Criminal Defense Attorney in York, Pennsylvania

Any specific criminal charge could result in massive consequences for the person accused of a crime. If you have been charged with a crime, you could face several penalties, including restitution, fines, and jail time. If you’re convicted, the consequences will affect the rest of your life.

You don’t have to face criminal charges alone. Whether this is your first encounter with the law or you have faced charges before, it is a challenging experience, both emotionally and legally, to go through on your own.

When you partner with a York, Pennsylvania, criminal defense attorney, you’ll have the benefit of knowledge and experience on your side. Our attorney at Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, has worked with criminal defense cases for 19 years. Our firm understands that your story is unique, and you need a unique strategy to increase your chances of success. Our team at Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, serves clients in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

Criminal Charges in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania and many other states, criminal offenses classify according to the seriousness of the crime. Generally, crimes fall into two different categories: misdemeanors and felonies.

Misdemeanor

Under Pennsylvania law, a misdemeanor is a minor crime that can be a third-degree, second-degree, or first-degree misdemeanor offense. First-degree offenses are the most serious and result in the harshest penalties, while third-degree offenses are the least serious.

Examples of misdemeanors include:

• Cyber-harassment of a minor

• Theft of property worth less than $50

• Simple assault

• Shoplifting merchandise worth $150 or more

To learn more about how misdemeanor offenses are categorized and the possible penalties, you can speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Felony

Felonies are the most vital crimes. Like misdemeanors, felonies are either first, second, or third-degree; however, murder charges are in a different category. The consequences of a felony conviction depend on the degree of the crime.

Examples of felonies include:

• Arson

• Burglary and serious thefts

• Serious assault

• Rape

These are some examples of criminal charges that are felonies under Pennsylvania law.

Pennsylvania Criminal Court Process

The criminal court process that you face may depend on your specific jurisdiction in Pennsylvania. No matter your location, the first step must be to file a charge against the accused person.

In some cases, a pre-trial court appearance is a requirement. There may be the potential of a release on bail. It is possible to go through the plea-bargaining procedure instead of trial.

If a criminal trial is necessary, the accused person will stand before a jury. Opening statements will be made by the prosecution and the defense.

The evidence of the crime will be brought forward. In addition, the prosecutor will perform direct examinations, and after they are complete, the defense can perform cross-examinations.

There will be a motion for a verdict or dismissal before the defense brings forth its evidence. Then there is the opportunity for a rebuttal before the final motions.

Both sides state closing arguments before the jury deliberates. There could be a mistrial or a verdict. Afterward, judgment and sentencing will follow.

These are the basic steps of a criminal case. To learn more about the criminal court process in Pennsylvania, speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

The Appeals Process

If you believe that the judgment was in error, you may have the opportunity to appeal. There must be a legal basis to appeal, or it is possible to ask the court to reconsider its decision.

If a legal basis exists, you can appeal to a higher court. As a result, either a new trial could be held, the original trial court’s judgment could be modified or corrected, or the trial court could be asked to reconsider the case.