Criminal Attorney in Lehighton, PA, Representing Clients in Carbon County and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
Whether you’re innocent or guilty, you should fight any criminal charge against you with all the legal tools at your disposal. This may be difficult to do if you don’t understand the laws and court procedures that you’re up against, but an experienced Lehighton criminal defense lawyer can help you defend yourself and achieve a fair outcome.
New statistics released by the ABA Plea Bargain Task Force suggest that 98% of criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains. Less than 3% of cases in Pennsylvania go to trial, which suggests that far more accused persons are opting to plead guilty rather than face a trial.
Whether you’re guilty or not, you don’t have to fall victim to the justice system. An experienced criminal lawyer can help you fight for your rights and ensure that you get a free, fair, and public trial, as guaranteed in the Constitution and various Statutes. Instead of pleading guilty, work with a top-rated Lehighton criminal defense lawyer to ensure that you get the best outcome for your circumstances.
Why You Should Fight Criminal Charges in Lehighton and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
It’s common for law enforcement to railroad defendants into pleading guilty in exchange for a plea bargain, even when the accused person is innocent. Their excuse is that a plea bargain is “efficient” and helps the criminal justice system avoid costly trials.
The truth is that every defendant should be given a chance to defend themselves in a trial. Many of those people who plead guilty are not given a chance to understand the charges against them and see what evidence is available. Many are denied the chance to obtain favorable information and witnesses, as is their right according to the law.
In fact, the rights of accused persons are often violated if you fail to speak up and ask for your lawyer, as is your right.
Rights of Defendants in Lehighton and Throughout Pennsylvania
A defendant has many rights guaranteed by the Commonwealth Constitution and various Statutes, such as:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to an attorney
- The right to a speedy public trial
- The right to follow due process of law
- Protection against self-incrimination
- The right to confront witnesses
- The right to request a trial by jury (
- Right not to be placed in double jeopardy (charged twice for the same offense)
- The right to receive adequate representation
After an arrest, many defendants are forced to think that they have no other option. They’re told a trial isn’t worth the stress and expense, and that a guilty verdict will probably result in a harsher sentence.
That’s not true, and fighting your charge to the end is almost always the best choice. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, we highly recommend taking time to weigh all options and consult a trusted defense lawyer. A criminal conviction doesn’t just take away your freedom, it also destroys your reputation and limits your life opportunities.
Let an experienced criminal attorney in Lehighton, PA, help you fight for your rights and obtain a favorable outcome, no matter the severity of your charge.
Lehighton Criminal Defense Lawyer Providing Experienced Legal Counsel in Carbon County and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
A criminal attorney doesn’t just help during a criminal trial. In fact, a defense lawyer is most useful in the early stages of a trial after an arrest, interrogation, and arraignment. Their expert counsel and guidance help defendants against making costly mistakes such as admission of guilt and waiving important rights.
The legal system in Pennsylvania is slightly different from other states. Immediately after an arrest, the arresting officer will book the defendant and write down the charges against them. From there, the defendant must be presented in court within 72 hours of arrest.
During this first court appearance, the judge will advise the accused of their rights, receive a plea, and set bail. From there, a preliminary hearing is set where the court determines whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue a full trial.
Having a defense lawyer throughout this process is extremely important because they can help you make the right legal decisions. From making your plea and lowering the bail amount to conducting investigations to discover exculpatory evidence, an expert lawyer builds a successful defense at these early stages.
Adequate Defense in Lehighton Criminal Cases
One of the rights of an accused person is the right to adequate representation. Most defendants aren’t able to hire private counsel, so they rely on public defenders. Unfortunately, most of these attorneys are overworked and underfunded, meaning they lack the resources and motivation to mount the best possible defense.
It’s easy to recognize poor defense:
- The attorney doesn’t take time to talk to you about possible defense witnesses
- There’s no thorough investigation to collect useful evidence
- Pushing the defendant to plead guilty or accept a plea bargain
- Lack of a clear legal strategy
- Lack of interest, especially after receiving payment
- Unprofessional behavior
Poor defense is the reason why so many people choose to plead guilty rather than fight for a trial. Don’t be intimidated by the legal system, even if you feel your case is hopeless. Talk to an expert Lehighton criminal defense lawyer today for help with your case.
Hire a Trusted Lehighton Criminal Defense Lawyer
As one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Lehighton, Mr. Matthew Muckler of Muckler Law, LLC, is committed to helping defendants fight criminal charges to the end. Mr. Muckler is a dedicated, experienced, and passionate criminal lawyer practicing throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Muckler Law handles criminal cases of all kinds, ranging from DUIs and juvenile crimes to sex crimes, assault, drug offenses, and various felonies and violent crimes. If you’re looking for a lawyer you can trust to fight for your best interests, Contact Muckler Law today and get a free consultation.
