Criminal charges don't immediately spell disaster, but they can if you don't take appropriate action to defend yourself. The criminal justice system is complex, and trying to defend against charges on your own isn't likely to bear fruit. If you or a loved one are facing charges in Somerset County, engaging with experienced criminal defense attorneys sets you up for long-term success.
The LLF Law Firm represents clients nationwide, including in local Somerset courts. Contact our Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online consultation form to learn how our experience can prevent criminal charges from negatively affecting your future.
Types of Criminal Offenses in Somerset County
It is impossible for defense attorneys to protect clients from criminal charges if they don't take the time to understand each client's unique situation. Every criminal case requires a comprehensive and customized defense, in addition to an understanding of the local court system. If you are facing criminal charges in Somerset County, the LLF Law Firm has the experience needed to bolster your chances in court. Our Criminal Defense Team has helped hundreds of Pennsylvania residents under threat from charges such as:
- Juvenile Offenses: Just like adults, juveniles can find themselves facing criminal charges in Somerset County. However, juveniles may not have as much knowledge about what to do when taken into custody and how to interact with police. To help them avoid punishment that may ruin their future prospects, parents should quickly contact attorneys experienced in the Somerset County juvenile court system.
- Property Crimes: Whether retail theft, forgery, or criminal mischief, hearings regarding property crimes are a common sight in Somerset County courts. Some people may believe that minor property and theft charges are nothing to worry about, but convictions on your criminal record can be more debilitating than criminal punishments. Future employers or prospective landlords are often wary of forming relationships with anyone with a recent criminal record.
- Traffic Offenses: Minor traffic offenses, like careless driving, are summary offenses with minimal fines as punishment. However, repeat offenses or more severe violations can result in a suspended license, steep fines, and time in prison.
- White Collar Crimes: Prosecutors seek convictions whenever possible, including when an alleged criminal's actions are non-violent. Defense attorneys can help craft a defense to allegations of white collar crimes by counteracting the prosecution's narrative and providing alternative explanations for paper trails or physical evidence.
- DUI: Thousands of Pennsylvanians every year are arrested for DUI, with many arrests occurring right here in Somerset County. The severity of a DUI conviction's criminal penalty depends on the level of intoxication and the amount of previous DUI offenses. However, even a minor, first-time offense puts your license at risk and forces you into mandatory treatment.
- Sex Crimes: The potential harm to victims of sex crimes is immense, so the criminal penalties for sex crime convictions are similarly severe. Even after serving their sentences, many people convicted of sex crimes in Somerset County continue to suffer hardships due to placement on the sex offender registry.
- Drug Offenses: Despite more evidence every year that the War on Drugs is not having its intended effects, drug charges in Somerset County are still something to take seriously. Whether you are falsely accused of distributing drugs or simply facing charges due to personal use and possession, the LLF Law Firm can assist in protecting your freedoms.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence itself is not a crime in Pennsylvania. Instead, it manifests through acts of violence or harassment directed at family members, including intimate partners. Even before a criminal conviction, accusations of domestic violence can introduce restrictions on your life through court orders.
- Violent Crimes: When it comes to severe criminal punishment, very few categories of crime come anywhere close to violent crimes. If Somerset County prosecutors accuse you of assault, manslaughter, rape, or murder, your freedom is at risk. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will take the time to learn about your situation and craft a unique defense to help beat the charges that threaten to put you behind bars.
If you get wrapped up in a bad situation or are falsely accused of criminality, working with a Criminal Defense Team with experience handling a wide variety of cases will give you the confidence you need to proceed. Even if one of your criminal charges is more severe than others, you need a robust defense to each charge to protect your future fully. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can begin working on your defense today after learning more about the details of your case.
Categories of Criminal Offenses
Somerset County is not unique in how it classifies crimes. Like the rest of Pennsylvania, each offense is one of the following:
- Summary Offense
- Misdemeanor
- Felony
Summary offenses carry a maximum punishment of 90 days in jail, but some only result in a small fine. Despite what some believe, misdemeanors are very much a threat to your freedom, with potential prison sentences of up to five years.
Even low-level felonies can land you in prison for seven years or more, and the most severe crimes can result in decades in prison after a conviction. While anyone accused of a summary offense or misdemeanor should seek the best legal representation possible, those charged with felonies have much more to lose if they settle for public defenders or choose to represent themselves.
Criminal Procedures in Somerset County
Various Magisterial District Courts share responsibilities with the county's Court of Common Pleas to handle all criminal cases effectively. Depending on your charges, you may interact with both court systems at different parts of the process.
Magisterial District Courts in Somerset County handle preliminary hearings, procedural functions, and low-level offenses. The Court of Common Pleas handles cases involving more serious misdemeanors and felonies that may warrant extended jury or judge trials. Magisterial Courts are dotted around the county, and the Court of Common Pleas is located at:
111 E Union St
Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-1473
When you work with defense attorneys, their job extends outside of the courtroom, and they will assist you in navigating the often-complex nature of the Somerset County court system.
Defending Against Criminal Charges in Somerset County
Criminal charges can be stressful, but you still need to take action to achieve the best results. Every minute you spend not represented by a defense attorney is time that law enforcement and prosecutors will use to gather more evidence and bolster their case against you.
As soon as you are arrested and charged with a crime in Somerset County, get in touch with the LLF Law Firm. Our Criminal Defense Team will spring into action to craft a solid defense and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or drop your charges. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website to get a head start on protecting your future.
