Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is in close proximity to both Delaware and New Jersey. The county is also home to a few different universities and along with the well-known King of Prussia Mall. The county is host to several visitors from neighboring states, as well as students who are from outside of Pennsylvania. If a person from out of state is charged with a crime, their situation can be complicated by their status as a visitor to the state.
Out of State Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
When a visitor to Pennsylvania is charged with a crime, the situation can become incredibly complex. Whether the alleged offender is a student or a person who merely came to visit, their charges will be held within the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. This means that a person must handle any and all of their charges in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, located in Norristown, PA. At times, certain charges may require a person to remain within the confines of the state.
Common Charges for Out of State Offenders in Montgomery County
- DUI: A DUI charge often catches individuals off guard. A DUI out of state means several potential trips back to Pennsylvania before a resolution is realized. In addition, and out of state DUI charge can have unexpected ramifications on your license and driving privileges in your state.
- Property Crime: Crimes such as theft, vandalism, shoplifting and similar ones can be pressed against visitors. These offenses typically require multiple court visits to resolve.
- Drug Crimes: When a person is charged with a drug crime, Pennsylvania will impose its laws against them. This can become much more complex if a person has come from beyond the state's borders.
- Violent Crime: Crimes involving violence, such as assault, may initially require bail negotiations and can be complex for an out of state defendant.
- Sex Crimes: A defendant charged with a sex crime, such as sexual assault or rape, may be held under police custody in Pennsylvania, which can complicate matters for an out of state resident.
- Weapons Charges: Crimes that involve possessing an illegal weapon, or using a weapon to commit a crime can be complex for a person from outside of Pennsylvania.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence disputes can extend across state lines, and domestic violence charges in Pennsylvania may cause a person to be taken into police custody, and may require bail negotiation, or remaining within the borders of the state.
- Traffic Offenses: Officers frequently charge out of state drivers with traffic offenses, assuming they will simply pay the fine, however, these charges may be fought in court, even for out of state defendants.
- White Collar Crimes: White collar crimes, such as embezzlement or fraud, for out of state defendants can quickly take a turn for the worst, especially if the alleged act involves crossing state lines.
- Juvenile Crimes: When a juvenile gets into trouble across state lines, their situation can become complicated further by their status as an out of state offender.
- Student Offenses: Because of the density of colleges within Montgomery County, out of state students of Arcadia University, Saint Joseph's University, and other institutions may face criminal charges, as well as administrative impact from their academic institution as well.
Montgomery County Defense Attorney
Although criminal charges from a jurisdiction outside of one's home are complex and frustrating matters, retaining a more local defense attorney can significantly boost one's chances in court. There are a number of advantages to choosing representation from an attorney local to the area. A local attorney will not only have greater connections to the court personnel and law enforcement in the area but will also have immediate access to the court in case any filings must be done. In some cases, an attorney may be able to appear in court on behalf of a defendant, as well.
If you or a loved one has visited Pennsylvania and is now facing charges in Montgomery County, contact our Criminal Law Team today.
