Being charged with a crime is serious. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, a conviction can negatively affect your personal and work life in many ways. Depending on the charges, you could be facing steep fines or jail time.
If you have been charged with a crime, a criminal defense lawyer in King of Prussia can help protect your freedom and your future. The McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. will work to protect your rights and fight to achieve the best possible result for you. Call us today at 610-680-7842 for a free consultation. We are ready to help you.
Your Options After Being Charged with a Crime in King of Prussia
Just facing charges does not mean a conviction is inevitable. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may have options.
Get Your Case Dismissed or Negotiate for Lesser Charges
Not every criminal case goes to trial. In some cases, we can negotiate for lesser charges or even have all charges dismissed.
While we will always fight to have your case dismissed on the grounds of a constitutional violation, mistaken identity, or error the prosecution has made, this is not always possible.
If we are unable to get your case dismissed, we might negotiate a plea deal for lesser charges. We might be able to negotiate a DUI down to a wet reckless or a drug trafficking offense down to a possession offense.
A plea deal is often your best option because it allows you to avoid the more severe penalties associated with your alleged offense.
Fight for Your Case at Trial
In some cases, we may need to take your case to trial. If so, we will attempt to find enough flaws in the evidence against you to produce reasonable doubt. We will fight aggressively on your behalf and argue your defense against the prosecution.
Depending on the severity of the charges and the evidence at hand, we will determine the best possible option for you. And we will be there to inform you and guide you through the process.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our criminal defense lawyers handle cases in a several areas of criminal law. Narrowing our focus to certain types of criminal cases allows us to advocate more strongly for our clients.
Drunk Driving (DUI)
If you have been charged with driving under the influence, there can be many negative implications. A DUI charge can affect your reputation and your ability to drive and work. If you are a repeat offender, the penalties can be severe. We have defended numerous DUI offenders and have the experience necessary to fight for the best possible outcome in your DUI case.
Drug Offenses
If you are convicted of a drug offense, it could change your life forever. Depending on the charges, you could be facing years of prison if convicted. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony drug charges, we are ready to represent you and protect your rights.
Drug charges we handle include:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Manufacturing illegal drugs
- Possession with intent to sell or distribute
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Theft Charges
Theft charges range from misdemeanors to felony offenses that could result in serious jail time if you are convicted. These charges may include:
- Petty theft
- Shoplifting
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Identity theft
- Possession of stolen property
- Forgery
- Grand theft
We will look into your story and determine the best way to approach your case. Depending on the circumstances, we might negotiate for lesser charges or fight to dismiss the charges entirely.
White-Collar Crimes
If you are convicted of a white-collar crime, such as embezzlement or fraud, the penalties can be severe. Depending on the charges, a long prison sentence is possible and tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines is possible.
To convict you of a white-collar crime, the prosecutor must show intent (i.e., that you meant to defraud your company and steal money). We will fight to show that you did not intentionally engage in the activities you stand accused of.
Traffic Offenses
Many traffic violations such as hit and run, driving under the influence, and vehicular manslaughter carry stiff penalties. Even minor traffic offenses, especially repeat offenses, can result in the suspension of your driver’s license for a period of time.
We will fight against your charges and all related consequences such as a license suspension.
Opportunity for Expungement
Having a criminal record can disrupt your life and your future plans. It could keep you from getting the job you want, obtaining a professional license, and more. Expungement offers individuals who meet certain criteria the chance to clear their criminal record. This can offer you opportunities for employment that you would not have otherwise.
We can look at your situation and determine if filing for expungement is an option for you. If you qualify, we can start the process right away.
ARD Program
First time offenders may be eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD). The goal is to keep first time offenders out of the justice system and offer them a second chance. If you are accepted, the District Attorney’s office suspends any charges you are facing, but you must meet certain requirements. These could include:
- Drug or alcohol treatment
- Community service
- Restitution
If you complete the program, you may qualify for expungement. Our criminal defense lawyers can help you determine if this program is right for you.
Probation Violation
A probation violation can land you behind bars for the maximum time allowed for your offense. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to convince the prosecutor to drop the accusation or persuade the judge to allow you to continue with the same probation terms as before.
David McKenzie: Your King of Prussia Criminal Defense Attorney
If you face criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can explain the seriousness of the charges against you and the penalties you could face if convicted.
The McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. has the experience and proven track record to offer you the best chance at a favorable outcome. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, we are ready to go to work for you. Do not take a chance with your freedom. Call us today at 610-680-7842.
