Bucks County Criminal Lawyer

If you are facing charges for any crime in Bucks County, a Bucks County criminal lawyer can offer the assistance you need either to clear your name or minimize the negative impact of any consequences.

Finding a Bucks County Criminal Lawyer

Whether you are familiar with the local court system or have never been charged with a crime before, it may be tempting to defend yourself or decide to work with a court-appointed attorney to resolve your legal matter. However, a Bucks County criminal lawyer backed by the powerful resources of a private law firm can design a defense strategy that can help you keep your record clean or help you to avoid the steep fines and penalties that often accompany repeat offenses. Our Bucks County criminal defense attorney, with over twenty years of experience, will also be able to provide insight into some criminal trends in the area, and how prosecutors handle criminal cases. Our approach is to put the clients’ wants and needs first.

When you hire one of our criminal defense attorneys, you are making a statement to the prosecution. Experienced Bucks County criminal lawyers can help you by:

  • Investigating your case to ensure that all evidence has been gathered and that all sides of the story have been covered, preventing skewed viewpoints that may paint an inaccurate picture what happened
  • Making sure that you are fully prepared for any court appearances or negotiations that may take place
  • Defending your rights in court to ensure that you receive the benefit of a fair trial under the U.S. justice system
  • Answering any questions quickly and providing you with prompt updates on any developments with your case

Call today to conduct your free initial consultation and learn how a Bucks County criminal lawyer can work for you. It is helpful for your case and saves time if you also know what to ask during a meeting with an attorney.

Criminal Charges in Bucks County, PA

Theft

Property crimes are the most common type of offense in Bucks County, and one of the most common types of property crime is simple theft. There can be a lot of complicating factors that determine the severity of a theft charge (for example, there is actually something on the books about what happens to you if you steal something during a natural disaster). However, one of the biggest determinants of severity is the amount stolen. Under Section 3903 of the Pennsylvania Code, stealing:

  • over $500,000 is a class 1 felony, punishable by up to 20 years in jail
  • $100,000 to $500,000 is a class 2 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in jail
  • $2,000 to $100,000 is a class 3 felony, punishable by up to 7 years in jail
  • $200 to $2,000 is a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 5 years in jail
  • under $200 is a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in jail
  • under $50 is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail

 

Driving Under the Influence

If you are charged with a DUI, you can face some pretty stiff penalties, including the loss of your license and up to five years in jail. First-time offenses have more lenient penalties. For example, it is possible to receive just a $300 fine and 6 months’ probation for your first DUI. An experienced criminal lawyer in Bucks County will be able to more fully expand on all your options. Even the relatively minor penalties for a first offense can bring a lot of upheaval and disruption into your life, as it can limit your transportation options for an extended period of time and invite the negative judgment of society if you are convicted.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes constituted 2,155 criminal charges in Bucks County last year. This high number may be due to the fact that marijuana use is so widespread. Drug enforcement law in Pennsylvania can be complex, but in general, possession of any amount of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor charge punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or up to a year in jail. There is an exception for marijuana: if you are carrying less than 30 grams of marijuana, your penalty will be up to 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. Whatever drug charge you are facing, contacting a Bucks County attorney today is a good move.

Assault

Assault is the crime of causing physical harm to someone or making them afraid that they are about to be harmed. In Pennsylvania, the standard charge for assault is a 2nd degree misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to 2 years in jail. Aggravated assault is a more serious form of the crime, and it usually involves serious bodily injury or other complicating factors. Punishments for assault can vary widely depending on the severity of the crime. For example, a mutual fight can put you in jail for just one year, but an assault involving serious bodily injury can come with a penalty of up to 20 years in jail.

Contact a Bucks County Criminal Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of any type of crime in Pennsylvania contact a Bucks County criminal lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal lawyer in Bucks County will be able to advocate for your rights and help you minimize the penalties associated with your charge. The prosecutor will fight aggressively to prove your guilt so you need to contact a Bucks County criminal lawyer who will fight just as aggressively in your defense. Call today to schedule a free consultation.