Bala Cynwyd Criminal Defense Lawyers

Being charged with committing a crime is an incredibly stressful and upsetting experience. The allegations against you have the potential to completely change the course of your future, and if you are convicted, you could lose everything that you value and treasure. Regardless of whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, the end result could include time behind bars, extremely heavy fines, and an assortment of other legal consequences.

If you’ve been charged with an offense in Pennsylvania, you need to retain the services of a dedicated and experienced Bala Cynwyd criminal defense lawyer. With so much riding on the line, you need to feel confident that your rights are being protected.  At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we believe you are innocent until proven guilty, and will fight hard to obtain justice on your behalf.

To schedule your free, completely confidential case evaluation, call our law offices right away at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania.

Bala Cynwyd Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges is a serious matter, regardless of the allegations or details that may be involved.  Many people have incorrect ideas about the justice system, such as thinking that misdemeanors are “not a big deal,” or that young offenders won’t face consequences because of their young age.  In reality, Pennsylvania imposes tough penalties for convicted offenders.   To make matters worse, having a record attached to your name could cause obstacles and missed employment opportunities for years to come.

If you have been charged with a crime, you need a committed attorney fighting in your corner.  The skilled legal team at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates includes former prosecutors, and has more than 30 years of experience advocating for thousands of clients in Bala Cynwyd and throughout Pennsylvania.  We handle a broad spectrum of adult and juvenile charges, and regularly work with:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Assault
• Drug Charges
• Domestic Violence
• Theft, Robbery, & Burglary
• Traffic Offenses
• Probation Violation
• Sex Crimes
• White Collar Crimes

Criminal Penalties in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, serious offenses are divided into misdemeanors and felonies.  In turn, misdemeanors and felonies are broken down by degree (e.g. 1st Degree, 2nd Degree, 3rd Degree).  Both classifications can result in years of incarceration, as well as thousands of dollars in restitution fines.  Potential sentences may include:

3rd Degree Misdemeanor

Examples: Disorderly Conduct, Harassment

• Sentence: 1 year
• Fine: $2,500

2nd Degree Misdemeanor

Examples: Simple Assault, Reckless Endangerment

• Sentence: 2 years
• Fine: $5,000

1st Degree Misdemeanor

Examples: Child Endangerment, Stalking

• Sentence: 5 years
• Fine: $10,000

3rd Degree Felony

Examples: Institutional Sexual Assault, Terroristic Threats

• Sentence: 7 years
• Fine: $15,000

2nd Degree Felony

Examples: Burglary, Statutory Sexual Assault, Theft

• Sentence: 10 years
• Fine: $25,000

1st Degree Felony

Examples: Rape, Aggravated Assault, Murder

• Sentence: 20 years
• Fine: $25,000

Aggravating Factors

If present at the time of the crime, aggravating factors can make your sentence harsher.  In the worst case scenario, this means that a 1st Degree Misdemeanor could be elevated to 3rd Degree Felony.  

While specific factors vary by charge, some common aggravating factors include:

• Having prior offenses in your history.
• Proximity to a school zone (e.g. drug possession with intent to distribute).
• Use of a deadly weapon.
• Abuse of a power position (e.g. teacher-student relationship).
• Mental and physical state of the victim.
• Age of the victim.

It’s also important to understand that fines and sentences are rarely the only repercussions of a criminal conviction.  Depending on the crime, there are often additional penalties.

For example, an individual convicted of a sex crime may be required to join a sex offender registry.  Likewise, DUI offenders may temporarily lose their license, and be required to attend substance counseling or install an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) breathalyzer in their car.  Other common consequences include:

• Community Service
• Therapy or Anger Management
• Increased Insurance Rates
• Probation
• Drug Testing
• Driving Exams
• Loss of Privileges (e.g. voting, right to bear firearms)

If you or someone you love has been arrested, don’t hesitate another moment: call the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania, or contact us online to schedule your free, private legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.  Let’s start exploring your options together.