Erie Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested and booked at the Erie County Prison can be an unsettling experience. The criminal justice system in Erie, PA, can seem imposing. As you prepare for appearances at the Erie County Courthouse, having an Erie, PA, criminal defense lawyer can greatly improve your chances for a favorable outcome to your case. Legal representation can balance the scales of justice if you act quickly to prepare your defense.

Criminal Defense Representation That Gets Results

When your future is on the line, you need more than just legal advice. You need results. The Levenson Law Firm brings decades of experience handling serious charges in state and federal court. We understand how prosecutors build their cases and use that insight to develop strong, strategic defenses.

Whether you’re facing allegations of assault, drug offenses, or white-collar crime, we focus on minimizing consequences and protecting your rights at every stage. Our goal is simple: deliver outcomes that preserve your freedom, reputation, and peace of mind.

What To Do if You Are Arrested

Being arrested can be unsettling and frightening, especially if it is your first time facing the criminal justice system. The most important step is to remain calm and avoid making any statements to police without legal counsel. Anything you say can and will be used against you, and resisting arrest can lead to additional criminal charges.

Politely invoke your right to remain silent and request to speak with a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not try to explain your side or argue with law enforcement at the scene. As soon as you are released, contact your attorney or find an experienced lawyer to represent you in court. The decisions you make immediately after an arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Common Criminal Charges in Erie

Erie continues to see a range of criminal activity, though some violent crime rates have recently declined. In the first nine months of 2024, the city recorded three homicides, a significant drop from 13 during the same period in 2023.

There were 72 reports of aggravated assault and 61 robberies during that same time frame. These charges can carry serious consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and lasting damage to your reputation.

Other common offenses in Erie include:

• Drug possession
• DUI
• Firearm violations
• Burglary
• Theft
• Motor vehicle theft
• Vandalism
• Arson

Whether the charge is violent or non-violent, it’s critical to take the situation seriously and consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. A proper legal strategy can protect your rights and help you pursue a good outcome.

Effective Criminal Defense Strategies

Building an effective criminal defense in Erie requires an understanding of the local legal system and the criminal laws tied to your case. Whether your arrest occurred near West Bayfront or in the East Avenue neighborhood, one critical first step can involve reviewing how the evidence was collected and whether your rights were respected.

Police officers from the Erie Police Department’s downtown precinct are often involved in arrests. If they violated your rights or unlawfully collected evidence, those missteps can be used to have your case dismissed. Another common defense strategy is to scrutinize the evidence to see if it allows the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Insufficient evidence or inconsistent testimony may not rise to the level of a prosecutable case.

Whether your attorney recommends a strategy based on self-defense or focuses on securing a favorable plea bargain agreement, they can benefit your case tremendously.

A skilled attorney with experience in Erie’s courts can evaluate your charges, challenge weak evidence, and develop a plan to protect your freedom and your future.

What To Expect During Your Criminal Trial

After your arrest and release from Erie County Jail, you’ll be required to make appearances at the Erie County Courthouse. One early step involves your arraignment, where your attorney can enter a plea.

During the pretrial stage of your case, your attorney can review the prosecution’s evidence and conduct an independent investigation to find evidence that supports your innocence or weakens the prosecution’s case.

Many cases are resolved through plea bargaining. This allows defendants to avoid the uncertainty of a trial, which could also extend a criminal case’s timeline by several months or longer. If you choose to accept a plea offer and meet the conditions outlined by the prosecution, your case can be resolved without going to trial.

How Plea Bargaining Could Affect the Outcome of Your Case

Plea bargaining plays a major role in how criminal cases are resolved in Erie. Instead of going through a full trial, you may be offered a deal by the prosecution. This usually involves pleading guilty to a lesser charge or accepting a lighter sentence. Often, this can reduce the risk of facing the harshest penalties.

Trials can take months and come with no guarantees. A plea deal provides more control over the outcome and can shorten the case timeline. However, accepting a plea also means giving up your right to a trial and possibly having a conviction on your record.

Rejecting a plea bargain can often lead to a more favorable offer later on because prosecutors are tasked with keeping court dockets moving.

Your defense attorney can negotiate the terms and help you decide whether a plea offer is worth taking. The outcome of your case may depend heavily on making the right choice at this stage of the process.

What Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Do?

Criminal defense attorneys play a crucial role in defending individuals accused of crimes in Erie. Their primary responsibility is to protect the rights of the accused throughout the legal process. From the moment of arrest, a criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence, investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, and determine the ideal strategy for a defense.

They challenge the prosecution’s evidence, question witnesses, and identify weaknesses in the case. Defense attorneys also negotiate plea deals, work to reduce charges, and ensure that their clients receive a fair trial.

In some cases, they may pursue dismissals or acquittals. Their goal is to achieve a favorable outcome for their client, whether through a favorable verdict or minimizing penalties. A skilled defense attorney is essential in navigating the complexities of criminal charges.

FAQs

Q: When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

A: You should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn you are under investigation or after an arrest. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights during questioning and influence the direction of your case. Delaying legal representation increases the risk of mistakes that could harm your defense. Acting quickly gives your attorney more time to build a strong defense strategy.

Q: What Happens After Someone Is Arrested in Pennsylvania?

A: After someone is arrested in Pennsylvania, they are taken into custody, booked, and may be held until arraignment. At arraignment, charges are read, and bail is considered. The case then moves through preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, and potentially a trial. Each stage requires important legal decisions, and early representation can help protect rights and strengthen the defense from the start.

Q: Who Pays Criminal Defense Lawyers?

A: In most cases, individuals pay for their own criminal defense attorney. The payment terms depend on the agreement between the attorney and the client. It’s vital to work with a criminal defense lawyer to receive personalized attention and representation and have control over your defense. Always ask about payment structure and communication before committing.

Q: How Do I Find the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: To find the right criminal defense lawyer, start by looking for a lawyer with experience handling cases like yours in the local court system. Read reviews, check credentials, and ask specific questions about their trial history and availability. A good criminal defense lawyer should be responsive, strategic, and familiar with Erie’s legal environment. Consult with more than one attorney before deciding who fits your situation and goals.

Q: Do Lawyers Get to Choose Who They Defend?

A: Private defense lawyers generally get to choose which clients they defend. They evaluate potential cases based on workload, experience, and whether they believe they can offer effective representation. The decision to take on a client depends on legal considerations and professional judgment. Finding a good lawyer to defend you could be difficult or costly if you have a complex case.

Protect Your Rights With Experienced Criminal Defense in Erie

Being charged with a crime in Erie can leave you feeling uncertain about your future. Securing an experienced and dedicated criminal defense lawyer is a crucial first step that can lead to a favorable outcome for your case. The Levenson Law Firm is committed to providing you with strategic, results-oriented representation tailored to your unique case.

Backed by five decades of combined experience, our attorneys offer unmatched insight and a proven track record of success. We are here to guide you every step of the way so you do not have to navigate your criminal charges alone. Contact our Shadyside neighborhood office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward defending your future.