Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Reading

FAQs

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

  Contact 610-655-6116 to get in touch with the Reading Police Department's desk sergeant.

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

  You can contact the Reading Police Records Office at 610-655-6054 to ask for more information or visit the station located at 815 Washington St.

• What are some common crimes in Reading?

  The most common crimes in Reading are theft, burglary, and assault. Many of these happen in the downtown area, where many shops and businesses attract locals and tourists. The police also have a vice unit that frequently sweeps the city for prosecution, drug possession, and public drunkenness. Annually, more than 600 violent and 2,000 property crimes are reported in the metro.

• What happens if a person aids a fugitive from the law in Reading?

  If you aid a fugitive from law enforcement in Reading, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony and face the possibility of hefty fines and jail time. Aiding a fugitive can include harboring the fugitive, providing weapons or transportation to these persons, and giving false information to a police officer.

• How can you enlist the services of a public defender in Reading?

  To request representation from a public defender in Reading, you have to be an indigent who can provide verified financial information through a written request. Contact the Berks County Public Defender for more information at 610-478-6650 or visit the office located on the 12th floor at 633 Court Street.

• Do criminal charges affect an international student in Reading?

  Yes. International students in Reading can lose their visas if they are charged with a crime and taken to the police station. Additionally, a conviction, especially a drug-related one, can make it difficult for a person to be given entry into the country. It could affect a person's ability to travel to certain countries, such as Canada, even for minor convictions like DUI.

• Would you need a lawyer when facing the juvenile justice system in Reading?

  You do not need a lawyer for juvenile court proceedings in Reading; however, there is a possibility that an arrest or getting a conviction in juvenile court could affect the future of a minor or teenager. Being convicted in juvenile court could result in consequences such as confinement in a delinquent youth facility, missing out on scholarships, and being denied from the Army.

• 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.