Criminal Lawyer in Carlisle, PA
Being arrested and charged with drunk driving, drug possession, or another serious crime is frightening. You worry about how it will affect your family, your job, and your future if convicted. With the help of an experienced defense attorney, you increase your chances of getting the most favorable result possible.
At Czekaj Law, LLC, we understand the confusion and anxiety you feel. You can rely on our law firm to provide knowledgeable counsel and forceful representation as we fight to protect your rights in the justice system. Call 717-275-9770 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced criminal lawyer in Carlisle, PA.
Why Choose Czekaj Law?
We believe you should choose our law firm because we provide:
- Highly responsive services
- Clear explanations of charges and penalties
- Strategic counsel
- Hardworking defense support
- An empathetic approach
- Timely responses to questions and concerns
During this stressful time in your life, you will have the reassurance of knowing you have a powerful legal advocate looking out for your interests.
Types of Cases We Handle in Carlisle
Czekaj Law handles the full range of misdemeanor and felony offenses that are resolved in the Cumberland County courts, including the following:
Driving Under the Influence
For a drunk driving or drugged driving conviction in Pennsylvania, you could face only probation or as much as five years in prison. Other penalties include fines of up to $10,000, license suspension, and installation of an ignition interlock device.
The penalty a person receives is based on whether they have prior DUI convictions and how many. Other factors in sentencing include how high their BAC level was, whether they were under the influence of drugs, whether they refused the breathalyzer test, and whether the person caused an injury car accident.
First-time offenders may have their sentences reduced by completing alcohol and drug rehab and other steps as directed by the Cumberland County Court.
Drug Crimes
Having a conviction for drug possession or another drug offense on your record can affect your ability to get a job or housing. The more serious the drug crime, the more it can impact your life. Drug crimes are charged and punished based on the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance Schedule:
- Schedule I drugs are those with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Examples include marijuana, LSD, and heroin.
- Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse but are accepted for medical use in some instances. They include among others morphine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse and are used medically. They include anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.
- Schedule IV drugs include those with a low potential for abuse compared to prior schedules, accepted medical use, and low dependency, such as valium and other prescription medications.
- Schedule V drugs are those with a low probability of abuse and include codeine and other prescription and over-the-counter medications.
The more serious the crime the longer jail time, higher fines, and additional punishments you could face.
Theft
Theft crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The value of the item stolen generally determines the charge.
Even a misdemeanor theft charge can involve significant prison time. For example, if you are convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, which is the stealing of something worth between $200 and $2,000, you can go to prison for up to five years and have to pay a fine of up to $10,000. For first-degree felony theft there is a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Sex Crimes
There are various offenses with different levels of severity under the sex crimes umbrella. They include rape, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, child pornography, indecent exposure, indecent assault, and others. Depending on the specific crime, offenders can face decades in prison, fines, and registration as a sex offender.
Assault
Simple assault is a misdemeanor charge. Aggravated assault is a felony. What assault charge a person gets depends on the severity of violence and injuries, who was assaulted, and whether a deadly weapon was used. Penalties range from up to two years in prison for simple assault and up to 20 years for aggravated assault, depending on all the circumstances.
No matter what crime you are accused of, our defense attorney will seek the most satisfactory resolution.
We Know the Cumberland County Criminal Justice System
As a law firm that has resolved many cases in Cumberland County Courts our attorney is highly familiar with the criminal justice system here, its prosecutors, and its judges. This knowledge serves to benefit clients we represent because it gives us insight into how best to approach plea deals with specific prosecutors and how judge’s rulings may go, among other advantages.
After being arrested, defendants go through a preliminary arraignment and hearing. The formal arraignment, where you are told what you are being charged with, occurs at the Carlisle courthouse. You can read details about the steps in the arraignment and trial process here.
Cumberland County court system also includes specialty courts focused on reducing penalties for first-time offenders.
Carlisle Criminal Charges FAQs
What should I do when I’ve been arrested?
Cooperate with police to avoid making a bad situation worse. Remain silent as per the Miranda warning that the arresting officer should have read to you. Contact an experienced criminal lawyer in Carlisle, PA, as soon as possible.
Will I go to jail if I am convicted?
Not necessarily. Whether you go to jail depends on the specific crime for which you were convicted and whether you have a criminal history. If jail time is within the sentencing guidelines and the facts of your case support it, your criminal attorney may be able to obtain a sentencing alternative such as house arrest, probation, attending alcohol or drug counseling, or performing community service.
How can a criminal defense attorney help when I have been arrested?
An attorney will protect your rights throughout the Cumberland County criminal justice process and work to get you the best possible outcome. This could mean having your charges dismissed or reduced depending on the circumstances. Your criminal lawyer will build a strong defense if your case goes to trial.
Turn to an Effective Criminal Defense Attorney for Help
Don’t take a chance when your reputation and future are at stake. Get the help of a skillful criminal lawyer in Carlisle, PA who is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. Whether you are charged with DUI, theft, a drug crime, or another offense, under the law you are innocent until proven guilty. Our attorney will fight vigorously in your defense.
Call Czekaj Law, LLC at 717-275-9770 or use our online form to arrange a free and confidential consultation about your case.