You can seek help from our attorneys as soon as the police contact you about an alleged offense. You might be a person of interest, and the police may try to get you to misspeak during informal questioning. Calling us right away protects you during all conversations with law enforcement and prosecutors.
We defend many types of charges at both the federal at state levels. Violent and sexual crimes are some of the toughest to defend, so tell our lawyers anything that may help your case. That includes if you have an alibi, were acting in self-defense, or were forced to participate in the crime.
Call the criminal defense lawyers of Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 for a free case assessment.
How Soon Can I Hire a Bensalem Criminal Defense Lawyer?
You can contact our attorneys about a potential criminal case, even if you have not been arrested. The police may question you informally several times before officially arresting you or questioning you about your alleged involvement in a crime. To ensure you do not misspeak during those conversations, our lawyers can be there.
If the police take you into custody, ask for an attorney right away. Tell us if law enforcement kept talking to you once you have invoked your right to counsel. That might violate your rights, and the prosecution may not use anything you said during that period against you during a trial.
If you are concerned about a criminal investigation or possible impending charges, involve our lawyers as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the quicker we can get up to speed, see if the prosecution will file charges, and gauge the evidence law enforcement currently has.
Facing Federal vs. State Charges in Bensalem
Whether you are facing state or federal charges, our attorneys can handle your case, navigate you through a trial, and advocate for your interests.
You get charged at the federal level if you are accused of breaking federal law or engaging in criminal activity across state lines, like drug trafficking.
Federal trials often take longer than state trials to begin. Furthermore, a conviction means serving your sentence in federal prison instead of state prison, which could be far away from any loved ones.
Federal criminal trials follow specific procedures, and having an experienced attorney in your corner is important. Federal cases are often very public, with the threat of lengthy prison sentences looming over defendants’ heads. Call us if you are facing federal charges so our criminal defense lawyers can explain what they mean and what your next steps are.
Defending Violent Charges in Bensalem
Serious charges for domestic violence-related offenses, sex crimes, and murder feel impossible for defendants to face. Let us start working on your defense immediately and reach out right after you are arrested.
Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence occurs between intimate partners and family or household members, and officers might arrest individuals without a warrant if they respond to a 911 call and have probable cause.
Correspondence between you and the alleged victim, witness statements, and other evidence helps us disprove domestic violence charges in Bensalem. The alleged victim recanting and refusing to cooperate with the prosecution may lead to the charges getting dropped.
Murder and Attempted Murder Charges
If serious bodily injury results from an attempted murder and the defendant is convicted, they face up to 40 years in prison in Pennsylvania. If no serious bodily injury results from the attempted murder, the maximum sentence is 20 years.
Pennsylvania requires mandatory life imprisonment for a first-degree murder charge and still has the death penalty, though a moratorium has been in place for several years.
Providing an alternative explanation, arguing self-defense, or otherwise poking holes in the prosecution’s case can let defendants overcome serious violent charges.
Violent Sex Offenses
Rape, sexual assault, and other sex crimes are harshly penalized in Pennsylvania. Convictions may mean going on the sex offender’s registry for the rest of your life and facing many other consequences. Charges for sex offenses might arise out of no physical contact whatsoever, like internet sex charges or possession or distribution of child pornography.
In addition to defending violent sexual crimes, we may also negotiate favorable pleas for defendants to mitigate the consequences they face.
What Should I Tell My Bensalem Criminal Defense Lawyer?
You can trust our lawyers with any sensitive information, and should tell us everything that may help your defense.
If You Have an Alibi
Tell us right away if you have an alibi for the alleged offense. Any witnesses who can corroborate this alibi may testify during your trial. Some defendants hesitate to share an alibi out of embarrassment but should disclose this information to our attorneys, especially if it helps exonerate them for a crime.
If You Were Acting in Self-Defense
Also, tell us if you were acting in self-defense. Police officers might misunderstand domestic violence situations and arrest the wrong individual, and you might find yourself in handcuffs even if you were not the antagonist. Self-defense may explain serious violent charges or assault charges.
If Law Enforcement Violated Your Rights
If law enforcement officials violate your rights at any time before, during, or after your arrest, tell us. Coercing a false confession, speaking to you after you ask for an attorney, and physically assaulting you are examples of rights violations that may lead to the charges against you getting dropped.
If You Were Under Duress
Tell us if you were forced to traffic drugs or engage in any other criminal activity under duress. If you or your loved ones were threatened unless you participate in a crime or criminal enterprise, we can use that as a defense.
Call Us in Bensalem for Help with Your Defense
Call our criminal defense lawyers at (215) 423-5500 for a free case discussion with Kenny, Burns & McGill.
