Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys

Defending Those Accused of Crimes in Philadelphia, Pa

If you are facing criminal charges in Philadelphia, don’t try to face these charges alone; hire a proven Philadelphia criminal defense attorney. Our criminal defense lawyers in Philadelphia are ready and able to take on the accusations and represent you in court. We will work tirelessly to provide you with the best possible outcome for your case, resulting in either getting you off the hook entirely or getting a sentence reduced. Many of the clients we represent in the Philadelphia area are not familiar with the rights that they are entitled to; therefore, this is where Pagano Law comes into play. 

Our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys know how complex and difficult it can be for clients to navigate the legal system on their own. We believe in treating our clients with the respect they deserve and making sure that their rights are protected throughout the entire process. Regardless of the charges made against you, or which branch of government is leading the investigation, you’re in good hands with Pagano Law. Throughout our career, we have seen every type of criminal case; therefore, we are extremely skilled at reaching a positive settlement. 

We know how overwhelming criminal charges can be for our clients, which is why we want to make sure our clients are supported every step of the way. Get in touch with Pagano Law at (215)-636-0160, and let our team of professional Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys fight for your rights. With Pagano, you’re in good hands.

Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers with 20+ Years of Combined Experience.

Criminal charges are a serious matter that requires serious defense attorneys who can help you recognize your rights. This is why it is so important to have an experienced criminal lawyer to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys can help you handle any type of criminal matter, from misdemeanors to felonies; we know that it takes a lawyer willing to fight on your behalf. At Pagano Law, we are ready and able to fight for your rights every step of the way. 

Our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers help our clients with a range of defense, such as: 

• Putting together a comprehensive defense strategy based on facts and hard evidence. 
• Negotiating with prosecutors and the court to get the best possible outcome for your case.
• Fighting for your rights in court.
• Help you understand the potential outcomes of your case, and exploring the legal options that are available to you in your specific situation.

Pagano Law has represented a wide range of clients, and with over 40 years of experience, we are ready and able to help provide our clients with the knowledge necessary to understand their rights and equip them with the information needed to help them fight for those rights. 

How Can a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?

At Pagano Law, our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers represent our clients who have been accused of a crime, which could range from a minor misdemeanor to felonies. We represent our clients in court, negotiate plea agreements, and provide our clients with the legal options they need to decide where to go from here. 

As your Philadelphia criminal defense attorney, we will painstakingly analyze your case, making sure we understand exactly the issue at hand and what we need to do to determine the best possible outcome. Our attorneys will negotiate with the prosecution and fight for our clients in court. Our sole purpose is to make sure that the individuals we represent receive a fair trial and that their rights are protected throughout the entire process. Our criminal defense attorneys know the complexities of the law and will help our clients understand the potential outcomes of the case.

Every criminal case is unique, and at Pagano Law, we tailor our defense strategies to fit the specific details of your situation. If you’re in Philadelphia and need a skilled defense attorney, contact us now for a free consultation—because your future is worth fighting for.

What Should I Look for When Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia?

When choosing a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia, it is important to choose an attorney with experience with your type of case. Your attorney should know the nuances of the legal system, court proceedings, and how the prosecution works. Your Philadelphia criminal defense attorney should know how the legal system works in Philadelphia and help our clients navigate its complexities.

What Type of Criminal Defense Cases Do We Handle in Philadelphia?

• Assault & homicide
• Bail and detention
• Child pornography
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Doctors & healthcare providers
• Drug crimes
• First-time offenders
• Gun cases
• Law enforcement
• Lack of probable cause
• Illegal search and seizure
• Organized crime
• Self-defense
• White collar crimes

We also work with clients to resolve probation violations. Our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys know how to defend our clients in the event of a probation violation. Those who are on probation in Philadelphia often have a number of different requirements that they must meet to remain in good standing. However, it is important to recognize that we are only human and make mistakes; therefore, consequences may be placed upon those on probation, such as:

• Failure to appear in court
• Missed check-ins with your probation officer
• Not paying fines or restitution
• Failing a drug test

The consequences of probation violations could range from fines, incarceration, or even an extension of your probation. This situation can take an even more drastic turn if a crime is committed while on probation, leaving the individual to deal with the new criminal charge and the current probation. If you find yourself in any of these situations, your Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Pagano Law can help you throughout the process and help you recognize your rights.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Philadelphia, don’t leave your future to chance. Pagano Law is here to protect your rights with an aggressive and strategic defense. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start building your case.

How Do Criminal Cases in Philadelphia Work?

Sight Arrest

Criminal cases can start with what is called a “sight arrest”, which is when law enforcement believes that probable cause exists to make an arrest.  Under such circumstances, police may be conducting surveillance for drug activity, or they may, by happenstance, while on patrol, observe activity that is believed to be illegal.  Under such circumstances, the police may make an arrest.  Typically, there is little or no time to hire an attorney until after arrest and after arraignment, and after bail is set.

Investigation

Criminal cases can also start with an investigation.  Under such circumstances, the crime was committed and there were no “sight arrests”.  Law enforcement will turn the case over to special agents or detectives who will investigate.  Investigations may take days, weeks, months and in some cases years.  Sometimes a grand jury will be used by law enforcement to investigate or to charge individuals.  In such cases you may or may not know that there is an ongoing investigation.  There is no right to know if there is or is not an investigation.  In some cases you may be served with a grand jury subpoena or a target letter.  

In any case, whether it is a “sight arrest” for a simple criminal act or serious criminal act, or whether it is a complex federal investigation, it is vital to your rights and your freedom to immediately seek the services of a qualified and experienced criminal attorney as soon as possible. Never speak to law enforcement without speaking to an attorney first.  

Time is almost always of the essence when you are under arrest or investigation.  Getting the right advice and representation, quickly, may make the difference between getting bail or not, or getting convicted or not.  

It is vitally important to hire an attorney immediately upon learning that you are the target of a criminal investigation. If you are unexpectedly arrested and do not have the opportunity to meet with an attorney before being arrested, it is vital that your loved ones contact an attorney immediately after being arrested. 

In state court cases you will have at most about 15-20 hours before you are arraigned and the commissioner sets bail. Commissioners are not judges and typically they are not attorneys. If you are able to hire an attorney before you are arraigned, your attorney can represent you at your arraignment before the commissioner. In PA, specifically, Philadelphia, the bail set by the commissioner is immediately appealable or reviewable by a Municipal Court judge or a Common Pleas Court judge. If bail is not attainable after the preliminary arraignment and a bail reduction motion can be filed with the court and heard in a few days. If no motion is filed to reduce bail, a bail reduction can be orally raised at the first preliminary hearing listing.  In murder cases you typically do not get bail.

What About Federal Cases?

In federal court cases you can be held without bail.  The government has the right to request a continuance of what is called a detention hearing if they are seeking pretrial detention.  The federal rules allow the government 3 business days after your arrest to a hearing.  If the government is seeking detention they will file a motion stating the reasons for seeking detention.  If you are ordered detained, there is no amount of money that you can pay to be released. 

What are the Penalties for a Criminal Conviction in Pennsylvania?

Criminal convictions in Pennsylvania can lead to loss of voting privileges, loss of employment, depending on which job you have, and the label of a convicted felon on your record. Some of the penalties you could face in Pennsylvania include:

Misdemeanor of the 1st Degree

• The most serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Examples include simple assault or theft of property worth $200-$2,000.

Misdemeanor of the 2nd Degree

• Punishable by up to 2 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Examples include harassment or theft of property worth less than $200.

Varies by Statute

• These misdemeanors do not fall under a specific degree but have penalties set by statute. An example might include certain regulatory offenses.

Felony of the 1st Degree

• The most serious non-capital felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Examples include rape, kidnapping, and voluntary manslaughter.

Felony of the 2nd Degree (Violent)

• Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Examples include aggravated assault or robbery without a deadly weapon.

Felony of the 2nd Degree (Non-violent)

• Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Examples include certain types of fraud or large-scale theft.

Felony of the 3rd Degree (Violent)

• Punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Examples include stalking or terroristic threats.

Felony of the 3rd Degree (Non-violent)

• Punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Examples include possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Felony of the 3rd Degree (Violent)

• Punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Examples would be less severe forms of violent offenses, such as certain assaults.

Felony of the 3rd Degree (Non-violent)

• Similar to the above, punishable by up to 7 years in prison. Examples include certain types of white-collar crime or repeat DUI offenses.

Felony of the 3rd Degree or Lower-Level Felony

• Punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines. These would generally be considered lower-level felonies, often involving non-violent offenses.

Accused of a crime in Philadelphia? Pagano Law provides experienced, dedicated legal representation to defend your rights and your future. Let us guide you through this challenging time—schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward a strong defense.

Understanding Your Rights in Pennsylvania

It’s critical to understand your rights in Pennsylvania, especially when it comes to law enforcement officers. You do not have to speak to the police, regardless of what they might say. Our attorneys are ready and able to take on law enforcement when they are in the wrong and stand up for their rights.

How Can a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney Help?

Being criminally convicted is a serious offense and can have dire consequences without a trusted Philadelphia criminal defense attorney by your side. Simple things such as finding an apartment or a job can become difficult with a felony on your record. Therefore, it is critical that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side.

The Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys at Pagano Law will help you expunge or seal your criminal record. Get in touch with our attorneys to get your life back on track today!

From your first consultation, our goal at Pagano Law is to help you feel comfortable and that you can trust us as your attorneys. Our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys will help you understand the nuances of your case and walk you through the options and potential outcomes. 

So, why choose Pagano Law as your criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia? Our track record and experience speaks for itself.

• We have a proven track record of success for our criminal clients, helping them get their life back on track.
• With over 40 years of combined experience, our firm understands criminal law in Pennsylvania.
• Our team of attorneys will consult professionals, such as private investigators and experts, to help back up your case.
• We understand the legal system in Pennsylvania and will help guide our clients in the right direction. 
• The will and drive to fight for our clients in court, even negotiating plea bargains where appropriate. 
• Our criminal defense attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to negotiate with the prosecution. 
• Using our experience and resources we will build you a strong case that will help provide you with the best outcome possible for your case. 

Have You Been Wrongfully Accused? Contact Pagano Law Today!

Now that you know more about how our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Pagano Law can help you, get in touch with us today for a free consultation. We belief that every client deserves a fair and just trial, and we will not quit until we fulfill this mission for all of our clients.  

Get in touch with our attorneys at 215-636-0160 to start the process. Don’t try to handle the legal system on your own, contact Pagano Law today!

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