Lisa received her J.D. from The University of Miami in 1999 and her B.S. in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University in 1996. She is a member of the Northampton County Bar Association, currently serving as President. She has practiced as a Lehigh Valley Lawyer her entire career.
Lisa Spitale
FAMILY LAW, TRUSTS & ESTATES
James Madsen
CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI, EMPLOYMENT LAW, FAMILY LAW
Attorney Madsen has previously been employed by the New Jersey Office of The Public Defender, The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office, The Defender Association of Philadelphia and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia before practicing as a Lehigh Valley lawyer. Mr. Madsen now primarily practices in Northampton & Lehigh Counties
Michael Vargo
FAMILY LAW, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, ZONING AND PLANNING
Attorney Vargo is a life-long resident of the Lehigh Valley and a graduate of Liberty High School, Muhlenberg College, and Temple Law School. Before joining in Spitale Vargo Madsen & Blair, he operated his own lehigh valley law practice. He practices in Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, and Carbon Counties and has experience in many areas of law including DUI and other criminal defense, general civil litigation, and all areas of family law.
Tyree Blair
CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DUI, FAMILY LAW
Attorney Blair attended Easton Area High School. Tyree attended Penn State where received his B.A. Prior to attending the Charlotte School of Law, he worked in the medical field at the corporate level. Attorney Blair has tried numerous civil and criminal cases to verdict and is one of the few African American Attorneys in the Lehigh Valley.
Attorney, Lisa Spitale
Ms. Spitale’s areas of practice include family law, juvenile dependency, criminal defense and general civil litigation. Lisa has experience in the Courts of Common Pleas, Magisterial Courts and Juvenile Court systems.
A lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, Ms. Spitale graduated from Nazareth Area High School, the Pennsylvania State University, and the University Of Miami School Of Law.
Lisa is an active member of the Northampton County Bar Association, serving on several committees including the Family Law Committee, Law Day Committee, Continuing Legal Education Committee, Attorney Referral & Information Services Committee and the Young Lawyers’ Division. She volunteers her time to assist homeowners/debtors in the Northampton County Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program as well as parents in the Northampton County Bar Association’s “Fair Share” Program.
EDUCATION
University of Miami, J.D.
The Pennsylvania State University, B.S.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Northampton County Bar Association
-
Leadership
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- President
-
Committees
- Attorney Referral and Information
- Continuing Legal Education
- Law Day Committee
- Family Law
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Attorney, James Madsen
James Madsen was born in Flemington, New Jersey, but spent most of his adult life in Easton, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The American University in Washington, D.C. and a Juris Doctor from Drexel University School of Law where he attended under a Law Trustees' Scholarship.
Before partnering with Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair, he operated a solo practice from 2011 to 2015. He has been employed by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office, The Philadelphia Defenders' Association and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
Attorney Madsen has successfully taken cases to trial in Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Philadelphia Counties. Moreover, he has successfully won appeals in the Pennsylvania Superior Courts, Pennsylvania Administrative Courts. Mr. Madsen has also successfully defended against a Commonwealth appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
EDUCATION
Drexel University School of Law, J.D.
The American University, B.A.
Raritan Valley Community College, A.A.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Juvenile Defenders' Association of Pennsylvania
Northampton County Bar Association
- Criminal Law Committee
- Family Law Committee
- Solo & Small Firm Committee
- Technology Committee
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Phi Sigma Kappa
Attorney, Michael Vargo
Attorney Vargo is a life-long resident of the Lehigh Valley and a graduate of Liberty High School, Muhlenberg College, and Temple Law School. Before joining in Spitale Vargo Madsen & Blair, he operated his own diverse solo law practice. He practices in Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, and Carbon Counties and has experience in many areas of law including DUI and other criminal defense, general civil litigation, and all areas of family law.
EDUCATION
Temple University, Beasley School of Law , J.D.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Northampton County Bar Association
- Family Law Committee
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Attorney, Tyree Blair
Attorney Blair attended Easton Area High School where he played running back for the Red Rovers. Tyree attended Penn State where received his Bachelors Degree. Prior to attending the Charlotte School of Law, he worked in the medical field at the corporate level.
Attorney Blair now focuses primarily in Criminal Defense litigation and has represented clients in cases ranging from retail theft to homicide. Attorney Blair has secured Not Guilty verdicts before Northampton County juries.
EDUCATION
Charlotte School of Law, J.D.
The Pennsylvania State University, B.A.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Northampton County Bar Association
- Criminal Law Committee
- Family Law Committee
Pennsylvania Bar Association
AWARDS & HONORS
Summa Cum Laude, Charlotte School of Law
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Spitale Vargo Madsen & Blair
Lehigh Valley Criminal Defense, DUI, Child Custody, Divorce & Personal Injury Lawyers
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CRIMINAL DEFENSE
The best Lehigh Valley defense attorneys provide a broad array of experience to individuals accused of a crime. We bring the collective experience of former Judicial Clerks, Prosecutors and Public Defenders together to achieve the best possible results for our clients. From drug charges to violent crimes, our Lehigh Valley lawyers can help.
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DUI & TRAFFIC
Top Lehigh Valley DUI Lawyers and Traffic Attorneys represent individuals who are facing license suspensions, incarceration, fines and points. We know how important your license is to your livelihood and we will exhaust every avenue to protect you rights & freedoms.
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LAND USE
Our Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton Attorneys handle a wide range of Land Use issues ranging from representation of Landlords and Tenants to Zoning Issues, Water Rights, Trespass Eminent Domain and Tax Assessments. Contact our Lehigh Valley lawyers.
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EMPLOYMENT
Our employment discrimination attorneys and unemployment lawyers understand not only the importance of your career, no matter what field it may be in, but there's a good chance one of our attorneys may even be familiar with the practices, rules and regulations in your field.
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PERSONAL INJURY
No personal injury case is too large or too small for our Easton Law Firm to fight for you Our Personal Injury Attorneys represent both plaintiffs and defendants. We handle dog-bites and bedbugs to catastrophic loss and death cases.
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FAMILY LAW
Whether you are at the beginning of the divorce process, revisiting custody orders or litigating child support, we can effectively handle all family law issues and disputes that arise. We represent Mothers, Fathers, Children and Grandparents across the Lehigh Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Federal Crimes?
Federal crimes are crimes charged by the U.S. government rather than the state government. Often both the state and the feds can bring charges out of the same incident
What is the difference between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
There are numerous differences but generally a Felony is punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a Felony is punishable by over 7 years in prison
I need a criminal defense attorney, what should I do?
Call us now!
How do I find the best criminal defense lawyer?
Shopping for the best lawyer in the Lehigh Valley is like shopping for anything else. The best lawyer for you may not be the best lawyer for someone else. If you're charged with a crime you should start looking for a lawyer right away and you should research both our attorneys and others.
How do I find a cheap defense attorney?
If you cannot afford a defense attorney, you should apply for a Public Defender ASAP.
Should I hire a local attorney or a "top criminal defense lawyer" from Philadelphia?
Generally speaking our attorneys do not practice outside of the counties bordering our Lehigh Valley office because we would not know the ins and outs of that county's criminal justice system. However, sometimes an out of county lawyer can be exactly what is needed in a particular case.
This is a decision that only you can make but you want to be very sure you will be able to communicate well with your attorney no matter where he or she is from.
Can you promise a particular outcome in my case?
We will never promise a particular outcome in your case and you should be weary of any attorney who does.
What is a Felony Crime?
Felony crimes are the most serious crimes in Pennsylvania. A Felony 3, the least serious of felony crimes, is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
I've got a DUI, what to do?
Call us now!
How do I find the best DUI attorneys in the Lehigh Valley?
Shopping for the best DUI defense is like shopping for anything else. The best drinking and driving lawyer for you may not be the best lawyer for someone else. If you're charged with a DUI you should start looking for a lawyer right away and you should research both our attorneys and others. Don't fall for fancy names or radio advertisements.
Is a DUI a Felony?
Without any injuries, a drunk driving is not a felony. However, DUIs are the most serious of misdemeanors.
How much are DUI lawyer fees?
DUI lawyer costs will depend on the facts of your particular case. The Best DUI attorneys will charge over $10,000 for a complex trial. A drinking and driving trial often revolves around technical issues regarding the calibration of the equipment used and the conversion of blood plasma BAC levels to whole blood BAC levels. For this reason a DUI trial may require a person accused of DUI to hire expert witnesses.
Our attorneys can evaluated your case up front and provide you with a flat fee based upon the unique circumstances of your case.
How do I find a cheap DUI attorney?
If you cannot afford a private defense attorney, you should apply for a Public Defender ASAP.
Is DWI a criminal offense?
DUI and DWI are criminal offenses.
Do I need an attorney for a DUI?
The answer is often emphatically yes! Drunk driving can carry a penalty of up to 5 years in state prison and in may have a mandatory minimum sentence of over one year in prison.
Should I refuse a DUI Blood test?
The answer to this question has changed, sometimes on a month by month basis. Now, in 2015, there are no sentencing benefits to refusing a blood test although, in some rare cases, it may make it harder for the Commonwealth to prove its case. However, if you win your case at trial you will likely still face a license suspension if you refuse a DUI blood test
Can a second offender program eliminate jail time completely?
This depends on the county in which you are charged.
Northampton County offers the ASP program which reduces jail-time but does not eliminate it. ASP will, however, allow a portion of the sentence to be served in the work-release facility and an additional portion to be served on house arrest.
Lehigh County offers a second offenders program that can completely eliminate the jail sentence but in some cases it may make more sense to not utilize the program.
How long is the "look back" period for prior DUIs?
Any Drinking and Driving offenses within the past 10 years count as priors. This is true even if the DUI was prior to the enactment of the present Pennsylvania DUI laws.
Does an out of state DUI count as a prior?
Yes.
Will I go to jail for a second offense DUI?
Only if you are found or plead guilty. However, there are various second offender programs that may reduce or eliminate the jail-time.
What can a top DUI attorney do for you?
An experienced DUI lawyer is of the utmost importance for second and third offense DUI charges. After the second DUI arrest you will not longer have the ARD program available to you. You must make the decision to have a DUI trial or plead guilty to the case, and you must make that decision early. Starting down one path may cause the other to become unavailable.
An experience drinking and driving lawyer will help you to evaluate the DUI blood tests, FSTs, PBTs, DUI checkpoints, BAC conversion before determining if you should pursue a plea or prepare for trial.
How is family law court different than other courts?
Family law courts have a heavy emphasis on mediation and negotiation. While you are entitled to a trial or hearing on most family law issues, you very rarely entitled to a jury trial.
Do you offer a free family law consultation?
We do offer a, 30 minute, free consultations
Can I force the other party to pay my legal fees?
In theory, yes. But in practice this rarely happens.
How do I find the top family lawyers in the Lehigh Valley?
Shopping for the best Family Law Attorney is like shopping for anything else. The best family lawyer for you may not be the best lawyer for someone else. Some clients prefer an attorney who will drag the other party through the mud even it it is not in your best interests. Other clients prefer an attorney who can also act as their personal and emotional counselor throughout the case.
More than most other fields in the legal profession, family lawyers develop a reputation amongst their peers. If you're looking for the best family attorney for your particular goals, ask your friends in the community about a particular family lawyer's reputation.
How do I find a free family lawyer?
North Penn Legal Services offers free family law services in unique circumstances if you qualify as a low income individual.
Our attorneys act as pro bono family law lawyers for North Penn from time to time. However, any application for pro-bono services must be made through North Penn, not through us.
Can both parties use the same lawyer in family court?
No, both parties cannot use the same lawyer under the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. However, counseling with both parties is highly recommended by the family courts.
Do I need a lawyer for a PA divorce?
You may get divorced without an attorney but it is not smart. You will be held to the same standard as the best divorce attorneys in the Lehigh Valley and will face a serious disadvantage, especially if the other party has a top divorce attorney knowledgeable in PA divorce law.
Can either party prevent a divorce?
If the party requesting the divorce fulfills all of the legal requirements the contesting party cannot prevent a divorce but they may stall it for over two years.
What should I do if served with a PA divorce complaint?
If you do not respond to the Pennsylvania divorce complaint, a divorce decree may be entered even without your consent and your legal rights including the right to support or division of marital assets and debts may be waived. You should contact a local divorce attorney ASAP.
Can a PA family court require marriage counseling?
Yes, the court can require marraige counseling but rarely does so unless requested by a party.
What is a no fault divorce?
Virtually all Pennsylvania divorces are not fault divorces. Yes this does not mean it is a simple process. While most divorces are no fault, adultery other issues are still defenses to support and equitable distribution.
Can a party be prevented from entering the marital residence?
Yes, but this rarely happens under PA divorce law, it is much more common under the PFA laws. However, in many cases, asking to have a spouse removed from the home may be more damaging to your case than it is useful.
Visit our Divorce site
Do I need a lawyer to file for support?
You do not need a lawyer to file for support. In fact this is one of the very few areas of family law where you may be better off without a lawyer. However, in many cases a support lawyer may be very important.
How do I appeal a support order?
The process and number of steps in appealing a support order differs from county to county but the last step in each county is always a hearing in front of a judge. If the judge rules against you, your only option will be an uphill and expensive battle in Superior Court.
How to file for child or spousal support?
The party seeking support must file with the Domestic Relations Office in the county in which they reside.
Can I get credit for purchases made?
Generally no but there exceptions if the paying party has been paying utilities, rent and mortgage that benefits the party requesting support.
Does someone have to pay child support if they do not see the children?
Yes, these are separate legal issues in Pennsylvania except for that spending extended time with the children may actually reduce the amount of support that a person is required to pay.
How is child and spousal support determined?
Once it is determined that support appropriate in a particular case, the support is calculated using a standard mathematical formula. However, many legal issues may arise such as hidden assets, hidden income, unemployment and eligibility for support in the first place.
Can I demand receipts as to how support is being spent?
Generally no but there are some very rare exceptions.
Visit our Support site
Do I need a Lawyer for a PFA?
As with any legal matter you don't need an attorney for a Protection from Abuse Order but it is highly advisable. PFAs have specific requirements and defenses only an experience attorney will be aware of.
Do you offer a free PFA consultations?
We do offer a, 30 minute, free consultations
Is there a cost for a PFA?
There is no cost in filing a PFA but the Court can fine you if it believes you filed in bad faith. If you are a defendant the Court will fine you if you lose in a PFA matter.
How do I find the best PFA lawyers in the Lehigh Valley?
Shopping for the best PFA Attorney is like shopping for anything else. The best PFA lawyer for you may not be the best lawyer for someone else. Some clients prefer an attorney who will drag the other party through the mud even it it is not in your best interests. Other clients prefer an attorney who can also act as their personal and emotional counselor throughout the case.
More than most other fields in the legal profession, family lawyers develop a reputation amongst their peers. If you're looking for the best family attorney for your particular goals, ask your friends in the community about a particular family lawyer's reputation.
How do I find a free PFA lawyer?
Local Domestic Violence shelters may be able to help you find a free or low budget PFA attorney if you are the victim of domestic violence
Our attorneys act as pro bono awyers for from time to time. However, any application for pro-bono services must be made through the shelter, not through us.
Can both parties agree to a PFA without a hearing?
Yes, and in many cases this may be the best option but you should never do so without consulting with an attorney.
How do I file for a PFA in Northampton County
If you or the defendant live in Northampton County you may file for a PFA by going to the PFA office located in the "Lower Level" of the Northampton County Courthouse, 669 Washington Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042. The PFA intake staff will step you through the process and will escort you to Courtroom 4 where PFA hearings are held everyday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. You should arrive at least a half hour earlier than either of these two time to fill out the required paperwork.
How do I file for a PFA in Lehigh County?
Lehigh County hosts its PFA hearings at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every weekday. To file for a PFA you should go to the Lehigh County Courthouse and enter the PFA Office. The clerical staff there will help you in filling out the required paperwork. To attend the 10:30 a.m. hearing you should arrive no later than 9:15 a.m. To attend the 1:30 p.m. hearing list you should arrive no later than 12:15 p.m.
What if I don't make it to the Courthouse in time?
If you don't make it to the Courthouse in time, in either county, you should contact your local Magisterial District Judge if its between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. during a weekday. If its after 4:00 p.m. or during the weekend, you should contact 911 and the operator will put you in contact with the on-duty MDJ.
How do I file for custody?
Filing for child custody requires a formal complaint be filed with the family court. In addition to the legal language the complaint must now contain a criminal background check form and a parenting plan.
The initial complaint comes with a filing fee of approximately $150, depending on the county. Afterwards, additional filings are usually free of a filing fee.
Do I need the court's permission to relocate?
If there is a current order in place you will often need the court's permission to move. If there is no order in place the courts are currently split on what level of permission is needed.
How do family law courts determine child custody?
When determining child custody the court must address 15 specific factors. This factors are two lengthy to list here but can be found on our custody page.
Can I request that the court appoint an attorney for a child?
Yes, but... The court can appoint a guardian ad litem, GAL, for a child and it can appoint an attorney for the child. The GAL is an attorney who's purpose is to advocate for the child's best interest but not for the child's wishes. An attorney for the child advocates for the child's wishes even if they are not in the child's best interest. It may sound odd that these could be two different things but it happens frequently.
Do I need an attorney for child custody?
Ideally, no. But one way or another things are not ideal if a party has to resort to the court system. If the other party hires a top custody attorney and you go without an attorney you may find yourself at a serious disadvantage.
What can a child custody lawyer do for me?
A top custody attorney can guide you through the legal process and let you know the custody factors that are most important in a specific county or to a specific judge. But most importantly, the best custody lawyers will let you know when you are making mistakes. Often parents are overzealous in there custody disputes and the court will look very poorly upon this.
Visit our Custody site
What are the DUI penalties for a first offense?
First offense DUI can result in up to 6 months of incarceration and over $5,000 in fines and costs. Additionally first offense DUI can carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 days in jail and a one years license suspension.
First offense DUI, will I lose my license?
If it is alleged that your BAC was over .1 you may face a 1 year license suspension.
What is ARD?
ARD stands for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. It is a program available only to first offenders
What are the advantages of ARD?
ARD can allow defendants accused of first offense DUI to avoid all jail time and to greatly reduce the license suspension requirement and fines. Successful completion of the ARD program will result in a dismissal of charges and allow the accused to maintain a crime free record
What are the disadvantages of ARD?
ARD can only be used once. If a defendant has a strong case, it may be worthwhile to defend against the charges in order to maintain the ARD option for a later use. Additionally ARD may not be the best option for defendants with a prior criminal record.
What are the requirements of ARD?
ARD requirements vary from county to county. Generally an individualy must take alcohol highway safety classes, undergo a drug & alcohol assessment and complete a number of hours of community service.
Do I need an attorney to get ARD?
The answer to this varies from county to county. Some counties have a streamlined application process whereas others have many pitfalls along the way that an unsuspecting defendant may fall into. Other counties, although a rarity, require an attorney for entrance into the ARD program.
How much does ARD cost?
The cost varies on a case by case basis but is generally between $1,200 - $2,000
Do out of state DUIs count as priors?
Yes!
Criminal Defense FAQ
General DUI FAQ
Second Offense DUI
Family Law FAQ
Divorce FAQ
Support FAQ
PFA FAQ
How to File a PFA
Child Custody FAQ
First Offense DUI
+ Protection from Abuse
+ Discrimination Cases
Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair is a Lehigh Valley Law Firm. We provide legal representation to the cities of Allentown, Belvidere, Bethlehem, Easton, Flemington, Jim Thorpe, Phillipsburg & Stroudsburg. Our Lehigh Valley Attorneys practice in front of the Carbon County Court, Hunterdon County Court, Lehigh County Court, Monroe County Court, Northampton County Court and Warren County Court. Our Lehigh Valley Attorneys operate out of our Easton, Pennsylvania Law Office. Legal Disclaimer, Legal Resources
