Baldwin Criminal Defense Lawyer

Local Criminal Defense Attorney in Baldwin, PA

Have you been arrested by the Baldwin Borough Police Department or another law enforcement agency in Allegheny County? If so, you need experienced legal representation that’s committed to protecting your rights and restoring your future. Contact SMT Legal for a free initial case review with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer serving Baldwin, and let us provide you with the advocacy and support you need during this challenging time.

How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help You?

If you’re facing criminal charges in Baldwin, PA, hiring experienced legal counsel can help you seek a resolution that protects your freedom and future. A criminal defense attorney from SMT Legal will fight for the best possible outcome to your criminal charges by:

• Conducting an independent investigation into your charges to obtain evidence that police or prosecutions may not have
• Identifying possible defense strategies that can help you pursue a more favorable resolution to your charges
• Helping you understand your charges and the potential outcomes so you can make informed decisions throughout the prosecution
• Scrutinizing the prosecution’s case, including by contesting the sufficiency of the evidence or moving to exclude evidence that the police may have unlawfully obtained
• Vigorously pursuing the results you want and deserve, even if that means going to trial to fight the government’s case against you

Our attorneys have decades of experience we can leverage on your behalf. We understand that criminal charges put your future at stake, so we are prepared to fight tenaciously to secure the future you deserve.

Christopher P. Thomas

Partner Criminal Defense Attorney

Your Future. is Our Present

Schedule a Consultation

Call/Text<br /> an Attorney Today 412-448-6887

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

At SMT Legal, a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help take on criminal charges such as:

• DUI: A motorist can commit a crime by operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or inhalants that impair a person’s ability to drive safely.
• Juvenile crimes: Our juvenile defense attorneys can help your family minimize the consequences of your son’s or daughter’s charges, fighting for a resolution that preserves their bright future.
• Assault: Assault crimes can range from simple misdemeanors to violent felonies, depending on the circumstances of the offense and the harm suffered by the alleged victim.
• Drug crimes: We help clients pursue favorable resolutions to drug-related charges, including simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, or trafficking.
• Violent crimes: Our firm represents clients charged with various violent offenses, including assault, kidnapping, burglary, or homicide.
• Sex crimes: Pennsylvania law imposes harsh penalties on people who commit sex-based offenses like rape, sexual assault, indecent exposure, sexual extortion, “revenge porn,” or possession/distribution of child pornography.
• Theft crimes: Theft offenses range from minor summary offenses or misdemeanors like petty theft or shoplifting to major crimes like robbery or carjacking.
• Internet crimes: Our experienced attorneys handle complex criminal cases involving charges related to internet crimes, including identity theft or hacking offenses.
• White-collar crimes: White-collar offenses typically involve financially based crimes such as embezzlement, bribery, or fraud involving insurance, mortgages, or securities.
• Federal crimes: Our firm has extensive experience defending clients in federal court, protecting them against the frequently harsher penalties and consequences imposed by federal criminal law.

Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Baldwin

A defendant convicted of a criminal offense in Baldwin may face various penalties based on the severity and grading of their offense. Pennsylvania law classifies crimes as felonies, misdemeanors, or summary offenses, in descending order of severity. Penalties for most criminal offenses in Pennsylvania include:

• First-degree felony: Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
• Second-degree felony: Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
• Third-degree felony: Up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000
• First-degree misdemeanor: Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
• Third-degree misdemeanor: Up to one year of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,500
• Summary offenses: Up to 90 days of incarceration and a fine of $300 (unless the statute for the offense establishes a larger fine)

Some crimes have specific sentencing provisions. For example, sentences for first-degree murder committed by an adult include the death penalty or life imprisonment. In contrast, second-degree murder carries a penalty of life imprisonment, and third-degree murder carries a maximum prison term of 40 years.

Protecting the Rights of Citizens in Baldwin

Pennsylvania citizens have a right to a fair and speedy trial when facing criminal charges. Unfortunately, the U.S. justice system is imperfect and that doesn’t always happen. Our goal as criminal defense attorneys serving Baldwin is to protect our clients’ rights and ensure their case gets a fair hearing. We have extensive experience defending clients from criminal charges both in and out of the courtroom.

The prosecution must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime to get a conviction. As your defense attorneys, we can introduce doubt into the prosecution’s argument to weaken their case or negotiate with the prosecution to secure lesser charges.

Every criminal case is different and requires a unique defense strategy. We will apply our legal skills, case knowledge, and trial experience to create a strong defense that meets the prosecution’s accusations with the goal of protecting your freedom and liberty.