A Philadelphia criminal lawyer represents clients facing criminal charges, such as felonies and misdemeanors, and offers legal counsel and defense strategies that can help them reach a favorable verdict. Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer cover various crimes, from petty theft to felonies like aggravated assault.
These lawyers will have the expertise in these practice areas to answer any questions you might be having during this critical juncture. Helping someone out of a tough situation is their specialty, especially when their finances, reputation, and life can all be on the line.
How Can A Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Help You?
Being charged with a criminal offense can have serious consequences for your future. Whether you have been accused of a major felony or received a traffic ticket that you need help defending, a Philadelphia criminal law attorney like Lidia Alperovich can help you through the court process. Attorney Lidia Alperovich has been in practice since 2005 and uses her experience to approach every client’s case with a personal touch.
Even when the case is over, our firm does not abandon the client. There is a story behind every case, and we are committed to meeting your needs even in the aftermath of a case. Attorney Lidia Alperovich and her staff have the experience to help people with their most challenging legal issues, as well as the sensitivity to provide a personal approach to each case.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Lidia Alperovich For Your Criminal Case?
The Law Offices of Lidia Alperovich, LLC, represents clients in juvenile court on charges including shoplifting, underage drinking, truancy, and drug possession. At our Philadelphia criminal defense law firm, we’ve handled numerous criminal cases across Pennsylvania, including in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia. We have a proven track record for shortening jail sentences, winning trial motions, and granting dismissals from judges.
Attorney Lidia Alperovich can discuss your case and legal options with you so you may determine whether negotiations or litigation would be best in your situation. She has extensive experience with negotiating plea deals, seeking reductions in criminal charges, and pursuing dismissal of the charges against clients completely. If the state will not accept a fair negotiation, Alperovich will litigate the matter to completion, whether it is a felony or misdemeanor, in state or federal court in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
What Kinds of Cases Does A Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer Handle?
Our Philadelphia criminal attorneys handle a variety of criminal cases, ranging from:
Drug offenses: These types of cases often involve illicit narcotics such as:
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Ecstasy
- Crack cocaine
- Cocaine powder
- Prescribed drugs such as Xanax, Percocet, or Oxycontin
In Philadelphia, these offenses are treated seriously, and severe penalties and punishments can follow a conviction.
Theft: Theft, or robbery, is the act of unlawfully taking possession of another person’s property. This can occur if someone deprives you of your property, transfers your property to another person, or takes control of your property.
Shoplifting: Shoplifting is the act of unlawfully taking an item from a retail establishment without rendering the proper payment. Under the Philadelphia law, shoplifting can also be classified as retail theft.
Fraud: Fraud is an act of intentionally attempting to deceive a victim to gain money or any other such benefits for one’s monetary gains. Fraud is also popularly known as theft by deceit. Fraud is an aspect of various offenses classified under the category of white-collar crimes. For any fraud-related cases, seeking help from an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney can be beneficial for your case.
Sexual harassment: Sexual harassment and sexual assault each refer to unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances, behaviors, or requests, verbally or physical.
Assault: Assault refers to an act in which a person threatens another person and harms them physically or mentally. The Philadelphia statutes categorize the offense as simple assault or aggravated assault. In Philadelphia, assault is both an intentional crime and a tort.
Burglary: Burglary occurs when a person enters a building or any other structure intending to commit a crime once they have entered.
Homicide or manslaughter: Homicide refers to the intentional killing of another person with premeditated malice, whereas manslaughter is recognized as the killing of another person without any malicious intent, usually involving accidental or negligent behavior that directly lead to the victim’s death.
Most people believe that the legal punishment for a criminal conviction will automatically involve the death penalty and jail time. However, there is a wide variety of sentencing that a convicted criminal can face on both the state and federal level. The outcome of a criminal conviction can have a long-lasting impact on the life of an individual.
If you have been charged with any of these criminal defenses, having a highly skilled, knowledgeable Philadelphia criminal lawyer on your side can help in shortening your sentence or fight towards a dismissal if you are convicted.
Consequences That Follow a Criminal Conviction
Following conviction of a crime in Philadelphia, an individual may have to face prison time, probation, or parole.
However, there are many consequences that can negatively affect an individual as well. These may include publication of any previous criminal record on the internet, compulsory registration as a sex offender, difficulty in finding employment, government confiscation of property, a requirement to pay fines or restitution, the loss of a pension or professional license, lifelong embarrassment for the convicted, loss of child’s custody, or deportation from the United States.
If you have been accused of a crime, you should consider seeking help immediately from a well-known Philadelphia criminal attorney who can mount a strong defense in your case and help you obtain the justice you deserve.
When Should You Hire A Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer?
There’s no set timeframe for when you should hire a lawyer in Philadelphia, but the general consensus is to do it sooner rather than later. Especially for those facing serious criminal charges, you’ll want the advice and representation of a professional Philly criminal defense attorney to speak on your behalf when questioned by law enforcement.
Not only that, but most states, including Pennsylvania, have a statute of limitations, which is a law that sets the maximum amount of time for legal proceedings to take place. With this limit in mind, finding a lawyer quickly becomes a top priority.
In order to build a strong defense, your attorney will also need to gather evidence early on in the investigation. Eyewitness testimony is a key factor, and it is better to have a fresh account early than an inconsistent one later on, as memory fades. Footage and police reports as well as other documentation can take time to procure. So really, when looking to hire a lawyer to help with your impending criminal charges, time is of the essence.
A Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer’s Role in the Appeals Process
In Philadelphia, a criminal conviction can change the rest of an individual’s life. Therefore, it is recommended that any person who is accused of a crime consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Some of the ways a person can challenge conviction and sentencing include:
- Appeals to a higher court
- Post-trial and post-sentence motions
- Motions to terminate probation or parole
- Motions to change a sentence
- Newly found evidence
- Petitions under the Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA)
- Motions for unusual relief
- Expungements
- Pardons
- Motions for early parole
An experienced attorney can use every means to challenge a conviction or penalty in a criminal charge to safeguard their client’s rights. A thorough investigation is necessary to find any holes in the prosecution’s case.
Analyzing the facts can often disclose essential information that can change the outcome of the case. If you are found guilty or pleaded guilty and want to reduce your sentence, then seek advice from one of the savvy criminal lawyers in Philadelphia, PA who have experience handling similar cases.
Hiring Philly criminal lawyers who possess the requisite knowledge and experience to fight for your rights can transform a hopeless case into a favorable verdict or dismissal.
Criminal convictions can completely destroy an individual’s life. A criminal record can affect one’s career prospects, quality of life, education, and financial security. Consult a skilled Philadelphia criminal Attorney who possesses a thorough understanding of criminal law and knows how to work successfully on appeal.
If you’re looking to find experienced criminal defense lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, call the Law Offices of Lidia Alperovich at (215) 355-9105 today. We have successfully represented clients in a wide range of criminal cases, from minor offenses to major felonies. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being accused of a crime, and we will work diligently to protect your rights and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Criminal Law Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Different Types of Misdemeanors?
Yes, there are different types of misdemeanors in the United States. They can be classified into three groups: petty misdemeanors, ordinary misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors. Petty misdemeanors are awarded less punishment, such as less than 6 months of jail time or less than $500 of fine. The punishment for gross misdemeanors is more severe than that of ordinary misdemeanors, but less so than felonies, which typically result in a prison sentence.
Can a Misdemeanor Be Erased From Your Criminal Record?
It depends. While there are steps that can be taken to expunge a misdemeanor from your criminal record, such as filing a petition with the court and completing all the applicable requirements, it is ultimately up to the court to decide whether or not you are eligible for expungement.
If Someone Has Made False Allegations Against You, Do You Need a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney?
Yes, it is always recommended to seek legal counsel when faced with criminal allegations. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and provide legal advice about the best options for your particular situation. They can also work to disprove any false allegations that have been made against you. A skilled lawyer will have the knowledge and resources to effectively navigate the legal system in order to obtain a favorable outcome for your case.
What Should You Do if a Warrant Has Been Issued Against You?
It can be stressful if a warrant has been issued for your arrest. Some of the things you must do are the following: do not panic and do not ignore the warrant. The warrant signifies that there is enough evidence against you that can lead to your arrest. You should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to help you respond to the warrant in the best way possible. An attorney can help you identify the primary details of your warrant and what type of warrant it is, when it was issued, and other relevant information.
What Will Happen if You Get Arrested?
If you get arrested, you will be taken into police custody and have your rights read to you. You will have the right to remain silent and the right to contact a lawyer. You may later be asked to answer some questions by the police. After this, you may be released with a summons to appear in court or taken to jail. Depending on the charge, you may be eligible for bail or held without bail until your court hearing. If you are released, it is important that you follow all instructions given to you and appear in court when instructed.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal lawyer in Philadelphia?
The cost of hiring a Philly criminal lawyer is contingent on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case at hand, so it may range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, and beyond for white-collar crime cases. This can be in the form of a flat fee plus extra charges for court appearances, or a fixed hourly rate.
How long does it take to resolve a criminal case in Philadelphia?
Criminal cases in Philly typically take between a few months to several years, depending on the case or whether or not the accused have already been convicted and are fighting for an appeal. A petty misdemeanor like underage drinking, for instance, could be resolved within a month, while a felony trial could go a full year without a resolution.
Can a criminal lawyer in Philadelphia help me with bail and pre-trial release?
Yes, a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer can advocate for you in court and ask the judge for more favorable bail conditions or community service alternatives.