Ellen Knowles Barry, Criminal Defense Attorney in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General
1st Asst. Pub. Def.
Harrisburg, PA
Practicing criminal defense in Harrisburg since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Ellen Knowles Barry is a 1st asst. pub. def. based in Harrisburg, PA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Ellen has over 47 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Harrisburg, PA
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Harrisburg, PA.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Ellen Knowles Barry: Ellen Knowles Barry is a 1st asst. pub. def. based in Harrisburg, PA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Ellen has over 47 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Ellen's practice areas in Harrisburg
Ellen concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Ellen takes criminal defense matters in Harrisburg, 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.
General cases in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Ellen takes general matters in Harrisburg, 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Ellen Knowles Barry, criminal defense attorney serving Harrisburg
Ellen Knowles Barry is a 1st asst. pub. def. based in Harrisburg, PA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Ellen has over 47 years of legal experience. Ellen works from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Ellen Knowles Barry is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, general practice, criminal law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from New School for Social Research in 1971, and has been licensed for 47 years. Ellen practices in Harrisburg, PA.
Working with Ellen on a criminal defense matter
Ellen Knowles Barry is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, general practice, criminal law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from New School for Social Research in 1971, and has been licensed for 47 years. Ellen practices in Harrisburg, PA.
Who Ellen represents
Ellen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Harrisburg and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Ellen studied and practices
University of Notre Dame
J.D. · 1978
New School for Social Research
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
Ellen's state bar admissions
Colorado (Inactive)
1985 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1979 · ACTIVE
Ellen studied at J.D. in University of Notre Dame and B.A. in New School for Social Research.
Law school and academic background
Ellen completed J.D. in University of Notre Dame and B.A. in New School for Social Research. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ellen runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Ellen Knowles Barry's office in Harrisburg
Ellen's primary office is at 2022 Columbia Ave, Harrisburg, PA, 17109-6044. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ellen Knowles Barry
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Ellen Knowles Barry — 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 Ellen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ellen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen'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; Ellen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Harrisburg, 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 Ellen
Ellen 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. Ellen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ellen'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 Ellen Knowles Barry
How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ellen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ellen offer a free consultation?
Ellen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ellen'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. Ellen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ellen take my case if I'm outside Harrisburg?
Ellen 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 — Ellen 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 Ellen?
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. Ellen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ellen accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Ellen'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 Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Ellen 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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