Hilltown Township Criminal Defense Attorney
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As part of Bucks County, Hilltown Township is a small, safe community. Violent crimes are rare, but police remain vigilant for any criminal behavior. In order to maintain safety within the area and ensure that residents feel comfortable, the police may be more apt to stop, question, and arrest you. This could increase your likelihood of being pulled over for a DUI or accused of criminal mischief, particularly if the police believe your behavior is in any way out of the ordinary. If you have been charged with a crime in Hilltown Township, the experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers of Fienman Defense are ready to step in and represent your interests in court.
We have the legal knowledge and skills necessary to analyze your situation and determine the strongest defenses available to you under the law. Without a Hilltown Township criminal defense attorney by your side, you are more likely to experience harsh penalties and collateral consequences following a criminal conviction in Pennsylvania.
Being Charged with Theft in Bucks County
Theft is a crime in and of itself, but it is also an umbrella term for a number of offenses such as shoplifting, theft by deception, forgery, writing bad checks, and receiving stolen property. Whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the specific allegations against you, the type of items and the value of the items you are accused of taking. The more valuable the money or property you are accused of stealing, the greater the likelihood that you will be charged with a felony. If you stole less than $2,000 worth of property, you will face a third to a first-degree misdemeanor charge. If the prosecutor believes you acquired property worth more than $2,000 or firearms, he or she will charge you with a third, second, or third-degree felony.
The higher the degree of the offense, the higher the chances of being sentenced to jail time, high fines, restitution, and more. For example, a judge may sentence you to up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine up to $25,000 upon conviction of a first-degree theft felony. However, a misdemeanor theft offense should also be treated very seriously. A misdemeanor conviction creates a criminal record, the consequences of which can make it difficult to finish school, gain steady employment, and live in a safe, affordable neighborhood.
If you have been charged with theft in Hilltown Township, do not hesitate to contact Fienman Defense. We are experienced in defending against a range of theft charges and have a track record of obtaining the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Pennsylvania DUI Charges
Prosecutors can charge you with driving under the influence if you are found operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content level at or above 0.08 percent or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of these substances. This means you can face a typical DUI that results from blowing a 0.08 percent or higher, but you also can be charged with this offense without having any alcohol in your system. For example, driving under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications or controlled substances can also lead to a DUI conviction.
If you have previous DUI convictions or are found to be driving with a high BAC, you can face higher tier charges with harsher penalties. The worse the law considers the offense, the greater the statutory penalties. A first tier charge for a first offense comes with the most lenient punishment, including up to 6 months of probation, a $300 fine, and court-ordered treatment and education. On the other hand, a third tier charge for a second DUI offense increases the possible punishment to up to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine , an 18-month driver’s license suspension, and court-ordered treatment and education.
Whatever the prosecutor’s evidence against you, you need to have an experienced Philadelphia DUI lawyer represent you in court. There are many possible DUI defenses, but a skilled attorney will review your situation and determine which of these defenses are most likely to have the charges dropped, reduced, or prove your innocence.
Disorderly Conduct in Hilltown Township
If the police arrested you for violent, loud, or obscene behavior, you may be charged with disorderly conduct instead of assault or another violent crime. Disorderly conduct is considered a crime against the public and it covers all manner of behavior deemed inappropriate under the law, including:
- Fighting
- Threatening another person or group
- Being too loud or otherwise unreasonably noisy
- Obscene language and gestures
- The creation of a hazardous environment
This crime is sometimes considered a “catch all” when you cannot be charged with another specific offense. It often arises if you have a heated argument in public or do something ill-advised while inebriated. You can also be charged with the crime if you are at a party that is too loud or causes too much commotion for the neighborhood.
Disorderly conduct is often a summary offense, which usually results in a fine. However, if the prosecutor believes there is evidence that you behaved with the purpose of causing serious inconvenient or substantial harm, or if you continued what you were doing despite a warning to stop, then you face a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to jail time, probation, and a significant fine. You will also have a criminal record that can hold you back in school and your career.
How a Hilltown Township Lawyer Can Help You
When you are arrested and charged with a crime, you must quickly decide how to handle the situation. You have the right to defend yourself, but you lack the necessary legal knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. You may make decisions based the prosecutor’s threats, which could cause you to plead guilty or take a disadvantageous plea bargain. By working with criminal defense lawyer Michael Fienman, you’ll have a lawyer with years of experience on your side. He can provide honest and time-tested advice about your situation. He can also negotiate with prosecutors to ensure that if you accept a plea bargain, it truly is in your best interests.
When you are facing a criminal offense in Philadelphia or Hilltown Township, call Fienman Defense at (215) 345-4284 to schedule a free consultation.