Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers

For many individuals, facing a criminal accusation is one of the most upsetting and challenging times in their lives.  A criminal conviction, whatever its nature may be, can lead to a wide variety of serious consequences that can disrupt or completely change your day to day life.  Oftentimes, a criminal conviction can lead to lengthy sentences in jail or prison, as well as huge restitution fines.

In addition to the more “standard” penalties, certain crimes can even come with their own offense-specific set of legal consequences.  For example, a person convicted of a DUI may find their license revoked for a set period of time, while a person convicted of a sex offense may find themselves marked for inclusion on a sex offender registry.

Types of Criminal Charges in Pennsylvania

Whatever the criminal nature of the accusations being levied against you, Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates is ready to help.  Over the past two decades, our Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys have represented thousands of diverse cases.  It is our stance that all of our clients are innocent until proven guilty, and we fight aggressively to uphold justice and to ensure a fair trial.  Our attorneys pursue criminal defense litigation on the behalf of clients facing charges pertaining to:

• Assault
• Domestic Violence
• DUI
• Forgery
• Murder
• Narcotics
• Probation Violation
• Rape
• Robbery
• Theft
• Traffic Violations
• Sex Crimes
• White Collar Crimes

In addition to handling a wide variety of criminal charges, we are also committed to be being accessible to our clients.  We understand that you are fighting one of the most stressful battles of your life, and we strive to mitigate that strain by making ourselves convenient and easy to reach.  We have six Pennsylvania office locations serving:

• Lower Bucks County (including Bristol, Bensalem, Langhorne, Newtown)
• Central Bucks County (including Doylestown, Chalfont, New Hope, Warrington)
• Upper Bucks County (including Durham, Milford, Perkasie, Quakertown)
• Montgomery County (including Bryn Mawr, Norristown, King of Prussia)
• Lehigh County (including Allentown, Emmaus, Wilbur, Slatington)
• Philadelphia County

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in Pennsylvania

Like many states, Pennsylvania breaks down serious criminal offenses into two broad categories: misdemeanors, and felonies.  While misdemeanors are comparatively less serious than felony charges, even a misdemeanor conviction can trigger incarceration and fines, and can remain on your criminal record for years to come.  As long as a conviction is on your criminal record, it can be seen by potential landlords and employers, meaning that even a decades-old offense could continue to wreak havoc on your life.

Misdemeanors and felonies are both broken down further by numeric degree.  A felony or a misdemeanor will be classified as either 3rd, 2nd, or 1st Degree.  A lower number indicates a more severe classification than a higher number, meaning that a 1st Degree Felony would be the most serious classification an offense could receive.  As this implies, crimes of a more severe degree are in turn eligible to be punished more harshly.

Pennsylvania Penalties for Misdemeanors and Felonies by Class

The legal penalties for criminal convictions in Pennsylvania vary, based largely upon the severity and nature of the offense.  However, it is also important to note that having a history of prior offenses can intensify the consequences an individual may receive.  In addition, many crimes come with their own list of “aggravating factors” which can worsen the situation where present.  (For example, the penalties for the crime of simple drug possession are amplified if the possession occurs near a school zone.)

3rd Degree Misdemeanor

• Maximum Sentence:  1 year
• Maximum Fine:  $2,500

2nd Degree Misdemeanor

• Maximum Sentence:  2 years
• Maximum Fine:  $5,000

1st Degree Misdemeanor

• Maximum Sentence:  5 years
• Maximum Fine:  $10,000

3rd Degree Felony

• Maximum Sentence:  7 years
• Maximum Fine:  $15,000

2nd Degree Felony

• Maximum Sentence:  10 years
• Maximum Fine:  $25,000

1st Degree Felony

• Maximum Sentence:  20 years
• Maximum Fine:  $25,000

It should also be noted that in the case of murder or attempted murder, the maximum fine increases to $50,000.

Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorneys Offering Free Consultations

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges related to assault, DUI, murder, forgery, domestic violence, rape, robbery, white collar crimes, theft, probation violation, narcotics, sex crimes, or traffic violations, it is critical that you retain an experienced and aggressive team of Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys to litigate on your behalf in court.  Contact the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates online, or call us at (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania.  Our legal consultations are always private, and your initial consultation is free.