Delaware County is a small county located in southeastern Pennsylvania. The county is in close proximity to the states of Delaware and New Jersey. The county has a few colleges and popular sites, including the home of the Philadelphia Union's stadium. Because of this, the county often attracts many visitors from out of state.
Out of State Criminal Charges in Delaware County
If a person visiting Pennsylvania is charged with a crime, it can be difficult to fight these charges. Alleged offenders from out of state can be students or visitors taking in the popular sites of Delaware County. If the incident that led to criminal charges occurred in Pennsylvania, the person will have to face their charges in Pennsylvania's courts. For crimes in Delaware County, a defendant will have to resolve their charges at the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. For more serious or complicated crimes, this can mean an out of state resident must travel between their home state and Media, PA several times before their charges are resolved.
Common Charges for Out of State Offenders in Delaware County
- DUI: Driving after a night out at the bar may seem like a simple trip over the bridge, however, a person can easily be caught off guard by a DUI stop. DUI charges in Pennsylvania can complicate a person's license status in their own state
- Drug Crimes: Possession, sale, and usage of drugs can lead a person to face criminal charges. Their situation can become much more complex if they have crossed over state lines.
- Property Crime: Property crimes such as theft, vandalism, shoplifting and the like can often require several court trips before a resolution may be reached. This can be complicated and difficult for a person traveling from out of state.
- Sex Crimes: Sex crimes are treated very harshly by the state of Pennsylvania. Many times, some charges may warrant a person being held under police custody, which can often lead to bail negotiation and other pre-trial difficulties.
- Traffic Offenses: On the road, officers are likely to ticket non-Pennsylvania drivers, with the belief that an out of state driver is less likely to fight the charges in court and accept the initial fine.
- White Collar Crimes: Crimes like fraud and embezzlement can be made much more complicated once a person has crossed state lines.
- Weapons Crimes: Many states have different laws regarding how a person may carry a weapon. If a weapon is used to commit a crime in Pennsylvania, the suspect may be held in police custody, which can require bail negotiations.
- Domestic Violence: When a non-Pennsylvania resident faces domestic violence charges, they may end up in police custody, and fighting the charges can become a lengthy and complex process.
- Student Offenses: Delaware County has a small number of colleges within its vicinity, and out of state students who attend may often find themselves in troublesome situations. Any criminal charges can also affect their standing with their university as well.
- Juvenile Offenses: When a juvenile is charged with a crime across state lines, their case may undergo multiple complications.
Delaware County Defense Attorney
When facing criminal charges as an out of state resident, the situation can become even more complex than facing charges in one's own home state. An attorney familiar with the local courts and law enforcement can give an out of state defendant a strong edge for a favorable outcome. In addition, a local attorney will have immediate access to the court for any filings that must be done or to defends any motions in court.
If you or a loved one has visited Pennsylvania and is currently facing charges in Delaware County, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
