West Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers

The Criminal Defense Process in Pennsylvania

Understanding the criminal defense process in Pennsylvania is important if you are facing charges. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we want our clients to know what to expect. Here are the main stages of the criminal defense process:

• Arrest and Charges: The process starts with an arrest and formal charges. It's important to contact a West Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer right away to start building a strong defense.
• Arraignment: The arraignment is your first court appearance. Here, the charges are read, and you enter a plea (guilty or not guilty). This stage is important for setting up your defense strategy and negotiating bail.
• Preliminary Hearing: At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must show enough evidence to move forward with the trial. This is a chance for the defense to challenge the evidence and try to get charges reduced or dismissed.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Pre-trial motions are requests made to the court to exclude evidence, dismiss charges, or change the trial location. These motions can greatly affect the case outcome.
• Plea Bargaining: Plea bargaining is when the defense and prosecution negotiate to resolve the case without going to trial. A good lawyer can often get a deal that reduces penalties.
• Trial: If no plea deal is reached, the case goes to trial. Both sides present their evidence and arguments. Our experienced attorneys work hard to defend you and get the best possible verdict.
• Sentencing: If you are convicted, the judge will give a sentence based on the crime and other factors. Our attorneys strive to ensure you receive a fair sentence.
• Appeals: If the result is not favorable, we can file an appeal to challenge any legal mistakes that might have affected the verdict. This step is crucial for seeking justice and possibly overturning a conviction.

Knowing each phase of the criminal defense process helps you stay informed and involved in your defense. With the guidance of experienced West Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers, you can achieve the best possible outcome.

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

When you are facing serious legal problems, having an experienced attorney from van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin can make a big difference. Our West Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers provide full legal support, from careful investigation to strong courtroom defense. Here’s how we can help:

• Case Investigation: We thoroughly investigate your case, looking for any details that can help your defense.
• Evidence Suppression: We work to get any illegal or unfair evidence thrown out of court.
• Plea Negotiations: We negotiate with prosecutors to try to get charges reduced or penalties minimized.
• Jury Selection: We help choose a fair jury that will be open to hearing your side of the story.

We know Pennsylvania's criminal justice system well and use our knowledge to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case. This gives you the best chance for a positive outcome. Trust us to be your strong advocate when facing criminal charges.

Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Attorneys For Your Case?

Choosing the right lawyer is very important when you are facing criminal charges. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our criminal defense attorneys in West Philadelphia, PA, are committed to giving you the best legal help. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Client-Focused Approach: We make sure to understand your unique situation and needs. This helps us create a defense strategy that fits your specific case.
• Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys have many years of experience in criminal defense. We know how to handle even the most complex cases effectively.
• Aggressive Defense Tactics: We fight hard for our clients. Our aggressive defense tactics challenge the prosecution and protect your rights.
• Comprehensive Case Management: We take care of every part of your case, from the first meeting to the courtroom. We make sure no detail is overlooked.
• Proven Track Record: Our firm has a history of getting good results for our clients, including case dismissals, reduced charges, and not guilty verdicts.
• Transparent Communication: We keep you informed at every step of the legal process. We explain your options clearly and honestly.
• Compassionate Support: We understand that facing criminal charges is tough. We offer support to help you and your family through this difficult time.

Choosing van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin means you are trusting a team dedicated to getting the best results for you.

About Criminal Matters in West Philadelphia

West Philadelphia, like many big cities, has higher rates of some crimes. Recent statistics show a lot of drug-related offenses, property crimes, and violent crimes. These issues are often due to economic challenges, a high population, and social factors that can lead to crime.

If you are facing criminal charges, you are not alone. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we are here to support you. Our top-rated lawyers will help you navigate these tough times and fight for your rights and future.

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.