Philadelphia First-Time Offender Lawyer

First time offenders are treated differently in that they are given special consideration by all branches of government – executive branch, legislative branch and of course the judicial branch. In practicing within the federal state criminal justice systems for almost 30 years, Gregory Pagano has represented tens of thousands of first time offenders of all walks of life. Whether it is a DUI, a murder case, or a serious federal case, many times the accused are first time offenders. First time offenders are certainly entitled to many benefits in a criminal case. The fact that a person has never been in trouble with the law before entitles them to special consideration and mitigation by the prosecution and the court and the law as well.

Special consideration and mitigation comes with different titles and in different forms in different jurisdictions. In PA the legislature created what is called A.R.D. which stands for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. ARD is designed for first time offenders who commit non violent and relatively minor offenses. ARD enables such persons to have their arrest records expunged upon completion of conditions and probation imposed by the prosecutors and the courts. If a person is charged with a serious offense special consideration may come in a different form, and only upon exercising the right to a trial – good character evidence. In PA (and in federal court) good character evidence alone can raise a reasonable doubt. In some cases first time offenders may benefit from special consideration at sentencing after conviction. In federal court, Congress and the U.S. Sentencing Commission, has created what is called the “Safety Valve”. The safety valve entitles first time offenders to significantly lower sentences – lower guideline ranges and an exception to applicable mandatory prison sentences.

All people – of all social backgrounds, color, gender, age, ethnicity, etc. – innocent people included – are subject to being arrested . Juveniles, teenagers, college students and young professionals, are very susceptible to behavior and activities which results in police contact, arrest and criminal charges. A clean record is an asset and it is essential for a college career and a professional career no matter what industry. I have represented many professionals who have maintained their careers and excelled in their professions because I assisted them in maintaining their clean records. Maintaining your clean record is my priority, second only to maintaining your freedom and liberty.

When you hire a lawyer, you expect results for your investment. Pagano Law is a Philadelphia first-time offender lawyer who works tirelessly to secure results, whether that means a complete victory or a plea deal that significantly reduces your sentence. 

As a first-time offender, depending on the crime, you may not be aware of the options that are available to you. We can help you achieve your freedom, save you money, and ensure justice is done. We want to know you and your case thoroughly so that we can achieve the results you expect. 

First arrest? Don’t let one mistake define your future. Call Pagano Law at (215) 636-0160 for a free consultation.

What Is a First-Time Offender?

A first-time offender can be defined as someone who has committed a crime for the very first time. Depending on the nature of the crime, even someone who has been convicted of prior crimes may be considered a first-time offender. For example, someone convicted of tax fraud 10 years ago may be considered a first-time DUI offender if they are arrested for driving under the influence. Similarly, someone with no history of drug charges may be considered a first-time drug offender under Pennsylvania law. 

Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, especially, offer numerous alternatives to criminal convictions for first-time offenders – often even if the resulting conviction would result in a felony on their record. Gaining access to these alternatives often requires securing the services of a Philadelphia first-time offender lawyer. 

Are First-Time Offenders Treated Differently?

In Philadelphia, and in Pennsylvania as a whole, many first-time offenders are eligible for specific programs that can result in the dismissal of charges. The two primary programs are ARD and Section 17. 

What Is ARD?

ARD stands for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. Entry into the program must be approved by the District Attorney (DA) and does not require an admission of guilt. If the conditions of the program are met, the charges will be dismissed. It is often applied in DUI cases, but can be extended to others, as well. 

First-time offenders can typically apply for ARD status at their preliminary hearings, and it is designed for individuals who are not typically considered criminals. Those who have made poor decisions or bad judgment calls are the primary candidates for ARD, and it only applies if the accused did not seriously harm anyone – or put anyone in grave danger – as a result of their crimes. 

The goal involves diverting otherwise rehabilitable people away from jail time, which can do more harm than good, and into programs that can provide better coping mechanisms and a lesson that remains with them for life. 

What If ARD Is Denied?

If ARD is denied at the preliminary hearing, it is possible to appeal to the DA to reconsider their decision. If this is the case, the relationship your Philadelphia first-time offender lawyer has with the DA is incredibly important. You need a lawyer who will go to bat for you, sending the documentation needed or even contacting the officers who were present at the arrest to vouch for you. 

What Is Section 17?

Section 17 is much like ARD in that criminal charges can be dismissed once requirements have been met. Unlike ARD, which is typically used for DUIs, Section 17 applies mostly to first-time drug offenders. Some of the most common charges that fall under the Section 17 program include possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of other controlled substances.

Most of the time, those who are accepted into the Section 17 program do not plead guilty, but they do plead no contest. After a period of probation – as long as all of the Section 17 guidelines are met – the charges are dropped. In some counties, including Philadelphia County, you will likely be assigned a probation officer who can ask you to submit to random drug tests for the duration of your probationary period. 

Other Options 

Several counties across Pennsylvania – including Philadelphia County – offer their own unique programs for first-time offenders. Retaining an experienced first-time offender lawyer is essential to gaining access to these programs, which often involve community service, fines, and, depending on the violation or accusation, counseling or courses designed to help prevent future offenses. 

Everyone deserves a second chance. Let Pagano Law help protect your future with experienced first-time offender defense.

How Pennsylvania Legislature Can Help with Felony Charges

Pennsylvania legislature dictates that even first-time felons can receive lighter sentences. In Philadelphia, especially, DAs and judges refer to prior record scores, which assign a numerical value to a criminal history. Those who do not have a score have a clean record, and this can offer significant benefits for first-time offenders. 

Pennsylvania state law allows first-time felons to enroll in a variety of options, including community corrections, house arrest, or residential rehabilitation programs instead of serving jail time. Depending on the felony, an experienced Philadelphia first-time offender lawyer may be able to help you plea down your charges to a misdemeanor, enter an early release program, or even have your charges dismissed. 

The Benefits of a Clean Record

Facing charges as a first-time offender can be nerve-wracking, especially for those with children and families they care for every day. A criminal record can impact your ability to vote, legally own a firearm, seek certain types of government assistance, obtain housing, or find work. Pagano Law understands the impact that a criminal record can have on your life. Criminal defense attorneys use your lack of criminal history to your advantage, comparing your offense with similar cases to find unique strategies. 

Pagano Law can use your clean record in several ways, including the following:

1. Helping you enter a diversion program or plea deal for lesser charges, reduced sentencing, or even complete dismissal of your case. 
2. Finding an effective argument for your innocence by convincing a judge or jury that your actions were out of character since you have no criminal history. 
3. Showing the judge or jury that you lead a positive life, making excellent contributions to society, and that sentencing you for a first-time offense would do more harm than good.
4. Finding and presenting character witnesses who can support you by showing you have been falsely accused or that you simply made a mistake. 

In many cases, your lack of a criminal record can help you with your defense long before your pre-trial motions. Pagano Law has been able to help our clients get their charges dropped or even have them dropped before they are formally filed, effectively clearing them of wrongdoing. 

Preventing Second Offenses

Statistics show that first-time offenders – particularly felons – who are not treated with grace and leniency are more likely to commit future crimes. Felony charges, especially, can make it difficult for individuals to go back to leading normal, healthy, and productive lives. Many felons who failed to secure counsel have been terminated from their jobs and evicted from their homes, unable to even seek government assistance for food, shelter, and healthcare. 

Your first offense doesn’t have to mean a criminal record. Explore your options with Pagano Law’s experienced defense team.

How Pagano Law Can Help

Pagano Law understands the anxiety that being accused or arrested creates, particularly if you only made a mistake and you are not a criminal. From drug charges to assault, and from gun offenses to fraud, Pagano Law has the skills, experience, and knowledge to help you plea to a lesser charge, reduce your sentence, or even have your charges dismissed. 

Don’t let a single mistake cast a shadow over your entire future. If you’re facing criminal charges for the first time in Philadelphia, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a guide who understands both the legal system and the unique challenges of first-time offenders. At Pagano Law, we specialize in helping good people through difficult times, with a proven track record of helping first-time offenders avoid the devastating consequences of a criminal record. We know you’re feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, but you’re not alone.

Our experienced legal team will walk you through every step of the process, exploring all possible options including diversionary programs and alternative sentencing that could help keep your record clean. Time is critical in these cases – the sooner you act, the more options we’ll have to protect your future. Call Pagano Law today at (215) 636-0160 for a free, confidential consultation. Your future is worth fighting for, and we’re ready to stand by your side.

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