A felony can significantly impact your life. From a lengthy prison sentence to losing the ability to vote or carry a gun, a felony carries many consequences. Your ability to find a job, pursue your education, or secure housing can also be affected.
Fortunately, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor. At SMT Legal, we can help you understand the significance of a felony charge while working hard to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
What are the Consequences of Having a Felony on Your Record in Pittsburgh, PA?
A felony conviction carries serious consequences, and the effects can be far-reaching and detrimental to you and your family. Some penalties you risk with a felony conviction include:
- Loss of housing or the ability to rent an apartment
- Loss of employment or job opportunities
- Loss of the right to vote
- Significant prison time
How Can You Reduce a Felony Charge?
Because most prosecutors are zealous in filing charges, they typically file the most severe charges they can based on the available evidence. While you can fight the charges at trial and potentially be awarded a not-guilty verdict, you risk conviction for a serious offense. Consider the following options to reduce a felony charge:
Effective Plea Bargaining
With the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney, you can negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charge and resultant sentence. A successful plea requires strong evidence. A lawyer can identify weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case to support lowering charges.
Refraining from Committing Additional Criminal Acts
The judge is more likely to show leniency to a first-time offender than someone with repeat offenses. If you are placed on probation, sometimes a stipulation or suspended sentencing could cause the charge to be dismissed.
Seeking Drug-Related Rehab or Assistance
If you enter rehab or seek assistance for a drug-related charge without being ordered to do so by the court, your attorney can present this evidence to a judge who may give you a lesser sentence. By taking these affirmative steps without them being mandated, you can demonstrate your willingness to make a change, impacting the chance of reducing your charges.
Although misdemeanors are more serious than summary offenses, they are less severe than felonies and carry lesser penalties and fines. The importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney from SMT Legal on your side cannot be overstated, as we are well-equipped to fight to get your felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor.
Contact SMT Legal Today
At SMT Legal, we understand that facing a felony charge can be a challenging time in your life. You do not have to go through the Pennsylvania criminal justice system alone. We will analyze the facts and circumstances of your case, develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique situation, and pursue your best possible outcome.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
