Northampton County, PA Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with committing a crime is one of the most upsetting and stressful experiences a person can go through.  Whether the allegations involve an adult or a juvenile, a misdemeanor or a felony, the end result is much the same: anxiety and fear about what the future may bring.

Unfortunately for people accused of partaking in criminal activity, Pennsylvania tends to impose harsh penalties for convictions.  Depending on details like the type and severity of the crime involved, or the presence of any mitigating or aggravating factors, you could be facing months or years of prison time, thousands of dollars in restitution fines, and other assorted penalties specific to various crimes.  For example, a person convicted of committing a sex crime may have to join a sex offender registry, while a person convicted of a white collar crime may be prohibited from obtaining various professional licenses.

If you are facing criminal charges in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, you need the guidance and support of a committed and experienced attorney who can provide aggressive representation.  To schedule your completely free and confidential legal consultation with a Northampton County criminal defense lawyer, call the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates right away at (609) 755-3115 in New Jersey or (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania.  Don’t wait until it’s too late: call us today to start exploring your options together.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas We Handle in Northampton County

Our Northampton County criminal defense attorneys have more than 30 years of experience working with thousands of clients facing legal issues like yours, and we regularly handle matters related to:

• Assault
• Domestic Violence Charges
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Drug Charges
• Murder and Manslaughter
• Probation Violations
• Rape and Sex Crimes
• Robbery and Theft
• White Collar Crimes

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines in Pennsylvania

Needless to say, Northampton County offenders are subject to the same criminal penalties as the rest of Pennsylvania in the event of a conviction.  How are crimes classified, and what sort of consequences can they lead to?

Like most jurisdictions, Pennsylvania uses the misdemeanor and felony system.  While still serious, misdemeanors are lighter than felonies and come with lighter punishments as a result.  Misdemeanors are broken down into numbered degrees (e.g. first degree, second degree).  The lower a degree is, the more serious the charges are.

Felonies refer to very serious crimes, and as a consequence, they are penalized far more harshly than misdemeanors.  Like misdemeanors, felonies are broken down by numeric degree.

Pennsylvania Misdemeanor Charges

3rd Degree Misdemeanor

• Examples: Disorderly Conduct, Harassment
• Sentence: 1 year
• Restitution: $2,500

2nd Degree Misdemeanor

• Examples: Simple Assault, Reckless Endangerment
• Sentence: 2 years
• Restitution: $5,000

1st Degree Misdemeanor

• Examples: Terroristic Threats, Stalking
• Sentence: 5 years
• Restitution: $10,000

Pennsylvania Felony Charges

3rd Degree Felony

• Examples: Robbery, Institutional Sexual Assault
• Sentence: 7 years
• Restitution: $15,000

2nd Degree Felony

• Examples: Burglary, Sexual Assault
• Sentence: 10 years
• Restitution: $25,000

1st Degree Felony

• Examples: Rape, Aggravated Assault
• Sentence: 20 years
• Restitution: $25,000

How a Criminal Record Can Impact Your Conviction

It is important to bear in mind that sentencing and restitution are often not the only consequences associated with convictions.  In addition to any offense-specific penalties which may apply, such as sex offender registration for sex crimes or kidnapping, you will also be saddled with a criminal record.  This record can be an impediment to many areas of your life — even after many years have passed.  You may be barred from holding certain jobs, living in certain areas, or obtaining certain professional licenses.

While the records of some offenses can be sealed through a process known as expungement, many will remain on your record forever.  Felonies, for example, are not eligible for expungement in the state of Pennsylvania.  Convictions may only be sealed in highly limited circumstances.

None of the following types of offenses can be expunged:

• Animal Cruelty
• Firearms Crimes
• Impersonating a Public Official
• Sex Crimes
• Witness/Victim Retaliation

Northampton County, PA Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal accusations tend to have an extremely isolating effect.  Too often, people are willing to make assumptions and jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts.  At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we believe that you deserve the benefit of a thorough and comprehensive defense.  We understand what you are going through during this difficult time, and our legal team wants to help shoulder some of your burden.

If you or someone you love has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Northampton County, it is absolutely critical that you contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you possibly can.  An attorney can advocate on your behalf, help protect your rights, and may be able to lessen or have charges dismissed.  To set up your free and private case evaluation, call the law offices of Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates at (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania, or contact us online.