Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
- Assault charges
- Domestic violence
- Federal crimes
- Firearm cases
- Traffic tickets
- Arson and burglary
- Probation and parole violations
Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony, we jump right in and start building a strong defense for you. Contact our law office in Chester County to get more information about our criminal defense practice areas today.
How Will a Criminal Lawyer Help Me After My Arrest in Pennsylvania?
How Will a Chester County Criminal Lawyer Help Me After My Arrest?
Hiring the right criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after you’ve been arrested can make or break your fate. With a former Chester County prosecutor on your side, you’ll stand a better chance to negotiate a plea deal or get the charges dismissed altogether.
Strong Criminal Defense Against Commonwealth Charges
See if Your Arrest Was Lawful
We’ll thoroughly investigate your case to confirm whether the detention was legal. If you were arrested without the required probable cause by the police, we can challenge the arrest.
What if Your Rights Were Violated?
You have rights under the Constitution that protect you from various acts of law enforcement. The police don’t have a right to stop, question, or search you if they don’t have reasonable suspicion or probable cause.
We’ll rely on your story. We’ll review the arrest records and all police reports to see if they messed up.
Investigation Process for Criminal Defense Cases
We meticulously go through every aspect of your situation. We look for holes in the Commonwealth’s case, and we look for any evidence that proves your innocence.
Just a few examples of what we do include:
- Review all police reports and witness statements
- Analyze all photographs and videos of the alleged crime or crime scene
- Conduct our own interviews of witnesses, officers, and anyone else who could have information to help your case
- Look for all evidence of your innocence, such as other suspects or an alibi
- You can count on us to be relentless in looking over every detail of your case. We take your freedom seriously.
Bring In Respected Experts
We don’t just rely on our own investigation. We have a trusted network of experts that we can rely on to help support your case.
We may use professionals such as:
- Forensic scientists
- Ballistics experts
- Accident reconstructionists
- Forensic toxicologists
- Psychologists and psychiatrists
- Fingerprint analysts
- Former officers or detectives
Each situation is unique. We’ll strategically determine what will work best for your defense.
Challenge Every Piece of Evidence
Sometimes the Commonwealth thinks it can get away with shaky evidence. But not with Caputo Law defending you. We’ll put up a fight for every aspect of the state’s charges against you. If evidence was illegally obtained, we’ll try to get it thrown out. We’ll argue every possible alternative story that the evidence could tell.
After all, the DAs are elected to office. They don’t want to lose in court. Whether it’s the threat of having evidence thrown out or whether we have a witness that casts doubt on their narrative, they’re likely to deal once they see that their case isn’t a slam dunk.
Keep the Police and Prosecutors Honest
Law enforcement officers and prosecutors like to scare you by reciting the maximum penalties for your transgression. Rest assured that we’ll always be upfront with you and let you know our honest, realistic assessment of what penalties you face. But we know that prosecutors and judges have discretion with charges and sentences. Our effective negotiation on your behalf can change your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Criminal Defense
Remain calm, do not resist, and clearly state that you wish to remain silent and speak with an attorney. Do not try to explain the situation, consent to a search, discuss the case with other people, or post about it online. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
The process may include booking, a preliminary arraignment, a bail decision, and a preliminary hearing. If the charges are held for court, the case generally proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas for formal arraignment, pretrial motions, negotiations, and possibly trial and sentencing. The exact process depends on the charges and circumstances.
Yes, charges may be withdrawn or dismissed when the Commonwealth lacks sufficient evidence, a witness is unavailable or unreliable, evidence is suppressed, or another legal or factual issue weakens the prosecution's case. Dismissal is never automatic, and the available strategy depends on the evidence.
Both are criminal offenses, but felonies generally carry more severe maximum penalties and collateral consequences. Pennsylvania divides misdemeanors and felonies into degrees, and the grading of an offense affects the potential sentence. The specific statute, prior record, and facts determine the exposure in an individual case.
Many cases resolve through dismissal, diversion, or a negotiated plea, but some proceed to trial. A defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, explain the risks and benefits of each option, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare the case for court when trial is the appropriate path.
Potentially. If police obtained evidence through an unlawful stop, search, seizure, interrogation, or other constitutional violation, the defense may file a suppression motion. Whether evidence is excluded depends on the facts, the applicable law, and the court's ruling.
Remain calm, avoid discussing your case with others, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Anything you say can potentially be used against you.
Yes. Even first-time DUI convictions in Pennsylvania can result in license suspension, fines, mandatory programs, increased insurance costs, and a permanent criminal record.
Every case is different. Compensation may depend on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future treatment needs, and liability factors.
Many cases resolve through negotiation, but Vince prepares every case as though it may proceed to court.
Immediately. Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and avoid mistakes that may negatively impact your case.