A conviction could mean jail time, steep fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, or other severe penalties, depending on the nature of the charges. However, there is no reason you need to face the criminal justice process alone. A Pottstown criminal defense lawyer can aggressively defend your reputation and fight to clear your record.
Defense attorney David C. McKenzie III will ensure your rights remain protected and provide guidance and support when you choose our firm. He will be by your side during your arraignment and criminal trial, fighting to prevent a conviction from going on your permanent record or reduce the severity of the punishment you face. If you currently face charges or believe you will face them soon, you can reach out to McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., today for a free case review.
The Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pottstown
Our defense team knows the local judges, prosecutors, and other players in the criminal justice system. We understand how the legal process works in Pennsylvania and what to expect each step of the way. We can use this to our advantage, helping you understand what comes next to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with going to court.
Our team knows when to expect complications and can sometimes help clients avoid them. When we take on your case, we will explain:
- The charges you face;
- The possible outcomes of your case;
- What happens if you plead guilty and whether there are advantages in doing so;
- Whether a plea deal is possible in your case;
- The pros and cons of any proposed plea agreement;
- The pros and cons of taking your case to trial;
- The best strategy for getting the most favorable outcome; and
- What our team can do to limit the impact of a conviction.
While we will represent you to the judge and jury and fight for the best possible outcome in your case, we also serve in many other roles. Namely, our attorney will act as your support, advising you and ensuring your rights remain protected and intact.
Hear About Our Services Straight From Past Clients
With over 300 Google reviews and an overall 5-star rating, we feel confident in our ability to offer compassionate and compelling legal representation to clients across Montgomery County. Here are just a few kind messages our clients left after working with us:
- “Angel of law!! Very timely and professional! I definitely won’t hesitate to call and obtain again.” Evaristo Cortes
- “David McKenzie is a top notch attorney. He is very responsive and makes the whole process very seamless and stress free… I have never had to go to court for something like this before so he really helped me by explaining every step of the way.” Kevin Reilley
- “David is the best lawyer in Montgomery county in my eyes, how he handles your case from preliminary to the end is just different from any other lawyer…” Eric Crockett
We Prioritize Attorney-Client Communication
Facing criminal charges is a serious matter that can have lifelong consequences. You will likely have a lot of questions throughout the process, and you deserve to get answers in a timely manner. That’s why when you hire McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., your attorney will never be out of reach. We provide multiple avenues for staying in contact for regular case updates and answers to your questions:
- Social media
- Texts
- Phone calls
When we take over your case, you’ll receive all of the information you need to reach out to your lawyer.
Understanding the Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Process
Our team will represent and defend you throughout each step of the criminal justice process in Pennsylvania. We’ve outlined the main phases below.
Arrest and Preliminary Arraignment
When you face accusations of a serious crime, the police will likely arrest you. Several hours after your arrest and booking, you will go before a judge for the first time. This appearance is called the preliminary arraignment, where the judge will announce the charges, tell you about your right to a criminal defense lawyer, and set bail.
The Preliminary Hearing
The next court appearance following your preliminary arraignment is the preliminary hearing. If you have not already arranged to meet with a criminal defense lawyer, you should do so before this hearing. During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution presents evidence to show someone committed a crime and explains why they believe it was you. This presentation allows us to see what evidence they have against you for the first time.
We can also present some evidence of our own during this hearing. While laws limit how much and what type of evidence we can present, our team may be able to show it is unlikely you committed the crime. Doing so could lead the judge to drop the charges. If not, they will formally arraign you and make the charges official.
Plea Agreements
Once the court officially charges you with a crime during your formal arraignment, we will turn our efforts to working out a plea deal with prosecutors. A successfully negotiated plea agreement allows you to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. This agreement helps us avoid the cost, time, and unpredictable outcome of a criminal trial.
The Trial and Sentencing
If we believe we can create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors, we will turn our attention to preparing for trial. Juries decide the fate of most people who face a criminal trial. We will present a solid defense to the judge and jury, representing you and defending you against the allegations you face.
During the trial, each side presents their case. Then, the jury takes time to deliberate. If the jury returns a guilty verdict, the court will move on to sentencing. The exact penalties you face will depend on the nature of the charges. In general, they can range from weeks to years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.
Defending a Criminal Case in Pottstown
Having a solid defense strategy in place is key to getting the most favorable outcome possible. When you enlist our help, we will immediately investigate the situation that resulted in your arrest. One of three things often results from this investigation:
- We discover evidence to show the police violated your rights, conducted a search without a warrant, or otherwise gathered evidence illegally;
- We identify strong evidence proving someone else committed the crime, or that you could not have committed it; or
- We get a well-rounded view of the case against you and can formulate a plan to reduce the possible penalties you will face.
Potential Outcomes in Your Case
Often, we work with the court and the prosecution to wrap things up before your case ever goes to court. We may be able to:
- Convince the prosecution to drop the charges against you;
- Ask the judge to throw out the evidence against you; or
- Negotiate a plea bargain for a lesser charge.
In some cases, the best option is to take the case to trial. If there is a reason to believe the jury may acquit you, we will present your case during the trial and attempt to create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pottstown Today
Attorney David C. McKenzie III and the rest of the criminal defense team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is here to help you fight the accusations and charges you face. We represent clients facing charges for drug crimes, DUI, theft, traffic crimes, and even federal and white-collar crimes.
We will investigate your case and take aggressive action, seeking the most favorable outcome given the circumstances of your arrest. Call us today at (610) 680-7842 to learn more during a complimentary case review.
