Pittsburgh Expungement Lawyer
Charged With A Crime?
If you have been criminally charged, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
You may believe that you are able to effectively represent yourself in court, but the reality is that lawyers often obtain better deals than clients who represent themselves.
Police officers and prosecutors are aware of the fact that most lawyers have a firm grasp on the bargaining process and therefore extend offers of compromise that may not be made to a self-represented defendant who is unfamiliar with court procedure.
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.
Expand Expungements In Pennsylvania
A criminal record can ruin your job opportunities. In Pennsylvania, convictions for misdemeanors and felonies will stay on your record for life – even for people who go decades without ever re-offending.
But that might change.
Currently the Pennsylvania Legislature is considering proposals to expand expungements to misdemeanors after a period of good behavior.
Some proposals offer expungements after a period of seven years of freedom from arrest or prosecution for third-degree misdemeanors. Other proposals offer expungements to individuls under 25-years-old for second-degree misdemeanors after ten years free of arrest or prosecution.
Spivak Law Firm understands the importance of a clean criminal record. To speak with an experienced expungement lawyer, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Expungement Necessary Even If Case Dismissed
Many people make the mistake of thinking that their records will automatically be wiped clean if their criminal charges are dismissed or withdrawn. This is not true.
Even if your charges are thrown out, you still need to go through the expungement process to erase them from your criminal background. This may be especially important if the nature of the charge itself causes embarrassment (e.g., prostitution, domestic abuse) or leads another to question your trustworthiness (e.g., forgery, theft).
At Spivak Law Firm, we expunge criminal records for a low, one-time fee. For more information, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Why Expunge Your Criminal Record?
A criminal record can hurt you by limiting your job opportunities, restricting your housing options, and even impeding your ability to get a loan. In Pennsylvania, employers, landlords, and banks routinely check criminal backgrounds.
Having your criminal record expunged, or erased, is vitally important to getting your life back to normal. Fortunately, the process is relatively simple and inexpensive.
At Spivak Law Firm, we promptly obtain a certified copy of your criminal record from the Pennsylvania State Police then petition the court to expunge your record. The process can take as long as a year, and we update you about the process at every step.
If your case was dismissed or withdrawn, we can immediately initiate the expungement process. If you’ve been convicted of a summary offense, you can have your criminal record expunged after a five-year waiting period so long as there are no further incidents.
To learn more about expunging your criminal record, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
5 Goals of ARD in Allegheny County
In Allegheny County, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is commonly offered to most first-time, non-violent offenders. If participants complete the program’s requirements, they may get their criminal records expunged or erased. There are five goals of the ARD program:
(1) Clean Slate: To provide first-time, non-violent offenders an opportunity to have their criminal charges expunged
(2) Atonement: To hold offenders responsible while providing them an opportunity to atone for their criminal behavior
(3) Rehabilitation: To provide offenders with treatment options
(4) Restitution: To restore the financial burden incurred by the victim
(5) Efficiency: To enable the courts to dispose of cases in a cost-effective manner
To speak with a Pittsburgh criminal attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll fee at (800) 545-9390.
Spivak Law Firm Wins Summary Trial
It was St. Patrick’s Day, and Sam (not his real name) and his wife went out with some friends to a bar on Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side to celebrate. The place was noisy and crowded. They were there for maybe half an hour when a bouncer grabbed Sam and told him to leave for pushing a waitress. Sam had no idea what the bouncer was talking about. Neither did his wife, who was standing beside Sam the entire time. Sam was naturally upset; he ignored the bouncer. A police officer then led Sam outside. Sam protested that he didn’t push anybody, but the officer cuffed him anyway.
Months later, Sam appeared with his attorney from Spivak Law Firm for a summary trial at Pittsburgh Municipal Court downtown. Sam faced charges of public intoxication and defiant criminal trespass. Sam wanted to fight these charges, which he felt were unfair. He also did not want any convictions on his record. At the courthouse, the arresting police officer refused to drop the charges, so we asked for a hearing. In the end, the judge dismissed the charges.
“Mr. Spivak was very responsive to all my questions and concerns,” said Sam. “His professional demeanor was excellent in court.”
Many people charged with summary offenses make the mistake of pleading guilty rather than fighting the charges. Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive defense for people facing criminal charges. When the charges are dropped, we also help to erase our clients’ criminal records by petitioning the court for an expungement.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
ARD Requirements in Allegheny County
The Allegheny County ARD Probation Program was designed to supervise the first-time, non-violent offender who has been given a second chance at having a clean criminal record. Participants in the ARD Program are expected to serve a term of supervision lasting from six month to two years. Conditions of supervision depend on the charged offense and may require the offender to complete one or more of the following:
- DUI classes
- Substance abuse treatment
- Community service
- Domestic abuse classes
- Anger management classes
- Retail theft classes
- Mental health treatment
- Restitution
- Court costs
To learn if you qualify for ARD in Allegheny County, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.