Regardless of the charges against you in Delaware County, we can help. We will individualize our legal services and your defense strategy according to your unique needs. Contact us for a conversation with an attorney about your specific case. We can fulfill your legal defense needs in DELCO.

What to Expect From Your Criminal Law Attorney

The main job your criminal defense lawyer will have is to create a tailored strategy on your behalf. Your defense strategy should take into account the specific charges against you, related Pennsylvania laws, and your personal history. Your lawyer should make you feel heard and supported throughout the criminal case process.

Your lawyer should listen to you, communicate openly and honestly, and help you have as much peace of mind as possible during this difficult time. Your lawyer should never lie to you about your case or conceal the truth. You should always know exactly what is happening, what the stakes are, and what your attorney is doing to protect you.

Delaware County Criminal Defense FAQ

After you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, your future may be in limbo. You may be overwhelmed, confused, and worried about what will happen if you are found guilty. Fortunately, with the right criminal defense attorney in Delaware County handling your case, you can breathe a little easier knowing our team is building the strongest defense strategy possible.

To help you increase your confidence during this difficult time, we have crafted a quick FAQ that discusses some of the top questions the accused have reported regarding the allegations against them. Do not lose hope if you have additional questions or concerns that are not discussed on this page. Instead, take action, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices, and request a confidential consultation so we can learn more about the specific details of the charges you are facing.

Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged?

It is possible your criminal record could be expunged depending on the type of crime you were charged with or convicted of. According to 18 Pa. C.S. 9122, you may be eligible for expungement if:

• You were found not guilty of the charges against you.
• The charges against you were dismissed.
• The state withdrew the criminal charges against you.

You may also qualify for expungement if you pled guilty to or were convicted of a summary offense and have not been arrested or involved with the criminal justice system in any way over the five years prior to your expungement petition. Generally, individuals who may meet the eligibility requirements for expungement include:

• People who were found guilty in a jury trial.
• People who were convicted of underage drinking but have since turned 21 years old.
• People whose charges were dismissed due to a lack of evidence, lack of prosecution, or charge withdrawal.
• People who have completed an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program, including paying fines and fees, meeting program terms, and finishing pre-trial probation.
• People who have entered no contest pleas under Sections 17 or 18 of the Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act and fulfilled the terms of a program similar to ARD that allows for criminal charges to be formally withdrawn once the program requirements have been met.

To get your record expunged, you will need to file a petition with the Delaware County District Attorney’s office. You may be required to attend a hearing where you plead your case for expungement. The District Attorney will have an opportunity to oppose the expungement should they deem it appropriate. We need to be prepared either way.

There are a few instances in which criminal charges will be automatically expunged from your record. However, in Philadelphia, if an individual has completed The Summary Diversion Program or The Small Amount of Marijuana (SAM) Program, as part of the term requirements, participants will be entitled to a full expungement of the charges against them.

Will I Get Out on Bail?

Whether you are released on bail will be based on the type of crime you are accused of committing and other factors. If you are accused of committing a violent crime, for example, you may be granted bail, but bail could be set high if the judge believes you are a potential flight risk or would otherwise fail to appear at your next court date. 

Alternatively, if you are accused of committing a less serious or non-violent crime, you could be released on your own recognizance (ROR), or bail could be set at a more reasonable amount that you can afford. This is more often in cases where the judge is confident that the defendant will appear at their next court date. 

The judge may consider your ties to the community, whether you are in school, what you do for work, your criminal history, and other factors when determining whether bail is appropriate in your case. In some instances, we may be able to pre-arrange bail so we can get you back home and with your family sooner.

What is The Sentence For a Criminal Conviction in Delaware County?

The penalties you will face if you are found guilty of a criminal offense in Delaware County will vary based on the type of criminal charges against you. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense, you might pay a nominal fine or spend some time in a Delaware County jail. However, if you are convicted of a felony crime, you can expect the penalties to be much more severe.

The fines will be much higher and you can expect to be sentenced to time in a Pennsylvania state prison. Your sentence will also be longer if you are convicted of a felony crime. Depending on the type of crime you are found guilty of, other penalties could include:

• Community service
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Probation
• Registration as a sex offender
• Parole upon your release

What Is Pretrial Diversion?

Pretrial diversion is more commonly referred to as accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) in Pennsylvania. Under 234 Pa. Code Chapter 3, certain parties may qualify for enrollment in an ARD program. 

These programs have specific requirements that must be met. Once you have fulfilled the terms of the program, the district attorney (DA) could reduce your charges to a lesser offense or dismiss them altogether. However, if you fail to uphold the program stipulations, expect the DA to move forward with the initial criminal charges against you.

Should I Give a Statement to the Police?

It is arguably never in your best interests to give a statement to the police. If you are taken into police custody, you should exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Tell law enforcement officials you will remain silent until your criminal defense attorney in Delaware County with Ciccarelli Law Offices is present. 

Although you may have hoped to clear up the matter without getting an attorney involved, anything you say to investigators could be used against you if your case goes to trial. There have been countless incidents of the accused being convicted because something they said while being questioned was misconstrued and used as evidence to secure a conviction. 

Contact Our Delaware County Attorneys Today

Ciccarelli Law Offices has everything you are looking for in an exceptional criminal defense law firm. We have the experience, resources, personnel, and passion for justice to see your case through to the end. Hiring a great defense attorney can put your mind at ease a little while you deal with the criminal claims process. Your lawyer will help you know what to say and what not to say during an arrest, arraignment, and court trials. You can relax while your lawyer handles all legal processes on your behalf, with your best interests in mind. Speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Delaware County for free today. Call us at (610) 692-8700 or contact us online.