Why you need a Criminal Lawyer in Lancaster, PA?
Being arrested can be the most stressful event in a person’s life. At The Shelton Firm, our criminal attorney in Lancaster Pa understands that knowing the process can assist in relieving the anxiety of arrest. Here’s why it is really important to not go it alone!
It’s extremely important to contact and employ a Criminal defense attorney early in the process to ensure you collect and preserve the right evidence, walk you through some of the more complex issues in your case and make sure you get the best result possible.
The Shelton Firm handles Felony and Misdemeanor Criminal offenses in Lancaster, York, Berks, Lebanon, Chester, Dauphin, and Adams County. Trust us, you need an experienced lawyer on your side.
Call us today for a free case review.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to explain all of your options including getting the charges reduced or thrown out, diversionary programs, and any potential penalties. We will examine the strengths and weaknesses of your case and will provide you with a straightforward analysis so that we inform you of the best way for you to proceed. Without representation, you have the potential to end up in even more trouble since you likely do not know the ins and outs of the system especially if this is your first offense. There are programs and requirements that can alleviate the stress of the situation and our criminal defense lawyers can arrange these for you.
ARD Program for 1st Offenders
First time criminal offenders can qualify for a program known as ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition). The program allows you to avoid a criminal conviction on your record, by allowing you to expunge the charge, once the program is complete. Completing ARD requires you to receive a period of probation (without jail time), and other requirements like completing community service hours. Entering ARD will save you from the unwanted choice of having to go to trial and risking your clean record. Our criminal defense attorneys at The Shelton Firm can help facilitate your entrance into the program. Entrance into ARD is solely at the discretion of the District Attorney. The District Attorney can reject you for almost any reason, and it’s up to your attorney to fight for your admission into the program.
Free Consultations
Don’t delay… your legal defense can’t wait. Contact The Shelton Firm today for a free consultation and case evaluation. It’s never too early to hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney. Getting started as soon as possible will ensure that you are in the best possible position to get your charges dismissed. It also puts your attorney in a position to be able to collect all the evidence necessary to get you the best possible outcome.
Potential Penalties
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious offense. There are many crimes that can lead to a domestic violence offense, including: simple assault, stalking, and terroristic threats. When police investigate a domestic violence call, it forces them to make a quick judgment call which can lead to an arrest. Following the arrest, law enforcement must seize all firearms, and ammunition in the defendant’s possession.
If convicted of a domestic violence crime, you could face fines, jail time, loss of your right to own guns, and long term consequences that effect your future for years to come. It is important that you seek the help of an experienced Criminal Lawyer in Lancaster Pa to protect your future.
Misdemeanor charges
A third-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000. · Second-degree misdemeanors can be penalized by up to two years in jail and fines reaching $5,000. · A first-degree misdemeanor is punishable up to five years in jail and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Summary Offenses
Summary offenses are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $300.
Felony Charges
Third-degree felony are punishable with up to seven years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. · A second-degree felony is punishable by prison time for up to 10 years and a maximum fine of $25,000. · Finally first-degree felony may be penalized with up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
Types of Cases We Handle
We represent people in Lancaster County with the following types of criminal cases:
- First Time Offenders
- Serious Traffic Offenses
- DUI Charges
- Drug Charges
- Marijuana Charges
- Firearm / Weapon Charges
- Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Sex Crimes
- Theft and Property Offenses
- Internet / Cyber Crimes
- White Collar Crime
- Violation of Probation
- Violation of Parole
- Record Expungement / Sealing
- Misdemeanor Charges
- Felony Charges
- Bench Warrant Hearings in Lancaster County
CRIMINAL CASE TIMELINE OF EVENTS
How Bail Works
The first hearing after a criminal arrest is the preliminary arraignment at a Magisterial District Court. A Magisterial Judge will review factors like your residence, work history, and prior criminal record to determine bail. He will also set a date for your preliminary hearing.
Bail amounts will be different for every person and case. The judge will set an amount of money they believe makes sure you will appear for court in the future. You may have bail set as Released on your Own Recognizance (ROR). This means that you do not have to pay any money to be released from custody.
They may give you what is called “unsecured bail.” With unsecured bail, you don’t have to pay money towards your bail. But you do have to follow certain rules and conditions ordered by the judge in order to remain out.
If they have charged you with a serious misdemeanor or felony offense, the judge may require you to pay money before they release you from custody. You may have to pay the full amount of the bail (straight cash bail) or post a percentage (typically 10%) of the total bail amount in order to be released.
However, the judge could deny bail altogether which means you would remain in custody until and unless they change the bail to a lower or unsecured/ROR amount.
Contact us today so that our criminal defense attorneys can review your case during a free consultation!
