Sharon Criminal Defense Lawyer

Sharon Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing criminal charges in Sharon, Pennsylvania, can put your freedom, reputation, employment, and future at risk. Whether you are under investigation, have been arrested, or have already been charged, understanding your rights and obtaining experienced legal guidance are important first steps.

Pennsylvania criminal offenses are generally classified as felonies, misdemeanors, or summary offenses. The potential consequences depend on the specific charge, the circumstances of the alleged conduct, and your criminal history. Even charges that appear relatively minor can have lasting effects.

At Levenson Law Firm, Amy Jones provides individualized criminal defense representation to clients in Sharon, Mercer County, and throughout Western Pennsylvania. She handles serious criminal matters in Pennsylvania state courts and federal criminal prosecutions in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

As a Sharon criminal defense lawyer, Amy approaches each case by examining the evidence, identifying potential legal and factual defenses, and developing a strategy tailored to the charges and the individual client.

Individualized Criminal Defense for Sharon and Mercer County

Criminal cases require more than a general understanding of the law. The evidence, circumstances of the arrest, applicable procedures, and potential consequences must be evaluated carefully before important decisions are made.

Levenson Law Firm represents individuals facing a range of criminal allegations, including:

• Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking offenses
• Firearms and weapons charges
• Assault and other violent crime allegations
• Sex crime allegations
• Fraud, financial crimes, and white collar offenses
• Homicide and other serious felony charges
• Criminal appeals and post-conviction matters

Depending on the case, defense preparation may involve challenging the legality of a search or seizure, examining witness credibility, reviewing forensic or electronic evidence, evaluating the prosecution’s theory, or identifying weaknesses in the evidence supporting the charges.

Direct Representation From Amy Jones

When you retain Levenson Law Firm, you work directly with Amy Jones. The firm maintains a selective caseload to provide clients with individualized attention, careful preparation, and direct communication throughout their representation.

Amy’s approach emphasizes four principles:

• Evidence: Understanding what the prosecution can establish and identifying facts that may support the defense.
• Judgment: Providing candid advice about the law, potential risks, and available options.
• Strategy: Developing an approach suited to the specific allegations and circumstances.
• The Individual: Recognizing that every criminal case affects a person whose future, responsibilities, and goals matter.

No attorney can guarantee a particular outcome. Levenson Law Firm is committed to thoughtful preparation, sound professional judgment, and individualized representation at every stage of the case.

The strategy depends on the case. The commitment does not.

What Happens When You’re Charged With a Crime in Pennsylvania?

Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming, particularly if you have never been involved in the criminal justice system. Understanding the process can help you make informed decisions and prepare for what comes next.

Criminal cases arising in Sharon generally proceed through Pennsylvania’s criminal court system in Mercer County. The specific procedures depend on the charges, how the case begins, and whether it is resolved before trial.

Stages of a Pennsylvania Criminal Case

1. Investigation and filing of charges: Law enforcement investigates alleged criminal conduct. Charges may be initiated through a criminal complaint, and a defendant may be arrested or directed to appear in court.
2. Preliminary arraignment: A magisterial district judge advises the defendant of the charges and certain rights. The court also addresses bail and other conditions of release when applicable.
3. Preliminary hearing: In cases requiring a preliminary hearing, the Commonwealth must establish a prima facie case that an offense occurred and that the defendant committed it. This is not a trial, and guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is not determined at this stage.
4. Formal arraignment: If charges are held for court, the case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas, where formal arraignment and additional pretrial proceedings generally occur.
5. Discovery and pretrial motions: The defense reviews the prosecution’s evidence, investigates factual and legal issues, and may file motions challenging evidence or seeking other appropriate relief.
6. Plea negotiations or trial: Some cases resolve through negotiated pleas, diversion programs, or dismissal. Others proceed to trial, where the Commonwealth must prove each element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
7. Sentencing: If a defendant is convicted or enters a guilty plea, the court determines the appropriate sentence under applicable Pennsylvania law.

Not every case follows every step. Summary proceedings, diversionary dispositions, and other procedural circumstances may involve different requirements.

Early representation can be important when evaluating the charges, preserving evidence, addressing bail, and determining whether grounds exist to challenge the prosecution’s case.

The Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania generally classifies criminal offenses as summary offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies. The classification affects the potential penalties, applicable procedures, and consequences of a conviction.

Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanors are generally less serious than felonies but can still carry significant penalties, including incarceration, probation, fines, and collateral consequences.

Under Pennsylvania law, misdemeanors are commonly classified into three degrees:

• First-degree misdemeanor: Generally punishable by up to five years of imprisonment.
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Generally punishable by up to two years of imprisonment.
• Third-degree misdemeanor: Generally punishable by up to one year of imprisonment.

These are general statutory maximums. Specific offenses may be subject to different grading or sentencing provisions.

Examples of conduct that may result in misdemeanor charges, depending on the circumstances, include simple assault, certain theft offenses, criminal trespass, harassment, and criminal mischief.

Felony Charges

Felonies are more serious criminal offenses and generally carry greater potential sentencing exposure.

Pennsylvania’s general felony classifications include:

• First-degree felony: Generally punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment.
• Second-degree felony: Generally punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment.
• Third-degree felony: Generally punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment.

Certain offenses, including murder and other specifically graded crimes, are governed by separate statutory sentencing provisions.

Felony allegations may involve aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, serious drug offenses, certain firearms violations, sexual offenses, or homicide-related charges.

The grading of an offense depends on the applicable statute and the particular facts. Conduct that constitutes a misdemeanor in one set of circumstances may support a felony charge in another.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A criminal defense lawyer’s role extends beyond appearing in court. Effective representation begins with understanding the allegations, examining the evidence, and evaluating the legal issues that may affect the case.

Depending on the circumstances, Amy Jones may assist by:

• Explaining the charges, potential penalties, and applicable procedures
• Communicating with law enforcement or prosecutors on the client’s behalf
• Reviewing police reports, witness statements, and electronic evidence
• Evaluating whether searches, seizures, or statements violated constitutional protections
• Investigating factual disputes and identifying potential defenses
• Preparing and litigating appropriate pretrial motions
• Evaluating plea offers and alternative resolutions
• Preparing for trial when necessary
• Developing sentencing and mitigation arguments when appropriate

At Levenson Law Firm, Amy personally handles each client’s representation. Her approach emphasizes careful evidence analysis, candid advice, professional judgment, and a defense strategy tailored to the individual.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges in Sharon

What Should I Do Immediately After an Arrest in Sharon, Pennsylvania?

Remain calm, avoid resisting law enforcement, and clearly request an attorney before answering questions about the alleged offense.

You generally have the right to remain silent and should avoid making statements about the allegations without first obtaining legal advice. Do not attempt to explain away the charges or discuss the facts of the case with investigators without counsel.

Once you have legal representation, your lawyer can advise you about the charges, upcoming court proceedings, and steps that may help protect your interests.

How Does a Criminal Case Move Through the Courts in Sharon?

Criminal cases arising in Sharon generally begin before a magisterial district judge. Felony and misdemeanor charges held for court ordinarily proceed to the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas.

Depending on the case, proceedings may include preliminary arraignment, a preliminary hearing, formal arraignment, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing.

Summary offenses may follow a different procedure, and some cases resolve before reaching trial.

Am I Eligible for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)?

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, commonly called ARD, is a Pennsylvania pretrial diversion program available to certain eligible defendants.

ARD may allow a qualifying defendant to resolve a case without a criminal conviction after successfully completing court-imposed conditions. Eligibility depends on the nature of the charges, criminal history, applicable legal restrictions, and the district attorney’s approval.

Not every first-time offender qualifies, and acceptance into ARD is not automatic.

An attorney can help evaluate whether ARD or another available diversionary disposition may be appropriate.

What Penalties Could I Face for a Misdemeanor in Sharon?

Depending on the offense and its grading, a misdemeanor conviction in Pennsylvania may carry a maximum prison sentence of one, two, or five years under the general misdemeanor classifications.

Other potential consequences include probation, fines, restitution, and restrictions or obligations imposed as part of the sentence.

The actual sentence depends on the offense, applicable sentencing law, criminal history, and circumstances of the case.

Can Criminal Charges Be Dismissed Before Trial?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, criminal charges may be dismissed or reduced before trial.

Potential grounds may involve insufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing, successful pretrial motions, prosecutorial decisions, or other legal and factual developments.

Dismissal is never guaranteed. The available options depend on the specific charges and evidence.

Should I Contact a Lawyer Before Criminal Charges Are Filed?

Yes. If you believe you are under investigation, consulting a criminal defense lawyer before charges are filed may provide an opportunity to understand your rights, preserve relevant evidence, and obtain guidance about communications with investigators.

Early representation can be especially important when law enforcement requests an interview, serves a subpoena, or executes a search warrant.

Criminal Defense Representation in Sharon and Mercer County

Levenson Law Firm represents individuals facing criminal investigations and prosecutions in Sharon, Mercer County, and throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Amy Jones provides direct, individualized representation in serious Pennsylvania criminal matters and federal criminal cases in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The firm maintains a selective caseload, allowing Amy to focus on the evidence, legal issues, and individual circumstances of each client’s case.

No lawyer can promise a particular outcome. The firm’s commitment is to careful preparation, sound professional judgment, and candid communication throughout the representation.

Speak With a Sharon Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation or facing criminal charges in Sharon, obtaining legal guidance can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your defense.

At Levenson Law Firm, you work directly with Amy Jones, who develops an individualized strategy based on the facts, applicable law, and your circumstances.

When Your Future Is at Stake, Judgment Matters.

Request a Confidential Consultation or call Amy Jones directly at (917) 406-7165.