McKeesport Criminal Lawyer
Keep Your Cool in Criminal Court
Tensions run high in criminal court. You are likely worried about how the pending charges will affect your job, reputation, and most importantly, your freedom. But you must stay calm in court.
Trust that your attorney is working to obtain the best deal possible to resolve your case. Having a bad attitude or making snide remarks to the court staff or judge could result in your deal being withdrawn or unaccepted.
Don’t risk the chance to resolve your case. Be on your best behavior in court.
To speak with an experienced attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Theft Crimes in Pennsylvania
Penalties for theft crimes in Pennsylvania can be severe. The penalty is based on the value of the stolen property. A first offense for stolen property valued at less than $150 is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, though many first-time offenders serve probation only. Theft of property valued between $150 and $2,000 is punishable by up to five years in prison.
With an experienced attorney, you may be able to participate in an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program that allows you to avoid incarceration so long as you pay a fine and complete your probation, which often includes a provision restricting you from entering the business where the theft occurred.
For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Pennsylvania Juvenile Law
Q: My child has been charged with a crime. Can you help?
A: Yes. Unlike the adult criminal system, the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment with the ultimate goal of helping children become functioning members of society.
First-time offenders are usually eligible for probation, which may include performing community service and paying restitution.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong defense for juveniles accused of misdemeanor and felony crimes. If you or your child is charged with a crime, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Resisting Arrest Penalties
Pulling away from an officer attempting to arrest you could be enough to sustain the charge of resisting arrest, which is usually filed in addition to the charges for which the police were arresting you.
Resisting arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor, which could result in up to two years in prison and as much as a $5,000 fine.
Spivak Law Firm handles all criminal defense matters, including: preliminary hearings, summary trials, and expungements. For a free consultation call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Marijuana Laws in Pennsylvania
Criminal charges for possessing marijuana may not seem as serious as other offenses, especially since it is legal in over 20 states. But in Pennsylvania, marijuana-related crimes are still often treated with the same severity as other drug crimes.
Federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is considered among the most addicting drugs, such as heroin, and has no medical benefits.
Spivak Law Firm advocates for the legalization of marijuana and more research into the medicinal benefits of the drug for people suffering from multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other debilitating diseases.
If you face drug possession charges, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Domestic Violence Defense
Were you defending yourself from an aggressor and charged with a domestic-violence crime? This may seem unjust, but it happens routinely. Police officers responding to domestic violence incidents generally make arrests if they observe injuries on the other party.
Spivak Law Firm routinely helps those accused of domestic-violence crimes by providing strong, effective representation. Common domestic-violence crimes include:
- Simple Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Terroristic Threats
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
To speak with an experienced domestic-violence defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Drug Crimes in PA
If you’ve been criminally charged with drug possession, punishment can be greater if it is a Schedule I or II drug. Schedule I drugs include marijuana, heroin, and LSD. Schedule II drugs include methamphetamine, cocaine, Oxycontin, and Percocet.
If this is your first Schedule I or II drug offense, you face a mandatory six-month driver’s license suspension. You also face as much as a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
The penalties associated with drug possession could harm your educational opportunities, employment opportunities, and even your child custody rights.
If you face criminal drug possession charges, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Domestic Violence and Guns
While misdemeanor charges may seem less serious than felony charges, both can hold similar consequences.
Under Pennsylvania law, if you have been convicted of a felony, you are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Moreover, you are permanently stripped of gun ownership if convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence. This is true even if the incident did not involve firearms.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive defense in all PFA and criminal domestic violence cases. For a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Assault in Pennsylvania
Q: Can I be convicted of assault even if I never laid a finger on anyone?
A: Yes.
Under Pennsylvania Law, assault consists of intentionally or knowingly causing physical harm to another person or attempting to do so, which puts the other person in fear of immediate bodily harm. Thus, you do not need to physically hit another person to be charged with assault.
Simple assault is a misdemeanor charge that may result in incarceration. Aggravated assault, which involves use of a deadly weapon or results in permanent bodily injury, is a felony charge that carries stiffer penalties.
At Spivak Law Firm, we strongly defend people charged with committing violent crimes such as assault. To have an experienced attorney review your case, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.