Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Misdemeanor & Summary Offenses—Misdemeanor and summary offenses, though often considered less severe than felonies, can still have lasting impacts on your life. For example, charges of Public Intoxication, while seemingly inconsequential, can leave a stain on your legal record, affecting future employment and housing opportunities. Reckless Endangerment cases can be especially problematic as they often depend on subjective interpretations of what constitutes 'reckless' behavior. When it comes to Vandalism, the perceived minor act of damaging property can lead to significant fines and potential incarceration. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we meticulously examine the evidence in these cases, aiming to contextualize your actions and challenge the allegations against you. Our objective is to mitigate the long-term consequences of such charges by either getting them reduced or dropped altogether.
• Theft Offenses—Theft offenses are not to be taken lightly, as they can carry both criminal and civil ramifications. Shoplifting is one such offense that might seem minor but can lead to not just criminal charges but also civil penalties from the shop owner seeking restitution. Our legal strategy is multi-faceted, aiming to reduce the criminal repercussions while also defending you against any civil litigation. The ultimate objective is to mitigate both immediate and long-term consequences by providing a robust defense tailored to your unique situation.
• Weapons Offenses—Weapons offenses can range from illegal possession to brandishing or discharging a firearm. These offenses often carry mandatory minimum sentences, making a robust defense essential. We will investigate the circumstances of your arrest and formulate a defense that accounts for all legal nuances.
• White Collar Crimes—White-collar crimes are often complex and involve numerous legal intricacies. Among them, Forgery is a federal offense that involves creating or altering documents with the intent to defraud. Conviction can result in severe penalties, making it imperative that the prosecution be held to the highest standards of proof. Similarly, Identity Theft is a growing concern, especially with the increased use of digital platforms. Defending against such charges requires an in-depth understanding of both law and technology to scrutinize evidence like computer records and financial transactions. Internet Crimes further broaden the spectrum of white-collar offenses and can range from cyber fraud to unauthorized computer access. Our attorneys are updated on the latest legal standards and technological advancements, enabling us to build a comprehensive defense strategy for our clients.

No matter the charges you are facing, our legal team will leverage the facts and circumstances in your case to create a solid defense strategy. Furthermore, we offer clients a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere in which to pursue their case. Our intention is never to judge, only to provide an unwavering defense. Lean on our attorneys to stand up and fight for you when it matters most.

What to Expect From the Criminal Justice Process in Pennsylvania

Anyone facing criminal charges should know what to expect on the road ahead. As your Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers, we will be here to guide you through every step of your case, and we want to help prepare you for what comes next. Most criminal cases in Pennsylvania will follow these steps:

1. The charges against you will be filed, and you will be taken into custody after being arrested or ordered to appear with a summons.
2. A judge will review your charges during a preliminary arraignment and may set or deny bail based on your charges and record.
3. The prosecution will need to show probable cause during a preliminary hearing.
4. You will then be able to enter your plea during a formal arraignment.
5. Both the prosecution and defense will exchange evidence and argue their cases in discovery and pretrial motions.
6. Both sides will attempt to resolve the issue through negotiation or take the case to trial if negotiations are not successful.
7. If you are convicted during the trial, you will then be sentenced and face penalties determined by the court.

We will represent you through all of these steps and any other challenges that present themselves during your criminal defense and keep you informed about all of the details along the way.

The Potential Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

Every case is unique, and so are the consequences that can come from your charges. Even two people facing the same charge may receive vastly different outcomes based on circumstances and representation. Depending on the nature of your charges and the details surrounding the incident, you may be facing consequences such as:

• Incarceration in either jail or prison, depending on the severity of the charges
• Fines, financial penalties, and court costs
• Strict legal supervision under probation or parole
• Losing access to rights, including voting rights or the right to own a firearm
• Loss of immigration status
• Professional consequences, including job loss, professional license suspension, or career limitations
• Criminal charges on your permanent record that could interfere with future opportunities, including gaining housing or higher education loans

With the help of a qualified Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer, you can explore every legal opportunity you have to minimize the consequences of the charges you are facing or even beat them in court.

How We Craft a Criminal Defense

At our Philadelphia law firm, we do more than build a defense, we craft proactive legal strategies focused on results. For some clients, taking an aggressive defense by challenging the evidence against you or scrutinizing police actions could be the key to beating your charges. For other clients, the best course of action may be to negotiate for a reduced charge or sentencing.

No matter what option best supports your needs, you can be sure that our law firm will provide you with the representation you deserve. Our lawyers will provide you with aggressive legal representation whenever necessary, and our holistic legal approach will help ensure that you are never in the dark and that you understand your rights and your options.

Whether we are challenging the legality of a police search, negotiating for a more favorable plea, or preparing to fight for you in court, our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers will be relentless in protecting you and your rights. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, regular updates on your case, and a defense team that doesn’t back down.

Why Choose a Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA. at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin?

Choosing the right defense team can be hard, especially when most law firms claim to be the best choice for you. Before you meet with us at your initial consultation, we want you to have a better understanding of what qualifies us to defend you.

Our decades of experience defending clients are reflected in the respect that judges and prosecutors have for us. Our passion for protecting families is emphasized by our commitment to providing personalized and results-driven legal representation for everyone who retains our services.

Instead of treating you like just another case in a filing cabinet, we take the time to understand who you are, in addition to what you’re charged with. By using all the information available to us in your case, we can build an ironclad defense rooted in both legal knowledge and human understanding.

Criminal Defense Legal Services: Areas We Serve

At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we are proud to provide trusted and strategic criminal defense representation across Pennsylvania. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals accused of crimes, offering strong advocacy and personalized defense strategies at every stage of the legal process. Wherever you are located, effective legal counsel is always within reach.

We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the following counties and communities:

• Philadelphia County
• Montgomery County
• Lehigh County
• Northampton County
• Chester County
• Bucks County
• Delaware County
• Berks County

State-wide, our Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers craft tailored defense strategies to protect the rights and futures of individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges in these communities.