Criminal Attorney in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Fighting for Clients’ Rights in Luzerne County and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
When you’re facing criminal charges in Luzerne County or elsewhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you should do everything you can to fight them. One way to do that is to hire an experienced Wilkes-Barre criminal defense lawyer to represent you during the trial process.
And yet, even though penalties for criminal charges are severe, data shows 74% of felonies in the country end up in a guilty plea, with only 27% having a charge reduction. The number was slightly lower in Luzerne County in 2021, at 59.9%. This is very concerning because it suggests poor defense and a lack of legal counsel.
It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of a defense lawyer for accused persons facing criminal charges. Whether it’s a misdemeanor charge or a serious felony case, a lawyer can make all the difference between living your life as a felon and resuming a productive life. Matthew T. Muckler of Muckler Law, LLC, is a top-rated criminal attorney in Wilkes-Barre, PA, with the experience and skill to help you fight criminal charges.
Your Rights as an Accused Person in Wilkes-Barre, PA
The rights of an accused person are paramount in a criminal trial. They’re so important that they’re protected by the Constitution and Pennsylvania Statutes, which is necessary to ensure fairness. The Commonwealth holds tremendous power when it comes to law enforcement and prosecution, and sometimes accused persons are treated unfairly.
Working with a skilled defense lawyer is essential to ensure that no violations of your rights occur. These rights may sound simple, but there are many subtle ways they can be invaded. Here are some examples:
- The right to legal counsel: You’re entitled to have a defense lawyer at all stages of your case, including right after arrest
- Right to know your charges and your accusers: You have a right to know what you’re charged with and what evidence is there against you
- Protection against cruel and unusual punishment (Eighth Amendment): The penalties imposed on the accused must follow the provided sentencing guidelines
- The right to compel and confront witnesses: You have the right to question the State’s witnesses, and you can also force witnesses to appear in court if you believe they have evidence that could help your case
- Right to be tried by an impartial jury: You can and should be involved in jury selection through your attorney by questioning potential jurors and striking out those who may be biased against you
- Protection against self-incrimination: You cannot be forced to make self-incriminating statements, and the police are required to inform you of this right before interrogation
- Protection against unreasonable search and seizure (Fourth Amendment): Law enforcement can’t search a suspect or their property without probable cause or a warrant
These and other protections help to balance the justice system, but only an expert lawyer with extensive knowledge can help you claim all these rights. For example, the police can violate your rights during interrogation, often through lying and intimidation. Asking for a criminal attorney in Wilkes-Barre, PA, is the best way to protect yourself and your rights.
Criminal Attorney in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Helping You Fight Criminal Conviction in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Whether you’re facing felony or misdemeanor charges, it’s important to mount a strong defense during your trial. In particular, you have an opportunity to avoid jail and criminal conviction altogether through pre-trial diversion programs, such as the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) and the Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP).
Diversion programs offer an alternative form of rehabilitation through alternative resolutions such as community service, drug rehabilitation, probation, and supervised release. They’re available to first-time offenders charged with third-degree misdemeanors and are usually the easiest way to have charges dropped and your record cleared in Pennsylvania.
Defense Lawyer Helping You Fight Felony Charges in Wilkes-Barre
Felony charges are much more serious and usually carry minimum sentencing. For example, felony theft of goods worth $2,000 or more attracts a jail term of up to seven years and up to $15,000 in fines. However, there may be mitigating factors that can help the accused reduce the prison term.
Even cases that involve serious crimes, such as manslaughter and kidnapping, can afford opportunities to mount a strong defense when you’re working with a brilliant defense lawyer. The law requires that every suspect be presumed innocent until proven guilty, which means it’s up to the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed a crime.
Muckler Law helps accused persons fight all kinds of criminal charges in Wilkes-Barre, including:
- Wilkes-Barre violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and gang violence
- Wilkes-Barre sexual crimes, such as rape
- Wilkes-Barre drug crimes, such as possession and possession with intent to distribute
- Wilkes-Barre burglary offenses
- Wilkes-Barre theft charges
- Wilkes-Barre white-collar crimes, such as bribery and embezzlement
- Juvenile crimes
- Wilkes-Barre DUI charges (misdemeanor and felony)
- Wilkes-Barre arson charges
As a top Wilkes-Barre criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Muckler is here to help you fight criminal charges with dedication and passion.
Hire a Top Wilkes-Barre Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The best criminal defense lawyers can turn the smallest advantage into an acquittal. Although a favorable outcome is never guaranteed, having an expert lawyer greatly increases your chances of securing a better outcome, such as reduced charges or minimum sentencing.
Some of the most important elements of a strong defense include:
- A credible and strong defense statement
- The testimony of credible defense witnesses
- Facts and evidence, such as DNA reports and video footage
- Introducing reasonable doubt into one or more elements of the case
- Taking advantage of judicial precedent, the judge’s history, and prosecutor’s strategy
- Errors in police reports and evidence
Every case is unique, but most cases hold the potential for a strong defense if you work with the right defense attorney.
Mr. Matthew Muckler of Muckler Law, LLC, is a top-rated defense lawyer in Wilkes-Barre, PA. If you’re looking for a defense attorney you can trust to fight for your rights, contact Muckler Law, LLC today and get your free consultation.
