Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyers That Advocate Diligently and with Zeal
Pennsylvania firm handles felony and misdemeanor cases
At Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh, we are also criminal defense law firm serving Western Pennsylvania. No matter how serious the charges are against you or how strong the prosecution’s case might seem, we are diligent in to giving you advice, zealous advocacy and service. From charges that could lead to decades in prison to matters where your driver’s license might be revoked, we use our combined 29 years of experience to, at times, challenge the authorities and help you overcome allegations and pursue an outcome — whether that’s a dismissal, acquittal or reduced charges.
Common types of criminal charges we defend clients against
Pennsylvania divides crimes into felonies, misdemeanors and summary offenses. Each crime can possibly have several degrees. Though misdemeanors generally carry lesser punishment, conviction of a first degree misdemeanor could still potentially have a defendant sentenced to up to five years in jail. Crimes can be charged as either a felony, misdemeanor or summary defense depending on the particular facts. We advocated diligently for individuals accused of:
- White collar crimes — Whether you're charged with tax crimes, embezzlement or healthcare fraud, you deserve a law firm that defends your liberty and your money from the federal, state or local government.
- Drug crimes — When someone is charged with drug possession, possession with intent to deliver or some other count related to a controlled substance, we challenge evidence that might have been collected improperly and, at times, advocate for alternatives to incarceration, such as house arrest, inpatient treatment and/or outpatient rehabilitation..
- Violent offenses — Whether you’re accused of simple assault or a crime as serious as murder, you deserve a lawyer who is diligent in protecting your rights and, if possible, constructing a thorough defense.
- Property crimes — Various different types of theft are addressed under state law, and the punishment usually depends on the amount involved and if any force or weapon was used. However, this can vary from case to case.
- Sex crimes — A conviction for an offense involving sexual misconduct can sometimes lead to a lengthy prison term and may place you on the state’s offender registry for many years to come. Our ability to investigate complex situations and diligently question witnesses can, at times, help you have a better chance of a fair result.
- DUI — If you’re facing a DUI, our attorneys are committed to helping you fight the charges or plea to a charge that you can accept and are satisfied with.
- Weapons crimes — Detailed rules govern the possession and use of weapons within the state, and we represent people arrested in connection with gun crimes.
Our diligent defense attorneys are familiar with criminal justice process and challenge authorities when they try to infringe upon your rights.
What happens after you’ve been charged with a crime?
Once you’ve been charged with a crime, you might be released on bond agreeing to appear for future court appearances and agree to follow the conditions set by the count. In more serious cases, you can be detained in jail until your bail is set at an arraignment hearing. We can argue for reasonable bail terms and represent you in discussions with the prosecutor regarding your case. Through diligent advocacy, we might be able to negotiate a dismissal or reduced charge with the prosecutor at the preliminary hearing, which will take place to determine if enough evidence exists for the state to proceed toward trial.
What are common defenses to a criminal charge?
No matter what representations the authorities make, you should be aware of the defenses that might be available to you. Some assault cases are improperly charged because the reporting officer did not realize someone was acting in self-defense or that the injury that occurred actually stemmed from an accident. In these types of matters and others, we diligently investigate eyewitness accounts, surveillance videos, reports of police misconduct or anything else that might raise reasonable doubt in court.
Contact a proven Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer to set up a free consultation
Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC defends individuals in felony, misdemeanor and summary charges in criminal cases throughout the Pittsburgh area. Please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online for a free initial consultation.