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Simply stated, in Pennsylvania a misdemeanor, depending on its grading, is a crime that is punishable by up to five years in prison. Drug possession, DUI, Simple Assault and low level Theft are the most commonly charged misdemeanors.
Preliminary arraignment is the first step in the state criminal justice system, where the charges are read and bail is set. This may occur after arrest or upon a summons (by mail).
You should retain an established criminal defense attorney for the preliminary hearing. At this step, your case can be negotiated, you could be admitted to a diversionary program or a hearing held. At best, your case can be dismissed. More likely, the hearing itself is a valuable tool to establish evidence for use in a trial or later negotiations.
If your case is bound over for trial, you will be scheduled for an arraignment in the Court of Common Pleas. If you have retained counsel, that proceeding can be waived. You are next scheduled for a trial date. Whether you plead to some or all of the charges or proceed to trial, only do so after discussing the matter thoroughly with your lawyer. The final decision on how to proceed is yours.
In some states and as a result of clever marketing by lawyers, “probate” has become a dirty word. In Pennsylvania, it is the legal way of opening and closing an estate, gives order to the entire process and protects heirs. And most importantly, its not that costly.
Having served as counsel to more than 100 estates, be assured that Ronald H. Elgart will handle your estate matter correctly and efficiently.
No Lawyers in Bucks County has had more pardons cases than Ronald H. Elgart.
Despite the recent libereralization of expungement laws in this Commonwealth, most cases, particularly felony convictions, can not be expunged without obtaining a pardon first from the Governor through the Board of Pardons.
The process is long. You need an experienced hand to guide you through. Only cases in which this lawyer believes a successful outcome can be obtained will be accepted.
If you believe you need a pardon to get your life back, contact Ronald H. Elgart for a free consultation
Do you need a will? Overwhelmingly, the answer is yes.
Until the moment you die, your will can be changed to best meet the needs of your heirs and their particular life circumstances.
You have two main decisions:
Having drafted more than 700 wills, you should contact Ronald H. Elgart for a free consultation and an affordable Last Will and Testament.
If you look at the small print on your auto insurance policy, you’ll be shocked to discover that any moving violation can result in a huge increase in your insurance premium.
Never treat such tickets lightly. There are points and possible suspensions/revocations that can result from a conviction. Before signing the guilty line on the citation and mailing in a check, be sure to consult with Ronald H. Elgart.
No area of the law has undergone more change than enpungement law. It is easier than before and some convictions will now be automatically expunged. Do not confuse expungement with sealing. While sealing prevents the general public from seeing your record, it does not prevent police, prosecutors, government agencies an some employers from doing so. And certain rights you might want to reclaim can not be accomplished by sealing.
As the law on expungement continues to evolve, its best to contract an experienced lawyer to advice you. For a free consultation, call Ronald H. Elgart, 215-945-9000
Easily the most common crime charged in Bucks County and across the Commonwealth, Driving Under the Influence/Driving After Imbibing has undergone massive changes in the 40 years since DUI became a serious offense. Lower blood alcohol levels, longer mandatory sentences, severe license suspensions, more sophisticated blood testing and higher fines have been the result.
Some people will tell you you’ll get ARD and not to worry. But the Bucks County District Attorney has special conditions to deny your admission to the program in addition to those dissqualifiers contained in the state statute. And ARD may not be advisable for you.
And just because you have a medical marijuana card, used cannabis in a state where its legal or take a doctor-prescribed medication does not protect you from prosecution. Detectable levels of THC metabolite even 30 days after usage may result in a prosecution.
Consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
The most serious crimes are graded as felonies and this category has expanded greatly over the years as former misdemeanor crimes have been made felonies. Felony crimes most commonly include homicide, aggravated assault, most sex offenses, delivery of narcotics, burglary, robbery and others.
Felony arrests usually involve higher bail and convictions trigger longer prison sentences with higher court costs and fines.
Police and prosecutors often overcharge, bringing a felony charge where a lesser crime would be more appropriate. This is why you never attend a preliminary hearing without hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer. As the first step in the criminal justice system, your case can be negotiated at this level or a hearing conducted to test the strength of the prosecutor’s case. Retaining a court stenographer is a necessity to memorialize witness testimony for use in cross-examination at any potential trial.