Most people go about their days without considering what it would be like to be charged with a crime. They go to work, take their kids to school, spend time with their families, and grab beers with friends, all without worrying about defending themselves against allegations of wrong doing. Unfortunately, a day may come when they have to figure out what to do because they or a loved one has been arrested and charged. Having a Montgomery County criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference.
It may seem like a nightmare, but it’s not a hopeless situation. Experienced criminal defense attorneys can turn the situation around by having charges dropped or reduced, and working to minimize the outcome of a conviction. East Norriton criminal defense lawyer Michael Fienman is the kind of attorney who will tenaciously fight for your rights in court. With four locations, Fienman Defense is available wherever and whenever you need them.
Assault, Battery, and Domestic Violence
Any charge of violence or intimidation is a serious claim and should be handled with care by an experienced attorney. Crimes such as assault, battery, domestic violence, ethnic intimidation, and harassment involve a range of charges, from misdemeanors to felonies.
If you didn’t hurt anyone, you may think it’ll be easy to prove your innocence. However, many of these charges don’t require someone to be physically injured, only a threat of violence, harassment, or intimidation.
Instead of thinking you can take care of it, it’s best to work with an attorney who knows the law and will work to get your charges reduced or dropped and to minimize the consequences of a conviction. Whether or not someone is charged with aggravated assault versus simple assault can mean the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor, prison time or simply a fine.
Marijuana and Other Drug Charges
Marijuana charges in Pennsylvania come with serious consequences despite the fact the marijuana use is widespread and many states have legalized recreational use. According to state law, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, and depending on the amount found in someone’s possession, he or she can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Growing, distributing, and trafficking marijuana have their own charges and consequences.
Individuals can also be charged with possessing or selling other substances, such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, meth, and illegally obtained prescription medications. The specific charges and potential penalties depend on the class of the drug, the amount, and whether or not there was intent to distribute. Even the smallest amount of an illegal substance can bring with it serious consequences, only one of which is a criminal record.
Many drug-related crimes have harsh minimum penalties resulting in hefty fines and time in prison. That is why you should contact a criminal defense attorney. An experienced lawyer will try to have your charges reduced and minimize the penalties if you’re convicted.
DUI Charges
If you were pulled over and charged with a DUI, it’s important to call an attorney right away. The consequences of a DUI can be severe, particularly if it’s a second or third offense. You can be placed on probation, lose your license for a certain period of time, or have your licensed revoked forever. You may also be fined and required to undergo an alcohol abuse treatment program. Other effects of being convicted of a DUI include a criminal record, higher insurance payments, and a more difficult time obtaining employment.
A lawyer is crucial following an arrest for a DUI because he or she will look into how the officer determined you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a breath test was conducted, the lawyer will look into whether the machine was well-maintained and properly calibrated.
If you’re ultimately convicted of a DUI, a lawyer will do his or her best to get you the minimum penalty.
Contact an East Norriton Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you feel a charge is a mistake or you want to plead guilty, you should have a criminal defense attorney by your side. What seems like a minor charge with an easy defense could end up being the charge that gives you a criminal background and affects your family, education, and career years down the road. Additionally, while it may feel like pleading guilty is the easiest thing to do, this can result in your having a criminal record forever and a punishment you don’t deserve. Don’t take a chance on your well-being and future – contact Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer Michael Fienman at Fienman Defense at (610) 828-3338.