Being arrested for domestic violence in Plymouth Meeting can feel overwhelming, terrifying, and isolating. One moment can change everything: your freedom, your family, your future. You may be unsure where to turn, who to trust, or what steps to take next. Right now, it may feel like no one is on your side.
But you don’t have to go through this alone. A Plymouth Meeting domestic violence lawyer can help. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we understand how high the stakes are. Domestic violence charges can carry serious consequences — including jail time, restraining orders, loss of custody, and a permanent criminal record. However, an arrest does not equal a conviction. You still have rights. And with the right legal defense, you can protect your future.
David McKenzie is a former criminal prosecutor who now puts his insider knowledge to work for people just like you, someone who deserves a second chance and a strong advocate. Contact us today for a free consultation.
When you’re facing a domestic violence charge, you want a fierce advocate who understands the system from the inside out and is fully committed to protecting your future. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we bring unique strengths that set us apart from other criminal defense firms.
Attorney David McKenzie spent years on the other side of the courtroom as a criminal prosecutor. He knows how the state builds its case, and more importantly, how to find weaknesses in it. This insider knowledge gives you a powerful advantage when it matters most.
A domestic violence arrest doesn’t automatically mean conviction, jail time, or a ruined future. We work to:
We believe that strong defense starts with strong communication. After you hire McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., you’ll have direct access to your attorney by phone, text, email, or social media. We answer client calls 24/7, keep you updated on every development, and make sure you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
When you’re already facing uncertainty, the last thing you need is hidden costs. With McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., you’ll know up front exactly what to expect — no matter how long your case lasts.
If you’ve been arrested for domestic violence in Plymouth Meeting, it’s normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. Understanding what happens next can help you take control and make the right moves to protect yourself.
After a domestic violence complaint is made, the police may arrest you on the spot, even if the situation is complicated or the accusation is exaggerated. Once arrested, you’ll be taken to the police station for booking, which includes:
You may be held in custody until you are either released on bail or brought before a judge.
At your arraignment, a judge will formally read the charges against you and set bail conditions. The judge may also issue a no-contact order or restraining order preventing you from contacting the alleged victim, even if you live together or share children.
Violating a no-contact order can result in additional criminal charges.
This is one of the most critical stages. The prosecution must show there is enough evidence to move forward with the case. With McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. by your side, this could be your first opportunity to get charges dismissed or reduced.
If your case moves past the preliminary hearing, your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the prosecution’s case. Many domestic violence cases are resolved before trial, whether through dismissals, plea bargains, or diversionary programs.
If your case goes to trial, both sides will present their evidence. A judge or jury will determine whether the prosecution has proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, you could face penalties including jail time, probation, fines, mandatory counseling, and a permanent criminal record. However, your lawyer will fight conviction with a well-built case.
When you’re facing domestic violence charges, it’s easy to feel like the system is stacked against you. But with the right defense strategy, the prosecution’s case can often be challenged, and your future can be protected. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we use a combination of insider knowledge, negotiation, and defense to fight for the best possible outcome.
Not every accusation leads to a conviction. In fact, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and we make sure they are held to that burden. We look closely at:
If evidence was collected illegally or if key facts are missing, we may file motions to have that evidence suppressed, which weakens the prosecution’s case and could increase the chances of dismissal or reduction in charges.
Every case is unique. Depending on the facts, you may have defenses such as:
We work with you to fully understand what happened and build the strongest defense possible.
Most domestic violence cases are resolved before trial through negotiation. We fight hard to:
You’ll never be pushed into a plea you’re uncomfortable with, and you’ll always understand every option available to you.
The criminal process can move quickly, and important decisions come up fast. That’s why we keep you informed at every stage:
You’ll never be left guessing where your case stands or what comes next.
Domestic violence cases can involve a wide range of charges in Pennsylvania. Understanding what you’ve been accused of and what it means for your future is a critical first step. At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we can defend you against all types of Pennsylvania domestic violence charges.
Here are some of the charges we help clients fight:
You can be charged with simple assault if you are accused of:
In Pennsylvania, even minor injuries or the threat of harm can lead to simple assault charges.
A more serious charge involving accusations of:
Aggravated assault is typically a felony, carrying much harsher penalties than simple assault.
This charge involves threatening to commit violence with the intent of terrorizing another person. Even if you never acted on the threat, making certain types of threats can lead to criminal charges.
Harassment charges often involve repeated behavior meant to annoy, alarm, or threaten someone.
Examples include:
Harassment is often charged alongside other domestic violence offenses.
A PFA order is a civil order that essentially tells an abuser to stop abusing a victim or face legal consequences. A PFA can be issued against you even before your criminal case is resolved. Violating a PFA, even accidentally, can lead to additional criminal charges and penalties, including immediate arrest.
Even if the person who filed the PFA invites you to contact them, only the court can modify or lift a PFA order. Violating it can seriously damage your defense.
In Pennsylvania, most domestic violence-related charges generally have a two-year statute of limitations. This means the government typically has two years from the date of the alleged incident to file criminal charges against you.
However, the specific time limit can vary depending on the severity of the charges:
Just because some time has passed doesn’t mean charges will no longer be brought against you. Once charges are filed within the statute of limitations, the case can proceed even if the alleged incident happened months or years earlier.
If you believe you are under investigation, or if you were recently accused of domestic violence, reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all or help you prepare a stronger defense if they are.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, it’s critical to act carefully and quickly. What you do next can have a major impact on your case and your future.
If the police arrive, cooperate respectfully. Do not argue or resist. Anything you say can be used against you later.
Even if you believe the accusation is false or exaggerated, do not reach out to the alleged victim by phone, text, email, or through friends. Contact, even if it seems harmless, can violate a protection order and lead to additional criminal charges.
If a judge issues a no-contact order or Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, follow it exactly. These orders are legally binding, and even a minor violation can seriously harm your defense.
As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the incident. Save any texts, emails, or other communications that could help your case. Make a list of potential witnesses who might have seen what happened or can speak to your character.
Share any information you’ve gathered with your attorney. If you are unsure about taking a step or how your actions may affect your case, talk to your attorney. We can ensure that your actions align with the legal strategy we have come up with for your case.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions people have when facing a domestic violence allegation.
Not necessarily. Being arrested doesn’t mean you’ll automatically serve jail time. Many first-time offenders, especially those with no prior criminal record, may qualify for diversionary programs, reduced charges, or probation. Your lawyer will fight for these alternatives.
In Pennsylvania, once charges are filed, only the prosecutor has the power to drop them — not the alleged victim. Even if the alleged victim wants to drop the case, the state can still pursue the case. However, a defense lawyer can work to show weaknesses in the state’s evidence or negotiate with the prosecution to have charges dropped or dismissed. Your attorney can use the victim’s unwillingness to cooperate as part of a broader strategy to fight the charges.
A PFA is a civil court order meant to protect someone from alleged abuse. It can prohibit you from contacting or approaching the alleged victim and sometimes your children. Violating a PFA, even unintentionally, is a separate criminal offense and can lead to arrest, jail time, and additional charges, even if your criminal case is still pending.
Even if the alleged victim initiates contact, you must comply with the court’s order unless and until a judge formally modifies it. Always talk to your attorney before responding to any communication from the protected party.
Every case is different. Some cases resolve in a few weeks if charges are dropped early, while others can take several months or longer if they proceed through motions, hearings, and trial. We know how difficult the process of these cases can be, especially when dealing with the uncertainty of a pending charge. Your defense attorney will push to resolve your case quickly when possible but will also be ready to fight as long as needed to protect you.
A domestic violence conviction could stay on your permanent criminal record and affect your future employment, housing, and personal life. However, if your charges are dismissed, reduced, or you successfully complete a diversionary program, you may be eligible to have your record expunged and cleared.
Remember: anything you say can be used against you. Politely request a lawyer and do not answer any questions until you have legal representation. Early mistakes can make your situation worse, so it’s critical to get help quickly.
We guide you through every step of the criminal process, from your first hearing to the final resolution of your case. We work to get charges dismissed or reduced, protect your record, minimize penalties, and help you move forward with your life. With direct attorney access, 24/7 responsiveness for clients, and a deep understanding of how prosecutors think, McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. is ready to fight for you.
A domestic violence arrest can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to define your future. The steps you take right now can make all the difference between a devastating outcome and a second chance.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we understand exactly what you’re facing, and we know how to fight for you. With years of experience and a track record of satisfied clients, we’re ready to stand by your side from start to finish.
Contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule your confidential and free initial consultation.