Northampton County is one of Pennsylvania's most populous counties. With a high density of businesses, people and colleges, the county attracts many out of state commuters and students. Facing criminal charges as a person who is not a resident of the state can be a complicated situation.
Out of State Criminal Charges in Northampton County
When a person from outside of Pennsylvania faces criminal charges, they may suffer consequences in their own home state. Charges in one state can affect a person's rights in another. For criminal charges in Northampton County, a defendant may find themselves in a situation where they must make repeat visits to the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. The court is located in Easton, Pennsylvania. Defendants may have to travel frequently to the court before their case comes to a final resolution.
Common Charges for Out of State Offenders in Northampton County
- Domestic Violence: Crimes that involve accusations of domestic violence that extend beyond state lines can have unforeseen impacts. Domestic violence acts often have unintended consequences in the realm of family law, but can also affect a person's rights in their home state.
- Sex Crimes: Sex crimes such as rape or sexual assault are taken very seriously. At times, a person arrested for these crimes will be held in police custody, which may require bail negotiations.
- Violent Crimes: Violent crimes such as assault will often result in an arrest and a person being held in police custody.
- Weapons Crimes: Crimes committed with a weapon, including improperly carrying a weapon according to PA law, can have serious consequences. A conviction in PA may affect a person's ability to own a firearm or other weapons in their own state.
- Drug Crimes: Drug possession, sale, or use is a crime in Pennsylvania, including marijuana. For a person from out of the state, these matters can become very complex.
- DUI: DUI offense charges can catch a person off guard. DUI charges in Pennsylvania can affect a person's driving privileges in their own home state.
- Traffic Offenses: Many officers will be more likely to charge an out of state driver with a traffic offense, believing that they will not seek any legal aid, and will simply pay the fine to resolve the issue. A local attorney can appear in court for these drivers.
- White Collar Crimes: Forms of financial crime, such as fraud, are often classified under the broad term of "white collar crime." These matters are often complex to start with and may become even more complicated if a person's residence lies outside of Pennsylvania.
- Student Defense: When a student comes to a Pennsylvania college from out of state and faces criminal charges, they may have their career in jeopardy. An attorney can help a student navigate criminal charges, as well as any consequences they may face from their college.
- Juvenile Offenses: When a juvenile faces criminal charges in Pennsylvania, it can take several trips to the courthouse before any resolution is reached.
Northampton County Defense Attorney
When a person from outside of Pennsylvania faces criminal charges in the state, the matter can feel complex and overwhelming. A local attorney can be incredibly helpful for an out of state offender. Local attorneys will be able to have quick access to the court for hearings and defending motions. In addition, they may be more familiar with court employees or have an established reputation which can improve negotiations.
If you or a loved one has visited Pennsylvania and is now facing criminal charges, contact our Criminal Law Team today.
