Montgomery County Misdemeanor Lawyer

Misdemeanors are usually less serious offenses than felonies. Nevertheless, getting convicted for a misdemeanor crime in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will jeopardize your personal reputation, freedom, quality of life, career, and future opportunities. With your future and every aspect of your life on the line, it is normal to feel terrified and overwhelmed. That said, you don’t have to face these charges alone–contact a seasoned Montgomery County misdemeanor lawyer from our legal team today so we can fight for your future and your freedom.

Misdemeanor Lawyer | Serving Clients in Montgomery, Berks & Chester County

If you’re facing misdemeanor charges or if you’re under investigation for a misdemeanor offense, it is vital to speak with a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney to relieve your stress and take legal action. Here at Cohen & Patel, we provide highly personalized legal guidance and loyal representation to clients in their misdemeanor cases. We have the means to fight for your rights, argue the allegations against you with substantial facts and evidence, and attempt to get the charges against you dropped or ultimately dismissed. Reach out to a dedicated Pottstown criminal defense lawyer from our firm so you can tell us your story.

Pennsylvania Crimes Classified as Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are less serious types of offenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Unlike felonies, there is usually no violence involved, and the victim doesn’t suffer severe bodily injuries or harm. Some common examples of misdemeanor crimes in Pennsylvania include possession of a small amount of marijuana, false identification, invasion of privacy, indecent exposure, animal neglect, forgery, and criminal trespass.

Classes of Misdemeanors in Pennsylvania

Depending on the severity and seriousness of the offense, misdemeanors are further classified into the following degrees:

First-Degree Misdemeanor – These are the most severe of all misdemeanor offenses. They are punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Examples of first-degree misdemeanor offenses include:

• Criminal trespass
• Possession of a weapon on school property
• Forgery
• Sexual extortion
• Property theft valued at more than $200.
• Stalking
• Terroristic threats
• Unlicensed firearm carry

Second-Degree Misdemeanor – These crimes are moderately severe compared to first-degree misdemeanors. They are punishable by up to two (2) years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Examples of second-degree misdemeanor offenses include:

• Bigamy
• Simple assault
• Institutional vandalism
• Tampering with evidence
• Commercial bribery
• Witness retaliation
• Indecent exposure
• Commercial bribery

Third-Degree Misdemeanor – These are the least serious misdemeanor offenses. They are punishable by up to one (1) year imprisonment and fines of up to $2,500. Examples of third-degree misdemeanor offenses include:

• Animal neglect
• Disorderly conduct
• Online stalking
• Theft under $50
• Prostitution
• Invasion of privacy
• Purchasing alcohol with a fake ID
• Tampering with fire hydrants
• Possession of a small amount of marijuana

If you or someone you know were recently arrested or indicted for a misdemeanor crime, you need to speak with a strategic criminal defense lawyer to start building your defense. Your attorney can review every aspect of your case intelligently and help you understand the nature and severity of your charges.

Possible Penalties

Here are the potential penalties for a misdemeanor crime, depending on your criminal history, the severity of the crime, and other surrounding circumstances:

• Huge fines
• Jail time (ranging from months, years, or decades)
• Community service
• Probation
• A criminal record/history
• Restitution to the victims
• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans
• Difficulties in getting a job or housing
• Difficulties in securing government assistance
• Deportation or inadmissibility to the United States
• Loss of voting rights
• Deterioration of professional and personal relationships
• Difficulties in traveling abroad

A trusted Pennsylvania misdemeanor defense attorney can outline a solid defense strategy to fight your allegations and help you avoid the far-reaching consequences of a misdemeanor conviction.

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Whether you believe you are innocent or guilty, fighting your misdemeanor accusations without experienced representation is never advisable. If convicted, you could be facing massive fines, lengthy incarceration, a criminal record, and other social implications. Therefore, when arrested and charged with a misdemeanor crime, you need to retain a highly-skilled Montgomery County misdemeanor lawyer for precise guidance and to help determine your best defenses.

At Cohen & Patel, we are enthused to offer the diligence, resources, and knowledge to defend and protect individuals facing misdemeanor charges from the worst-case scenario. We can work to understand all of the facts of your specific situation, refute the accusations against you with overwhelming evidence, and attempt to establish your innocence. Having me on your side can improve your chances of the most favorable outcome in your criminal case.

Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Serving Pottstown, Pennsylvania

If you’re facing misdemeanor charges, don’t face them alone. Contact a dedicated misdemeanor defense lawyer from Cohen & Patel today so we can get started fighting for your rights and your future. Our firm proudly represents clients facing criminal charges throughout Pennsylvania, including in East Norriton, Norristown, Allentown, Lancaster, Bensalem, Easton, Levittown, Bethlehem, Erie, Mechanicsburg, Chester, Harrisburg, and more.