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CRIMINAL DEFENSE BASED IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

A criminal conviction has the potential to destroy every area of your life. Fight for your life’s future happiness and defend your civil rights by partnering with Champion Criminal Defense.

No matter what crime you’ve been charged with by the police in Pennsylvania, being convicted of crimes will change your life. Even misdemeanor offenses have the potential to make your life much more difficult. You could struggle to secure employment, cause your family embarrassment, and destroy your financial prospects forever.

A CRIMINAL CONVICTION WILL HAVE LASTING CONSEQUENCES

Many people don’t think about all the negative effects of a conviction in Pennsylvania. Now you have the chance to change the outcome of your case, and thus your life. You won’t be able to change the outcome later, after you’ve already pled guilty or been convicted of the crime you’re facing.

It is more than possible to get justice and beat a criminal charge professional legal representation from a dedicated York criminal defense lawyer at our law firm.

TYPES OF CRIMES YOUR DEFENSE LAWYER HANDLES

Your criminal lawyer from our law firm can handle all different types of criminal cases. Big or small, there’s no criminal case that our team can’t take on and work to improve the practical outcome of when you’re facing a serious accusation. As an individual, trying to defend yourself in the Pennsylvania courts against a conviction for crimes is not a good idea. It takes years of education and experience to successfully defend against criminal conviction.

WHEN YOU’VE BEEN ARRESTED, OUR DEFENSE ATTORNEY CAN HELP

The following is a list of some common types of criminal cases our defense firm team handles and have helped previous clients with:

GETTING A CRIMINAL ATTORNEY THROUGH THE COURT

The court will also let you know that they will appoint a lawyer to you if you are unable to afford one. If you are unable, they will analyze your income and expenses and determine whether you qualify for a court-appointed attorney.

HOW YOU PLEAD TO CRIMINAL CHARGES MATTERS

The court will also ask you if you plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. If you haven’t had time to consult with a defense lawyer regarding what to do, you may need to ask the court for more time. It’s important to discuss the charges, defense to these charges, and the likelihood of you winning the case with your attorney. Only after discussing with an attorney should you enter a plea.

WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING ARRESTED AND ACCUSED OF A CRIME

Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are booked in jail . If you’ve been accused of a crime or questioned by authorities , don’t give them details beyond basic identifying information, like your name. They can use everything you say against you, so simply ask for your lawyer if they press you for information.

YOU HAVE RIGHTS AFTER AN ARREST

You should be respectful and cooperate with their requests, but always preserve the right to remain silent and reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Even after being photographed, fingerprinted, and booked, give our office a call.

CONTACT YOUR PENNSYLVANIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER IMMEDIATELY

Be proactive in preparing your defense. In the time between your arrest and your day in court, your lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong defense for your case.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR COMMON FELONY CRIMES IN PENNSYLVANIA

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a felony offense, don’t make the mistake of taking the crime lightly. Felonies can ruin your life in many ways, from lengthy county jail or prison terms to hefty fines. Once a felony is on your record, it’s there for life. It will change the way the world views you, and being a felon isn’t something you can easily hide.

FELONY PUNISHMENTS CAN BE HARSH

The following are some of the legal penalties of a felony conviction in Pennsylvania, which your criminal lawyer wants to help you avoid.

  • Felony of the first degree – Punished by between ten and twenty years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine. Examples of crimes in this category are aggravated assault, burglary, rape, and robbery.
  • Felony of the second degree – Punished by between five and ten years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine. Examples of crimes in this category are aggravated indecent assault, criminal trespass, and strangulation.
  • Felony of the third degree – Punished by between three ½ and seven years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine. Examples of crimes in this category are theft of property valued between $25,000 and $100,000 or a motor vehicle and insurance fraud.
  • Ungraded Felony Drug Possession – Punished by up to 25 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine (Cocaine, meth, PCP, isomers and more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana).

CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR COMMON MISDEMEANOR CRIMES IN PENNSYLVANIA

It’s unfortunate that a lot of people think, until it’s too late, that misdemeanors won’t have resulting negative impacts that affect their lives. They often believe that a misdemeanor offense isn’t something employers care about, but they’re wrong. Many employers do care about misdemeanor offenses, and being convicted for one of these crimes is a serious legal issue that can affect your job and career prospects.

A MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION CAN HAVE LASTING CONSEQUENCES

Depending on the type of misdemeanor offense, the resulting consequences could actually affect your life in the same negative ways a felony conviction can. For instance, if you’re convicted of a violent offense, your employer won’t care whether the offense was a misdemeanor or felony. They may still believe you are violent, and they may not want to take a risk in hiring you.

Get a Lawyer for the Best Chance at Avoiding Punishment

Misdemeanor convictions have many negative consequences, in addition to the legal penalties you will face if convicted. Listed below are some of the penalties for misdemeanor offenses in Pennsylvania, which your criminal defense lawyer will help you avoid.

  • Misdemeanor of the first degree–Punished by up to five years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine. Examples of misdemeanors of the first degree are access device (credit card) fraud between $50 and $500, DUI (second or subsequent offense) and terroristic threats.
  • Misdemeanor of the second degree–Punished by up to two years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. Examples of misdemeanors of the second degree are simple assault, resisting arrest and property theft with a value between $50 and $200.
  • Misdemeanor of the third degree–Punished by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Examples of misdemeanors are criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, false identification, and theft of property with a value below $50.

NONLEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF A CRIMINAL CONVICTION IN PENNSYLVANIA

In addition to the legal penalties you will suffer if convicted for the crimes you’ve been accused of, you will also face practical nonlegal, lifelong consequences.

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES AFTER A CRIMINAL CONVICTION

  • You could be fired from your job or have difficulty securing employment, no matter how personable you are or how much practical experience you might possess. In fact, many jobs in PENNSYLVANIA are barred to felons.
  • Your family will suffer because of your felony conviction, as well. They could suffer embarrassment and damage to their reputation, or they could struggle financially and emotionally while you’re in jail or prison.
  • Your finances will be affected because of the heavy fines associated with your crime and your inability to secure decent employment.
  • Depending on the offense you’re convicted of, you could be barred from living in certain neighborhoods or qualifying for certain government programs.
  • You could lose your license to drive or your rights to bear arms and vote.

EXPUNGING or sealing A CRIMINAL RECORD

In Pennsylvania, there are some ways that these criminal charges can be removed from a record or sealed away so they’re no longer visible to anyone doing a search. That can make a big difference in your life, as a criminal record that shows up during a background check can hurt your employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT A CRIMINAL RECORD

There are options available such as expunction, clean slate, and limited acess for certain circumstances. Consulting with an attorney about the details of your specific situation is the first step to take to find out if you qualify for one of the options. They are not available in all circumstances or cases, so get guidance from your lawyer before you act.

POSSIBLE DEFENSES AND PLEA NEGOTIATONS AGAINST CONVICTION OF A CRIME IN PENNSYLVANIA

Many people believe that they can’t fight their criminal charge, as they don’t believe the federal or Pennsylvania criminal justice system favors the defendant; however, the opposite is true. You can’t be convicted of a crime unless the prosecutor proves beyond a reasonable doubt that you’re guilty of the offense. This means that the prosecution will need to locate, identify, and present significant and convincing evidence against you.

YOUR ATTORNEY WILL HELP YOU HANDLE THE PROSECUTION AND POLICE

The police and the prosecution can’t just suspect you of the crime. Even if you’ve been caught red-handed, if they can’t prove that you committed the crime, you can beat your charge even if they formed a case to prosecute you with. That being said, you can’t beat a crime that you admit to or one that you plead guilty to. You will have to battle the criminal charge with good information and solid evidence, rather than giving in and accepting your fate. At the very least, a plea bargain might be an option.

Defenses Your Criminal Lawyer Might Employ

The following is a list of some tried and true practical legal defenses available for crimes in Pennsylvania. Your criminal defense lawyer will look into your case to find the defense to use that will give you the best chance of avoiding conviction.

  • You were acting in self-defense or defense of others.
  • You didn’t commit the crimes at all.
  • There was a mistake of fact.
  • Someone worked to frame you.
  • Someone used your identity.
  • The police broke the law during the investigation or the arrest.
  • The laboratory made errors.
  • There’s not enough evidence to convict.
  • Your rights were violated.

GET IN CONTACT WITH A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

When it comes to being charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, it’s a long way from being a convicted criminal. At Champion Criminal Defense, our team has the experience with criminal trials you need to help you present the best defense. Whether it’s a dismissal or a reduced sentence, our team will be working for your best interests.

OUR DEFENSE LAW FIRM HELPS THOSE FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES

Call our law office located in downtown York at 774-UR-CHAMP or fill out the form at the bottom of this website to schedule a consultation with an experienced defense attorney. Make certain that the criminal justice system treats you fairly by securing the best local representation. We’ve got your back.

OUR YORK LAW OFFICE

YORK CRIMINAL DEFENSE FAQ

The consequences of a criminal conviction in York are damaging and lasting to both your life and your rights. If you’ve been arrested or under investigation by police for a crime, you need a robust legal defense strategy if you’re going to have a shot at clearing your name. Reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer at our York law firm as soon as possible gives the most time possible to prepare for your case. Until then, check out these frequently asked questions from our criminal defense clients to get started with the information you need.

The job of a criminal defense lawyer is to provide sound legal advice, ensure that their client’s rights are protected, and that their clients' best interests are advanced in the context of a police arrest or criminal investigation . Criminal defense lawyers may also provide general counsel. Every arrested person possesses the right to a fair trial and the right to obtain legal counsel. Criminal defense lawyers help uphold this right while working to cast doubt in the prosecution’s case in order to clear their client’s name and achieve justice.

Your Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyer Knows Your Case Is Unique

And unlike with public defenders , good defense attorneys only take on as many cases as they have capacity for, so you can rest assured that your case is getting all the attention it requires.

When you engage a criminal defense attorney, everything you communicate to them is protected by lawyer-client privilege. This means your attorney can’t be compelled to give away the secrets of their clients. However, this is only the case when you’ve actually retained a lawyer in a professional capacity. If you need legal counsel, you should contact our lawyers ASAP, especially before you say anything to the police or prosecutors.

The penalties for a misdemeanor are not as harsh as those that come with a felony, but it doesn’t mean you won’t serve jail time or receive fines. Some misdemeanor fines can be up to $10,000 and carry up to a five-year jail sentence.

Accepting a Criminal Conviction Isn't the Answer

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t fight these criminal charges. You shouldn’t have to face these penalties, and you may be able to get them dropped or lowered. Reaching out to connect with an attorney can help you learn more about your rights and options.

In cases where the federal United States government has jurisdiction, you need the assistance of a federal criminal defense lawyer with the proper experience to take on your case and the allegation against you. Federal crimes are often serious, and you’ll need a robust legal defense and practical knowledge if you’re going to take down the prosecution’s case in court while called in front of a judge and jury.

Probation is a court-ordered period of correctional supervision to be served in the community, generally in lieu of incarceration.

Parole is a period of conditional supervised release in the community following a term of imprisonment in county, state, or federal prison. Parole is an alternative to continued incarceration; the paroled person is released from prison but remains under correctional supervision for the duration of their sentence.

Probation and parole are correctional supervision. Life is different for those on probation or parole. Probation and parole come with onerous supervisory conditions. Probationers and parolees must meet regularly with an officer, pay supervision fees, find and maintain employment, undergo repeated and random drug testing, and open their home to random searches. Probationers are prohibited from travelling outside of their local county without prior approval. If a change of residence or employment occurs, they must notify their probation/parole officer within seventy-two hours. Probationers and parolees may be required to take certain medications, maintain a strict curfew, and may also be prohibited from entering bars or communicating with certain people.

Restitution has many factors, and an attorney can help you guide the process and help you understand what you owe. Restitution includes the money needed to pay the victims and for any damaged property. You may also need to pay for funeral expenses or medical costs.

Probable cause is often discussed as a quantum of evidence and is the standard by which arrests and search warrants are evaluated. In Pennsylvania, “probable cause exists where the facts and circumstances within the officer’s knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent individual in believing that an offense was committed and that the defendant has committed it.” Com. v. Griffin , 24 A.3d 1037, 1042 (Pa. Super. 2011).

When the Police Don't Have Probable Cause

If the police make an arrest or do a search without having probable cause, the evidence they get will not be allowed to be used against you in your prosecution.

Even if you’re thinking about pleading guilty, having a criminal defense lawyer may help to reduce any possible consequences that come with the conviction. In addition to reducing the severity of these charges, they can also advise you on the best course of action to take for your particular circumstances.

Hiring an attorney to help with your criminal defense case is crucial and you want to make sure they’re going to defend you correctly. To make sure you’re hiring the right lawyer for your case, ask some of these questions to get to know more about your York criminal defense attorney:

  • How much do you charge?
  • Will you be able to talk to me during my case, whenever I need to?
  • Have you represented someone like me before? What was the result of this case?
  • What can you do about appeals?

Get to Know Your Defense Lawyer

You’ll probable never make a more critical decision in your life. Take the time to ask them questions and consider what is important to you. This should help you determine if they’re the best fit for you and your case.

It’s hard to say just how long a case may take when dealing with criminal charges. This is due to the nature of each case and how different they are from one another. Depending on whether your case goes to trial, if there are legal barriers, administration issues, or other factors, the length of your specific case can range.

The Duration of a Criminal Case Varies

The case may take anywhere from just a couple of months to many years. The best way to get a better estimate of your specific case is to speak with us here at Champion Legal LLC. We can go over the specifics of the case with you and determine what timeline you may be looking at.

Theft becomes a felony of the third-degree when the value of the items stolen is over $2,000 or it is a third offense for retail theft. These charges have serious consequences such as incarceration for up to seven years, in addition to a fine of up to $15,000.

Juries are chosen from the community where the crime was allegedly committed. The selection phase at first is random. Those chosen will be questioned to see if they qualify to sit in the jury . The prosecution and defense will then alternate by making their selection of jurors from those qualified to sit on the jury.

What the Attorneys Are Looking for in Potential Jurors

A defense attorney should be looking for jurors who may be biased or prejudiced against the defendant or, conversely, partial to the prosecution and its witnesses. Only fair and impartial jurors should sit in judgment of a fellow citizen.

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