When prison time is a possibility, you need to prioritize your defense above all else. Let us review and explain your charges, clarify potential penalties, and start working on clearing your name. Do not wait to start, and call us right after an arrest.

A first-degree felony conviction may mean 20 years or life imprisonment, while a third-degree misdemeanor may mean probation and fines. All criminal convictions have some consequences, which we can either mitigate or avoid altogether. We handle many types of cases, including drug, assault, robbery, and theft charges, among others. Start working on your defense right away, as waiting often has implications.

Call our criminal defense lawyers at the Liberty Law Team for help with your case at (215) 826-3314.

Possible Prison Sentences for Criminal Convictions in Levittown

Even if this is your first arrest and conviction, you could face prison time. In addition to confirming the maximum sentence, we can explain which consequences are likelier, jail or probation.

Felonies

Felonies carry the longest prison sentences upon conviction. While Pennsylvania still technically has the death penalty for first-degree murder cases, life imprisonment is more likely. For other first-degree felonies, defendants face up to 20 years.

For second-degree felonies, the maximum sentence is 10 years, and seven years for third-degree felonies.

If you are charged and convicted of multiple felonies, the judge may sentence you to serve time consecutively, not concurrently. Concurrent sentences are preferable, as you can carry multiple out at once.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor convictions can still mean jail time, though probation with other consequences is more likely. First-degree misdemeanors risk five years in jail, while second-degree misdemeanors risk two years at most. Third-degree misdemeanors come with a max jail stint of one year, though fines are more likely.

In addition to jail time, you may have to pay fines for a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor charges may also require bail, so do not assume you will be released without posting bail, even for a less serious offense.

How Does Pennsylvania Charge DUIs?

If this is your first DUI arrest, you will be charged with an ungraded misdemeanor, which has a maximum jail sentence of six months. Depending on your blood alcohol content, you may lose your license for six months to a year. If you have two prior DUI offenses, and your BAC is between 0.08 and 0.099%, the charge gets updated to a second-degree misdemeanor.

Your BAC being between 0.10 to 0.159% or 0.16% or higher leads to enhanced charges if you have multiple prior offenses. Rather than an ungraded misdemeanor, you would have a first-degree misdemeanor charge. Judges may be less lenient on repeat offenders and sentence them to jail time for subsequent DUI convictions.

Take a DUI arrest and charge seriously, and call our lawyers to help you navigate your case.

What Are the Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction in Levittown?

Drug charges are among the most common for alleged offenders of all ages, especially juveniles. A drug crime conviction could change your life, affect future employment or housing prospects, and lead to unfair jail time.

Allegedly possessing larger quantities of drugs could lead to more serious charges, such as possession with intent to deliver or even drug trafficking. You may not face any consequences if the prosecution obtained evidence illegally, like by violating your Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.

Felony drug offenses are not eligible for expungement in Pennsylvania unless you get a pardon from the governor. Alternatively, we may be able to seal your criminal record so drug charges in your past do not continue to follow you.

How to Defend Assault Charges in Levittown

Depending on the facts of your case, we may argue self-defense, defense of others, or prove mistaken identity. Especially if assault charges come from a domestic violence-related incident, prioritize defending your name.

Pennsylvania lets you use proportionate force to protect yourself, your property, or others from harm. Eyewitnesses or others threatened or assaulted by the alleged victim may testify that they were the aggressor, not you.

Our criminal defense lawyers can also help defend against assault charges concerning an intimate partner or family member. Tell us how the altercation began, even if that paints someone else in a negative light.

Do not try to explain yourself to law enforcement if you are arrested for assault in Levittown. Police officers may try to get you to misspeak, which may happen if you are overwhelmed, frightened, or confused. Talking to law enforcement without us there could hurt your defense, so avoid it at all costs.

Distinguishing Between Robbery and Theft Charges

Robbery is taking someone’s property using force or the threat of force, and theft is taking someone’s property without using force or threatening it.

Depending on the force used or threatened and physical harm inflicted, robbery may be charged as a first-, second-, or third-degree felony.

Theft may also be charged as a first-degree felony if the defendant is in the business of buying and selling stolen firearms or allegedly stole over $500,000.

When Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Levittown?

Whether you have been officially charged with a crime or the police have asked you to come in for informal questioning, you may need an attorney. Any time you deal with law enforcement, it benefits you to have an advocate, which our lawyers can be.

When the police ask you questions, assume they are investigating you. Talking to the police without our attorneys present is very risky, as anything you say might be used against you. If you have not been arrested, we can stop the police from holding you. If you have been arrested, we can prepare for your arraignment, where bail will be set, and you will enter your plea.

Call Our Lawyers for a Free Case Assessment in Levittown

Call our criminal defense lawyers at the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314 for a free case evaluation.