerprint evidence, or confessions from co-defendants even when they do not. Never take an officer's claims at face value.
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"Explaining Your Side" Supplies Evidence to Prosecutors
Police do not dismiss charges because of an interrogation statement. Any statement you make will be scrutinized to find inconsistencies and establish intent.
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Say: "I Am Remaining Silent and I Want My Attorney"
Once you unambiguously invoke your right to legal counsel, police are constitutionally prohibited from continuing questioning until Mark D. Hauser is present.
Trusted Defense Across Greater Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, practical answers about criminal charges, PFA court hearings, traffic points, DUI penalties, and your legal rights in Pennsylvania.
You have an absolute constitutional right under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to remain silent and to be represented by counsel. Do not answer investigative questions, make written statements, or attempt to "explain your side" to officers without an attorney present. Politely state that you wish to remain silent and want to speak with your lawyer, then contact Mark D. Hauser, Esq. at 267-584-4093 immediately.
PFA matters in Philadelphia are heard at Family Court (1501 Arch Street). Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 6107, a final evidentiary hearing is typically held within 10 business days of filing. Both parties have the right to be represented by counsel, present witnesses, and submit evidence (such as text messages, emails, photos, or police reports). The judge decides whether to dismiss the petition or grant a Final PFA Order that can last up to 3 years.
Yes. Under 75 Pa.C.S. Section 1543(b), a conviction for driving while your operating privilege is suspended or revoked for a DUI-related reason carries a mandatory minimum 60-day jail term and a $500 fine for a first offense. If you had a blood alcohol concentration of .02% or higher, the mandatory penalty increases to 90 days in jail. Never simply pay this citation—speak with an attorney immediately.
In almost all cases involving moving violations, paying the ticket online is a mistake. Paying the fine constitutes an automatic plea of guilty. PennDOT will assess points on your record (which accumulate toward mandatory examinations and hearings), insurance companies will raise your premiums, and certain offenses (such as passing a stopped school bus) trigger an automatic 60-day driver's license suspension.
Many first-time DUI defendants with clean records are eligible for Pennsylvania's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. Successful completion of ARD avoids a criminal conviction, significantly reduces or eliminates license suspensions, avoids jail time, and allows your attorney to petition the court to have the arrest record completely expunged.
Yes. Attorney Mark D. Hauser provides free, completely confidential initial telephone consultations. You can discuss the facts of your arrest, PFA petition, or traffic citation without any obligation, and receive an honest assessment of your legal options under Pennsylvania and federal law.
While Attorney Hauser's primary practice is centered in Philadelphia courts, he regularly represents clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area, including Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and Chester County, as well as the federal courts of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Attorney Hauser is available 24/7 for true legal emergencies, including: active police arrests, preliminary arraignments and bail hearings, immediate service of emergency PFA eviction orders, and arrest warrants for alleged PFA indirect criminal contempt. For non-emergency consultations, regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Schedule Your Free Confidential Case Review
Contact Philadelphia defense attorney Mark D. Hauser directly to discuss your situation. Every client receives careful personal attention, decades of courtroom experience, and a strategic legal evaluation.
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