Relentless
When an individual faces the “soul-crushing pressure” of a state or federal investigation, criminal defense attorney Michael J. Diamondstein stands ready to step in.
Dante Hill doesn’t know where he’d be without Michael J. Diamondstein. On second thought, he has a pretty good idea where he would be: in prison for a murder allegation.
Hill was charged in a 2011 fatal shooting outside a North Philadelphia sports bar. If found guilty, Hill, then just 28 years old, could very well have spent his life behind bars. Such a serious charge required only the finest defense attorney.
He found him in Michael Diamondstein.
Armed with unparalleled legal skills and dogged pursuit of justice, Diamondstein discovered irregularities in the prosecution’s case prompting the district attorney’s office to withdraw the murder charge.
“Not too many murder charges get withdrawn, but Mike was able to show why I wasn’t guilty,” Hill recalls. “I had observed him in court when he represented a friend of mine in 2007. He was unbelievably good. So, when I needed a lawyer, there was only one guy I called. And that’s Mike.”
In 2014, when former NFL running back Ray Rice faced third-degree assault for striking his fiancée in an Atlantic City, N.J., hotel elevator, the story attracted national headlines and intense media pressure. Once again, Diamondstein got the call. Through determined pre-trial maneuvering, he spared Rice from a criminal conviction or prison by negotiating a pretrial intervention program for first-time offenders.
Likewise with John Speiser, one of six City of Philadelphia police officers who once faced federal charges of conspiracy, extortion, and falsifying records. Diamondstein was able to punch holes in the prosecution’s case, thereby paving the way for an acquittal.
“I love Michael Diamondstein,” Speiser praised after the verdict. “He is the best attorney in the world.”
Finding Ways to Win
Based in his native Philadelphia, Diamondstein is among the most prominent and sought-after criminal defense attorneys in the nation. Whether a client is being prosecuted by the federal government or state or local agencies, they are comforted by his track record of success and the understanding he will defend them as vigorously as possible.
“People generally have no idea of the disastrous effects when a loved one or they themselves are investigated or arrested by law enforcement,” Diamondstein says. “Everything about their life comes crashing down: their hopes for the future; their day-to-day existence; they can be fired from their job; they can have their assets seized. It’s a tremendous weight. People have no idea how horrible the justice system is; how unfair it can be. They have no idea how overly aggressive prosecutors can destroy their lives. Only when people see the carnage firsthand do they realize that having a smart, respected and aggressive attorney is a must.
“I hate to lose, and fighting for people is what I do.,” he continues. “I like to tell people there’s no guarantee we’ll win. But I do guarantee if there’s any way out, any way for me to mitigate their harm, I will find it and won’t stop working for them until I do.”
Whether representing a high-profile politician or an athlete, a police officer or an everyday working American, Diamondstein applies the same tenacious approach that has resulted in acquittals and dismissals for hundreds and hundreds of clients.
Taking cases in state and federal courts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond, Diamondstein recognizes the gravity of the situation for each of his clients. He has achieved successful outcomes for people facing everything from murder and sex-related accusations to college students facing relatively minor allegations. Whatever the charge, clients can rely on his tenacity and dedication.
Wisdom and Experience
A graduate of Ithaca College, Diamondstein attended Widener University School of Law, from which he graduated summa cum laude. Prior to joining the ranks of the defense bar, where he has handled criminal cases in state and federal courts throughout the country, he honed his skills as an assistant district attorney for the City of Philadelphia. That experience afforded him valuable and substantial insights into how the government investigates and prosecutes criminal allegations, all of which helps him anticipate the government’s tactics and develop the necessary strategies to overcome them.
Diamondstein’s vast experience and demonstrated skills have led him to be named to Super Lawyers since 2011 and among the top 100 Pennsylvania Trial Attorneys by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He has also received the highest AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which testifies his lawyer peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence.
Diamondstein is often asked to lecture to other lawyers at legal education seminars. This same level of experience and skill enables him to provide the highest standard of representation for anyone accused of a crime, under investigation, or recently arrested.
“I’ve handled cases with worldwide media attention, where the heat of the spotlight is on full blast, and unreported but serious matters across the United States,” he says. “I treat every case, no matter the size of the client or alleged crime, like it is the most important case in the world. Because to someone it actually is. The pressure is always there because every day I step into court to represent a real person with hopes and dreams and family who loves them.
“Every Monday morning, I wake up and take a deep cleansing breath,” he continues, “and then walk into court with someone’s future in my hands.”
Diamondstein has won cases for clients involving allegations of sex crimes, child pornography, fraud, white-collar crime, drug offenses, weapons offenses, assaults, and homicides. His record shows a pattern of successful outcomes at trial and in negotiations alike.
“When a person is facing the intensive, soul-crushing pressure of a state or federal investigation, a guy like me is a must,” Diamondstein says. “People only have one opportunity to clear their names, to fight the government. The price of failure is permanent and life altering. They need an attorney who is willing to turn over every stone, fight any foe, and get the job done. I am always prepared for a battle because I know that every time I walk into a courtroom someone is trying to beat me.”
They often don’t.
Michael J. Diamondstein, P.C.
2 Penn Center Plaza, Suite 900
15th and John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, Pa.
(215) 940-2700
See what the local and national media are saying about Michael Diamondstein and his cases.
Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice will be allowed to enter a program to avoid prosecution in an alleged assault of his now-wife. Upon successful completion of the program — which will be a minimum of one year — the third-degree charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury would be dismissed. The arrest would remain on his record, but with no conviction.We were concerned that Mr. Rice would be treated more harshly because of his celebrity status. We are thankful that he was not. We are thankful that he was given the same treatment as anyone else in a similar situation.
- Michael J. Diamondstein
John Gallagher, founder of Gallagher Law in Philadelphia, has been indicted in federal court alongside other executives associated with aerospace startup Theia Group Inc. The indictment alleges involvement in a scheme where Theia falsely claimed plans to launch over 100 satellites for global surveillance, raising more than $250 million through fraudulent means. Gallagher, who served on Theia's board and as an executive vice president, is specifically accused of aiding founder Erlend Olson in financial misconduct and tax evasion activities. Gallagher, who specializes in space and satellite technology law, denies wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend against these charges.“He [Gallagher] is a patriot, and we intend to vigorously defend his good name.”
- Michael Diamondstein
DT had spent three years in jail and was facing lifetimes more for multiple counts of child rape in Pennsylvania and Maryland. But Michael Diamondstein’s thorough investigation and strategic cross-examination forced prosecutors to withdraw their case mid-jury trial.“Michael Diamondstein is the best lawyer on Earth. He saved my life.”
- DT
Mark Young had been serving a life sentence for what prosecutors say was his role as a coconspirator in a 1974 bar robbery that ended in the shooting death of a patron. The 67-year-old Young, who maintained his innocence for almost 50 years, is now slated to be released from prison after a negotiated guilty plea. The judge vacated Young’s previous conviction and sentence.“The district attorney recognized the inequities in the case and we are thankful for the compassion and justice they decided was appropriate.”
- Michael Diamondstein
Willie Stokes's release comes after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania vacated his murder conviction, concluding that the state violated Stokes's constitutional rights by "withholding" crucial evidence about the false testimony of a key witness in the case, according to court documents.He took his first free breaths this afternoon after almost 40 years, and he is very happy and humbled.
- Michael J. Diamondstein
Despite that fact that multiple videos showed local rap singer, Monte Small Atwell aka Benjy killing the decedent, a Philadelphia jury found Mr. Atwell Not Guilty of Murder. The video clearly showed that the unarmed decedent was chasing Mr. Atwell. Mr. Atwell’s attorney, Michael Diamondstein litigated a very effective self-defense case. After a number of withering cross examinations and a closing wherein Mr. Diamondstein exhorted the jurors that his client “would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6” the jury agreed that Mr. Atwell’s actions were justified.Mr. Diamondstein saved my life. He is the best there is.
- Monte Small Atwell aka Benjy
Six members of an elite Philadelphia narcotics squad were acquitted of federal corruption charges – a verdict the men described as “vindication” after nearly a decade of federal scrutiny surrounding their conduct. A jury of six men and six women took 5 1/2 days to reject prosecutors’ arguments that former Officers Thomas Liciardello, Brian Reynolds, Michael Spicer, Perry Betts, Linwood Norman, and John Speiser routinely beat and robbed drug suspects during their time as members of the Narcotics Field Unit.The things that were said about these honorable men and police officers over the last eight to 10 months were ridiculous. A lot of people in this city owe these heroes an apology.
- Michael J. Diamondstein
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of fraud, extortion, and bribery-related charges. But the problems of the city’s cash-strapped top prosecutor continued to mount outside the courtroom, a day after federal authorities accused him of repeatedly selling his influence to wealthy benefactors willing to bankroll his luxury tastes.This indictment is 24 hours old and yet too many politicians and commentators have already tried and convicted Seth Williams in the media. Simply because the government makes explosive allegations in a complaint doesn’t mean they’re going to prove it in a court of law.
- Michael J. Diamondstein
It's 8:00 on a September morning but Michael Diamonstein has already been in his office for hours. A criminal defense lawyer, Diamondstein likes to be prepared before he goes to court. That preparation paid off to get an innocent man cleared of all charges.The man gave me my life back.
- Yusef Bey
With evidence missing and the investigation tainted by the involvement of a detective who pleaded guilty to impeding justice, the District Attorney’s Office has withdrawn murder charges against a 28-year-old man, Dante Hill, in a 2011 shooting outside a North Philadelphia sports bar.Tremendous day, not only for Mr. Hill but for the entire Philadelphia justice system.
- Michael J. Diamondstein
Michael Diamondstein argued the original jail sentence is illegal because the previous judge assigned the case failed to address if Risoldi was eligible for re-entry, which would allow her to be released from jail early.Diamondstein added that Berks County Senior Judge Stephen Lieberman, who is now overseeing the case, has authority to reconsider the sentence made by the previous judge, who retired last year.
