Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bethlehem, PA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Bethlehem Police Department is 610-865-7187.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

  You may get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case at Bethlehem City Hall, located at 10 East Church Street. For vehicular accidents, visit https://www.crashdocs.org/#/.

• What are common traffic offenses in Bethlehem?

  Common traffic offenses in Bethlehem include speeding, careless or reckless driving, driving under a suspended or revoked license, failure to stop or yield, and leaving the scene of an accident. As Pennsylvania implements a points system for traffic offenses, each offense corresponds to a number of points on one’s driving record. Once six points have been accumulated, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will begin imposing penalties.

• How does Bethlehem penalize driving under the influence?

  Individuals in Bethlehem convicted of a general impairment DUI may face six months of probation, fines up to $300, and alcohol highway safety school. Meanwhile, a high BAC DUI (between 0.10 and 0.159 percent) is punishable by 48 hours in prison and a minimum license suspension of twelve months. Finally, the highest BAC DUI (0.16 percent or above) can result in a minimum of 72 hours in prison and at least $1,000 in fines.

• What are the long-term consequences of sex-crime convictions in Bethlehem?

  Apart from prison time and fines, an individual in Bethlehem convicted of a sex crime is subject to sex offender registration after completing their sentence. Moreover, due to Megan’s law, law enforcement officers are obliged to inform the public when a registered sex offender lives in their area. While the registration requirements for non-violent sex offenders expire after 15 years, sexually violent predators must register for life.

• How long can Bethlehem police detain someone without pressing charges?

  Individuals in Bethlehem can be detained by the police for up to 48 hours without having criminal charges brought against them. Miranda Rights still apply during police detainment, so individuals retain the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If the police do not read out the Miranda Rights during detainment, the defense may consider any subsequent arrest unconstitutional.

• What is the difference between probation and parole in Bethlehem?

  In Bethlehem, parole is considered early release from prison or jail, while probation is an alternative to incarceration. Examples of common parole programs include shock probation, supervised and unsupervised probation, community control, and the Intensive Supervision Program. Violations of both probation and parole, which are either technical violations or new criminal charges, lead to serious penalties.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.