Penn Hills Criminal Defense Lawyer

Penn Hills Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania can be daunting. Depending on the severity of the crime, you may face lengthy prison sentences and exorbitant fines. The legal consequences are detrimental to your permanent record, but the impact on your livelihood and reputation can be devastating. Don’t hesitate to hire a skilled Penn Hills criminal defense lawyer if you are facing criminal charges in Western Pennsylvania.

Compassionate and Dedicated Legal Counsel—Levenson Law Firm

At Levenson Law Firm, our team recognizes the struggle associated with facing criminal charges. Whether you are being charged with a misdemeanor or multiple felonies, Attorney Amy B. Levenson Jones is prepared to handle your case. With over 20 years of active litigation experience, Levenson has served clients all across the country in a variety of local, state, and federal criminal offenses.

Drug Offenses

Drug-related crimes in Pennsylvania are extremely serious. There are varying degrees of severity in these charges. Being familiar with relevant Pennsylvania drug legislation can be beneficial to your case.

Possession and possession with intent to distribute are the two drug-related charges most common in Pennsylvania. Additional charges may include drug trafficking and manufacturing. These offenses are incredibly serious and carry harsh penalties. Sentencing and fines are determined by the quantity and kind of drugs found in your possession.

The Pennsylvania state government recognizes Pittsburgh as a hub of drug distribution, second in the state only to Philadelphia. They also note that most drugs in PA are trafficked along the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-95.

White Collar Crime Indictments

White-collar crimes in Penn Hills are overseen by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. These are nonviolent, monetarily motivated crimes that predominantly include money laundering, embezzlement, wire fraud, and healthcare fraud. These cases can garner heavy fines and long prison sentences depending on the amount of money and scale of operations involved.

Probation Regulations & Violations

Probation violations in Pennsylvania can lead to additional charges in some cases. Violations of court-ordered probation are either technical or substantive violations. Technical violations include missing meetings, violating curfew, refusal to complete counseling or community service, and failed drug tests.

Substantive violations are more serious and encompass all criminal activity committed while on probation. These violations result in loss of probation privileges, additional jail time, and new charges. The Allegheny County Adult Probation Office handles Penn Hills’ residents’ probation cases.

DUIs in Pennsylvania

Driving while under the influence in Pennsylvania is penalized under a tier-based system. According to this system, 0.08% to 0.099% blood alcohol content (BAC) is referred to as general impairment, 0.10% to 0.15% is considered high BAC, and .16% and over is the highest BAC range and subsequently harshest penalties.

Consequences of Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are not dealt with lightly by Pennsylvania courts. Depending on the charge, offenders can face up to a lifetime in jail. These offenses include sexual assault, rape, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse materials, and indecent exposure, among others. If charged with these crimes, offenders may also be required to register under Megan’s Law. In 2023, 6,765 people were sentenced for 26,168 sexual crime charges.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

Law enforcement agencies improperly performing searches and seizures of evidence is unlawful. Without a proper search warrant, all evidence found in the search is not admissible in court and will be dismissed. This may also occur when a person’s rights are violated during search and seizure procedures. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and its evidence to verify that it was obtained legally.

Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pennsylvania?

A criminal defense lawyer can be the key to success in your case. Local, trusted legal counsel will be able to advocate for you throughout the entirety of your case. Even if you have not yet been charged but believe you are under criminal investigation, an experienced attorney can help you possibly mitigate charges and prepare for court. The right representation can drastically change the outcome of your case.

FAQs

What Are the Four Major Criminal Law Defenses?

The four major defenses used in criminal law cases are self-defense, insanity, duress, and necessity. Self-defense is applicable in cases where force is used to protect oneself. Insanity often applies to individuals who suffer from severe mental health disorders that prevent them from functioning in society. Duress is an argument used in cases where coercion was used to force someone into committing a crime. Necessity defenses may be utilized when the crime was committed to prevent significant harm.

What Kind of Law Is Criminal Defense?

Criminal defense is a branch of law that focuses on defending individuals, corporations, businesses, and organizations who have been accused of crimes. The main purpose of criminal defense is to provide all American citizens with the right to a fair trial, even if they have been accused of illegal activity. This ensures that their rights are not violated.

How Soon Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney After Being Charged?

If you have been charged with a crime, it is imperative that you immediately contact a criminal defense attorney for legal counsel. If you have not yet been charged but believe yourself to be under a criminal investigation, it is also recommended to consult with an attorney. The sooner you get a lawyer, the more chances you have for success in your case.

Does a DA Have More Power Than a Judge?

The role of a district attorney and a judge is very different, so establishing who has more power is dependent on the situation. Judges oversee case procedures and are the final authority in rulings. DAs, on the other hand, are responsible for deciding when to prosecute individuals for crimes and when to offer plea deals.

Contact Our Office Today

If you are facing charges or accusations of criminal activity, don’t hesitate to get the representation you deserve. Contact our office today to go over your case with an experienced Penn Hills criminal defense attorney.