You must be proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt to be convicted of a crime, serve time, or face other penalties for breaking the law. Fortunately, you have the legal right to defend yourself, and there are many ways criminal charges can be lowered or potentially dismissed. For example, if the evidence obtained against you was illegally gathered, if you were wrongfully identified or confused with someone else, or if there were no legal grounds for you to be arrested, you may be able to overcome the charges you face.
Doing this requires an intricate understanding of the law, the legal procedures that police and the courts follow, and the kinds of evidence needed to convict an individual. If you were implicated in any way in a crime, we are here to help. Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., today. We stand by our clients and have helped countless individuals with a wide range of charges. Our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer can assist you with your case.
When you are facing criminal charges in Philadelphia, you want more than representation—you want a trusted advocate who knows the system from the inside out. That is where we can come in.
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., was founded in 2010 by David McKenzie, a former criminal prosecutor who now uses that experience to defend clients across the region. That background allows our firm to anticipate prosecutorial tactics and build stronger, more strategic defenses for our clients.
Our firm has earned recognition from multiple sources, including:
Once retained, clients have direct access to your attorney by phone, text, or email for updates and questions. We also offer transparent representation with no surprise legal fees, regardless of how long a case takes.
We understand how stressful it is to face criminal allegations, and we approach each case with respect, honesty, and determination. Every client deserves a defense that protects their rights, their record, and their future.
From your first call, our focus is on clarity and reassurance. We begin with a confidential case evaluation where we review the details of your situation and explain what legal options may be available. We will walk you through what to expect in court, possible penalties, and the defenses that may apply to your case.
You will never be pressured into decisions you do not understand. Instead, our criminal defense team will give you the information you need to make confident choices about your defense. All communications remain private, and there is no obligation to move forward after your consultation.
Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes contains the provisions and definitions used with crimes and offenses. These statutes are very detailed and cover a wide range of crimes and offenses, from homicide and kidnapping to crimes involving computers, sports, or public office.
Depending on the type of crime you are charged with, many forms of evidence are typically needed, and many steps must be completed before you can be convicted. The examples below illustrate how difficult it can be for the prosecution to build a case against you–and how our legal team can potentially defend you against the charges you face.
Drug and controlled substance crimes are based on the type, weight, volume, and circumstances in which illegal or controlled substances are used, sold, or transported. The age of the accused also comes into play, as does whether the accused had knowledge that they were using, selling, or transporting illegal or controlled substances and whether the accused had control over the substances in question.
You can potentially fight an illegal drug or controlled substance charge by proving that you did not own, control, or have possession of the illegal or controlled substances in question. You can even argue that:
The right defense depends on your situation. Our Philadelphia lawyer will carefully assess the circumstances before advising you on a course of action.
You can purchase legal firearms, but it is against the law to purchase stolen or otherwise illegal weapons. There are certain circumstances under which it may be illegal to carry an otherwise legal firearm. Still, if you can prove that you did not intend or could not use or obtain a firearm in a manner that could be interpreted as dangerous or illegal, you may be able to fight the weapons charges you face.
Some categories of motor vehicle accidents are classified as crimes, such as a traffic fatality caused by reckless driving or an accident caused while committing a crime or evading the police.
Your driving record, the circumstances under which the accident occurred, and the actions of other drivers at the time of the accident–as well as the arguments of your defense attorney–can potentially be used to lessen or even dismiss the charges against you.
Financial crimes such as fraud, tax evasion, stock fraud, embezzlement, and forgery are all illegal. However, the evidentiary requirements to prove that you committed a crime are painstakingly detailed.
You may be able to lessen any charges you face by cooperating with the prosecution and showing that, for example, you did not intentionally undervalue assets to avoid taxes, or that you were unaware that certain funds you sent or received were illegally obtained or used.
Sexual assault, blackmail, sending or distributing illegal pornographic material, stalking, soliciting a minor, and clergy abuse are all examples of sex crimes. Many of these crimes can be fought by arguing the willing consent of other parties involved, and many sex crimes come down to a case of “my word against yours.”
Although the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) clearly outlines the penalties for various sex crimes, you may be able to overcome the charges you face by reaching a settlement or proving consent.
No matter what kind of charge you face or how serious it is, McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is here to protect your rights. Do not leave your future up to chance. Call now to get started.
Criminal charges in Philadelphia can arise from an arrest, a police investigation, or a complaint filed by another party. Once charged, your case will usually proceed in either Municipal Court or the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, depending on the severity of the alleged offense.
In every case, the prosecution carries the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This means the evidence must convince a judge or jury that there is no reasonable explanation other than the defendant’s guilt. That is a very high legal standard, and it is the defense’s role to expose any flaws, gaps, or violations in how the state built its case.
Acting quickly after an arrest gives your defense team the best opportunity to challenge evidence and protect your rights from the start.
Crimes are usually either a felony or a misdemeanor. Felonies are more serious and come with severe penalties, including prison time. Misdemeanors are less serious and can sometimes be dismissed with low-level fines or community service.
There are also summary offenses, which include minor violations such as disorderly conduct or retail theft under a certain value.
Yes, our lawyer always takes into consideration whether our client faces a felony, a misdemeanor, or a summary offense (or multiple charges at different levels) before deciding on a strategy.
One strategy for fighting the charges you face is to reclassify those charges from a higher to a lower crime. For example, being charged with either theft, burglary, or armed robbery can hinge on:
Properly navigating the specifics of your case can be the difference between higher-level and lower-level charges.
Doing this right requires careful analysis of your case’s specifics, and McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is here to help. Our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer can review your case and, depending on the evidence against you and the charges you face, we may be able to get the charges dropped or dismissed, get the charges reduced, or fight for a “not guilty” verdict in the courtroom.
The legal process begins immediately after arrest, and each stage offers critical opportunities to protect your freedom.
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., guides clients through each step. We ensure you understand your rights and options and work to secure the best possible resolution, whether that means dismissal, reduction, or an alternative to conviction.
Philadelphia’s criminal justice system has its own procedures and diversionary programs that can benefit first-time or non-violent offenders. These include:
Our criminal defense law firm helps clients determine eligibility for such programs and handles the required applications and court filings. These alternatives can be a meaningful path toward protecting your record and rebuilding your life.
A criminal conviction in Pennsylvania can carry serious legal and personal consequences. Depending on the charges, penalties can include:
Yet the impact often extends far beyond the courtroom. A conviction can affect employment, housing eligibility, professional licensing, and even educational opportunities. For non-citizens, immigration status may be jeopardized. The emotional and reputational toll can be just as severe.
Working with a defense lawyer early in your case is one way to limit these outcomes. By identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and exploring every available defense, we aim to protect your record and help you move forward.
No two criminal cases are alike, but many share recurring legal issues. Common defenses under Pennsylvania law include:
A strong defense starts with a complete investigation into how the case was handled, from the initial police stop to how evidence was processed and presented. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., works to uncover any violations of your constitutional rights and challenge evidence that does not meet the law’s strict requirements.
Every defense we build is rooted in careful analysis. As a former prosecutor, David McKenzie understands how the Commonwealth structures its arguments and where errors often occur. That insight allows our firm to anticipate challenges and proactively strengthen your defense.
Our process often includes:
Throughout your case, we can explain each step, ensuring you always know what is happening and why. Our law firm’s goal is to make a complex process understandable and to give you the confidence that your defense is in capable hands.
If the police contact you, remain calm and polite, but remember that you have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions without an attorney present. Ask if you are free to leave. If not, you are in custody, and you should request legal representation immediately.
We strongly recommend you speak with an attorney before making any statements. Early legal guidance helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures your rights are protected from the beginning.
Some criminal charges in Pennsylvania may be eligible for expungement, particularly if the case was dismissed, withdrawn, or resolved through certain diversionary programs. Convictions for summary offenses can sometimes be cleared after a waiting period with no further violations.
However, there are certain types of convictions that cannot be expunged unless you receive a pardon. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can review your record and determine whether expungement or limited access (sealing) is an option under Pennsylvania law.
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer has the experience to represent clients in even the toughest cases, so call a team member today for a free case evaluation to learn more about what we can do for you. We want to ensure that every single person in our community receives fair and equitable treatment under the law.
