Criminal trials are understandably intimidating for defendants. We break down the process, build good defenses, and prepare defendants for court appearances. Do not waste any time, as delaying starting your defense might jeopardize it. You can call us right after you are arrested before you are even formally charged with a crime in Delaware County.
Whether you are arrested on drug charges, for a violent crime, or for another offense in Delaware County, prioritize your defense. Before the trial, we may suppress some of the prosecution’s evidence so the jury never sees it. We can also explain posting bail to your loved ones. Once you are released from custody, we may start prepping your testimony. Not all defendants should testify, and we will determine whether or not it helps your case.
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 for a free case review from our criminal defense lawyers.
What if You Are Arrested for a Violent Crime in Delaware County?
Violent crimes include domestic violence-related charges, murder, and attempted murder, and weapons offenses, among others. Being accused of a violent crime can be jarring. While you may be rightfully upset and confused, try to stay calm during an arrest.
Pay attention to what police officers do and say when they arrest you. Did they arrest you with or without a warrant? If they did not have a warrant and they also did not witness you committing a crime, the arrest may be unlawful, barring some exceptions.
Do not answer any questions from the police. They may try to evoke an emotional outburst and use statements against you during a trial. Only say you want to speak to your attorney, nothing more.
Violent crimes are generally charged as felonies, meaning longer prison sentences and more expensive fines upon conviction. With your future on the line, let us begin working on your defense against such charges immediately.
How Can You Defend Against Drug Charges?
There are different defenses to drug charges, and we can see which is best for your case. If you were charged with possession with intent to deliver, we may argue you lacked intent. Alternatively, if police obtain illicit substances through illegal search and seizure, we can block them from being used as evidence against you.
Lack of knowledge is another defense to drug charges. If a roommate had drugs in your shared apartment, we can explain how you were unaware they existed.
Drug charge convictions at the state level may lead to long sentences. Federal convictions, like for drug trafficking charges, are even more serious. If you were acting under duress and forced to participate in a drug trafficking enterprise, tell our lawyers, and we may use that to defend against the charges.
How Can You Post Bail for Criminal Charges in Delaware County?
Posting bail means you can await trial from home instead of a jail cell. Even if you are only charged with a misdemeanor, the judge may set bail. Our criminal defense lawyers will be there during your bail hearing and to explain what comes next.
Your family can post bail online or in person at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. You will then be released from custody for the duration of the trial.
If you cannot afford the bail amount, a licensed bail bond agent may help.
You need an advocate during the bail hearing. Otherwise, the prosecution might misrepresent your character or risk the community to the judge, leading to unfair bail.
Can I Stop Evidence from Being Admitted in My Criminal Trial?
We may file various pre-trial motions to suppress the prosecution’s evidence. This stops the jury from seeing evidence that could otherwise lead to an unfair verdict.
We may motion to suppress evidence obtained through illegal search and seizure. We can also stop coerced confessions from being admitted, so tell us if officers threatened you or otherwise violated your rights.
Any physical evidence with chain of custody issues may be suppressed as well, like improperly stored DNA evidence.
Blocking any of the prosecution’s evidence can help your defense and create reasonable doubt for the jury.
Do I Have to Testify During My Delaware County Criminal Trial?
It does not benefit all criminal defendants to testify during their trials. While we get to ask you questions during testimony, the prosecution also gets to cross-examine you. We will weigh the pros and cons of your testifying. If it helps your defense, we will ensure you feel prepared to speak on the stand.
We will have considerable time to prepare your testimony. We present our case once the prosecution rests theirs, which may be days or weeks into the trial. We will not only prepare you for questions we plan to ask, but questions we anticipate the prosecution asking during their cross examination.
When accused of violent crimes or others that are entirely out of character, a defendant’s testimony can help. The jury can see for themselves that you are not what the prosecution alleges. Along with your testimony, testimony from “character” witnesses may aid your defense. These are people like friends, family, co-workers, who know you well and can speak to your character.
What Happens When the Verdict is Ready for My Criminal Trial?
Some juries take a couple of hours to reach a verdict, and others take days. When the jury reaches a verdict, everyone gets called back into court.
The verdict then gets read. If the jury finds you not guilty, you are released. Some defendants are sentenced immediately after guilty verdicts. Some judges want pre-sentence investigations and will apply sentences after getting more information about the defendant’s history.
A guilty verdict does not mean your case is entirely over. Defendants may file appeals, which our lawyers can also oversee.
Call Us for Help with Your Criminal Defense in Delaware County
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 for a free case discussion with our criminal defense lawyers.
