Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing Criminal Charges in Philadelphia? Watch Our Video to See How We Can Help You.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Providing Experienced Legal Representation in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Being charged with a crime in Philadelphia can jeopardize your freedom, rights, and reputation. Even minor offenses can add up to life-altering consequences. Whether you are facing misdemeanor, felony, or federal charges, turn to a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who will stand up for your future at every stage of your case.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we do not take a passive stance in defense cases. We have a team of more than a dozen seasoned attorneys who have decades of courtroom experience, a long track record of success, and a dedication to winning cases for our clients. We’re available seven days a week to provide comprehensive legal representation in criminal defense matters.

We proudly serve clients throughout the Philadelphia area, and our law firm is nationally recognized for our work in high-profile cases and for earning numerous legal awards and historic verdicts. No matter what kind of criminal charges you are facing, do not leave your future to chance. Instead, let a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia, PA, fiercely fight for you at every turn.

Types of Criminal Cases We Can Defend Against

No matter the charges, our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers are equipped to defend you. Our law firm handles a full range of criminal defense cases, from state-level misdemeanors to serious federal offenses. We are prepared to develop an aggressive and committed defense strategy to protect you from charges such as:

• Murder—The stakes cannot be higher than they are in a murder case. A conviction can result in life imprisonment or death. In these very difficult cases, it is essential to have a dedicated and experienced legal advocate on your side. Our law firm offers the innovative, winning defense strategy you need and a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who is not afraid to aggressively defend you in court if necessary.
• Assault—Some assault offenses, like aggravated assault, are more serious than others, but any conviction negatively impacts your life. As an acclaimed defense attorney, Mr. van der Veen takes the time necessary to understand your case and develop a winning strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your situation.
• Sex crimes—Sex offenses are sensitive matters. These charges necessitate compassionate but committed representation. Our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys welcome the opportunity to stand up for those accused of rape, institutional sexual assault, possession of child pornography, and related crimes. If you are facing sex-related charges, don’t wait another minute and sacrifice your future. Contact us today for vigorous representation. Protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future is our goal.
• DUI—Charges for Driving Under the Influence can substantially affect your life. Whether this is your first DUI, an underage DUI, or you have multiple DUI convictions, we work relentlessly to defend you.
• Drug offenses—Law enforcement is aggressive in pursuing offenses for possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of controlled substances. It is important, therefore, to have an attorney who is equally aggressive in defending you. Attorney van der Veen is well-known as being the most aggressive criminal attorney in Philadelphia.
• Arson—In addition to substantial monetary penalties, an arson conviction may send you to jail. Individuals charged with arson may also be facing additional criminal charges, including murder, if people were injured in the fire. A serious crime necessitates a serious criminal defense attorney.
• Expungements—An expungement can offer you a fresh start, erasing previous mistakes from your legal record and offering you the opportunity to move forward unencumbered. Our legal team understands the profound impact a criminal record can have on your employment prospects, housing applications, and overall quality of life. We can guide you through the eligibility criteria and filing process, ensuring you have the best chance for a clean slate.
• Federal Crimes—Navigating the complexities of federal laws and regulations requires not only experience but also a comprehensive understanding of the federal legal system. Our team at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim has that in-depth experience. We have defended clients against a wide array of federal offenses, from fraud to drug trafficking. We understand that federal crimes carry stringent penalties and require a unique and nuanced defense strategy.
• Probation Violations—Being charged with a probation violation can jeopardize all the progress you've made since your initial offense. Our firm can help you understand the conditions of your probation and how best to adhere to them, as well as defend you against any allegations of violation. We are committed to maintaining your freedom and avoiding a return to incarceration.
• 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 & Lindheim, 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 & Lindheim?

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.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, Today

If you are currently being investigated or are already facing criminal charges, now is the time to prepare a defense you can count on. The sooner you reach out to our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers, the more options you have to defend your rights and your future.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we offer free and confidential consultations to take the first steps in building a strong defense strategy. Call us at 215-486-0123 or contact us online for an honest and knowledgeable review of your case and how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense In Philadelphia, PA