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Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Being charged with a misdemeanor is a serious matter. While misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies, a conviction can still carry significant consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, a permanent criminal record, and long-term impacts on your employment, professional licensing, housing, and reputation.

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, you should not assume the case is “minor” or try to handle it alone. An experienced criminal defense attorney can often reduce charges, negotiate dismissal, secure diversionary programs, or prevent a conviction altogether. At Elgart Law Firm, we aggressively protect our clients’ rights from the very first court appearance.

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What Is a Misdemeanor?

In Pennsylvania, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison, depending on its grading. Misdemeanors are divided into three categories:

M1

First Degree (M1)
Punishable by up to 5 years in prison

M2

Second Degree (M2)
Punishable by up to 2 Years in Prison

M3

Third Degree (M3)
Punishable by up to 1 year in prison

In addition to incarceration, misdemeanor convictions often involve substantial fines, court costs, probation supervision, and mandatory programs. Even when jail time is avoided, the collateral consequences can follow you for years.

Common Misdemeanor Charges We Defend

Elgart Law Firm regularly represents clients charged with a wide range of misdemeanor offenses, including:

  • Drug possession
  • DUI
  • Simple Assault
  • Theft and Retail Theft
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Criminal Mischief
  • Harassment
  • Trespass
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These charges may arise from traffic stops, domestic disputes, misunderstandings, or allegations that escalate quickly. Police reports often tell only one side of the story - and prosecutors frequently overcharge at the outset.

The Misdemeanor Process: What to Expect

  • 1

    Preliminary Arraignment

    The misdemeanor process usually begins with a preliminary arraignment, where the charges are formally read and bail is set. This may occur shortly after arrest or through a summons received in the mail.

    What happens at this stage can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Statements made, bail conditions imposed, and early decisions can all have lasting consequences.

  • 2

    Preliminary Hearing

    The preliminary hearing is one of the most important stages of a misdemeanor case. It is the first opportunity to:

    • Challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence
    • Cross-examine witnesses under oath
    • Negotiate charge reductions or dismissal
    • Seek admission into a diversionary or rehabilitative program
    • Many cases are resolved or substantially improved at this stage.
    • Going into a preliminary hearing without an experienced defense attorney puts you at a serious disadvantage.
  • 3

    Court of Common Pleas

    If the case is “bound over,” it proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas. An arraignment will be scheduled, which may be waived by your attorney. From there, the case may resolve through negotiation, pretrial motions, diversionary programs, or trial.

  • 4

    Diversionary Programs and Alternatives to Conviction

    In appropriate cases, misdemeanor charges may be resolved without a conviction through programs such as:

    • ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition)
    • Probation Without Verdict
    • Summary offense reductions

    These alternatives can help eligible defendants avoid jail time, protect their criminal record, and move forward with their lives. Eligibility depends on the offense, prior record, and the strength of the evidence.

Why You Need an Experienced Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Bucks County

A misdemeanor conviction can affect job applications, professional licenses, security clearances, immigration status, and personal reputation. The decisions you make early in your case matter.

If you or a loved one is facing misdemeanor charges, do not wait. Early intervention by a skilled criminal defense attorney can make a decisive difference.

Speak With a Defense Attorney Today

Elgart Law Firm provides experienced, strategic, and personalized criminal defense representation. We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with criminal charges, and we are committed to guiding our clients through the process with clarity and confidence.

Contact us today to schedule a free confidential consultation and begin building your defense.

Contact Us

  • Free Consultation

    215-945-9000