Any criminal defense case in McKeesport is a battle between David and Goliath. The state has overwhelming resources to investigate and prosecute defendants, and winning is more important than justice to many police officers and prosecutors. Worse still, a conviction can have truly catastrophic consequences for your freedom, your finances, and your future. When so much is on the line, you need a strong advocate to help you fight back.
SMT Legal understands the stakes in McKeesport criminal cases and can level the playing field in your fight against the criminal justice system. Our Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys have decades of combined experience and a proven record of success in high-stakes cases, including a jury acquittal for a client accused of homicide.
No matter the charges you face, you can trust us to provide the comprehensive, straightforward legal representation you need to navigate this crisis. Call now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation, and find out what a criminal defense attorney serving McKeesport can do for you.
There are three categories of offenses in the Pennsylvania criminal justice system as follows.
Summary offenses are the least severe types of offenses under Pennsylvania law. Citations for summary offenses are typically issued by police officers, and the formal process involves a hearing before a magisterial district judge, rather than a trial before a judge and jury. Consequences typically involve fines, although in some cases, they may have a light jail sentence as well. Under Pennsylvania law, the maximum possible jail term for a summary offense is 90 days. Examples of summary offenses in Pennsylvania include many traffic offenses, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting (for a first offense of less than $150 in money or property).
The second tier of offenses in Pennsylvania is misdemeanors. Where many states classify misdemeanors as offenses with jail sentences of up to one year, Pennsylvania law says some misdemeanors carry jail terms of up to five years. There are three levels of misdemeanors in Pennsylvania, with first-degree misdemeanors being the most severe and third-degree misdemeanors being the least severe. Examples of misdemeanors in Pennsylvania include low-level drug possession, simple assault, and certain drunk driving offenses.
Felonies are the most severe offenses in Pennsylvania and carry the harshest penalties. There are three levels of felonies, with first-degree felonies being the most serious. Third-degree felonies carry a maximum of seven years in prison, while the minimum sentence for a first-degree felony is 10 years. Life in prison is a possibility for a first-degree felony, as is the death penalty, although Pennsylvania has not performed an execution this century.
Our skilled defense lawyers can help you with many criminal cases, including:
DUI – A DUI charge can result in a driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, and potential jail time. Challenging field sobriety tests, questioning improper traffic stops, or disputing breathalyzer results are key strategies in these cases. We can analyze every aspect of your case to identify procedural errors, negotiate reduced penalties, or work toward having your charges dismissed.
Assault and Battery – Assault or battery charges often arise from disputes or misunderstandings yet can carry severe penalties, including lengthy jail sentences. Defending against them might involve proving self-defense, questioning the credibility of witnesses, or examining inconsistencies in the evidence. We can gather supporting evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a strong case to protect your future.
Drug Crimes – Drug charges like possession, distribution, or trafficking can lead to severe consequences in both the short and long term. We can investigate whether the police conducted unlawful searches or seizures and challenge the prosecution’s evidence to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
Domestic Violence – Domestic violence accusations often include protective orders and even criminal penalties. Unfortunately, false or exaggerated claims are not uncommon in these cases. We can thoroughly investigate the situation that led to the domestic violence charge, gather evidence to support your side, and work to minimize the impact these charges have on your life.
Weapons Offenses – Weapons charges often stem from illegal possession, use, or trafficking of firearms. We can investigate whether the police collected their evidence lawfully, evaluate your eligibility for weapon possession, and challenge the prosecution’s case to reduce your penalties or dismiss your charges.
White Collar Crimes – Charges like embezzlement, fraud, or insider trading can harm your career and reputation. We can meticulously analyze financial records, dispute evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors to mitigate your penalties or have your case dismissed.
Juvenile Crimes – Juvenile charges can affect a young person’s future opportunities, and a conviction might continue to haunt them for the rest of their lives. We can advocate for diversion programs or reduced charges, as the juvenile justice system should prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Our team can also negotiate to have your child’s criminal records expunged to protect their future.
Sex Crimes – Charges such as sexual assault or misconduct carry harsh penalties and can severely damage your reputation. We can examine forensic evidence, challenge unreliable testimony, and work to protect your rights while pursuing a fair trial or negotiated resolution.
Homicide – Homicide cases are complex and carry the most severe penalties under Pennsylvania, including life imprisonment. We can conduct a detailed review of forensic evidence, uncover procedural errors, and challenge witness accounts to build a robust defense.
Federal Crimes – Federal offenses such as fraud or conspiracy are especially high stakes, as they involve the full force of the U.S. government. We can guide you through federal court procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the complex details of federal laws.
If the police arrest you, follow these steps to protect your rights and avoid making the situation worse:
Do not resist arrest, as doing so will only hurt your case.
Try to remember as much about the arrest as possible, including the names of the officers who arrested you.
Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not say anything to the police or prosecutors other than to ask for a lawyer.
Do not attempt to contact anyone else involved in your case, such as an alleged victim or someone the police have accused of committing a crime with you.
Hire an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Never try to take on the criminal justice system without support from an experienced and dedicated defense attorney. Call SMT Legal now or reach out online for a free case evaluation with a tenacious criminal defense lawyer serving McKeesport.
We understand that not all defendants can visit our office after an arrest, and we’re happy to come to you to discuss your case. However, if you’d like to visit our office in person, here’s how to find us at 114 Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh.
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