If you have been charged with one or more of the following crimes in Philadelphia or in the surrounding areas, it is in your best interest to obtain immediate legal representation from an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney. These are just a few of the many crimes that an individual can be charged with in Pennsylvania:
Drug crimes Rape, Sex crimes Domestic violence crimes DUI Federal crimes Burglary, theft and larceny crimes Murder White collar crimes Money laundering, extortion Fraud crimes Computer and internet crimes Aggravated assault Forgery Juvenile crimes Elder abuse crimes Motor vehicle theft Arson
Philadelphia prides itself on aggressive and rapid prosecution of all crimes. The arrest is only the tip of the iceberg. After the arrest you are officially ensconced in the criminal justice system until you prove your innocence, despite the fact that you are legally innocent until proven guilty. You may not be aware of what is happening behind closed doors at the Philadelphia Office of the District Attorney and the Philadelphia Police Dept. but do not be fooled: their silence is not golden. They are investigating and building your case against you. Obtain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer now. Call our office for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your options.
Drug Crimes in Philadelphia
In Pennsylvania, you can be charged with a wide variety of drug crimes. These are just a few examples:
If you are convicted of a drug crime, you can be sentenced to jail, prison or house arrest. You may be subject to other sanctions and limitations of freedom that may include mandatory drug tests, counseling, Narcotic Anonymous or other group meetings, community service, and more.
In Pennsylvania, simple possession of heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, methamphetamine and other drugs can result in the following:
1st offense: up to 1 year in prison and/or up to $5000 fine Subsequent offense: up to 3 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 fine
Drug use and drug crimes are increasing in number every year. Task forces search for drug dealers as well as simple drug users. Drug users commonly claim they were set up by a “friend” or by a snitch, or that someone was enlisted to intentionally create the circumstances that led to an arrest. If you feel that your arrest was not valid, your best opportunity to beat the charges is to hire an experienced drug crimes attorney in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Sex Crimes
There is an extensive range of sex crimes that you can be charged with in Pennsylvania. They include:
child pornography rape federal sex crime online solicitation sexual conduct with a minor internet sex crimes statutory rape
These are in addition to many other sex crimes. Conviction of a sex crime will result in mandatory sex offender registration – usually for the rest of your life. Your name, address, sex offense and other information will be made available on the internet for all to see. Many defendants claim that they did not realize they were having sex with a minor, because the sexual partner clearly stated that he or she was legally old enough to engage in sex. Even if he or she gave proof – perhaps in the form of a fraudulent driver’s license - it will not necessarily prevent an arrest or conviction. It does not necessarily matter to the arresting police officer, the criminal justice personnel or the prosecutor. You may be facing the legal battle of your life. When you obtain the qualified and experienced legal representation of a lawyer who specializes in sex crimes, your chances of an acquittal, dismissal or plea agreement increases greatly.
35 Dead From Domestic Violence in Philadelphia
In 2009, there were a reported 35 domestic violence homicides in Philadelphia. This is a 67 percent increase over the preceding year. It has been strongly suggested that this is a result of the recession and the increased pressure to make ends meet – and the stress that spouses, couples and families face. Arguments can quickly escalate into violence, and even when there is a complete lack of violence, one or both of the parties may allege that they were threatened, held hostage (false imprisonment) or even worse, they may claim that they were subjected to physical abuse. A domestic violence conviction can result in a jail or prison sentence, probation, fines, modifications of child visitation rights and the imposition of restraining orders. You may be required to attend domestic violence or anger management classes, counseling, drug testing, and more. Make sure you have proper legal representation in your domestic violence case.
DUI Penalties in Pennsylvania
Depending on the severity of your DUI offense in Philadelphia, you may be subjected to penalties that include or exceed: 6 months probation to 5 years in prison $300 to $10,000 fine 12 months to 18 months driver’s license suspension Ignition interlock device installment required Alcohol and/or drug treatment Alcohol Highway Safety Program
Your car insurance premiums will be more expensive – often they double, triple or quadruple for the same coverage that you have now. This is because you are statistically considered a greater driving risk. If your job involves driving, you may have to have an ignition interlock device installed on the company vehicle, and usually you will be required to officially notify your employer that you were convicted of DUI. When you obtain the services of a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases, you will have the legal expertise that is required to challenge the charges against you. You do not have to face this alone.
Theft in Philadelphia
Theft involves taking another’s property without their consent. Theft crimes are committed in a variety of ways, including:
Internet theft Bank theft Receiving stolen property Auto theft Burglary Robbery Shoplifting Forgery, bad checks, White collar crimes Identity theft crimes
Identity theft crimes and internet crimes increase in number every year. Identity theft crimes often exist because of the information available on the internet, via computers. Credit card scams, mortgage fraud, and renting and stealing cars with stolen identities are common. On the other hand, physical crimes occur in great number as well and are also on the increase. If a weapon is involved in the commission of a theft crime, the consequences are much greater and often include a lengthy prison sentence, especially if prior convictions exist. Note that the weapon does not have to actually be used. Its presence is enough to greatly increase the severity of the charges and the potential punishment. If you are accused of a theft crime your best chance of obtaining an acquittal, dismissal, plea arrangement or not guilty verdict will occur if you are properly represented by a skilled, experienced Philadelphia theft crimes attorney. Your future is at stake. You are invited to call us now for a free initial consultation.
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