If you’re being investigated for a crime, arrested for one, or charged with a summons, you need a defense attorney. An experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyer can help minimize the charges against you and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. A good defense could make a difference in whether you go to prison for years or whether your charges are reduced or even dismissed.
I won’t sugar coat it – you likely already know that having a criminal conviction on your record could mean not only fines and prison time but also a driver’s license suspension, community service, and more. But beyond that, you also face losing your rights. A criminal conviction can put a great amount of strain on your relationships, particularly if you have a family or if you are in a partial custody arrangement with a former spouse or partner. It can also be problematic for employment since some employers may not allow you to work if you have a criminal charge or conviction. Future job prospects may be dim, particularly if you hold a security clearance or need to drive company vehicles.
Having worked as a Pittsburgh defense attorney for over 10 years, I believe that there are some questions you should ask when you’re hiring your defense.
- Do you have experience handling cases like this before? What outcomes have you achieved?
- Do you handle your own cases or are they pushed off to a paralegal or associate?
- How many defendants have you represented in bench trials?
- How many defendants have you represented in jury trials?
- What are your attorney’s fees? How are they calculated? Do you offer a payment plan?
- How often do you work out plea agreements with the prosecution?
- How often do you provide updates on my case?
If you’re thinking about contacting me, I’d be happy to help and provide you with a free initial consultation. With experience reading and interpreting Pennsylvania code and federal statutes, I can assess all aspects of your criminal case and build the best defense possible for your scenario. I know what evidence is needed to prove your case and how to analyze the evidence that the prosecution has against you. Most of all, I have experience with both types of trials and with plea agreements, and I’m happy to lay out all of the possible options so you can make the right decision for your legal situation.
It’s a stressful experience to be charged with a crime, but it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone. I’m here to help you, presenting you with a realistic assessment of what will happen throughout the process. Please contact me today with any questions or to discuss your case further.
