Practice Areas
Criminal charges can turn your world upside down. It is extremely important to talk to a lawyer who you can trust and who will fight for you. While incarceration is scary enough, a conviction can mean more that. It can result in fines or other financial penalties, loss of driving privileges, and other limits on your freedom. It can also lead to collateral consequences that can last a lifetime, as an impediment to employment, housing, or other opportunities. Getting an attorney involved as soon as possible is crucial.
I handle any type of criminal case, as well as related matters, and am especially familiar with the types listed here. I am ready to use my knowledge and expertise to represent you.
Violent Crimes and Sexual Assaults
Convictions for violent crimes can result in serious penalties if convicted and these cases receive the highest priority from police and prosecutors. They also require a significant amount of preparation and work. Crimes such as Homicide and Attempted Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Robbery, and sexual assaults often require investigation, interviewing witnesses, and the use of expert witnesses to combat the prosecution’s case against you. I am ready to take on all of that to defend you in these cases.
Property Crimes
Charges such as Arson, Burglary, Theft, Forgery, Fraud, Trespass, and related offenses can lead to harsh penalties and can frequently lead to disputes over restitution - meaning more money that must be paid. A defense means dealing with the charges and any restitution awards.
DUI Crimes
A conviction for Driving Under the Influence can mean loss of driving privileges in addition to the other penalties that one can face in a criminal case. Driver’s license suspensions can last up to a year or longer. It’s important to have an attorney who can thoroughly understand all the outcomes of a case.
Firearms Offenses
The laws that govern the possession of firearms are complicated, and with both Pennsylvania and Federal law at play, can lead to issues in both state and federal court. Knowing the implications and the ins and outs of the law means getting the best result in your case. I’ve tried many of these cases in front of a jury, leading to acquittals.
Drug Offenses
Drug offenses can mean both possession of drugs as well as allegations of distributing or manufacturing drugs. Sometimes defending these cases means addressing how a police interaction occurred, or arguing other legal issues. Sometimes these charges come about because someone is struggling with addiction, and hasn’t been able to get the help they need. I can defend these cases and understand the implications of them. I can communicate that struggle with addiction, so that a judge can better understand what my client is battling.
Sex Offender Registration Offenses
The most confusing and complicated set of laws are those governing the registration requirements for people convicted of certain sexual offenses. Worse still, the laws change frequently, both as new ones are passed and the courts intervene in interpreting, limiting, or even striking down some. Individuals convicted decades ago can be required to register and may have seen their requirements change many times throughout the years.
Navigating these charges requires knowledge of many different sets of laws, court cases, and other aspects of the procedure that many lawyers are not familiar with. I have handled over one hundred of these cases, filing motions to have charges dismissed, having clients acquitted at trial, and filing motions affecting registration requirements. I have represented clients who were required to register in Pennsylvania because of convictions from other states - Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia to name a few.
These cases are complex, and the law is continuously changing. I stay up to date to make sure I can understand the implications for my clients. I can provide the knowledge and expertise necessary to best help you deal with your situation.