Cheltenham Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal conviction can be a stain on your reputation. Our attorneys can help ensure that stain never appears, by building you a strong defense and clearing your name.

If you are arrested in Cheltenham, pay attention to what officers do when arresting you. You might be released sooner if law enforcement officers violate your rights in any way, whether during the arrest or in the subsequent moments following the arrest. Do not speak to law enforcement by yourself under any circumstances. Let our lawyers handle those communications. When awaiting trial, aid in your defense as much as possible. Common reasons for arrest in Cheltenham include drug possession and other non-violent offenses.

For help with your case from the Cheltenham, PA criminal defense lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, call (215) 372-8667 today.

What to Do if You Are Arrested in Cheltenham, PA

Getting arrested can be one of the scariest moments in a person’s life, especially if the reasons for their arrest are unclear. While it is understandable to be overwhelmed, confused, and frightened when being placed under arrest, there are some important things people should remember when getting arrested and in the moments following an arrest in Cheltenham. These include paying attention to the behaviors of police officers, staying silent, and focusing on your defense.

Pay Attention to the Actions of Officers

The way in which you are arrested matters. Police officers have to follow certain procedures to ensure they are not violating your rights. If they do not follow the rules when making an arrest, our criminal defense lawyers may be able to get you released more quickly. So, it is important to do your best to pay attention to what police officers do when they arrest you. Did they read you your Maranda rights? Did they enter your property without your permission or a warrant? Did they use excessive physical force when arresting you? If they arrested you without a warrant, did they have probable cause to arrest you based on what they witnessed? After you were arrested, were you given an opportunity to call your attorney? Do your best to stay calm during and after an arrest so that you can note any inappropriate behavior by police officers that might contribute to your release.

Do Not Speak to Law Enforcement

The cardinal rule of how to proceed following an arrest is simple: do not speak to law enforcement. Before you request to speak to your lawyer, law enforcement officers might attempt to confuse, frustrate, or instigate a response out of you. They might make false promises, claiming that the charges filed against you will be reduced if you cooperate. Generally, these promises are baseless, and police officers make them in an attempt to make their case against a person stronger. Under no circumstances should you speak to law enforcement. Call our attorneys immediately following an arrest. Our lawyers can learn more information about the charges you are facing and communicate with law enforcement on your behalf. Police officers are not permitted to speak to you alone after you have requested counsel. If they do, anything you say to them during such conversations could be inadmissible in court.

Focus on Your Defense

After getting arrested, regardless of the severity of the charge or charges you are facing, it is normal to be upset and distracted. To help yourself stay calm in the days, weeks, and possibly months following an arrest in Cheltenham, you should focus on aiding in your own defense. For example, if you have an alibi or someone who can testify that you were with them when an alleged crime was committed, that can help clear your name. Our attorneys will tailor your defense to your specific situation and the particular facts of your case. Fortunately, the burden is on the prosecutor to prove that a defendant committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Our job will be to undermine the prosecutor’s case enough to convince a judge or jury that you are not guilty of the crime that you are accused of.

Common Reasons for Arrest in Cheltenham, PA

Crimes vary in severity, and the top reasons for arrest in Cheltenham are generally non-violent, victimless charges. Although they are less severe than other charges, they might still harm your life and reputation if you are subsequently convicted of a crime related to one of the top reasons for arrest in Cheltenham.

Disorderly conduct is a catch-all term referring to a wide range of behaviors that might result in arrest. Depending on the case, prosecutors might allow defendants to plead down a higher charge to disorderly conduct, which is a misdemeanor. Other common reasons for arrest in Cheltenham include drug possession and driving under the influence.

Law enforcement is typically eager to close cases involving violent crimes, which is why they might proceed with a case against a defendant that is innocent of the crimes they are accused of. Common reasons for arrest regarding violent crime include sexual assault and murder. Although Cheltenham is a relatively safe town, violent crimes might happen. People are more likely to be wrongly arrested for such crimes if they are known to the victim.

If you are arrested for whatever reason, it is important that you seek help from our attorneys. Navigating criminal cases is often challenging and typically requires considerable expertise. Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and can help you use that to your advantage during your case. Any criminal conviction, whether of a felony or a misdemeanor, could negatively impact the course of your life, which is why clearing your name is crucial following an arrest in Cheltenham.

Call Our Cheltenham, PA Lawyers About Your Criminal Case Today

To get a confidential and free analysis of your case, call the criminal defense lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 372-8667.