Once convicted of a crime, finishing your sentence and trying to move on with your life is often overwhelming and frustrating. When serving a sentence in prison, you lose your daily freedoms. Once your sentence is complete, your life does not return to normal. Here...
Criminal Defense
I got arrested, now what?
Getting arrested brings a range of emotions and potentially life-changing decisions, so it is important to know how to respond if you find yourself in this situation. An appropriate response with law enforcement is always in order, but you may need to take steps to...
Why it is not in your best interest to speak with police?
If you have never encountered a situation where you needed to speak with the police, you may not know your rights and what procedures to follow to protect yourself. This is a common challenge for most individuals and can be quite stressful. However, if you are ever...
When do first-time drug offenders face jail time?
Getting arrested for drug possession is frightening, as the penalties can be severe. In Pennsylvania, first-time drug offenders can see up to a year behind bars. Even if you face conviction, though, it does not mean imprisonment is inevitable. What factors make...
When can I get an expungement?
From college or career options to housing and financing, having an arrest, charge or conviction on your record may have a major impact on both your present and future opportunities. As in other states, in Pennsylvania, you may be able to have certain charges or crimes...
3 reasons not to ask your friends about your criminal charges
Few things have the potential to stop you in your tracks faster than criminal charges. After all, depending on the nature of the charge, you may eventually spend time behind bars, pay stiff fines or even lose basic rights. You may also not understand the criminal...
The consequences of a DUI conviction
A DUI arrest may leave you with questions. Your brain may reel with questions about the court costs, fines and possible jail time. However, should you find yourself at the end with a conviction, your long-term future may face significant changes. Whether you get out...
What is a misdemeanor charge in Pennsylvania?
The criminal justice system in Pennsylvania is full of legal terms you may have heard but not fully understand. If you are facing criminal charges, though, knowing the difference between felony, misdemeanor and summary charges may help to put your mind at ease. A...
When is it time to contact a criminal defense attorney?
When local or state law enforcement accuses you of a crime, you have the right to attorney representation. It can be difficult to determine when to hire a lawyer if you have never faced criminal charges before. These are the signs that you may need a criminal defense...
Benefits of hiring a local attorney for criminal defense
If you face theft, assault, or drug or alcohol-related charges in Pennsylvania, you may want to consider hiring a local attorney. Relying on legal representation from your own community offers certain advantages over choosing an attorney from a large city-based firm. ...