North Huntingdon Criminal Defense Lawyer

North Huntingdon Criminal Defense Attorney

It doesn’t matter whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge in Pennsylvania. You need a North Huntingdon criminal defense lawyer to help you evaluate evidence, construct legal arguments, and present them to the court at the Westmoreland County Courthouse. Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your team is a good way to minimize the impact of the charges on your life, no matter what kind of crime you have been accused of committing.

Trust Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices. You don’t have to settle for just any criminal defense attorney. If you are facing charges in North Huntingdon, trust Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, to help. We’ve been representing clients facing various criminal charges for decades, and in that time, we have developed an in-depth understanding of criminal defense laws. We can provide you with the aggressive representation you need to maximize your chances of walking away from your charges.

MEET THE ATTORNEY

Stanton D. Levenson

Partner, Criminal Defense · Pittsburgh, PA

Stanton has defended clients in serious state and federal cases for more than five decades.
He is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and a past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

• 50+ years in criminal defense
• Federal and white-collar experience
• Fellow, ABCL • Past President, PACDL

Contact Us Today

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

North Huntingdon faces fewer crimes than the nation on average. Around 42.7 people per 100,000 residents face charges for assault each year, and another 805.6 out of 100,000 face charges for theft. Overall, Pennsylvania is 25th in the nation for incarceration rates as of 2022. In other words, there are plenty of people seeking the help of experienced criminal defense attorneys.

You should hire a criminal defense lawyer any time you are facing charges, no matter their severity. Even a misdemeanor conviction can look bad on a criminal record, and more serious crimes like felonies can prevent you from voting, owning guns, and taking on certain forms of employment. Hiring a criminal defense attorney can reduce the chances that you’ll be convicted and the chances of your facing the maximum penalties if you are.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Forming a criminal defense strategy is more challenging than some defendants expect. It requires an extensive review of the evidence, including the police report, weighing witness credibility, understanding the statute of limitations, and building a compelling case based on these facts. The client ultimately makes the decision about what strategy to employ in the case. However, their defense attorney can provide valuable legal counsel to help them decide whether to:

• Plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere
• Testify in court
• Accept a plea bargain

Your criminal defense lawyer will use the available evidence to build a solid case that can clear you of charges or mitigate penalties if a conviction is unavoidable. They will do everything they can to protect your rights and your future.

Criminal Defense Strategies

The type of strategy your lawyer will employ will vary depending on the case. Some defense strategies we use for our clients include:

• The alibi defense. Your lawyer can show evidence that you were elsewhere when the crime was committed.
• Self-defense. If you are facing allegations of having committed a violent crime, the need to protect yourself can be used as a defense against the charges.
• Entrapment. When law enforcement induces people to commit crimes that they wouldn’t have otherwise committed, that’s considered entrapment. Your attorney may try to prove that you were coerced by law enforcement into committing the crime.
• Constitutional rights violations. You are afforded certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. If the police officers who arrested you did not inform you of your Miranda rights or if they searched your belongings without probable cause, your lawyer may argue that the case should be thrown out because your rights were violated.
• The insanity defense. It’s rare for lawyers to use the insanity defense because it’s difficult to prove, but this strategy involves showing that you were mentally incapable of understanding your actions at the time of the crime.
• Lesser included offenses. In some cases, the goal isn’t to convince the jury that you are innocent, but to convince them that you are guilty only of a lesser included offense.

FAQs

What Are the Grades for Criminal Charges in PA?

The grades for criminal charges in PA are felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses, with each category further subdivided into degrees depending on the severity of the crime. Felonies are the most serious grade of crime in Pennsylvania, followed by misdemeanors. Summary offenses are the least serious charges and carry lower maximum sentences.

What Are the Three Types of Defense Attorneys?

The three types of defense attorneys are public defenders, private attorneys, and court-appointed private attorneys. Public defenders and court-appointed private attorneys are employed by the government to represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Private attorneys work directly for and are paid by their clients. All three types of defense attorneys provide criminal defense services for people facing charges.

Who Pays Criminal Defense Lawyers?

The people hiring criminal defense lawyers pay them. In most cases, it is the clients being represented by the law firm. In some cases, third parties with an interest in the outcome of the case pay the attorneys to represent clients facing charges. Criminal defense lawyers can charge flat fees, hourly rates, or a combination of the two, and some require a retainer paid upfront.

How Much Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Affect a Case?

Criminal defense attorneys affect a case significantly. They can evaluate evidence to determine whether there are grounds for case dismissal, construct legal arguments, work with expert witnesses, and provide representation in court. If you want to minimize your chances of facing significant consequences for criminal charges, hire a North Huntingdon criminal defense attorney.

Your North Huntingdon Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, you need a North Huntington criminal defense lawyer that you can trust to aggressively represent your rights. You can trust Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, to help. With over five decades of experience handling criminal defense cases, our firm has what it takes to improve your chances of obtaining positive results. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.

Client Testimonials

“Stan and Amy were the most professional and understanding attorneys I have ever met. They heard my questions and answered in a timely fashion. Also not guilty on all counts. They are the absolute best.” – Mike L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I have never met more kinder, caring, patient, nonjudgmental people. Amy and Stan are the absolute best! I highly recommend them and their services!” – Rachel W. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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