Criminal charges in Bucks County will be held to the authority of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. The court will handle the extent of criminal cases from the arraignment through to any necessary sentencing and even any expungements or record sealing measures. The criminal justice process can be confusing and often unfriendly.
Criminal Defense in Bucks County
When a person faces criminal charges, Bucks County prosecutors will come at them with the full might of the law. While the court has public defenders available, a private attorney can provide a much higher degree of time and attention to a person's case, which will ultimately help the defendant feel more confident, as well as strengthen the case. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has an extensive background in criminal defense, with practice areas that include defending against crimes of:
- DUI: Driving under the influence is a crime that a person may find themselves charged with when they are just trying to make it home from a night out. A defense attorney can help you navigate the complexities of these charges.
- Traffic Offenses: While traffic offenses are rarely of great concern, several offenses can add up and seriously affect a person's life. An attorney at a traffic hearing can reduce the likelihood of this happening.
- Drug Crimes: Crimes involving drug use and possession, including marijuana, are taken very seriously by the state. The circumstances that lead to these charges, however, are often riddled with errors in evidence procedure, and a defense attorney can help you spot them to strengthen your case.
- Violent Crimes: Acts that endanger or cause a person to suffer bodily harm, with or without a weapon, are considered "violent crimes" and carry heavy sentencing.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a complex area of the law, as it is entrenched in both criminal court and family court. An experienced attorney can help negotiate these charges.
- Sex Crimes: Sex crimes carry heavy sentencing and registration as a sex offender upon conviction. An experienced attorney will be able to put up a strong defense against these charges.
- Property Crimes: Theft and vandalism are two common examples of property crimes. The crimes often involve sentencing for restoring or replacing what was lost.
- White Collar Crime: Crimes that involve actions like embezzlement, fraud, and forgery are typically referred to as "white collar" crimes. These are often complex scenarios, that require an experienced attorney's attention to bring about a proper defense.
- Violation of Probation/Parole: If the court offers probation or parole as part of sentencing, the conditions may be difficult to work around. Violations will require hearings, as well, which an experienced attorney can assist with.
- Juvenile Offenses: Committing a juvenile crime in Bucks County can have profound consequences for the young person and his or her family. An attorney experienced with Bucks County Juvenile Court can help during a difficult time in a family's life.
- Expungement/Sealing Records: After enough time has passed from a conviction or arrest, an attorney can help ensure that the expungement and record sealing process goes smoothly.
If you or a loved one is currently facing criminal charges in Bucks County, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.