Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense
If you have been charged with a crime, you may already have an idea of the serious impact it could have on your future. You probably still have many questions about how to proceed with your case and are scared and uncertain about what’s going to happen next.
At Decker Bradburn, Attorneys at Law, in State College, we have extensive experience advocating for those accused of crimes. Following are some of the most common questions our criminal defense attorneys have heard over the past 20 years:
Am I Going To Jail? What Penalties Am I Facing?
In Pennsylvania, some criminal charges carry minimum mandatory penalties — often these are jail sentences and fines. For other charges, the law may provide a range that acts as a guideline, or it may leave sentencing completely open to a judge and jury to decide.
Should I Hire A Lawyer?
The prosecution will push for the harshest penalties possible for your offense. Even if you plan to plead guilty, you should never represent yourself in court. Hire a skilled defense attorney to protect your rights and determine if your charges could be dismissed or minimized.
How Can I Clear My Criminal Record?
If you are eligible for expungement or the accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program, your criminal charge doesn’t have to follow you for the rest of your life. Contact us to find out if you qualify.
What If I Didn’t Get The Result I Wanted In Court?
Often, clients come to our law firm because they did not get the result they wanted the first time around. Most are able to pursue an appeal. If you are interested in filing an appeal to overturn a decision or to get your sentence reduced, you will need a criminal defense attorney with experience handling appeals.
Contact Us To Learn More
The first step in protecting your rights is to contact our team at Decker Bradburn, Attorneys at Law. Email or call us at 814-470-8023 anytime, day or night. We will be happy to meet with you in a confidential consultation as soon as possible.