You might face more time in prison than you think, even as a first-time offender. We help defendants avoid lengthy prison sentences and other harsh consequences, whether by proving innocence at trial or negotiating favorable plea deals.
How we defend your case depends on the charges against you. Self-defense explains some assault charges, while mistaken identity may explain many charges. If anything happens during the trial that threatens the jury’s ability to reach a fair verdict, we can motion the judge for a mistrial. Prosecutors may or may not retry cases after mistrials. Even if they do, being able to see the prosecution’s original evidence and arguments may help us during a second trial.
For a free case review, call the criminal defense lawyers of Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500
What is the Longest Prison Sentence I Could Face in Lansdale?
The longest jail or prison sentence depends on the crimes you are charged with. If this is your first arrest and conviction, the judge may be lenient and give less time than the maximum.
Misdemeanor Sentence
A summary offense, like low-level retail theft, can get you up to 90 days in jail. A misdemeanor of the third degree gets you up to one year in jail. Two years is the maximum sentence for second-degree misdemeanors, and five years is the limit for first-degree misdemeanors.
If you do not have a record, the judge may give alternative consequences to jail after a misdemeanor conviction. The judge might make you pay a fine and sentence you to probation, which comes with strict rules. Break any, and the judge might revoke your probation and put you in jail.
Felony Sentence
Felonies have much longer prison sentences upon conviction. Defendants can get up to 7 years for third-degree felonies, 10 years for second-degree felonies, and 20 years for first-degree felonies. Murder in the first or second degree often means life imprisonment.
Should I Take a Plea Deal in Lansdale?
Whether or not a defendant should take a plea deal depends on many factors. The offense you are charged with, the prosecution’s case, and the potential prison time on conviction might make you consider a plea. Before you accept a plea and enter it in court, our lawyers will make sure it is right for you.
In a plea deal, the defendant pleads guilty to some charges, often lesser charges. Not only does this avoid a lengthy trial, but it also lets defendants avoid much longer prison sentences. A plea might only involve probation and fines, whereas a conviction at trial might end in imprisonment.
Some defendants might feel pressured to accept pleas by prosecutors. With our attorneys present during all these discussions, we can ensure that does not happen. Plea agreements can be useful tools for defendants facing serious consequences, but should still benefit them in some way. If the prosecution does not offer a good enough plea deal, we can proceed with a trial.
How Can I Defend Criminal Charges?
Let us tailor a defense to your specific case, identifying the best way to create reasonable doubt and clear your name.
Defenses vary, depending on the case. Charges of assault can be explained by defendants acting in self-defense or defense of others. Your alleged involvement in a drug trafficking operation can be explained through a lack of knowledge or intent.
Our criminal defense lawyers may also offer an alternative explanation or offender. Someone else may have had a motive to commit the crime you are accused of, and explaining this to jurors helps create reasonable doubt in their minds.
We will also point out issues with the prosecution’s case. For example, if there is no physical evidence linking you to the crime, that benefits you. We may be able to stop the prosecution from admitting certain evidence, too, like anything obtained through illegal search and seizure.
When Do Judges Grant Mistrials in Lansdale Criminal Cases?
If the judge declares a mistrial, the trial ends, and the prosecution may be able to start the case all over again, this time with a new jury.
Hung Jury
It can take juries hours to reach a verdict, sometimes even days. More complicated cases involved more photographs, witness testimony, and other evidence, all of which the jury must consider when reaching a verdict.
All jurors must agree to convict or acquit a defendant in Lansdale. If they cannot agree and are hopelessly deadlocked, the judge may grant a mistrial.
Manifest Necessity
Judges may grant mistrials for other instances of “manifest necessity,” meaning that continuing the trial and reaching a fair verdict would be impossible. That could be because of juror or prosecutor misconduct, the death of a juror, or other fundamental issues during a trial.
Defense Motion
If something “prejudicial” happens to the defendant during the trial, we will move for a mistrial right away. An event is prejudicial when it prevents the jury from reaching an impartial verdict, like if jurors see inadmissible evidence.
Prosecutors may drop charges after a mistrial, though they can sometimes retry cases.
Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lansdale?
If you are ever arrested or questioned by the police, do not hesitate to call us. Not only can we determine the reason for your arrest, but we can walk you through the next steps.
Getting a defense attorney does not mean you are guilty of a crime, just that someone is there who only represents your interests. We can interject if officers ask unfair questions and stop you from saying anything potentially incriminating.
If you are charged with a crime, you also should certainly have a skilled attorney. We will ensure you enter the appropriate plea, get fair bail set, and feel prepared for a trial.
Call Us About Your Criminal Case in Lansdale
For a free case assessment, call the criminal defense lawyers of Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500
