Every day, individuals in Armstrong County find themselves facing the life-altering consequences of criminal charges. Whether innocent or guilty, many lack the proper legal representation to protect their rights and minimize their punishments. Those accused of a crime in Armstrong County must understand that their future hangs in the balance whenever charges come their way.
If you are currently facing time in prison or steep fines due to criminal allegations, you should never settle for anything less than the best possible legal representation. The LLF Law Firm is familiar with Armstrong County courts and is ready to help you escape the criminal justice process unharmed. Call our Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to speak to an attorney and get started on your defense.
Criminal Charges in Armstrong County
All criminal charges can potentially throw a wrench in your plans for the future. While a lengthy prison term can obviously affect your future, even charges for minor offenses can introduce immense stress to your life as you fight to protect your rights or profess your innocence. Working with an experienced Criminal Defense Team gives you the confidence you need to face charges head-on, and the LLF Law Firm can defend against every type of criminal charge, including:
- Parole or Probation Violations: If you have already been involved with the criminal justice system, you may face continued issues due to probation or parole requirements. The LLF Law Firm can assist whenever you are made aware that alleged violations of your parole or probation threaten your current freedom from imprisonment.
- Property Crimes: Minor property crimes, like low-level retail theft, may only result in limited jail sentences, but severe criminal punishments exist for crimes like arson or burglary. Regardless of your charges, preventing a conviction from appearing on your criminal record can benefit your life far into the future.
- DUI: Like the rest of Pennsylvania, Armstrong County does not tolerate drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With an exceptionally high blood-alcohol level, a first-time DUI offense can lead to a yearlong license suspension, thousands of dollars in fines, and six months in prison.
- Drug Offenses: Drug charges, especially if they allege the sale or transport of drugs, can put the accused behind bars for a decade or more. If Armstrong County threatens your future with serious charges, always work with an experienced drug defense lawyer.
- Sex Crimes: Increasingly, those accused of sex crimes and sexual misconduct find it harder to have their voices heard before society rushes to judge them. If you are facing sex crime charges in Armstrong County, seek the help of experienced defense attorneys who will work to clear your name and prevent accusations from ruining your life.
- Violent Crimes: Violent offenses are the primary crime that first comes to mind for most people. This category of offenses is vast, and most charges place the accused at massive risk. Criminal allegations of robbery, rape, and murder require solid defenses and experienced attorneys who understand the Armstrong County court system.
- Domestic Violence: As soon as domestic violence accusations come your way, contact the LLF Law Firm to plan your defense before things get out of hand. Domestic violence convictions for felonies such as sexual assault may result in a decade in prison and permanent restrictions on your life.
- Expungements and Record Sealing: If previous offenses continue to influence your life negatively, you may have the option to expunge your criminal record. This can open up new career paths, help you enroll in college, or simply prevent others from viewing a criminal record tied to your name.
Regardless of what charges you are dealing with, you must take them seriously to prevent criminal punishments and a criminal record from negatively affecting your future. The LLF Law Firm works extensively throughout Pennsylvania, including Armstrong County, to provide top-notch representation to those accused of crimes. Contact our Criminal Defense Team today to get started on your defense.
Defending Your Rights in the Armstrong County Court System
The job of a criminal defense attorney is to protect the rights of the accused and help them defend against accusations of criminal behavior. Laws concerning criminal definitions are complicated, and similar-sounding offenses can result in vastly different criminal punishments. Attorneys can use their experience to negotiate with prosecutors before a trial even begins, reducing charges to a lower-level offense with less risk to their clients.
Pennsylvania classifies criminal offenses into three main categories:
- Summary Offenses: These are minor violations, such as low-level traffic infractions and public disturbances, that typically result in fines or other minor penalties not involving significant jail time.
- Misdemeanors: These mid-level offenses often carry higher fines and possible prison terms of up to several years. Although misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they still pose immediate risks to anyone charged with them.
- Felonies: These are the most serious offenses, such as robbery, sexual assault, and murder. Felony convictions often result in long-term imprisonment or even life sentences.
Many offenses can be upgraded to a misdemeanor or felony based on the accused's previous criminal history or the specifics of the alleged incident. For example, many property crimes rely on the value of the property affected. In addition to increasing levels of punishment, different courts in Armstrong County handle different types of offenses.
Magisterial District Courts
Armstrong County has four Magisterial District Courts. These lower courts handle summary offenses and some misdemeanors. They also conduct preliminary hearings for many cases to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The Magisterial District Courts in Armstrong County are located in Ford City, Kittanning, Leechburg, and Rural Valley.
Court of Common Pleas
Armstrong County's Court of Common Pleas is responsible for most serious felonies and misdemeanors. Summary offenses and minor misdemeanors rarely go to trial, but the Court of Common Pleas Trials provides a place for extended trials, sentencing, and appeals for serious cases. The Court of Common Pleas is located at:
500 East Market Street
Kittanning, PA 16201
724-548-3252
If your case warrants a court trial at the Court of Common Pleas, representation by an experienced Criminal Defense Team who knows the local court system is an invaluable resource. The LLF Law Firm can work with you immediately following an arrest to craft a solid defense and protect your rights during the criminal justice process.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys in Armstrong County
Time is of the essence when criminal charges threaten your future. Armstrong County residents can trust that the LLF Law Firm is dedicated to protecting their rights and promoting their interests during negotiations and court trials. Call our Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online consultation form to prevent criminal charges from harming your future.
