When You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pennsylvania
You need a criminal defense lawyer in Pennsylvania if your liberty is at stake and the potential collateral consequences are significant. So, you probably do not need a lawyer for a non-moving traffic violation, like an expired driver’s license or parking ticket. You probably do need a lawyer for any other traffic offense and all criminal offenses.
At Decker Bradburn, our criminal defense lawyer understands the direct and collateral consequences of criminal cases. Immigration matters are a good example. A noncitizen could be deported even if the case doesn’t technically result in a criminal conviction. Judges are under no legal obligation to inform defendants of these collateral consequences. A State College, PA criminal defense lawyer not only provides this information but also effectively advocates for defendants.
In most cases, public defenders and court-appointed lawyers are top-flight criminal defense lawyers. In some instances, these attorneys are recent graduates or semi-retired lawyers with little energy or commitment. Judges randomly assign court-appointed lawyers, and chief public defenders assign associate lawyers.
Therefore, these defendants have no way of knowing if they are receiving quality representation until they see their lawyers in action. By that time, changing lawyers is usually no longer an option.
Additionally, a court-appointed lawyer or public defender may not be an option. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to an attorney, but not the right to a free attorney. Many judges have strict financial eligibility requirements. Generally, if the defendant posted bond, the judge believes the defendant can afford to hire a lawyer. That assumption may be true or untrue, but it’s the assumption most judges make.
Moreover, public interest defense lawyers only represent defendants in the criminal portion of their cases. They do not represent defendants in ancillary matters, such as protective orders in assault cases and driver’s license suspension matters in DUI cases.
Finding the Right State College, PA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
At first blush, defendants have lots of choices when they partner with lawyers. Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of lawyers per capita in the United States. But upon closer review, only a handful of attorneys have the right combination of:
- Availability: Many solo practice criminal defense lawyers don’t keep office hours. They only meet clients in court. On the other end of the scale, many large firms allow lawyers to over-delegate work to non-lawyer paralegals or less experienced associates.
- Dedication: Effective criminal defense requires a commitment to upholding individual rights. Attorneys who lack this commitment and take on a few criminal defense cases on the side often seek an easy way out or a quick plea bargain. They also don’t thoroughly analyze cases and identify all possible defenses.
- Experience: Law schools teach students how to think like lawyers. Only experience teaches individuals how to act like lawyers. Furthermore, while law school classes may cover some written procedural rules, they usually do not cover any unwritten procedural rules.
At Decker Bradburn, our mid-size firm has ample resources to defend cases and retains the feel of a small-town law office. We’re dedicated to individual rights, both in criminal defense and personal injury. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, our attorneys have a combined experience of decades.
Reach Out to a Hard-Working 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 online or call 814-308-8895. Convenient payment plans are available.