Mercer County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Mercer County, PA

Criminal charges can be stressful to face, with the potential to result in expensive fines, years in prison, and other long-lasting consequences. If you have been accused of unlawful action, a Mercer County criminal defense lawyer can help you through this difficult period. They can be at your side, from initial arrest to court verdict.

About Levenson Law Firm

Levenson Law Firm has spent decades representing the people of Mercer County, Pittsburgh, and cities throughout western Pennsylvania in their criminal defense matters. Principal attorney Amy B. Levenson Jones has over twenty years of experience handling cases ranging from simple assault to murder. She is a leading figure in the legal community, serving as the Western District Vice President of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Overview of Criminal Defense Cases in Pennsylvania

Criminal defense cases in Pennsylvania cover a variety of offenses. In 2024, the Mercer County court system had 1,255 new cases. The most common type of criminal charge was a DWI or DUI, accounting for 29.7% of filings, followed by property crimes at 21.4% and person crimes at 21.2%. Most criminal proceedings are handled at the Mercer County Courthouse, located at 125 South Diamond Street in Mercer.

Criminal Defense Cases Levenson Law Firm Represents

Levenson Law Firm handles a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges. Common criminal defense cases our team represents include:

• Violent/person crimes. Violent crimes involve the threat, attempt, or cause of harm to another. Offenses range from simple assault to murder, with the severity of the charges related to the weapons involved and bodily injury.
• DUI. Driving under the influence (DUI) occurs when someone operates a motor vehicle while rendered incapable of safely driving by alcohol or a controlled substance. State law classifies a DUI’s criminal level based on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) within two hours of driving, including general impairment, high rate of alcohol, and highest rate of alcohol.
• Drug offenses. Drug charges encompass the possession, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties and offense type center on the type and quantity of a drug. The trafficking threshold for marijuana is two pounds, while for heroin it is one gram.
• White collar crimes. White collar crimes are financially motivated, non-violent offenses that typically occur in government or corporate settings. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and insider trading. The offense’s classification often relates to the value of affected assets.
• Sex crimes. Sex crimes are defined as unlawful actions carried out for sexual gratification, such as indecent exposure, solicitation, statutory rape, and child pornography. Charges center on the alleged actions and the victim’s identity.

Common Criminal Defense Strategies

The strongest criminal defense strategy depends on the unique elements in each case. Common arguments include:

• Alibi. Defendant has proof of being elsewhere during a criminal event.
• Self-defense. Violent offenses were carried out in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of property.
• Coerced confession. Any statements made before Miranda rights are read in interrogations are inadmissible and may be suppressed.
• Inconsistent argument. During some proceedings, law enforcement may report inconsistent details or call on unreliable witnesses.
• Lack of intent. A person may have committed a crime without any criminal intent.
• Unlawful search and seizure. Evidence gained during an illegal traffic stop or without a valid warrant can be excluded from criminal proceedings.
• Coercion. Someone committed a crime due to threats or manipulation by another party.
• Lack of evidence. The prosecution must have enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hire a criminal defense lawyer to assist with your case. An experienced Mercer County criminal defense attorney can help at every stage of the proceedings. They can explain potential sentences, build your defense strategy, challenge the state’s case, and represent you in court. If a conviction seems likely, Levenson Law Firm can negotiate with the prosecution for reduced penalties and a lower offense appearing on your record.

FAQs

When Should You Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You should speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you discover you are under investigation or following an arrest. Many detrimental errors in a criminal defense case occur in the early stages of the proceedings. Consulting an experienced attorney can protect you against manipulative tactics by law enforcement and assist you in avoiding mistakes that the prosecution can use against you.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Pennsylvania?

How much your Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney costs depends on several variables, such as the charge’s severity, the case complexity, the length of the case, and the total workload for the firm. Representation for a simple assault charge with mitigating factors typically costs less than a murder trial. Another determining factor is the billing structure, with different lawyers offering retainer expenses, hourly rates, or flat fees for specific offenses.

What Is the Average Length of a Criminal Defense Case in Mercer County?

Mercer County criminal defense cases do not have one average length across all offenses and vary based on the offense, whether it requires a trial, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. A third-degree misdemeanor may be resolved quickly, while a first-degree felony with multiple involved parties could take a long time to finalize.

Do All Criminal Defense Cases Require a Trial in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, criminal defense cases do not always proceed to trial. Out of the 1,355 criminal charges processed through Mercy County courts in 2024, 0.4% of cases were resolved with a non-jury trial and 0.8% in a jury trial. Most criminal matters resulted in a guilty plea, dismissal, or a diversionary program. During your initial consultation, your attorney can assess the likelihood of whether a trial verdict may be necessary.

Speak With a Mercer County, PA Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Levenson Law Firm knows how overwhelming criminal defense cases can be. Attorney Amy B. Levenson Jones can draw on years of experience to guide you through this tumultuous time.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can discuss the charges you are dealing with, identify key challenges, and provide potential criminal defense strategies. You may also visit our Pittsburgh offices, located on Forward Avenue, a few blocks west of Frick Park, and north of Exit 74 of the Parkway.