Being arrested is never a pleasant experience, and you need to know how to protect yourself from the authorities. Fighting criminal charges is complicated even at the best of times, and you should seek help from a qualified lawyer as soon as possible.

Criminal charges can be somewhat unpredictable, as there is a very wide range of possible charges in Pennsylvania. Summary offenses, misdemeanors, felonies, or any combination of the three are all possible. Our defense strategies may be equally varied and should be tailored to your specific case, evidence, and needs. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible will help you fight your charges as effectively as possible.

For a free, private case analysis from our criminal defense lawyers, call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314.

Possible Criminal Defense Strategies

If you are charged with a crime, you need to develop the right defense strategy. This ultimately depends on your specific charges and the circumstances of your case. However, some effective strategies are listed below.

Alibis

An alibi may be one of the strongest defenses to criminal charges. If we can prove that you were not the person who committed the crime, prosecutors may quickly drop the charges against you. We might prove you were somewhere else when the crime occurred or that committing the crime would have been impossible for you.

Lack of Evidence

Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt to get a conviction from a jury. If prosecutors lack enough evidence to meet their burden of proof, you should not be convicted. We can highlight their lack of evidence or undermine their evidence with our own evidence to prevent them from meeting their burden.

Legal Violations

Your rights as a criminal defendant must be protected. If the authorities or prosecutors do something to violate your rights, we may raise the issue in court. In some cases, violations are so severe that the entire case is dismissed or otherwise cannot proceed.

Reasons to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many defendants try to handle their criminal cases alone, but this is almost never a good idea. You need an experienced attorney to help you from the start of your case to the very end.

Paperwork and Documentation

First, your attorney can help you with the paperwork and documents needed to move our case through the court. We must also exchange documentation and evidence with the prosecutor during discovery. Although it sounds mundane, trials often hinge on forms and paperwork being correctly filled out and filed on time.

Legal Defense Strategies

Your lawyer should also assist in developing defense strategies based on the specific factors of your case. The best defense tactics are unique to each case, and we must review all the evidence and facts before we decide which strategy is best. Your lawyer should have the knowledge and experience to begin identifying potential defense strategies almost right away.

Protecting Your Rights

Our criminal defense lawyer’s primary job is to protect your rights from the authorities while mounting a defense to the charges. If prosecutors or the police do something to violate your rights, your attorney can work to have them held accountable. In some cases, tainted evidence may be removed from the case and not be used against you. In others, a judge may dismiss the case.

FAQ About What to Do When Charged with a Crime in Lancaster, PA

What Should I Do if I am Arrested in Lancaster?

If you are arrested, you should remain silent and not answer any questions from the police about the alleged offense. Tell the police you want an attorney right away, and they may not ask you any questions until your lawyer is present.

When Will I Be Charged After Being Arrested?

In Pennsylvania, the police typically cannot detain a suspect for more than 72 hours without criminal charges. If you are held for too long without criminal charges, your attorney can demand your release.

Do I Have to Answer Questions from the Police?

No. You have the right to remain silent, and you do not have to answer questions from the police about the alleged crime. Your refusal to answer may not be used against you. However, basic questions needed to establish your identity must be answered, but they are usually not meant to be incriminating.

How an Attorney Can Help You After You Are Arrested?

A lawyer can help you by securing your release from police custody, helping you understand the charges, enter a plea, and build an effective defense strategy. The criminal justice process may be time-consuming and complex, and you need an experienced attorney on your side.

How Can I Fight Criminal Charges in Lancaster, PA?

How we fight your charges will depend on the nature of your unique case. We may challenge the evidence, file pretrial motions to keep out illegal evidence or prejudicial information, or work out a plea agreement with prosecutors that allows you to avoid the harshest penalties.

Can the Police Enter My Home as Part of a Criminal Investigation?

Possibly. While the police may search your home for evidence, they must have a valid search warrant based on articulable probable cause. If they do not have a warrant, they must have a valid exception to the warrant requirement.

What Do I Do if My Criminal Trial is Not a Fair One?

Criminal trials are not always fair. Whether the prosecutors are acting unlawfully or they make unintentional errors that compromise the trial’s integrity, we can challenge these errors. If you are convicted, these legal errors may be grounds for an appeal and a new trial.

Do I Need a Trial to Fight My Criminal Charges?

Not necessarily. While you have a constitutional right to have a trial by a jury of your peers, you may waive this right or choose other legal options. For example, a plea agreement may help you completely avoid a trial. Alternatively, we might get your charges dropped or dismissed before the case ever goes to court.

How Long is a Criminal Trial in Lancaster, PA?

The duration of a trial depends on the charges, the complexity of the facts, and the effectiveness of the defendant’s defense strategies. Some cases are completed in a few short weeks. Others might take several months or even longer.

How Do I Appeal a Criminal Conviction?

A direct appeal typically must be filed no later than 30 days after a conviction. On appeal, we may explain what legal errors we believe occurred during your trial that may have caused an unfair outcome. If the appellate court agrees, you may be granted a new trial and a second chance to defend yourself.

Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lancaster, PA for Legal Assistance

For a free, private case analysis from our criminal defense lawyers, call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314.