You may be in for a lengthy legal battle if you have been charged with a crime. While this can be a frightening and intimidating process to endure, your best bet is to get help from an experienced attorney.

Serious felonies might land you in prison for decades. Even minor summary offenses may come with expensive fines that you cannot afford. The best way to fight the charges will depend on the facts of your specific case, the available evidence, and various factors surrounding the alleged offense. While we can present evidence to mitigate the charges, we are not required to present any evidence if we do not want to. Your attorney can help you decide the best way to proceed with your case.

Speak to our criminal defense lawyers with the Liberty Law Team by calling (215) 709-7431 and get a free case review.

What Are the Potential Penalties of Criminal Charges in Bethlehem, PA?

Criminal charges encompass a vast spectrum of crimes and offenses, and you should discuss your charges with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Felonies

Felonies are among the most serious criminal charges in Pennsylvania. Felonies are divided into three subcategories: third-, second-, and first-degree felonies.

Third-degree felonies may be punished with prison terms of up to 7 years. Second-degree felonies may lead to prison terms of up to 10 years. Finally, first-degree felony charges may result in a prison term of up to 20 years.

Misdemeanors

While misdemeanors are not quite as severe as felonies, they are still serious criminal charges and often lead to substantial jail time. Like felonies, misdemeanors are divided into three specific subcategories: third-, second-, and first-degree misdemeanors.

A third-degree misdemeanor may result in up to 1 year in jail. A second-degree misdemeanor may result in a jail term of up to 2 years. Finally, a first-degree misdemeanor conviction may result in a jail term of up to 5 years.

Summary Offenses

A summary offense is relatively minor and often does not lead to any jail time. Summary offenses often lead to citations or tickets from law enforcement, and most people only must pay a fine. Even so, jail is possible, and you could be sentenced to up to 90 days behind bars.

What Evidence Do I Need to Fight Criminal Charges?

Defendants are not required to present evidence because they do not have a burden of proof. Even so, presenting evidence may help us fight the charges against you.

Evidence of Your Whereabouts

If you were not where the prosecutor claims you were when the crime occurred, our criminal defense lawyers may present evidence of your actual whereabouts. If we can prove you have an alibi, the prosecutor may quickly drop the charges and focus on finding the real culprit.

Witnesses

Witnesses are the backbone of many criminal trials. If other evidence is unavailable or minimal, witness testimony may help us piece together how the alleged crime did or did not occur. Even a single witness can severely weaken a prosecutor’s arguments.

Records and Documentation

Certain records or documents may also help us poke holes in the prosecutor’s case. Anything from medical records to receipts from recent purchases could help us fight your charges. Again, the exact records we need will depend on your charges and our defense strategies.

FAQs About Criminal Cases in Bethlehem, PA

When Can the Police Arrest Someone for a Crime?

The police may arrest someone for a crime only if they have probable cause to believe that the person has committed a crime. While probable cause is somewhat difficult to define, it must include some articulable evidence. Often, the police must get an arrest warrant, but there are multiple exceptions to this rule.

What Happens if I am Arrested?

If you are arrested, you may be taken to the police station to be questioned about the alleged offense. If the authorities believe there is enough evidence to charge you, prosecutors will assess criminal charges. If and when the police question you, you have the right to remain silent and you may refuse to answer.

What Should I Say to the Police if I am Arrested?

If you are arrested, you should say as little to the police as possible. Other than basic questions about your identity, you should avoid answering questions from the police. Remember, anything they say can be used against you.

Do I Need a Lawyer if I am Arrested for an Alleged Crime?

Yes. Not only can a lawyer help you fight your charges, but you have a constitutional right to legal representation. If you want to hire a lawyer, nobody is allowed to try to stop you.

How Do I Challenge the Evidence Against Me in a Criminal Case?

The best defense strategy is unique to your case. We might undermine the prosecutor’s evidence with our own evidence. We might instead work out a plea deal to help you avoid harsh penalties. It might instead be possible to get the charges dropped or dismissed before we ever set foot in a courtroom.

When Will My Criminal Case Be Scheduled for a Trial?

Exactly when your trial happens depends on the court’s schedule. Busier courts may have to schedule your trial for a much later date. A less busy court may be able to hear your case sooner. If you are kept waiting for too long, tell your attorney, as you have a right to a speedy trial.

Do I Have to Wait in Jail for My Trial to Finish?

Possibly. Ideally, defendants are released on bail so they do not have to wait for their trial in jail. However, if bail is denied, you will have to wait for your trial from jail. Bail is granted in most cases, but may be denied under certain circumstances.

How Soon May I Be Released on Bail in Bethlehem, PA?

Your bail hearing may occur shortly after you are arraigned on criminal charges. This is not very long after your arrest, and you should speak to an attorney for help immediately. If you do not have a lawyer during your bail hearing, the judge may reschedule the bail hearing, giving you time to find a lawyer.

When Should I Accept a Plea Deal from Prosecutors?

A plea deal may be a good idea if the evidence against you is insurmountable. If you are likely to be found guilty in a trial, it might be smart to accept a plea deal that allows you to serve a more lenient sentence.

What Should I Do if I Think a Witness in My Criminal Trial is Lying?

If you believe a witness is lying, tell your lawyer immediately. We may be able to prove that their testimony is dishonest and impeach them on the witness stand. If we act fast, we may be able to prove their deception before they testify and prevent them from taking the witness stand at all.

For Legal Help Now, Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Bethlehem, PA

Speak to our criminal defense lawyers with the Liberty Law Team by calling (215) 709-7431 and get a free case review.