First time offenders
Results are what you expect when you hire an attorney. Results are a complete or partial victory, results are your freedom, family, money, or whatever justice dictates. We get results for our clients. Our verdicts, settlements and victories on behalf of our clients are not mere unsubstantiated words but proven facts. We get results because we work tirelessly, investigate thoroughly and research extensively. We meet with our clients endlessly until we know your case inside and out. We get results because we are experienced, we are well known in the legal community and we know how to get your case successfully resolved.
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.
Hiring Sarah was the best decision I made and a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. The minute I hired her I felt a lot more comfortable with my case and she did everything in her power to avoid my charges. Initially I was not offered a plea deal but Sarah went above and beyond to appeal the decision and we won the case. She is great at what she does and worked very hard for months to help me get the best possible outcome. I highly recommend to hire Sarah for any legal matters.
Testimonials
What Clients Say
“Thank you for bringing my son home Mr. Pagano.”
D. Pennington – 10/19 Not Guilty – Attempted Murder D. Pennington - 10/19 Not Guilty - Attempted Murder
“We hired Greg to handle a very scary and urgent situation that involved one of our children. Greg engaged immediately. We felt like we knew him and could trust him very quickly . . . he was “all in” totally vested in the outcome. Greg is passionate, smart and responsive.”
Anonymous – 5/17 Case Dismissed – Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking) Anonymous - 5/17 Case Dismissed - Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking)
“Mr. Pagano won my double murder case and then got me $750,000.00.”
Nafis Pinkney – 2/18 Not Guilty – Murder Case. Nafis Pinkney - 2/18 Not Guilty - Murder Case.
“Greg insisted on hiring a ballistician, and the results were in my favor, but the prosecution still persisted . . . was relentless in pursuing the true story of the incident . . . Greg was fantastic and never wavered in pursuit of a fair outcome for me. I am very grateful to him and his fine staf...
John P. – 3/18 Case Dismissed – Discharge of Firearm at Police. John P. - 3/18 Case Dismissed - Discharge of Firearm at Police.
“Greg is very good at what he does which is practicing law. His team is very professional and caring for ensuring and working on your cases and being very communicating with you through all the process.”
Mike – 5/18 Mike - 5/18
“Thankfully I was found not guilty, but it wouldn’t have been so without the excellent litigation skills of Mr. Pagano.”
Mike – 8/18 Not Guilty – Assault and Burglary Mike - 8/18 Not Guilty - Assault and Burglary
“I had a very difficult case which I thought was difficult to win. I was found not guilty.”
Anonymous – 11/18 Anonymous - 11/18
“He and his staff worked very hard for our family. He is an excellent attorney.”
YE – 11/18 NOT GUILTY – Murder Case YE - 11/18 NOT GUILTY - Murder Case
“Mr. Pagano (Greg), is an OUTSTANDING, UPSTANDING and DETERMINED attorney.”
Lisa M. – 12/18 Case Dismissed – Drugs and Guns Lisa M. - 12/18 Case Dismissed - Drugs and Guns
“Greg, and his assistant Sarah provided my son with excellent legal representation. You can use any lawyer but its clear Greg is head and shoulders above his peers. His reputation in the courthouse and his professionalism carries a lot of weight in his dealings with the DA’S. He used his skill t...
AT – 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police. AT - 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police.
Sarah handled my divorce case and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Sarah was extremely flexible and worked around my schedule without hesitation. Everything regarding the divorce was thoroughly explained to me and Sarah kept me up to date on all matters. Sarah was able to resolve my divorce quickly and produce a favorable outcome without having to go to court.
Sarah Is an excellent attorney I. have hired her for a prenup ,a divorce, She is an excellent person to deal with she has lifted a lot of worry off my shoulders always I’ve gotten what I wanted and got my piece of mine back Always responded when I needed her I would recommend her highly to anyone .She is a fair attorney and tells you everything she knows.
Sarah's patience and generosity with her time made, what could have been a very trying time in my life, much less stressful. She was thorough. I always felt listened to and she helped me accomplish the tasks I wished to accomplish. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a divorce/custody agreement (and I have...several times!).
Hired Sarah for a child custody case. Sarah was responsive, supportive and well informed. She walked me through each step of the process with patience and insight. We were able to accomplish our goals. I would 100% recommend Sarah to anyone!
I hired Sarah Jones to help out with a pretty scary family issue on a case That could have went incredibly wrong. I was worried and lost before meeting Sarah, but she got everything sorted out and under control after just a couple of meetings and phone calls. She’s absolutely resourceful and great at what she does. Sarah made me feel a lot better about my situation and I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. I’d want to say I’d hire her again but I wouldn’t want to go through the same ordeal ever again or wish that upon anybody but if you ever need a family lawyer, divorce or child custody... Sarah Jones is well qualified!
Excellent choice I made by hiring her for my case. I felt extremely confident and relaxed going forward with the case well respected always on time. Everything you would expect from an extremely professional lawyer.
When I needed an attorney I researched for hours and everything kept coming back to Sarah. Excellent reviews is what I went with and I am glad I did cause she didn't disappoint me at all. She made herself available at all times of the day and any day of the week even weekends. Her kindness and patience in dealing with my situation was exceptional. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone who is looking for the perfect attorney.
Sarah jones helped me with my child support case. They kept running over me not listening to anything I said, taking more money from me until I hired Sarah. I told her my story and she took it from there and when it was time to go e I won all my cases. Just wanted to say Sarah Jones is no joke, she does a great job and I want to say thank u again Sarah.
Cases Featured In:
Talk To A Lawyer
Enter Your Contact Details Below
- Our firm provides the highest quality legal services - criminal, civil or family law - to individuals in Philadelphia, anywhere in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and any state in the country. Whether we are fighting for your liberty, your health, your family, your rights or your money, we fight to win.