Over 50 Years of Combined Experience

Philadelphia
Criminal Attorneys

We handle all misdemeanors and felonies

Regardless of whether it’s a simple misdemeanor, or a complex federal case, we can help. We understand that irrespective of the severity of the crime you’re accused of committing – a conviction can permanently harm your future. Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers can help protect your rights, and ensure you are never going to be unfairly prosecuted, or over-penalized for something you didn’t actually do. For example, if you’re accused of a DUI due to excess alcohol then we can help investigate whether the field sobriety test was correctly done, or whether a blood/breath test was done properly.

Criminal defense cases can have immense consequences if you’re convicted. The conviction goes on your permanent record, and depending on the circumstances – you can face fines, jail time, and face issues getting employment in the future. Hiring our law firm can help mitigate the penalties, reduce capital paid out, and if possible, get the case dismissed.

If you have been charged with a crime, then your future is hanging in the balance. You may be scared, confused and traumatized. You may also be thinking about how you can potentially lose your job and your family. Fortunately, you can call our law offices if you need legal representation.

Our firm is solely focused on defending people against criminal charges. We have the experience and skills necessary to represent you. Our goal is to make sure that the negative effects of a criminal charge are lessened.

You may be feeling a variety of emotions right now. You may be frustrated. You may also be angry. Fear is another emotion that you may feel. Additionally, you may be thinking about you will need to do next. We will give you guidance and tell you what you will need to do next.

Avoid Harsh Penalties
Our firm has had experience in dealing with several types of criminal cases, such as theft of gemstones. One of the best things that you can do if you have been charged with any crime is to hire the right Pennsylvania criminal attorney for your case. Drug possession or a DUI charge does not have to ruin your future.

Our firm knows that being arrested can be a scary thing. That is why you will need to contact a Pennsylvania criminal attorney after you have been arrested. You will be able to get a free case consultation. We will be able to help you with the following crimes.

• Property Crimes and Arson
• Domestic violence
• Assault
• Federal Crimes
• Drug Crimes
• Marijuana Crimes
• Sex Crimes
• Theft
• Involuntary Manslaughter
• Conspiracy to Commit Murder
• Professional License Defense

Do the police need to read the Miranda warnings before talking to a suspect?

The police has to read the Miranda warnings before they interrogate someone whose in their custody. Being in custody means that you aren’t free to leave. Statements that are volunteered while in custody, without an interrogation, can be used against you by the police. If the Miranda warning isn’t provided, then that information can be discredited. The police don’t need to use certain words when reading the Miranda warning. They simply have to convey the true essence of the Miranda rights. You might be under arrest, even if they police didn’t read your rights. They only need to read the rights to a suspect who they intend on interrogating while they are in custody. In other words, they can handcuff a suspect and then book them at the police station without reading the warnings. The police can give Miranda warnings halfway through an interrogation, but statements given before the warning will likely not be admissible against the defendant.  Sometimes a defendant will confess before they get the warning, and then confess after they’ve received the warning, feeling it would be pointless to take back the confession. The second confession might also be inadmissible in some cases if the police benefited from the suspect being confused to get the second confession. Hiring a Philadelphia criminal attorney can help you understand all of this. Sometimes a statement which was obtained, in violation of the Miranda rights, can lead law enforcement to discover evidence against the evidence. The general rule is that the evidence can be admitted in most cases, even though there is a Miranda violation. If the police went beyond violating the rules and coerced the suspect into the confession, then the evidence will likely not be admitted.

When are search and seizure rules triggered?

Search and seizure rules apply whenever law enforcement conducts a search which invades a citizen’s legitimate concerns of privacy. The expectation of privacy has to be objectively reasonable.

Do the police always need a warrant to conduct a search?

No, there are several exceptions where the police can conduct a search without a warrant.

Who can give consent to a search of an apartment?

The occupant of the apartment can give consent to a search of any area which they control. If room mates are living together, then either roommate can give consent to a search of their own area. They cannot give consent to a search of area that is controlled ONLY by another roommate. If multiple room mates are present when the police ask for consent, a refusal by any roommate can prevent the search entirely. A landlord cannot give consent to a search of a leased apartment, which is VALIDLY occupied by a tenant.

Can the police search a car that has been towed?

The police can search a car which was towed, and impounded, regardless of whether it was illegally parked or stolen. They may be able to search any closed containers in the car also. The police don’t have the right to impound a car for the purpose of conducting a search.

What is the exclusionary rule?

This is a rule that says the evidence obtained through a constitutional violation cannot be used against the defendant. It’s related to the fruit of the poisonous tree, which requires that evidence obtained unconstitutionally obtained can be excluded in many cases. Judges will not exclude the evidence on their own. Defendants must bring a motion to suppress.

What is a motion to suppress?

This involves the defendant asking the judge to exclude certain evidence from being considered at trial. It’s a pre-trial motion, and sometimes, successful, in suppressing evidence – and helping you avoid a trial altogether because a prosecution might not be able to prove his, or her case, without the evidence.