Stroudsburg Criminal Law General Page
Nobody wants to be arrested for a crime. It can be a devastating experience. You may be scared or uncertain about your future, especially if you are young and have your whole life ahead of you. What happens next?
A lot could happen, actually. You could be sent to jail. You may have to pay a hefty fine. On the other hand, maybe your charges will get dropped and you’ll get set free.
Whatever you do, you need to hire a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can protect your legal rights and guide you through this emotional process. Let a Stroudsburg criminal law attorney help you with your case and defend you from the charges you face.
Penalties You Could Face
In Pennsylvania, you could be charged with anything from a third-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. The punishment varies widely, depending on the type of crime, your criminal history, and other factors. Felonies have repercussions that go beyond the law. For example, convicted felons are not allowed to vote, run for public office, own a firearm, or receive government benefits. They may also lose their job and have trouble with employment.
A third-degree misdemeanor is the least serious crime. It may include marijuana possession, vandalism, or loitering. The penalties include up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
A second-degree misdemeanor is punishable by 1-2 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. This category includes crimes such as property theft between $50 and $200, bigamy, and strangulation.
A first-degree misdemeanor may include assault, stalking, and property theft between $200 and $2,000. The punishment may include up to five years in prison as well as a $10,000 fine.
A third-degree felony may include crimes such as child porn possession, certain gun crimes, and drug possession with intent to distribute. The penalties are up to seven years in prison as well as a $15,000 fine.
For a second-degree felony, a person could face 5-10 years in prison, plus a $25,000 fine. The crimes under this category include sexual assault, burglary, and involuntary manslaughter.
A first-degree felony is the most serious crime in Pennsylvania. The crimes under this category include murder, assault with a deadly weapon, rape, and theft of property valued at $500,000 or more. The penalties include 10-20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Contact Us Today
Whether you have been arrested multiple times or this is your first brush with the law, there’s probably a lot on your mind. What happens next? How will my life change?
The experienced criminal defense lawyers at Needle Law Firm will aggressively fight for your rights. We will work tirelessly to minimize your penalties and other consequences you will face following your arrest. It’s never too early to contact us, so don’t delay. Let us provide you with a solid defense. Schedule a consultation by calling (570) 344-1266 or filling out the online contact form.
