Clearfield County residents accused of crimes suddenly find themselves in an uncertain future. One day, you are deciding how to spend the upcoming weekend. The next day, you may be at risk of going to prison or being hit with thousands of dollars in fines. Criminal charges are a serious matter, and everyone in Clearfield County dealing with the criminal justice system should work with experienced attorneys who know the county's processes inside and out.
The LLF Law Firm has represented clients for many years in Clearfield County and across Pennsylvania. The experience of our Criminal Defense Team gives us the edge when it comes to negotiating with prosecutors and building solid defenses from criminal charges in the county. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to learn how we can help protect your future.
Criminal Charges in Clearfield County
You only have one life to live, and if you are facing criminal charges in Clearfield County, you shouldn't place your future at further risk by choosing to defend yourself in court or seeking representation from an overworked public defender. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has defended Pennsylvania clients from every criminal charge under the sun, including:
- Violent Crimes: Violent crimes refer to any criminal act involving violence, harm, or injuries inflicted on another. Due to their dire consequences on victims, convictions in violent crime cases will lead to some of the most severe criminal penalties in the state. Simple assault can land you in jail for a few years, and prison terms for murder offenses can be a life sentence or decades behind bars.
- Sex Crimes: In every county in Pennsylvania, including Clearfield County, there are prosecutors and law enforcement officials who will do everything in their power to put sex offenders behind bars. The issue is that the accused is not always guilty. On top of the severe penalties for sex crimes, these offenses also carry reputational damage that can follow you for the rest of your life. Defending against these charges, no matter the severity, should be your number one priority.
- Drug Charges: Pennsylvania and Clearfield County still vigorously charge and prosecute drug users as part of America's War on Drugs. Charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver can result in decade-long prison sentences, but even simple possession charges can land someone in prison for nearly a year. The LLF Law Firm has extensive experience defending against criminal drug charges throughout Pennsylvania and can help secure the best possible outcome.
- DUI: With over 300 statewide deaths due to alcohol-impaired driving in 2021, Pennsylvania counties do everything in their power to get dangerous drivers off the road. DUI laws are extremely complex, with different penalties for the type of substance, your blood alcohol level, and the number of previous DUI offenses.
- Property and Theft Offenses:Although property and theft offenses are among the most common types of crimes and often carry minimal punishments, certain crimes, such as arson, can result in decades behind bars.
- Domestic Violence:Clearfield County must take allegations of domestic violence seriously to protect victims, but overzealous investigation and prosecution can often harm an innocent person's life. Building a solid defense against false accusations of sexual assault, child abuse, or stalking is the only way to avoid harsh criminal penalties and a lifetime of societal judgment.
- White Collar Crimes:Not all criminal offenses are violent in nature, but that doesn't mean Clearfield County lets offenders get off scot-free. If you are charged with embezzlement, fraud, or identity theft, you must understand that these white-collar charges can impact your life just as much as violent offenses.
- Traffic Offenses: While it is true that traffic offenses typically have minor penalties and a limited risk of prison time, repeat offenses significantly increase the chance of severe criminal punishment. Even for a first-time offense, charges such as Leaving the Scene of an Accident can carry prison terms of up to five years.
It can be overwhelming to understand every nuance of your criminal charge and how it may affect your future. When you work with the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, our attorneys do all the hard work, gathering evidence and crafting a defense that gives you the best shot at an innocent verdict or limited criminal punishment.
Clearfield County Court System
Pennsylvania classifies criminal offenses into three categories:
- Summary Offenses, which are the least severe and often do not warrant jail time
- Misdemeanors, which are typically mid-level offenses with the possibility of high fines and a few years in prison
- Felonies, which are serious offenses that can place convicted Clearfield County residents in prison for decades
Within each category, further classifications influence potential prison terms and fines. A first-degree felony murder conviction may result in a life sentence, while a third-degree felony murder sentence caps out at 40 years.
Many categories of offenses contain one or more criminal charges at every level of severity. Under the umbrella of traffic offenses, careless driving is a summary offense, fleeing law enforcement is a misdemeanor, and vehicular homicide is a felony. Never assume that your criminal charges carry minor penalties just because the most common offense in that category is a summary offense.
Clearfield County, like the rest of the state, handles criminal procedures by splitting duties between two different courts: Magisterial District Courts and the Court of Common Pleas. At preliminary arraignments early in the process, your court appearances will be in one of the county's magisterial courts, regardless of offense.
Magisterial District Courts will hear your case if your charges are a low-level summary offense. However, for most misdemeanors and all felonies, the Clearfield County Courthouse will oversee your trial. In addition, appeals are handled by the Clearfield County Courthouse, even for summary offenses. The contact information for the Clearfield County Courthouse is:
1 N 2nd St # 103, Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
The LLF Law Firm represents clients across Pennsylvania and has direct courtroom experience in Clearfield's county and magisterial courts. If you are facing criminal charges, contact our Criminal Defense Team to get the help you need.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys in Clearfield County
Everyone needs competent and experienced legal representation when accused of a crime. Prosecutors won't go easy on you, and you shouldn't leave anything to chance when your future is at risk.
The LLF Law Firm is dedicated to defending Pennsylvania residents and helping them avoid harsh prison sentences that don't fit the alleged crime. Whether you want to fight for your innocence or secure leniency through a plea deal, our Criminal Defense Team can help. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation and get started on your defense.
