Pgh Defense Lawyer
Juvenile Defense in Allegheny County
As the saying goes, “kids will be kids.”
Perhaps your child was influenced by others, was in the wrong place at the wrong time, or acted in the heat of the moment.
But in the eyes of the law, the criminal actions of children can have serious consequences, such as being adjudicated delinquent and even removed from the family.
Criminal charges can adversely impact your child’s ability to obtain a driver’s license, employment, and even student loans.
Spivak Law Firm, which handles all family law and criminal defense matters, represents juveniles in Allegheny County.
To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Should I Talk to Police?
Police may not arrest you without probable cause. They must reasonably believe that you committed a crime.
If you are a criminal suspect, police may ask to speak with you. We advise that you politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
You might think that declining to talk to police will make you appear suspicious and even guilty. The officer may say that he just wants to ask you some questions, or he may even go so far as to threaten to recommend adding charges against if you do not cooperate.
But by talking to police, you may be building their case against you.
To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Underage Drinking Penalties
Underage drinking offenses can carry stiff penalties including: license suspension, fines, court costs, and even jail time for people over 18. A one-time lapse in judgment has the potential to adversely affect future job prospects, academic opportunities, and even student loan eligibility.
If you or your child has been charged with underage drinking, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can begin negotiations with the police officers or prosecutors before your hearing. At Spivak Law Firm, we aim to get the charges reduced or even dismissed.
To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney call Spivak Law Firm to schedule a consultation: (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
4 Goals At Preliminary Hearings
If you’re criminally charged with a misdemeanor of felony, you should have an experienced criminal defense attorney at your preliminary hearing. Here’s why:
First, there is an opportunity to resolve your entire case at the preliminary hearing. For instance, if you’re charged with a domestic-violence crime such as assault, harassment, or terroristic threats, your attorney may be able to reach a deal for dismissal of all charges upon completion of anger management classes.
Second, your attorney may be able strike a deal to drop certain charges in exchange for waiving the preliminary hearing.
Third, your attorney can cross-examine witnesses at the preliminary hearing to undermine their credibility and possibly get the charges against you dismissed.
Fourth, your attorney can cross-examine witnesses to create a record for trial.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive representation at preliminary hearings. To schedule a free consultation, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Accused of Abuse?
Spivak Law Firm routinely defends people accused of domestic violence and abuse. We defend people facing Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and criminal charges such as simple assault, aggravated assault, harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, child abuse, and reckless endangerment. We also help people facing abuse charges assert child custody and visitation rights.
In family court, it is important to understand that credibility is everything. Someone accused of abuse instantly loses sympathy and credibility in the eyes of the court. Only a rapid, fact-based response can prevent a negative stereotype from attaching to you if you’re falsely accused of abuse. If this happens, it often helps to request a custody or psychological evaluation for both parents and the children, which some judges will order to get beneath the surface and thoroughly evaluate the truth, the dynamics of the parties, and their parenting abilities. Ideally you need to be prepared with a fact-based response to these common types of allegations from the start of the case.
If you’ve been accused of abuse, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.