King of Prussia Criminal Defense Lawyers
Facing criminal charges or even being accused of a certain crime can be very taxing on you and your entire family. If it is a first offense, it can be even worse. No matter what the situation, if you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you need to immediately get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your options. In the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania area, your lawyer is fully equipped with the expertise and patience to effectively represent you in your case and will protect your rights every step of the way.
When you contact an attorney after facing criminal charges, you will be invited to come in for a free initial consultation to discuss your situation. The lawyer will then be better able to determine how to proceed from there so that you are defended in your case to the best of their ability. Retaining a lawyer whenever you are facing criminal charges is the best course of action. It can ensure that your rights are protected and that you will have a strong defense built for your upcoming case. You have a far better chance at a favorable outcome as well, whether the charges end up reduced or even dropped altogether.
Some of the most common charges individuals in King of Prussia face are traffic violations. If you have been pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) or got into an accident, I-83 and the I-476 Pennsylvania Turnpike are, unfortunately, the most common roads where such situations and accidents occur. Whether you are facing either of these types of charges, your criminal defense attorney has the knowledge and experience needed to effectively handle your case so it can go in your favor.
DUI and Traffic Violations in King of Prussia
DUI charges are extremely common in the United States, in general, and in the King of Prussia area of Pennsylvania. These are serious charges that carry equally grave consequences, especially if you are convicted.
Pennsylvania’s DUI court and the way it runs can be highly complex, especially as there have been increasing numbers of DUI offenses over the years. However, when you retain an experienced King of Prussia criminal defense attorney who is skilled in the area of DUI, you can have a much easier process while going through the court process.
In Pennsylvania, Act 24 was passed in 2003 and resulted in the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) being dropped to 0.08. This makes it easier for law enforcement to charge you with a DUI that can result in severe penalties depending on your criminal history and whether you are facing a first DUI offense or if you have others in your past record. As a result, you may face hefty fines, mandatory alcohol rehabilitation courses and a jail term of up to five years.
DUI is a serious charge that must never be simply shrugged off. The ramifications, if you are convicted, can stay with you for years to come. It is important to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you have been arrested for DUI.
Misdemeanor and Felony Charges in King of Prussia
If you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, it’s important to immediately consult with a criminal defense lawyer who can help you by building a strong defense in your case. The specific charge you may receive when facing criminal charges depends on the crime and its severity. Of course, the worst-case scenario is to be charged with a first-degree crime.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor in the first degree, you can expect to be responsible for paying fines of up to $10,000 and serve a maximum of five years in jail if you are convicted. The least serious conviction is a third-degree misdemeanor, which has lesser fines and jail time.
Third-degree misdemeanor charges can come about as a result of anything from shoplifting or vandalism to DUI or even a relatively minor traffic violation. If you don’t have a skilled lawyer on your side, you can face serious consequences if you are convicted of any of these crimes.
Felony charges are even more serious. They come if you are charged with crimes such as theft, arson, assault and battery, kidnapping, fraud, sex crimes and more. It’s never wise to represent yourself if you are facing a felony charge of any kind. An experienced criminal defense attorney can expertly handle your case and ensure that your rights are protected.