A criminal defense lawyer in Chester County can provide critical support and guidance if you face misdemeanor or felony charges for drug crimes, theft, white-collar crimes, traffic offenses, or other criminal acts. Whether your arrest involved a minor criminal offense or a more serious violation of the law, you may feel like you are alone in your battle, but rest assured that you are not.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we understand that a criminal conviction can completely change your life for the worse. However, as bleak as your situation may seem right now, you must never give up hope. A Chester County criminal defense lawyer can mount a vigorous defense on your behalf and protect your legal rights during this challenging time.
Call us today and learn more about your legal options.
When working on your behalf, a criminal defense lawyer serving Chester County can provide you with information, encouragement, and objective advice. With an in-depth knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal law and the procedures followed in Chester County courts, Attorney David McKenzie understands how the criminal justice system works:
Whatever your criminal charges, the prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction. We can build your defense, seeking to win your case in court or have your charges dropped or reduced.
If you are facing criminal charges, you have the right to retain an attorney to help with your defense. Regardless of the charges you face, your legal rights also entitle you to:
We will work to protect your legal rights throughout the criminal justice process and answer any questions you may have along the way.
In addition to driving under the influence (DUI) cases, including under 21 DUI, criminal defense Attorney David McKenzie represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges in Chester County and throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
Common types of criminal cases that McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. handles include:
Drug Crimes
In Chester County, drug crimes can include:
Many Pennsylvania drug offenses are prosecuted under Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. The penalties may vary depending on the type and amount of the controlled substance involved, as well as the circumstances of the alleged offense.
Theft Crimes
Theft-related crimes in Chester County can include:
Related criminal offenses involving property may also include burglary (18 Pa. C.S.A. § 3502) and robbery (18 Pa. C.S.A. § 3701). Depending on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the alleged offense, charges may range from misdemeanors to felonies.
White-Collar Crimes
Although they are generally non-violent offenses, the legal system takes financial crimes seriously. White-collar crimes often involve allegations of fraud, deception, or the misuse of money or property. These offenses may include embezzlement, check fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, forgery, money laundering, computer crimes, and other financial offenses.
Traffic Violations
Individual and commercial traffic violations, moving violations, license suspensions, and unresolved traffic tickets can threaten your driving privileges, your ability to get to work or school, and your auto insurance rates. Common traffic-related offenses include:
Depending on the alleged offense, traffic violations can result in fines, points on your driving record, license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and, in some cases, jail time.
Expungement
The expungement process can be complex, and not every criminal record is eligible for expungement. However, when available, expungement may help remove eligible arrests or criminal charges from your record, making it easier to pursue employment opportunities, professional licensure, housing, and other opportunities that may involve a background check.
Attorney David McKenzie can help determine whether you may qualify for expungement under Pennsylvania law.
ARD Cases
Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a pretrial diversionary program that may be available for certain first-time offenders, including many individuals charged with DUI and other eligible offenses. Successfully completing the program may allow you to seek expungement of the charges related to your case. Our legal team can determine whether you may be eligible for the ARD program and guide you through the application process.
General Criminal Defense
In addition to the practice areas listed above, McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges in Chester County and throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
If your specific charge is not listed here, McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. may still be able to help.
The clock starts ticking once the prosecutor or district attorney’s office files charges against you. Time is of the essence. The criminal process is complex, but Attorney David McKenzie is ready to mount the defense you deserve.
Although the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, a successful criminal defense requires your attorney to identify vulnerabilities in the case against you. The lack of probable cause, an unlawful search or seizure, procedural errors, chain of custody issues, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence are some of the vulnerabilities we’ll look for in your case.
By identifying this type of information as quickly as possible, we may persuade the judge to dismiss the pending charges or negotiate a plea agreement for a lesser offense with the prosecuting attorney.
Despite what police officers and prosecutors may indicate, their job is to investigate alleged crimes and pursue criminal charges when they believe the evidence supports them. When you work with a criminal defense attorney, you benefit from someone who is familiar with the local court system, its procedures, and its processes.
From investigating the facts of your case to negotiating with prosecutors and representing you in court, we work to protect your rights throughout every stage of the criminal justice process. Your criminal charges may carry serious consequences, including incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record. You do not have to face those challenges alone.
We Will Complete an Independent Investigation of the Charges
Our team will complete an independent investigation of your case to develop a clear understanding of the facts.
We may review law enforcement procedures during your arrest and questioning. Our investigation may also include interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence, such as photographs, surveillance video, and police reports. We will use this information to build a defense. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may consult with experts or call expert witnesses to testify on your behalf.
We Stay in Constant Contact
Our criminal defense lawyers will communicate with you often to explain any new case challenges or developments. All our conversations are confidential. We will work to ensure you have a clear, solid understanding of all of the possible consequences you face.
We are a firm that believes defendants should have access to the evidence in their case. We share this because we think the best defenses are built with the help of the defendants.
We Communicate for You
We will talk to authorities, judges, and any other party involved in your case. We will ensure your rights are protected and help you avoid saying something that could be used against you. Once you retain our firm, we can communicate with police and prosecutors on your behalf regarding your case.
We Negotiate Plea Bargains
As a criminal defense law firm, we are responsible for talking with prosecutors about the case and negotiating plea deals. We work to secure favorable agreements, including reductions in charges or penalties.
We Represent You at Sentencing
If you accept a plea offer or are convicted, we will request leniency based on any applicable mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances do not excuse criminal conduct, but they may be considered by the court when determining an appropriate sentence. We will discuss any factors that may help persuade the judge to impose a more favorable sentence.
Protect your freedom, rights, and future by hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Chester County from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. Call today.
You may be facing life-changing legal penalties. These potential penalties alone are reason enough to hire a lawyer you trust. In addition to those legal penalties, though, you may also be facing:
The ripple effect of a criminal conviction can extend far beyond the courtroom. If you feel stressed simply facing criminal charges, know that the consequences of a conviction can be even more significant.
The stakes in your case are high, regardless of the specific charges against you. Do not play with your future. Hire a Chester County criminal defense lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect your case. While every situation is different, there are a few important things you should do to protect your rights:
Then, contact our criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. Early legal representation can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prepare a strong defense.
From day one of our representation, we promise to remain committed to your case. Your rights and future matter to us. We offer clear, helpful legal support and explanations so that you can make informed decisions about your case.
With a Chester County criminal defense lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. by your side, you and your family may sleep easier. Our law firm will fight for you and your rights, ensuring you get the representation you deserve.
Get a no-obligation consultation today when you call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
