In Lower Makefield Township, we enjoy safe neighborhoods, schools, roads, and one of the lowest crime rates in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. We feel comfortable letting our kids run around with friends and giving our teenagers the keys to the car on a Friday night. Occasionally there are misunderstandings or mistakes made, and the police may charge you or a loved one with a crime. When this happens, it is important to immediately seek out legal counsel.
By having a lawyer on your side, you can protect your rights during police questioning and a subsequent trial. Do not forfeit any of your Constitutional rights by speaking with the police without representation or going to court without a Lower Makefield Township criminal defense lawyer.
Call Fienman Defense at (215) 515-5342. or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Property Crimes in Lower Makefield Township
One of the more common categories of criminal offenses committed in Lower Makefield Township is property crimes. These include:
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Criminal mischief
- Arson
Trespassing can fall into two types: defiant or criminal. Defiant trespassing occurs when someone remains on a property despite “no trespassing” signs or a verbal order to leave.
Criminal trespassing includes sneaking onto or breaking into a property you are not allowed to be in. It also includes going onto a property to threaten someone there, start a fire, or damage the premises. Whether or not you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony depends on the exact circumstances and how well your attorney can negotiate reduced charges.
Criminal Mischief in Lower Makefield Township
Criminal mischief covers a broad range of criminal behaviors – many of which include adolescent mistakes such as:
- Public intoxication
- Tampering with someone’s property
- Defacing property with spray paint
- Egging someone’s house or car.
Many times, actions that are supposed to be harmless pranks can get out of hand, damage someone’s property, and lead to criminal charges.
If you or someone you love was charged with criminal mischief, it is crucial to have an experienced defense attorney take up the case.
Pennsylvania Juvenile Crimes
Teenagers are susceptible to peer pressure and it is all too easy for them to be led astray and inadvertently break the law. The penalties are often unforgiving, permanently damaging the lives of the children that are charged.
Juvenile crimes can lead to one or more of the following:
- Fines
- juvenile detention
- driver’s license suspension
- community service
- restitution
- drug or alcohol rehabilitation
There are a number of crimes that a minor can be charged with in Pennsylvania.
Fake ID:
It’s illegal to carry identification with false information on your name, birthdate or age, even if it doesn’t have a picture on it.
Underage Drinking:
It’s illegal for someone under 21 to purchase alcohol, to consume alcohol, to possess alcohol or to transport alcohol.
Drug Offenses:
It’s illegal to possess or sell drugs like marijuana, OxyContin, Adderall, anabolic steroids or cocaine. The penalties you face will vary by the alleged crime as well as the classification of the drug. Controlled substances are placed into five “schedules.” Generally, the penalties grow more severe as the drug approaches Schedule I.
- Schedule V:Lomotil, Lyrica and cough medicines like Robitussin AC.
- Schedule III and IV:anabolic steroids, Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, Vicodin, Ambien, Valium, Darvocet, Ativan and Xanax.
- Schedule I and II:heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, LSD, OxyContin, Percocet, cocaine, Demerol, Ritalin and Adderall.
Truancy:
Pennsylvania law requires children up to the age of 17 to attend school. When teenagers miss more than 3 classes without a valid reason, they face truancy charges that could lead to a fine and a driver’s license suspension. You can also be held responsible and fined as parents.
The more serious the circumstances leading to the charge, the more likely teens are to spend time in a detention facility. This makes it harder for them to finish school and begin careers.
Traffic Violations in Bucks County
Most traffic violations lead to a ticket that is more of an annoyance to handle than a sincere worry. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can more easily defend against most traffic offenses or face minimal consequences for the violation. A few of the violations you can fight with Fienman Defense are:
- Speeding
- Driving with a suspended license
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Careless driving
- Turning violation
- Improper passing
- Improper backing up
- Failure to yield
- Driving too slowly
However, some traffic violations amount to misdemeanor or felony charges that could lead to serious repercussions such as high fines and the loss of your driver’s license for one year or more.
If you have been charged with a criminal traffic violation like:
- driving without a license or on a suspended license
- reckless driving
- aggravated assault with a vehicle
immediately call Fienman Defense.
Pennsylvania DUI Charges
If the police arrested you for driving with a blood alcohol content level at or above 0.08 percent or because they believed you were too impaired by drugs or alcohol to safely operate a vehicle, then you need a criminal defense attorney experienced with DUI defense.
A DUI in Pennsylvania leads to serious consequences, including losing your driver’s license for a period of time. You may even go to jail if you do not have a skilled lawyer negotiate a fair plea bargain or defend you in court. In addition to jail and a license suspension you can expect to:
- pay fines
- attend driving class or substance abuse treatment
- higher auto insurance premiums
- have to pay for and use an ignition interlock device when you are able to drive
Do not let a DUI give you a criminal record and harm your chances of working or finishing school – call Fienman Defense as soon as possible.
A Lower Makefield Township Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
No matter what crime you have been charged with, whether it is a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony, the skilled attorneys of Fienman Defense can take on your case and help you get through this difficult time.
Not only will we aggressively advocate for you in court, but we will be by your side and help you and your family through this time with compassion and support.
Call us today at (215) 515-5342 to schedule a confidential free consultation.