Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia
When the police charge you with a crime, you may face feelings of shock, disorientation, and even terror. You need to contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Tauber Law is one of the most successful criminal defense law firms in Philadelphia and perhaps the entire state of Pennsylvania.
An Experienced Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Ready to Fight for Your Rights
Alan Tauber is a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who has practiced in Pennsylvania state courts for 30 years. He applies his experience and detailed knowledge of court rules, constitutional requirements, and the habits and practices of prosecutors and police personnel to protect his client’s rights for the best possible outcome in their cases.
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Prosecutors bring charges in either Pennsylvania state courts or federal court. Over 90% of all criminal cases are filed in the Pennsylvania state courts. Mr. Tauber regularly appears in the Trial Courts (Court of Common Pleas), the Magistrate Courts, and the Philadelphia Municipal Court in the zealous defense of those who face false accusations or unfair charges.
If you face criminal charges, the clock is already ticking. Contact Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer Alan J. Tauber today.
Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas
The Pennsylvania criminal justice system is arcane, brutal, and unforgiving for those without an experienced Philadelphia criminal lawyer to guide them. We know every step in the criminal justice process, and we handle the following types of criminal charges (among others):
Drug Charges
Drug charges range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania jails and prisons are bursting with drug offenders who tried to represent themselves.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes include many of the most serious crimes, including assault and murder. It should be obvious that legal counsel is a necessity.
White Collar Crime
White-collar crimes include computer crimes, identity theft, Ponzi schemes, embezzlement, and other non-violent crimes. The motivation is usually financial gain.
Theft and Property Crimes
The penalties for theft and other property crimes vary widely depending on the value of the property in question.
Weapon Charges
Many judges come down hard on weapons offenders, because of the threat to society they believe weapons offenders represent.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes carry serious criminal penalties, and they often require lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges are typically serious. Some people use false accusations of domestic violence to gain an advantage in family law proceedings.
Public Corruption
Public corruption involves public officials and includes bribery, kickbacks, and related misconduct.
Juvenile Offenses
The juvenile justice system is very different from the adult justice system, and penalties are much more lenient.
First-time Offenders
A first-time offender might avoid incarceration, even when a second or third offense would result in jail or prison time.
Probation Violation
The state needs far less evidence to prove a probation violation than it needs to prove ordinary criminal charges.
Traffic Offenses
Traffic offenses often seem trivial, but you could lose your driver’s license for repeat offenses. DUI, by contrast, is a criminal offense and sometimes a felony.
Expungement
You can expunge (erase) any arrest that does not result in a conviction and certain minor charges from your criminal record if you follow the correct procedure.
Appeals
In Pennsylvania, you can appeal any criminal conviction. You need proper grounds for an appeal to maximize your chances of winning.
Post Conviction Relief
Post-conviction relief, including habeas corpus, is a way for you to obtain justice after conviction for a crime you did not commit, where new evidence is discovered, where your attorney has made a critical error or to relieve you from the consequences of an unjust sentence.Â
Homicide
Murder and Manslaughter cases and trials are complex, and the entire experience is a harrowing ordeal, so it’s crucial to have a criminal defense attorney to fight for you in and out of court to bring you the best possible outcome.
DUI
A DUI doesn’t have to be the end of the world for you; there are a number of defenses possible and our team at Tauber Law is ready to fight and ensure the best possible outcome for you.
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What to Do When You Are Facing Arrest
If you are facing an arrest or a criminal investigation, there are a few basic matters you need to attend to.
- First, do not agree to a police interview without the presence of an attorney. The Fifth Amendment to the federal Constitution provides one of the simplest and most important individual rights – the right to remain silent to police. Remain respectful and polite to police and prosecutors, but invoke your right to silence.
- Immediately ask for an attorney and contact one at the first available opportunity. If you do not know an attorney, have a relative or friend contact a criminal lawyer in Philadelphia for you.
- Do not discuss any of the facts or details of your case with anyone other than your attorney.
- STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA.
Many more issues and concerns will need to be addressed once the charging process is complete, but you can deal with these matters together with your attorney.
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Offenses & Penalties in Pennsylvania
Criminal offenses are categorized as felonies, misdemeanors, and summaries, depending upon their seriousness.
Felony
Felonies include the most serious offenses such as murder, robbery, rape, aggravated assault, and drug distribution. Pennsylvania punishes felonies much more severely than misdemeanors. Punishment often involves jail sentences.
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors include less serious offenses such as simple assault, drug possession, driving under the influence, and retail theft. Misdemeanor sentences usually involve a period of probation, community service, and/or a fine.
Summary offenses
Summary offenses are the least serious offenses, such as disorderly conduct or harassment.
What Defines the Severity of Your Criminal Case in Philadelphia, PA?
When the police arrest you, and the state charges you with a crime, you are in trouble. How much trouble you are in depends on several factors, including:
- The seriousness of the charge against you;
- Your criminal history, especially whether you have a prior conviction for this particular crime;
- Where the police arrested you (a drug arrest near an elementary school could put you in serious jeopardy, for example);
- Which court and which judge will hear your case; and
- The circumstances of your case (whether the facts of your case allow you to plead self-defense, for example).
Conviction of a crime could affect your life for years to come. You might have trouble finding a job, renting an apartment, owning a firearm, etc.
Tauber Law Case Results
Following are some examples of what Mr. Tauber has done for his clients:
Civil Rights
Settlement for malicious prosecution
Civil Rights
Settlement for malicious prosecution and false arrest
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Personal Injury
Automobile negligence
Client’s Testimonials
Why Choose Tauber Law as Your Lawyer in Philadelphia?
Experience
Mr. Tauber has practiced criminal law for decades, and he has represented thousands of criminal defendants. Not much can surprise him because he has seen it all before.
Local knowledge
Mr. Tauber enjoys an intimate knowledge of the Philadelphia criminal justice system, including the key players. He knows all the local quirks of the system.
Dedication
Dedication to his clients’ best interest is the one intangible quality that can make all the difference in your case. It is Mr. Tauber’s loyalty to his clients that gets him out of bed every morning.
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FAQ
When should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
You should hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can after the police arrest you. In fact, you should hire an attorney even before the police arrest you if you discover that you are the subject of grand jury proceedings or a formal investigation. The sooner you involve a criminal defense attorney, the better your chances will be.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
Criminal defense attorney charges can vary greatly from attorney to attorney. Many will charge a flat fee but hourly fees can be as much as $500 per hour unless the court assigns you a public defender based because of financial hardship.
How difficult is it to have a criminal case expunged from your criminal record?
For many charges, it is simply impossible. For other charges it is possible, but it requires a lot of paperwork. Ultimately, it is up to the judge. Expungement is a privilege, not a right.
What if the authorities wrongfully accuse me of a crime?
If the authorities wrongfully accuse you of a crime, contact a lawyer immediately. DO NOT assume that justice will prevail just because you are innocent. In criminal court, what you can prove matters more than the truth does. That is why you need a lawyer–to help you prove the truth.