Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Legal Questions

Free attorneys are provided by the counties public defenders office.  If you are not able to meet the financial qualifications you most likely will need at least some money to hire an attorney.  Criminal cases take a loy of time and energy to defend properly so it is rare that an attorney takes a case pro bono.  Hence the creation of the public defrnders office in Pennsylvania.  Many counties do have marginal rederral programs for those who arent able to get an a public defender but still have limited means.... Read More

In general, jurisdiction is where the criminal act occurred.  If the entirety of the criminal episode occurred in Berks county then charges in Lehigh would be inappropriate.  However, there are exceptions to this rule.  For instance, if the episode included conduct in Lehigh and only the fight occurred in Berks the District Attorneys can agree that the charges be brought in Lehigh County.  You should consult with an experienced local attorney to evaluate the complete facts of the case.  Self help in a complicated issue like this is a risky proposition that can end poorly.  ... Read More

Once a person pleads guity to a crime it becomes very dificut to fight the conviction.  Withdrawing the plea takes manifest injustice which is almost impossible to plead.  A mere assertion of innocence is not manifest injustice.  He is very likely to have counsel, in which case he should be addressing these questions to that person.  They will be in the best position to counsel him and give him advise based on his circumstances.  If he has been incarcerated 16 months pre-trial there may be timely trial issues as well that his attorney should be tracking.  ... Read More

The most simple answer is you need to be talking to your attorney about this.  It is improper for another attorney to comment on a case where you are represented.  I will say from a legal standpoint there is no limit to how many times a case can be continued with the exception of runnning afoul of rule 600 which is your speedy trial rights.  Rule 600 states that you have 365 days to be brought to trial, less any time that you requested a continuance or failed to object to a CW continuance.  Your attorney should be on top of this.  District Courts usually have some arbitrary limit to how many times a case can be continued but if it is dismissed for this reason the CW will often refile the charges.  This does not stop the Rule 600 clock so keep in contact with your attorney and make sure they are reading you in on this issue.  ... Read More

If you are not arrested, cited or go to court, there will be no criminal record. As far as a record with your employer, they will keep it but probably not pass it on if a new employer calls them for a reference. They may however not recommend you to the new employer for for undisclosed reasons.... Read More

You will have a criminal arrest record even if the case is dismissed. If you plead guilty, you will have a record for 5 years before you can expunge it. If it is withdrawn or dismissed, you can expunge as soon as the case is over. Hire an attorney as you will have a better chance getting out of this with no conviction.... Read More