If you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, to represent either yourself or a loved one, we urge you to contact our firm as soon as you can. This way, we have more time to decide on a course of action and build the strongest possible case in your defense.
No matter what you have been accused of, you have a right to due process and fair treatment under the law. Our firm can ensure that you receive such treatment every step of the way.
Understanding How Our PA Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
Being charged with any type of crime is a frightening, overwhelming experience. You may find it easier to cope by relying on the team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., to fight for you. Among other things, we can:
- Be accessible: We will always be there when you need us. From the moment you sign the contract until the very end of your case, you can reach us by phone, email, text, and more.
- Search for evidence: Our independent investigation may turn up evidence that the prosecution has ignored that proves you are not guilty and/or demonstrates police misconduct.
- Negotiate for a lesser charge: For example, misdemeanors often carry lighter sentences than felonies. By “downgrading” the criminal charge against you, we can save you money, time behind bars, and more.
- Fight to get the charges dismissed: For instance, if the evidence against you does not hold up, we can ask the judge to drop the case against you and let you go home immediately.
- Fight for you in court: If your case goes to court, we can question witnesses on the stand, file all necessary motions, and argue to protect your rights.
- Explain everything to you: A client cannot make the best possible decisions if they do not understand the legal system. You can count on us to guide you through the legal process and help you make those critical decisions.
Our Phoenixville, PA, team provides criminal defense services to individuals who have been charged with various types of crimes. A criminal defense attorney from our office can assist you if you have been charged with:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Other traffic crimes, such as hit and run or driving without a license
- Drug offenses, such as possession or trafficking
- Theft
- Federal offenses, such as weapons charges or fraud
One of our clients, James George, praised David McKenzie as “professional, knowledgeable, effective, and very family friendly.” We treat all of our clients with the respect and dignity they deserve, in addition to protecting their rights at every stage.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Phoenixville, call (610) 680-7842
Penalties You Could Face After a Criminal Charge in Pennsylvania
The penalties an individual may face if convicted of criminal charges can vary widely. They may be lighter or more severe based on numerous factors, like:
- Your age
- How many prior convictions you have
- If anyone was hurt or killed due to your alleged actions
- What kind of crime you have been accused of
- How many crimes you have been charged with
- The judge’s personal preferences
Generally speaking, first offenses and minor crimes (e.g., shoplifting merchandise worth less than $50) lead to lighter sentences than a second or third offense or a serious crime (e.g., armed robbery).
As an example of how complex the penalty scale can be, here are the penalties that those accused of driving under the influence (DUI) may face, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
DUI First Offense
If you have never been convicted of a DUI before, you could be sentenced to:
- A fine of up to $300
- Up to six months of probation
- Mandatory attendance at a safety school and/or an addiction treatment center
DUI Second Offense
The penalties for a second DUI offense in Pennsylvania may include:
- A fine of up to $2,500
- Up to six months in jail
- Mandatory attendance at a safety school and/or addiction treatment center
- 12 months without your driver’s license
- 12 months with an ignition interlock in your car to prevent drunk driving
DUI Third Offense
Once an individual has three or more DUI offenses, they face very severe penalties, including:
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Up to two years in prison
- Mandatory attendance at an addiction treatment center
- 12 months without your driver’s license
- 12 months with an ignition interlock in your car
Even within the DUI category, penalties can vary drastically, depending on the accused’s blood alcohol content (higher BACs equal more stringent penalties), whether a controlled substance was detected in their system, and so on.
Penalties like those discussed above—fines, jail time, and so on—can have both short- and long-term consequences for you and your family. A conviction, particularly if the offense is very serious, could:
- Cost you your job: A jail sentence could keep you away from work for months or years, and a conviction could prompt your employer to fire you. If your license is suspended, you may have a more difficult time getting to work.
- Cost you money: Fines, court fees, and restitution, when combined with the wages you cannot earn while in court or jail, could be devastating for you and your family.
- Take away your rights: In some cases, the convicted individual may temporarily or permanently lose the right to vote, own a gun, and more.
- Make expunging your record more difficult: Per the Pennsylvania Bar Association, only certain types of crimes can be permanently removed from an individual’s public record.
We understand how scary all of this sounds. However, remember that you do not have to face any part of the legal process by yourself. The team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is ready and willing to help you in every way possible.
Phoenixville Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Learn More About Your Legal Options by Contacting McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., Today
David McKenzie is a former criminal prosecutor who understands how the law works. Now, he and the entire team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. would like to put that knowledge to work for you. Call us at (610) 991-7219 to find out how a criminal defense lawyer from our office can assist you. We are proud to serve the Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and Chester County area.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
