CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Being arrested and charged with a criminal offense is frightening and embarrassing. After being arrested and charged with a crime, a person is often overwhelmed with emotions. The thought of the consequences of a criminal conviction can feel as if it is too much to bear.

Becoming familiar with the criminal justice system and knowing that you have a competent and knowledgeable attorney on your side to diligently represent you can and will help to ease your fears. With that being said, below is a brief explanation of different types of criminal offenses, punishments associated with each, and important information that you need to know if you find yourself in police custody.

Depending on the crime, a criminal conviction can result in incarceration in state or local prison, probation, a large fine, and / or community service. However, the consequences of having a criminal record can negatively impact one’s life forever. For example, a criminal record can result in major issues concerning current and future employment opportunities as well as major issues concerning educational opportunities. Also, if you are convicted of a crime, then that conviction may be able to be used against you if you are charged with another crime in the future.

There are three types of crimes, which include summary offenses, misdemeanor offenses, and felony offenses. Summary offenses generally include but are not limited to most traffic offenses, disorderly conduct, harassment, and retail theft depending on the dollar amount and whether a person has any prior retail theft convictions. A summary offense is generally issued by a police officer via a citation or by a magisterial district judge via a summons. The maximum penalty for a summary offense is a fine of up $300.00 and / or ninety days incarceration.

A misdemeanor is more serious than a summary offense. Misdemeanors are broken down into three subcategories, which include (M1), (M2), and (M3). Misdemeanors include but are not limited to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), simple assault, terroristic threats, and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Depending on the crime, the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor can be punishable by a large fine and up to five years in prison.

A felony is the most serious type of crime. There are also three subcategories of felonies, which include (F1), (F2), and (F3). Felonies include but are not limited to aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, and crimes committed with weapons. Depending on the crime, a felony generally carries with it the most serious punishment.

If you are arrested and taken into custody, it is important to know that you have rights, which include but are not limited to the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is extremely important that you exercise those rights because anything that you say or do can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Police officers and detectives are trained in interviewing techniques and the interview process can be terrifying, tedious, and tiresome. It is important to know that if you exercise your rights (i.e. telling the interrogator that you want to contact your lawyer or that you wish to remain silent), it will not be able to be used against you as evidence of guilt.

Attorney Provinzano has worked as a Certified Legal Intern with the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office as well as with the Lackawanna County Public Defender’s Office. He also worked as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Michael J. Barrasse of the Court of Common Pleas in Lackawanna County. He knows the criminal justice system. Attorney Provinzano will explain the complexities of the criminal justice system, help you to understand the process, and will ultimately provide you with a competent and diligent criminal defense.

If you were arrested or charged with a crime, is it important that you immediately contact the Law Offices of Jason P. Provinzano, LLC for a free consultation, so that experienced attorneys can answer your questions, explain your rights, and make sure that your future is protected.