Reading Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Reading sex crime defense: We provide discreet, strategic defense in cases involving allegations of sexual assault, exploitation, or misconduct.
• Reading gun crime defense: We represent clients facing unlawful possession, use, or firearms-related charges in state or federal court.
• Reading theft and property crime defense: We defend against burglary, shoplifting, vandalism, and other property-related offenses.
• Reading violent crime defense: Our firm defends individuals charged with homicide, armed robbery, domestic violence, and more.
• Reading white-collar crime defense: We offer intelligent, calculated representation in cases involving embezzlement, fraud, and corporate crime.
• And more: We are equipped to handle a wide range of criminal charges with the full strength of our legal team behind every case.

No matter the accusation, van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin is prepared to take swift action and build the strongest possible defense. As a top-tier criminal attorney in Reading, PA, our firm is committed to protecting your constitutional rights and delivering a comprehensive legal strategy designed to produce real results. We don’t back down from a fight and we don’t let our clients face the criminal justice system alone.

The Criminal Defense Process in Reading

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal system in Pennsylvania. At van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, we believe in keeping our clients fully informed and empowered throughout their legal journey. Whether you’re under investigation or have already been arrested, understanding the steps of the criminal defense process in Reading can help you prepare for what’s ahead and make informed decisions with confidence. Our role as your trusted criminal defense lawyer is to guide you through each stage, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Here’s what to expect from the criminal defense process in Reading:

• Investigation and arrest: Law enforcement may conduct a formal investigation or make an immediate arrest if they believe there is probable cause. During this stage, any statements you make can be used against you, so it’s crucial to remain silent and seek legal representation immediately.
• Preliminary arraignment and bail hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a magistrate judge for a preliminary arraignment where bail is set. Our attorneys can advocate for reduced bail or release on your own recognizance while preparing your defense from day one.
• Preliminary hearing: This hearing determines whether there is enough evidence for your case to proceed to trial. We use this opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s case, question witnesses, and potentially negotiate for a dismissal or reduction in charges.
• Formal arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges filed against you and asked to enter a plea. As your criminal attorney, we ensure your plea is entered strategically as part of a broader defense approach.
• Discovery and pre-trial motions: During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or dismiss charges lacking merit. Our team meticulously reviews every detail to exploit legal flaws in the prosecution’s case.
• Plea negotiations: If a plea deal is in your best interest, we’ll negotiate aggressively for terms that minimize penalties or avoid jail time. However, we never pressure clients into taking a deal if trial presents a better path forward.
• Trial: If your case proceeds to trial, we prepare and execute a strong courtroom strategy that includes cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and challenging the prosecution’s narrative. Our trial lawyers are known for their persuasive arguments and refusal to back down.
• Sentencing (if convicted): If convicted, sentencing occurs after the trial. We advocate for reduced penalties and alternative sentencing options such as probation, treatment programs, or community service whenever possible.
• Post-conviction relief and appeals: If the outcome is unfavorable, we evaluate your case for potential appeals or post-conviction motions. We continue fighting for justice long after the verdict if we believe your rights were violated or new evidence emerges.

No matter where you are in the process, our goal is to provide clarity, protection, and fierce legal advocacy. With a Reading criminal defense lawyer from our team by your side, you’ll never face the criminal justice system alone or unprepared.

How van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin Can Help With Your Case

Criminal charges are often accompanied by uncertainty, fear, and the potential for life-changing consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone. An experienced attorney from van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin can help you confront these serious legal issues with confidence. From the outset, we work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, uncover constitutional violations, and ensure that every move made on your behalf is calculated for maximum impact. We routinely handle complex challenges such as unlawful searches, coerced confessions, forensic evidence issues, and procedural errors, all of which can significantly affect the outcome of a case. Your Reading criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly investigate the facts, consult with experts when needed, and develop a strategy rooted in your best interests. We don’t simply respond to charges, we get ahead of them and take control of the situation.

Why Choose Our Reading Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case?

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney can be the most important decision you make after an arrest. At van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin, we are known not only for our legal ability but for the way we treat our clients; with respect, urgency, and undivided attention. Every case we take on is approached with a personalized plan of action, recognizing that no two clients or criminal allegations are exactly alike. Here’s what sets our firm apart when you work with a criminal defense lawyer from our team:

• Tailored legal strategies: We craft defense strategies specific to your circumstances, your goals, and the unique facts of your case.
• Responsive communication: We keep you informed at every step, returning calls promptly and explaining complex legal matters in clear terms.
• Aggressive advocacy: Whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, we fight with tenacity and an unwavering commitment to your defense.
• Proven track record: Our firm has secured dismissals, reductions, and acquittals in a wide range of criminal cases throughout Pennsylvania.
• Extensive trial experience: We are fearless in court and fully prepared to take your case to trial if it offers the best path to justice.
• Compassionate representation: We understand the personal toll criminal charges take and offer compassionate, judgment-free guidance.
• Full-service legal support: From investigation through post-trial appeals, we provide end-to-end support across every phase of your defense.

When you partner with our firm, you gain more than just a lawyer, you gain a dedicated advocate who will go to great lengths to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. For strong, strategic representation in Berks County, trust our team to be the force standing between you and a criminal conviction.

About Criminal Matters in Reading

Reading, Pennsylvania, like many cities across the state, experiences a notable volume of criminal activity each year. According to public crime data, property crimes such as burglary and theft remain among the most commonly reported offenses, while violent crimes, including assault and robbery, also occur at rates higher than the national average. Contributing factors often include economic hardship, population density, and gaps in social services, all of which can create conditions where certain crimes are more likely to occur. Unfortunately, this also means that law enforcement may be quick to act, leading to arrests that don’t always reflect the full story. If you’ve been charged with a crime in Reading or nearby Berks County, know that you are not alone and you are not without options. The legal system can be intimidating, but with the right guidance and representation, there is a path forward.

Criminal Defense Legal Services: Areas We Serve

At van der Veen, Hartshorn and 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.