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Charles D. Cantrell, Civil Rights Attorney in Erie, Pennsylvania

Over 6 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights and General

AssociateatMarshall Dennehey

Erie, PA

Practicing civil rights in Erie since 2020.

6+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Charles D. Cantrell is an associate based in Erie, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and General. Charles has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey.

Based in
Erie, PA
Experience
over 6 years
Known for
Civil Rights · General
  • Handles Civil Rights and General matters from Erie, PA.
  • Over 6 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Charles D. Cantrell: Charles D. Cantrell is an associate based in Erie, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and General. Charles has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey.

Areas of practice

Charles's practice areas in Erie

Charles concentrates on civil rights and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Erie, Pennsylvania

Charles takes civil rights matters in Erie, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

General cases in Erie, Pennsylvania

Charles takes general matters in Erie, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Biography

Charles D. Cantrell, civil rights attorney serving Erie

Charles D. Cantrell is an associate based in Erie, PA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and General. Charles has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey. Charles works from Erie, Pennsylvania and takes on civil rights matters across the region.

Charles is a member of the Professional Liability Department where he focuses his practice in the areas of civil rights and municipal liability.

Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Charles was Assistant District Attorney of Erie County where he served the citizens of the county by prosecuting criminals in a wide array of misdemeanor and felony cases including, but not limited to, first degree homicide, drug delivery resulting in death convictions, attempted homicide, arson, robbery and aggravated assault.

During law school, Charles completed several internships, including interning for the Honorable Judge Walko Jr., the Elder Law Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, a tax firm, and a personal injury firm. Upon receiving his juris doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Charles began his legal career with a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Judge Maureen Skerda, and Judge Gregory Hammond in Warren County, PA.

Charles received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from North Carolina A&T State University where he was very active in D1-baseball.

Associations & Memberships

Erie County Bar Association

Year Joined

2025

Charles's approach to civil rights cases

Charles is a member of the Professional Liability Department where he focuses his practice in the areas of civil rights and municipal liability. Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Charles was Assistant District Attorney of Erie County where he served the citizens of the county by prosecuting criminals in a wide array of misdemeanor and felony cases including, but not limited to, first degree…

Clients Charles works with

Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights and general matters in Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Charles studied and practices

  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law

    J.D. · 2020

  • North Carolina A&T State University

    B.A. · 2015

Jurisdictions

Charles's state bar admissions

  • Pennsylvania

    2020 · ACTIVE

Charles studied at J.D. in University of Pittsburgh School of Law and B.A. in North Carolina A&T State University.

Law school and academic background

Charles completed J.D. in University of Pittsburgh School of Law and B.A. in North Carolina A&T State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Charles's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Erie County Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Charles D. Cantrell's office in Erie

Charles's primary office is at 717 State Street, Suite 701, Erie, PA, 16501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Marshall Dennehey

717 State Street, Suite 701

Erie, PA 16501

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Charles D. Cantrell

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Hiring guide

How to hire Charles D. Cantrell — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles'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; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Erie, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Charles

Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Charles D. Cantrell

  • How much does it cost to hire Charles for a civil rights case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Charles offer a free consultation?

    Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

    Simple civil rights 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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Erie?

    Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?

    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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Charles accepting new civil rights clients right now?

    Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Erie, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania

Charles handles civil rights matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Erie handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.