Facing criminal charges is serious. A conviction can change every aspect of your life from your career to your family to your finances. You could face steep fines, probation, or even time in jail. If you are in this situation, it is crucial that you act quickly. A criminal defense lawyer in Berks County can help.
David McKenzie is a former prosecutor with years of experience handling criminal cases in the Pennsylvania Justice System. He will take the time to understand the facts in your case and determine the best strategy for your defense.
Traffic-Related Cases We Handle In Berks County
Facing criminal charges can be terrifying, but a conviction is not inevitable. Our team handles a variety of criminal traffic cases. No matter the charges, we work to provide our clients with the best possible defense and outcome in Berks County, PA.
Traffic Offenses
In some situations, it is better to fight a traffic violation than pay a ticket. For example, we can help with scenarios like:
- Having several tickets on your record, putting you at risk for losing your license
- Cases involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (Under 21 DUI , DUI)
- Potential felony charges like vehicular manslaughter or a hit-and-run
- Lacking a driver’s license, registration, or motor vehicle insurance
- Accidents involving serious injuries that could elevate your charges
In other words, the stakes could be higher than you anticipate. In these situations, you should have a criminal defense lawyer by your side.
DUI Charges
A DUI conviction can cost you your driver’s license, thousands in fines, and your freedom. Fortunately, you can fight it. In fact, we have helped many clients win a favorable result in their DUI cases, as evidenced by our testimonials:
“David works magic. He managed to get my DUI from a second offense down to a first offense. I could have been serving 3 months in jail but managed to avoid that because of David.” – Corinne D’Angelo
“David is such a prolific and excellent attorney. Anyone accused of DUI or other crimes has to give this law office a call before anyone else, just to set the bar and expectations. You will not be sorry you called him.” – Martin Judnich
We will help you understand the charges you face, the possible consequences, and the best options for your defense.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Berks County, call (610) 680-7842
Other Criminal Defense Areas We Handle
If you are facing other criminal charges and aren’t sure where to turn, our team can evaluate your case for free to determine your options.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges can have a wide range of consequences from simple misdemeanors for possession to felonies with mandatory prison sentences for distribution. Depending on the alleged offense, you could face substantial fines and time in prison.
Drug cases can be complex because of variables like:
- Type of drug
- Amount you had in your possession
- Where you were when caught
- If you were growing or manufacturing
- If you were selling the drug and how
- Your history of drug convictions
Consequently, if you are facing drug charges, it may be in your best interest to have a drug crime lawyer fighting for your rights and your freedom.
Theft Crimes
Theft is a broad category, so the consequences differ depending on the seriousness of the offense and the details of what happened. Shoplifting a bag of chips, for instance, naturally carries a lower potential punishment than stealing a car.
In many cases, we have been able to negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser charge. If we are unable to do so, we will fight the allegations against you. If you are facing theft charges, a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer can help protect your freedom and future.
White-Collar Crime
Pennsylvania takes white-collar crime seriously, and so we take your case seriously too. Convictions for financially motivated crimes can carry significant consequences. After all, white-collar crimes can involve heavy-hitting law enforcement and regulatory agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
White-collar crime can include many types of fraud—mortgage, healthcare, credit card, internet, securities—as well as embezzlement, bribery, counterfeiting, tax evasion, and money laundering. All of these could result in harsh penalties including long stretches of time in prison and stiff financial repercussions.
If you are facing white-collar crime charges, you should consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer right away.
Berks County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
Penalties You Face For Criminal Charges In Berks County
When you are facing criminal charges, it is normal to feel anxious about the possibility of a conviction. You could lose your driver’s license, your job, and your life as you know it. Depending on the charges, you could face harsh penalties or serve time in jail.
As an example of the range of possible consequences, consider a first-time DUI versus a fourth-time DUI. The fine for the former is $300, while the latter could soar up to $10,000. The first-time DUI faces six months’ probation, while the serious DUI faces up to five years in prison.
Clearly, having charges lowered can make a significant difference in the consequences you face. You deserve a legal team committed to minimizing penalties.
Don’t Forget Other Impacts
Criminal convictions have ancillary costs you may not have considered:
- Court and other legal fees
- Payments to have license reinstated
- Public transportation costs
- Loss of income during legal proceedings
Furthermore, a criminal record can follow you and prevent you from getting certain jobs, attending some schools or universities, joining the military, or receiving government benefits. Also consider the strain on family and relationships.
A criminal conviction therefore carries consequences well beyond the legal realm. With that in mind, our team will do everything in our power to help you avoid the harsh consequences a conviction can bring.
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More Help For Criminal Defense Clients In Berks County
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. handles other aspects of criminal cases. These can help you recover from your ordeal and start anew.
ARD Program
The Berks County Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program helps some first-time offenders get a new start. If you complete the ARD program requirements, the District Attorney’s office will dismiss your charges. These conditions could include:
- Performing community service
- Completing drug or alcohol treatment
- Paying restitution to victims
To find out if you are eligible, contact the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
Sealing And Expungement
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be a candidate for sealing or expungement. This offers a fresh start without the stigma of a criminal record. We can help you understand this process and if it might be an option for you.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How A Criminal Defense Lawyer In Berks County Can Help You
A Berks County criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate with the prosecutor for a more favorable resolution or even a complete dismissal of the charges in some cases. Although you can represent yourself, this is often not a good idea, unless you have experience handling criminal defense cases.
Having a criminal defense lawyer by your side is often the better option — especially if your attorney has experience on both sides of the aisle like David McKenzie.
Every criminal case is unique. The prosecutor’s job is to convict you of the charges against you, and they will work hard to see that happen. Our team will attempt to find flaws in the prosecutor’s case and secure a favorable result for you. Some options for defense include:
- Having the charges against you dismissed
- Negotiating a plea deal
- Taking the case to court
There are several ways we can explore lessening or dropping charges. Your case may have involved mistakes in the chain of custody. Outright violations of your rights could also be grounds for dismissal, such as if those in charge of your case lacked probable cause or failed to read your Miranda rights.
In some cases, our firm may pursue your case at trial. We prepare you for any scenario so that you don’t feel overwhelmed in court. From explaining the paperwork to guiding you through the steps of the process, our team works to prevent you from ever feeling unsure of what is happening now or in your future.
Contact The McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. For Help Today
If you are facing criminal charges in Berks County, we want to help. We are happy to evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and the charges against you. We will discuss the possible consequences of a conviction and the best options for defense.
Whatever charges you are facing, you have the right to legal representation. At the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., a Berks County criminal defense lawyer will analyze all the evidence against you and prepare the most robust defense strategy possible. Our goal is to defend your rights and achieve a favorable outcome in your case. Call today for a free case evaluation.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
