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WISEMAN, SCHWARTZ, CIOSCHI & TRAMA

Civil Rights and Complex Criminal Defense

The attorneys at Wiseman, Schwartz, Cioschi & Trama have dedicated their careers to the rights of the accused and wrongfully convicted.


WISEMAN, SCHWARTZ, CIOSCHI & TRAMA

Civil Rights and Complex Criminal Defense

Wiseman, Schwartz, Cioschi & Trama defends against all types of criminal prosecutions, at the trial, appellate, state post-conviction and federal habeas corpus levels. We represent clients whose civil rights have been violated, whether by the police or any other government entity. We take a dedicated and caring approach to or clients' cases, providing close consultation, extensive investigation and thorough preparation. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, our team has spent decades fighting for justice for our clients.

Meet the Team

FOUNDING PARTNER

Michael Wiseman

FOUNDING PARTNER

Karl Schwartz

PARTNER

Jon Cioschi

PARTNER

Catherine Trama

OF COUNCIL

Alan Tauber

OF COUNCIL

Brianna Shaw

ASSOCIATE

Christina Matthias

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Anjie Yang

Our Practice Areas

STATE TRIALS
FEDERAL TRIALS
PENNSYLVANIA APPEALS
PCRA & HABEAS CORPUS
FEDERAL APPEALS
CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
STATE TRIALS
FEDERAL TRIALS

Notable Successes

VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
2019
State v. Dwayne White

White’s sentence was reduced by nearly 40 years.  

WSCT deployed  hidden evidence of the State’s deceit to aggressively and quickly litigate the State into a corner, persuading them to settle White’s case and those of co-defendants Lloyd and Anderson as well.  As a result, White’s sentence was reduced by nearly 40 years.  


2020's
John Doe v. City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Homicide Detectives

1.955 million dollar settlement

WSCT represented Doe in a civil rights lawsuit against the detectives who procured Doe’s wrongful conviction and against the City of Philadelphia for encouraging the detectives’ misconduct.  WSCT’s creative and aggressive litigation tactics led to a 1.955 million dollar settlement just months after the lawsuit was filed.  Today, Doe is a thriving entrepreneur, whose success was facilitated by the settlement.  

2023
Rice v. McGinley

Exoneration

Rice’s habeas corpus petition was granted on December 19, 2023. Due to compelling evidence of innocence developed by WSCT, all charges against Rice were withdrawn on March 18. 2024 and Rice was released from prison.

May 13, 1984
State v. Dwayne White

White’s sentence was reduced by nearly 40 years.  

WSCT deployed  hidden evidence of the State’s deceit to aggressively and quickly litigate the State into a corner, persuading them to settle White’s case and those of co-defendants Lloyd and Anderson as well.  As a result, White’s sentence was reduced by nearly 40 years.  


Sep 25, 1985
John Doe v. City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Homicide Detectives

1.955 million dollar settlement

WSCT represented Doe in a civil rights lawsuit against the detectives who procured Doe’s wrongful conviction and against the City of Philadelphia for encouraging the detectives’ misconduct.  WSCT’s creative and aggressive litigation tactics led to a 1.955 million dollar settlement just months after the lawsuit was filed.  Today, Doe is a thriving entrepreneur, whose success was facilitated by the settlement.  

Nov 3, 2025
Rice v. McGinley

Exoneration

Rice’s habeas corpus petition was granted on December 19, 2023. Due to compelling evidence of innocence developed by WSCT, all charges against Rice were withdrawn on March 18. 2024 and Rice was released from prison.

Contact Us

Contact us if you are interested in seeking representation. Leave a message with details about your case. An attorney from the team will reach out to you in a few business days.

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