What Should I Do if I am Arrested in Pennsylvania?
If you get arrested, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
In the seemingly endless War on Crime, a high number of arrests is the only measure of victory. As a result, police officers often make arrests when a “go forth and sin no more” warning is more appropriate. Additionally, police officers pile on additional charges whenever possible. This mindset continues when these cases go to court. Prosecutors normally file the most aggressive charges the facts can possibly support.
This aggressive start-to-finish approach often works in favor of a State College criminal defense lawyer. Prosecutors need an overwhelming amount of evidence to overcome the presumption of innocence and establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This volume of evidence simply is not available in many marginal arrest cases. As a result, a successful resolution, which could be a complete dismissal of charges or a not-guilty verdict at trial, is just around the corner.
Don’t Panic
Arrests have a substantial shock-and-awe factor that, in many cases, is overwhelming. That’s especially true if the defendant is far from home and is a first-time offender who does not know what to expect.
Alas, the shock-and-awe approach often works because it forces defendants back on their heels. Frightened and desperate people often make very bad decisions.
Do not underestimate the direct and collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. There’s no such thing as a “minor” criminal case. At the same time, do not let fear take over. Simply take things one step at a time.
Call a Bondsman
Immediate jail release is the first priority in most cases. Extended pretrial detention often has catastrophic personal and professional effects. Extended detention usually has legal effects as well. Frequently, these defendants accept unfavorable plea bargain offers, just to “get it over with.”
Because of Pennsylvania’s high arrest rate, the Keystone State also has one of the highest percentages of unsentenced inmates in the country. To expedite the jail release process, three basic options are usually available in Centre County:
- Pretrial Release: We mentioned that many defendants have no criminal record and are arrested for nonviolent crimes. These defendants are usually eligible for OR (own recognizance) release. Basically, they promise to toe the line, and the sheriff opens the cell doors.
- Cash Bond: Most people don’t qualify for OR release, but almost anyone can post a cash bond, which is like a security deposit. Defendants deposit the entire bond amount in cash. If they abide by all conditions, the county refunds most of that money when a State College criminal defense lawyer resolves the case.
- Bail Bond: Cash bond, even in a misdemeanor, is usually at least a thousand dollars. Most people don’t have that much money. Bail bond companies usually charge about a 10 or 15 percent premium to file a bail bond, which is like an insurance policy. If the defendant “skips” bail, the bond company bears the financial risk.
If necessary, a State College criminal defense lawyer schedules a bail hearing to lower or set bond in criminal cases.
Call a State College Criminal Defense Lawyer
If your tooth hurts, you need a dentist. If your car won’t start, you need a mechanic. If you get arrested, you need a lawyer.
A private lawyer is usually a better option than a court-appointed lawyer or public defender. Usually, these attorneys are capable professionals. But that’s not always true. Once the judge assigns a lawyer, the judge won’t assign another one, regardless of the circumstances.
On a side note, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a lawyer. It doesn’t guarantee the right to a free lawyer. Court-appointed attorneys and public defenders are only available to indigent defendants. Most defendants aren’t indigent, according to strict court rules.
Count on a Dedicated Centre County Lawyer
Your worst moment never defines who you are. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in State College, PA, contact Decker Bradburn, Attorneys at Law by going online now or calling 814-308-8895. Virtual, home, and jail visits are available.