Greater Philadelphia Misdemeanor Lawyer
Practice Areas
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Clients Throughout Greater Philadelphia
Facing misdemeanor charges can feel terrifying, but the right misdemeanor lawyer in Greater Philadelphia can make a big difference in protecting your future. At Conway Schadler, we represent individuals throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding areas, helping clients fight against misdemeanor charges and protect their legal rights.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand how a misdemeanor conviction can affect your personal and professional life, from background checks to potential jail time and significant fines. We handle misdemeanor cases with strong defense strategies to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that means fighting for a dismissal, reducing penalties, or negotiating plea deals. If you are facing criminal charges in the Greater Philadelphia area, call (484) 997-2040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Understanding the Criminal Justice System in Pennsylvania
Criminal law is complex, but understanding the Pennsylvania legal system is key to avoiding criminal conviction. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor crime, you need to hire knowledgeable legal counsel to guide you through complicated legal procedures and provide insight into criminal law.
The Eagleville, PA, criminal defense attorneys will help you understand the nature of your misdemeanor charges in Pennsylvania, the consequences of misdemeanor convictions, and potential defenses against charges.
What Is a Misdemeanor in Pennsylvania?
Misdemeanor crimes in Pennsylvania include a wide range of offenses, and the consequences can follow you long after the legal process ends, affecting your personal and professional life. Because a misdemeanor conviction becomes part of your criminal record, it is important to take these charges seriously and seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony
Pennsylvania law, 101 Pa. Code § 15.66, ranks misdemeanors and felonies based on their seriousness, with both crimes categorized as first-, second-, or third-degree offenses.
Misdemeanor charges are less severe than felony charges and often carry lighter penalties. Still, a misdemeanor conviction can result in substantial fines, probation, or up to one year in jail. In certain situations, the court may elevate an offense normally treated as a misdemeanor to a felony if specific circumstances are present.
Felony charges, on the other hand, often involve significant physical harm, a high risk of harm, major financial loss, or other serious consequences. Because a felony conviction can have life-changing consequences, it is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced felony defense attorney in Eagleville, PA.
Types of Misdemeanor Charges We Defend in The Greater Philadelphia Region
Misdemeanors include many different types of criminal offenses, and the outcome of your case can depend on how well your criminal defense lawyer understands misdemeanor charges in Pennsylvania. At Conway Schadler, our experienced attorneys have a strong understanding of Pennsylvania criminal law and work hard to achieve the results our clients need. We offer dependable criminal defense for many common misdemeanor charges, including the following.
- Simple Assault – A simple assault charge involves causing or attempting to cause physical injury to another person without legal justification.
- Possession of Marijuana or Drug Paraphernalia – This misdemeanor charge includes having a small amount of marijuana for personal use or possessing items used to consume, prepare, or store drugs.
- Theft and Retail Theft – In Pennsylvania, this criminal offense occurs when a person takes property or merchandise without paying for it, regardless of the value.
- Disorderly Conduct – Individuals may be charged with disorderly conduct if they cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. Examples include starting fights, making unreasonable noise, or using obscene language in public.
- First-Offense DUI – A first-time offense of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a misdemeanor crime.
- Trespassing – A trespassing crime occurs when a person enters or remains on someone else’s property without permission.
- Harassment and Stalking – These misdemeanor charges involve repeated unwanted contact or behavior intended to alarm, annoy, or intimidate another person.
- Resisting Arrest – When a person uses force or other actions to prevent a police officer from making a lawful arrest, they may be charged with resisting arrest.
No matter the type of misdemeanor offense, the support of a capable legal team can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. At Conway Schadler, our legal team tailors criminal defense strategies to your unique situation, building a strong defense against the misdemeanor charges. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Easton criminal defense lawyers.
Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania criminal law categorizes misdemeanor crimes into three classifications: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree misdemeanors. Third-degree classification is reserved for the least serious misdemeanor crimes, while first-degree misdemeanors are the highest and considered the most serious misdemeanor offenses.
Penalties for a misdemeanor charge vary depending on the classification of the crime and the unique circumstances of the incident, but possible consequences include jail time, fines, probation, community service, and license suspension.
First-Degree Misdemeanor
Due to the gravity of these crimes, first-degree misdemeanors are subjected to the highest potential jail time and the most significant fines. Convicted individuals can be sentenced to up to five years in jail and may pay fines up to $10,000.
Examples of first-degree misdemeanor charges include first-offense stalking, theft of property valued at $200 to $2,000, and simple assault of a child. Some crimes, such as possession of a controlled substance, may be classified as a first-degree offense if there are prior offenses.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor
Second-degree misdemeanors are less severe than first-degree offenses, but they can still carry penalties, including up to two years of jail time and potential fines of no more than $5,000.
Pennsylvania law labels the following crimes as second-degree misdemeanors: theft of property valued at $50 to less than $200, simple assault of an adult, indecent exposure, and bigamy.
Third-Degree Misdemeanor
Third-degree charges are the most minor form of misdemeanors under criminal law. Penalties are more limited than those for higher degree charges, including up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
Common third-degree misdemeanors include loitering, defiant trespass, disorderly conduct, and theft valued at less than $50.
Long-Term Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction
A misdemeanor conviction in Pennsylvania can create long-term consequences that affect nearly every part of your life. Even though a misdemeanor crime is less serious than a felony, it still becomes part of your criminal record, which can appear on background checks for jobs, housing, and professional licenses. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards may view a criminal conviction as a reason to deny opportunities, which can impact your professional life and financial stability.
Certain misdemeanor convictions can also lead to probation, loss of driving privileges, or restrictions on firearm ownership. In addition to legal penalties, such as significant fines or up to one year in jail, the personal and social effects can last for years.
Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side can help you protect your legal rights, explore potential defenses, and work toward keeping your record clean.
The Legal Process: Misdemeanor Cases in Greater Philadelphia Area
The legal process for misdemeanor cases in Eagleville, PA, typically begins with an arrest or the filing of a criminal complaint. After being charged, the defendant will attend a preliminary hearing, during which the court determines whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
If the case moves forward, it will enter the pretrial phase, where legal counsel can review the prosecution’s case, gather evidence, and explore potential defenses. During this stage, prosecutors attempt to establish sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.
If the judge is satisfied that the evidence is sufficient, the case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas. The judge will then hear pre-trial motions from both the defendant and the prosecutors. Motions may include plea deals, challenges to evidence, and motions to dismiss.
At trial, prosecutors must prove the misdemeanor charges beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense can challenge the evidence and present witnesses. If the defendant is found guilty, sentencing will follow, which may include significant fines, probation, community service, or jail time of up to one year.
Throughout the entire legal process, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a meaningful difference in protecting legal rights, pursuing a favorable outcome, and reducing the long-term consequences of a misdemeanor conviction.
Do You Need Legal Representation for a Misdemeanor Criminal Case in Pennsylvania?
Although misdemeanor charges are less serious than felonies, a misdemeanor conviction can still have lasting consequences. Without a private attorney, you risk facing the prosecution’s case without someone to protect your legal rights, challenge the evidence, and present potential defenses. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the legal procedures, explain your options, and work toward the best possible outcome for your personal and professional life.
How Our Greater Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You Achieve a Favorable Outcome
At Conway Schadler, our Eagleville, PA, criminal defense lawyers are ready to defend your rights. We’re committed to achieving a favorable outcome for your case, whether that be reduced charges, probation, dismissal, or expungement.
Our experienced legal team will evaluate your misdemeanor case and look for ways to weaken the prosecutor’s case by challenging evidence, help you avoid trial by negotiating plea deals, and pursue diversion programs to avoid conviction. We’ll develop personalized defense by choosing strategies that are well-suited to your unique situation.
Facing Criminal Charges for a Misdemeanor? Call the Greater Philadelphia Misdemeanor Attorneys at Conway Schadler Today.
If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Eagleville, PA, the decisions you make now can greatly affect your future. At Conway Schadler, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are committed to protecting your legal rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
We represent individuals in all types of misdemeanor cases and work to limit the impact a criminal conviction can have on your personal and professional life. Do not face the criminal justice system alone; call 484-997-2040 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
