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In Your Corner: How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer

March 27, 2024 By WKC Law

Top Tips to Find the Best Criminal Defense AttorneyNavigating the complexities of the legal system can be daunting, especially when facing criminal charges. It’s a path fraught with uncertainty and anxiety, where the right legal representation can make all the difference. At Weber Kracht and Chellew, we understand the stakes and are committed to offering our clients clarity, guidance, and support.

Here are five essential tips for choosing a criminal defense attorney who can help you confidently navigate your legal challenges.

Understanding Their Strategy and Approach

Every criminal defense attorney has a unique approach to handling cases. You need to understand how your prospective lawyer plans to defend you. Ask them to explain their strategy, including how they plan to investigate your case, what defenses they consider strongest, and how they will communicate developments to you. This conversation will give you a sense of whether their approach aligns with your expectations and how actively they will fight on your behalf.

Specialization and Relevant Experience

While many attorneys offer criminal defense services, not all have specific experience or specialization in the area of law your case falls under. Ask about their experience with cases similar to yours, including outcomes and any special considerations or challenges they faced. For instance, if your case involves complex forensic evidence, does your attorney have experience in successfully challenging such evidence? Their track record will give you insight into their expertise and potential to handle your case effectively.

Local Legal System Familiarity

The legal landscape can significantly differ from one county to another, which is why having a criminal defense attorney with local expertise is invaluable. An attorney familiar with local courts, judges, and prosecutors can navigate the system more adeptly. They’ll have insights into local legal precedents, practices, and even the tendencies of particular courtrooms. Ask about their experience with the local legal system.

Availability and Communication

Your legal situation can be a source of considerable stress, and having an attorney who is accessible and communicates clearly can alleviate some of that pressure. Before making your decision, schedule a legal consultation. This meeting is not just for the attorney to learn about your case, but for you to assess their understanding, approach, and communication style. Discuss with potential attorneys their policy on client communication. How often can you expect updates? Through what means will they communicate? Ensuring that their availability aligns with your expectations is crucial for a harmonious attorney-client relationship.

Transparent Fees and Expectations

Understanding how legal representation will impact your finances is essential. Transparent conversations about fees, billing practices, and what services are included can prevent unexpected expenses down the line. While the cost of hiring an attorney might seem high, investing in skilled legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Remember, you’re not just paying for an attorney’s time; you’re investing in their expertise, experience, and the potential to alter your case’s outcome. Be wary of any attorney who is not upfront about costs or who promises outcomes that seem too good to be true.

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney is a critical step toward securing your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

We are committed to providing exceptional legal representation tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Learn more about our Criminal Defense practice to see if our firm might be a good fit for you.

If you’re navigating the complexities of the legal system throughout Bucks, Montgomery, and Lehigh Counties, contact us for a consultation so we can discuss how best to address your legal challenges together.

This article is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Criminal Defense

Facing Criminal Charges? We Are Your Trusted Defender

March 25, 2021 By WKC Law

There’s no question, it’s scary when you are facing criminal charges. What you need more than anything is legal representation you can trust, someone who is looking out for your best interests.

Here at Weber Kracht and Chellew, we base our practice on building trust and providing solutions. In working with our criminal defense clients, we provide an aggressive multi-step approach to fighting your case.

We prepare.

We obtain all discovery (police reports, officer’s credentials, dash cams, bodycams, etc.) in preparation for your defense.

We are thorough.

We thoroughly review the discovery in your case to identify and evaluate all possible defenses. On the court date we work toward securing a satisfactory resolution of the criminal charges, including placement into diversionary programs, when applicable.

We seek to provide convenience to our clients.

In certain circumstances, we may be able to handle your case without your having to be present.

The most effective service an attorney can provide is to be available and provide you with the information you need to make thoughtful, informed decisions. We are dedicated to treating you with the respect and consideration you deserve. We measure our success by the success of our clients.

If you find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney, please call our firm at 215-257-5114 to set up your consultation.

 

Sarah Jammer associate attorney

Sarah Jammer is a determined and persuasive advocate for her clients. One of her many strengths is her ability to quickly spot any potential issues in a situation and determine the course of action to bring the best possible resolution. Sarah previously served as a dynamic Bucks County Assistant District Attorney, successfully handling a wide range of cases including DUI and narcotics matters, sexual assaults, and domestic assaults, working numerous felony and misdemeanor jury and bench trials.

 

This article is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense Tagged With: Criminal Defense, Sarah Jammer

Meet the Attorneys: Dean Arthur

October 7, 2014 By WKCLawBlog

DeanArthur

Dean Arthur is one of the most respected and well-known lawyers in Bucks County. A former president of the Bucks County Bar Association, Dean is widely known among his colleagues and clients alike for his knowledge of the judicial system, his practical advice and his ability to assist clients in an outstanding and thorough manner.

During the past 30 years, Dean has tried over 300 cases, primarily involving insurance defense and criminal defense matters. As a result, he is practiced at looking at all of his clients’ options in a case and then arriving at the proper strategy to obtain the best result possible, in the most cost-effective way. Clients appreciate Dean’s “take charge” attitude of their case which allows them to go on with their day-to-day business while the matter proceeds, knowing Dean will be constantly providing them with helpful status reports if desired.

Throughout his career and even dating back to law school, Dean has been passionate in his work to deliver pro bono legal services to those unable to afford proper representation. He has been on the Board of Directors of Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania since 2001 and served as its President from 2003-2005. The stated mission of Legal Aid is to “provide quality legal representation to low-income and vulnerable people in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County.” Dean has twice been recognized statewide for his tireless pro bono efforts, receiving the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Pro Bono Award in both 2001 and 2011 and the Bucks County Bar Association’s Arthur B. Walsh Jr. Pro Bono Award (2001).

Dean’s ties to Pennsylvania run deep. Immediately upon graduating from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis in 1979, Dean returned to Pennsylvania to serve as a Deputy Attorney General in the Pa. Attorney General’s Office, primarily handling tax litigation. Thereafter, he spent 3 ½ years in the Bucks County Public Defender’s Office learning the criminal justice system inside and out before going into private practice. A graduate of Haverford College (B.A. 1974), Dean spent two years teaching history at George School before going to law school.

Practice Areas:

  • Civil and commercial litigation
  • Insurance Defense
  • Criminal Defense

Admissions:

  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Professional Affiliations:

Bucks County Bar Association

  • President (2005-2006)
  • Pro Bono Committee
  • Bench Bar Committee
  • Past Presidents Committee

Community Involvement:

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pa.

  • Board Member 2001-Present
  • President (2003-2005)

Education:

Washington University School of Law (J.D. 1979)
Haverford College (B.A. 1974)

Personal Interests:
Dean is an avid sailor on Galena Lake in Peace Valley Park.

Dean’s Blog Posts:
DUI on a Boat?

 

This blog is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Filed Under: Weber Kracht Chellew Attorneys Tagged With: Bucks County, Bucks County Bar Association, civil litigation, commercial litigation, Criminal Defense, George School, Haverford College, Insurance Defense, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pa., Washington University School of Law

DUI on a Boat?

October 7, 2014 By WKCLawBlog

DUIStopSign

We all know that it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Pennsylvania statutes outline the different penalties that can be imposed depending upon an individual’s blood alcohol content at the time he or she is arrested for this crime. However, many of us may not know that it is also illegal to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol. The same penalties that can be imposed for driving a motor vehicle under the influence apply to operating a bicycle under the influence.

In addition, did you know that it is also illegal to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol? I recently represented an individual who was stopped by a park ranger as he was exiting his kayak from the Delaware River. The kayak did not have the required launch permit, so the park ranger approached my client. He noticed an odor of alcohol and took my client to a hospital for a blood test. When the test showed a blood alcohol content over the legal limit, he was arrested for operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol. Fortunately, plea negotiations resulted in a very good outcome for the client, but we should all be aware of this crime as fall weather allows us to enjoy time outdoors a little longer.

 

DeanArthur

Dean Arthur is one of the most respected and well-known lawyers in Bucks County. A former president of the Bucks County Bar Association, Dean specializes in Civil and Commercial Litigation, Insurance Defense and Criminal Defense at Weber Kracht and Chellew.

This blog is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Filed Under: DUI Tagged With: blood alcohol content, Bucks County Bar Association, civil litigation, commercial litigation, Criminal Defense, Dean Arthur, Delaware River, driving under the influence, DUI, Insurance Defense, launch permit, Weber Kracht & Chellew

“I Know My Rights!” Ok, So What Are They? | Part 2 of 2

September 29, 2014 By WKCLawBlog

Constitution_stamp

In the first part of this series on knowing your Constitutional rights we covered when “Mirandizing” comes into play and what that means for you and your rights. 

Do you know your rights regarding search and seizure? Another person I ran into in criminal court who “knew her rights” was a woman who was pulled over for speeding and when the officer approached her vehicle, she handed him her marijuana pipe, saying, “Here, you can have it. It’s clogged anyway.” This criminal law genius argued that the officer needed probable cause to stop her and a search warrant to take and test her marijuana pipe. Was she right? A search warrant is only one way for law enforcement to legally seize evidence. There are several doctrines which allow law enforcement to legally seize evidence without a warrant. The most common doctrines allowing warrantless searches are:

  1. Police have probable cause to believe a crime has or is being committed.
  2. Search incident to arrest: a search that occurs as a result of a lawful arrest.
  3. Abandoned property: if the evidence is abandoned without coercion.
  4. Consent: if consent is given to search – this consent is usually contained in probation or parole agreements as well as in situations where police ask for consent.
  5. As a result of “Terry frisk:” if an officer has reasonable suspicion the subject being frisked might be armed.
  6. Inventory searches: for example, if your car is legally impounded – as long as the police follow their inventory policy, any evidence located will generally be admissible.
  7. Exigent circumstances: events which urgently require action.
  8. Plain view: where an officer is legally in a position where he/she can plainly see evidence of a crime.

These exceptions to the requirement of a search warrant are very fact specific as to whether the evidence will be allowed. The caselaw is very specific. If you believe a law enforcement search was improper, ask an attorney. The woman who “knew her rights” was wrong. Can you guess which of the above exceptions was used in court? The officer’s seizure of her marijuana pipe was lawful and she was convicted. See my future blogs for information on when an officer can legally pull you over.

 

WKCLaw_AbigailFillman

Abigail Fillman is a 2007 graduate of the Temple University School of Law
and specializes in Criminal Defense, Insurance Defense and Family Law at Weber Kracht and Chellew.

This blog is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Filed Under: Constitutional Rights Tagged With: Constitution, Constitutional Rights, Criminal Defense, Miranda Warning, Mirandize, search warrant, Terry Frisk, warrantless search

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