Open 24/7 412-765-3345
Open 24/7 412-765-3345
Being arrested or charged with a misdemeanor or felony can be a life-defining moment. A conviction can result in penalties such as fines and incarceration. Even after you have served your sentence, a criminal record can also affect your family, reputation, and ability to find employment.
With so much at stake, you need a Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer who can explore your options for avoiding the most severe consequences.
An experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney can provide the support and advocacy you need at this critical time. The seasoned criminal lawyers at SMT Legal understand how anxious and overwhelmed you are feeling. Our team can work to craft an effective and personalized strategy for your case.
Our firm offers direct support from our skilled attorneys, and we have a history of strong case results. Although this cannot guarantee an outcome, it shows the work we put into advocating for our clients.
We have deep ties to the community in Pittsburgh, and locals trust our firm to build strong defense cases. We have strong professional relationships with local judges and the legal community. This knowledge and experience help us bring you strong representation and a more effective defense strategy. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us provide the high-quality and confidential representation you deserve.
Partner Criminal Defense Attorney
Call/Text an Attorney Today 412-448-6887
When you are charged with a crime in Pittsburgh, it will fall into one of three broad categories, each determining the type of penalties you may face upon conviction.
Summary offenses are the least serious category of criminal charges in Pennsylvania. These are typically punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine that varies based on the specific offense. Common examples of summary offenses include disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and first-offense shoplifting of less than $150. While these charges may seem minor, they can still result in a permanent criminal record that may affect your future employment and housing prospects.
Misdemeanors are more serious than summary offenses but less severe than felonies. In Pennsylvania, misdemeanors are classified into three degrees, with first-degree misdemeanors being the most serious.
Penalties for misdemeanors can include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, depending on the degree of the offense. Examples of misdemeanors include:
Felonies are the most severe category of criminal charges in Pennsylvania. These offenses are punishable by more than five years in prison and significant fines. Felonies are also classified into three degrees, with first-degree felonies being the most severe.
Examples of felonies include murder, rape, and armed robbery. A felony conviction can have far-reaching consequences, including difficulty finding employment, housing, and loans.
At SMT Legal, our experienced criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended clients against many criminal charges. Some of the most common types of charges we handle include:
From multi million-dollar injury settlements to complex criminal defense—get the team that fights to win.
Call/Text an Attorney Today 412-448-6887
If you are charged with a crime in Pittsburgh, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your rights and future. First, remain calm, and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney, as anything you say can be used against you.
Then, exercise your right to call an attorney. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to guide you through the legal process and develop a strong defense strategy. Be honest with your attorney about the circumstances of your charges, as this information will be essential in building your case.
The ideal criminal defense strategy for your criminal case will depend on the specific circumstances and evidence involved. When you work with an attorney, they can determine what strategy is right for your case.
Some common defense strategies include:
In some cases, your attorney may negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors to reduce your charges or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can work to present a compelling case to the jury and raise a reasonable doubt about your guilt. With the right defense strategy, you could avoid a conviction or minimize the consequences of a criminal charge.
This Changes Everything. We’re Ready Anyway.
If you are facing criminal charges, one of the most significant factors that may determine the outcome of your case is the quality of the attorney you choose. The right lawyer can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration.
The seasoned team at SMT Legal understands what is at stake, and we can work tenaciously to protect your liberty. We are passionate about the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” and we can work to make sure the justice system respects your rights.
With many decades of combined experience in guiding clients through the Pennsylvania legal system, our attorneys understand what it takes to get charges dismissed, negotiate a plea bargain, or secure an acquittal.
If you are convicted, our lawyers can do everything possible to prevent the harshest penalties. We can also stand by you during the appeals process so that you have every chance to clear your name.
If you are arrested in Pittsburgh, it’s important that you act calmly and comply with the arresting officer. However, you should also invoke your right to an attorney and your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions; wait until you can talk with a criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can assert your rights, assess your arrest and potential charge, and work to secure the ideal outcome.
A misdemeanor vs. a felony in Pennsylvania depends on the severity of an offense, and each carries different penalties. A misdemeanor can result in up to one to five years of imprisonment, along with fines of up to $2,000 to $10,000. Felony charges can result in seven to 20 years in prison, along with life in prison or the death sentence for murder offenses. They also include fines of up to $15,000 to $25,000.
Whether there is jail time for a first-time offense in Pennsylvania depends on the offense being committed and many other factors. Some offenses carry minor jail sentences, while others carry potential years in prison. Sometimes, you can serve alternative sentences instead of imprisonment. However, some offenses have mandatory minimum sentences, meaning you are required to be imprisoned for a set amount of time, even if it is your first offense.
ARD in Pennsylvania is an Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition program. If you have been charged with certain offenses and have no criminal history, you could be referred to the ARD program to complete probation and certain requirements of probation. If you complete the requirements, then you can have the charges removed from your record. You are not eligible for the program if you have already secured a disposition through the program.
Yes, charges could be dropped or dismissed if you have a strong defense or the prosecution no longer has a case against you. This is more likely to occur if you hire a criminal defense lawyer to defend you. A lawyer can review your case for options like suppressing evidence that was mishandled or gained illegally. Your attorney can also listen to your side of the situation to build a defense against the charges in court.
At a preliminary hearing, the prosecution presents evidence and witnesses, and the defense can cross-examine this information while also presenting their evidence and witnesses.
A preliminary hearing is held so the judge can determine if the prosecution has sufficient evidence to show that the case should proceed to trial. The burden of proof is lower than in a trial: the prosecution must prove that it is more likely than not that the crime was committed and by the defendant.
No, you do not have to answer police questions. While you should be civil, you should also invoke your right to remain silent and not respond to questions, except to request a lawyer. You have the right not to self-incriminate. Law enforcement is not on your side and will try to get a confession.
A case is typically handled by a state court if it involves violations of state law, occurs entirely within the state, and is prosecuted by a local District Attorney. Across this country, state courts manage about 66 million cases every year. In Pennsylvania, criminal cases are typically handled by Pennsylvania’s Court of Common Pleas, although any criminal offense could technically be charged in federal court if it violates federal statutes.
You can request to have your charges expunged in Pennsylvania by filing out a Request to Access and Review form and submitting it. If you were arrested for an offense, but no outcome was reached, and no criminal action is pending, then the criminal record can be expunged 18 months after an arrest if all conditions are met. There may be other circumstances where an expungement is possible, and an attorney can assess your case.
The cost of a criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh varies because it relies on the specific attorney you work with, the charges you are facing, and many other factors. Criminal attorneys charge an hourly rate for most cases, meaning the longer your case goes, the more costly it can be. More complex cases tend to have higher costs. Your attorney’s fees also depend on their experience. A more experienced attorney in complex defense cases may have higher rates.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime in Pittsburgh, you are probably experiencing one of the most stressful times in your life. However, it is crucial to remember that criminal charges are not the same as criminal convictions.
You have legal options that may secure a favorable outcome, but maintaining your freedom requires swift action. The sooner you consult an experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney, the more time your lawyer can have to take the necessary steps to protect you.
At SMT Legal, we are passionate about safeguarding the rights of those charged with crimes. Let us use our thorough knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal defense laws to protect you. With us on your side, you can optimize your chances of a favorable outcome in your case. The attorney you choose for your representation matters.
When you partner with our office, you’ll be working directly with Partner Christopher Thomas and Associate Ryan Gailey. Christopher believes in seeing the person behind the charges. He’ll listen to your story and provide you with a solid defense tailored to your case. He’s earned numerous legal accolades, including selection as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star and being named among the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys’ 10 Best.
Something that sets us apart in our local legal market is that SMT Legal employs an entire team of criminal defense attorneys who handle each case. Our extensive resources allow us to provide a level of legal representation that many other local and regional firms simply cannot match. Also, our firm proudly protects the marginalized, believing the justice system unfairly preys on vulnerable members of society.
If you need reliable legal support for a criminal defense matter, feel free to reach out to a knowledgeable and dependable attorney from our firm. Christopher Thomas’ cell phone number is 412-448-6887. Feel free to call or text him to build your legal defense. Contact SMT Legal today for a free consultation to learn more about what our criminal defense team can do for you.
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