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Criminal Defense

If you are facing the possibility of a lengthy jail sentence, the loss of your job, public humiliation, and a criminal record, then you need a criminal defense attorney who has the experience and tenacity to fight the government every step of the way. You need an attorney who isn’t afraid to take your case to trial and win!

Troy R. Crichton, Esq. first honed his courtroom skills fighting for the poor of Philadelphia as a criminal defense trial attorney with the Defender’s Association of Philadelphia, one of the premier public defense organizations in the United States. At the Defender’s Association, Troy quickly rose through the ranks to major jury trials where he represented individuals who faced decades in prison. Troy has tried thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases in both the private and public sector, and has WON some of the most complex criminal cases, including the following:

  • DUI/DWI (75 Pa.C.S. 3802 et al)
  • Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault (18 Pa.C.S. 2701 & 2702)
  • Insurance Fraud (18 Pa.C.S. 4117)
  • Arson (18 Pa.C.S 3301)(18 Pa.C.S 3302)
  • Drug Possession and Trafficking (35 P.S. 780-113(a)(30)) & (a)(16)
  • Forgery and Bad Checks (18 Pa.C.S. 4101) (18 Pa.C.S. 4105) (18 Pa.C.S. 4106)
  • Gun Possession and Weapon Charges including Violations of the Uniform Firearm Act. (VUFA) (18 Pa.C.S. 6105, 6106, & 6108)
  • Gun Purchasing Charges (Straw Purchase and violations of 18. Pa. C.S. 6111)
  • First, Second, and Third-Degree Robbery (18 Pa.C.S. 3701)
  • White collar crimes
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Juvenile delinquency matters
  • Probation violations
  • Resisting arrest
  • PFA’s and restraining orders
  • Professional licensing defense

Do I Need A Criminal Defense Attorney In Philadelphia?

When facing a criminal charge in Philadelphia, PA, it is wise to obtain a criminal defense attorney. Most defendants in Philadelphia—especially those who face harsh penalties—are represented by attorneys. Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to skillfully fight for their clients’ rights. It may seem as if a criminal charge is inevitable, but a skilled Philadelphia, PA criminal defense attorney will know how to mitigate charges, and thereby lessen the penalties that accompany a criminal conviction.

Facing criminal charges can be frightening and overwhelming, especially if it is a first-time offense. Prosecutors do not make the process any easier for defendants; they are there to charge and convict a defendant to the full extent of the law. Prosecutors have prosecutorial discretion, which means that they have the power to decide whether or not to file criminal charges. They can also choose what type of charges to file against the accused. This is one of the main reasons it is vital to have an experienced criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia, PA in your corner.

An attorney who has years of experience handling criminal cases is familiar with the various prosecutors, judges, and courts in the area. An accomplished defense attorney may know how to work a case according to the prosecutor and judge on the other end. Being familiar with the prosecutors and judges can significantly benefit the defense. A Philadelphia, PA criminal defense attorney can negotiate terms, charges, penalties, and sentencing with the prosecutor much more effectively compared to someone who knows little or nothing about the prosecution and how they work.

In addition to knowing how to work with the prosecution, a professional criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia, PA can help with the following:

  • Provide the defendant with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system and process
  • Negotiate deals with the prosecutors, arrange reduced charges, or successfully get the charges dropped altogether
  • Help the defendant understand his or her case by explaining realistic expectations and outcomes
  • Provide crucial advice and knowledge about the law by virtue of being well-versed in state and federal laws, penalties, and procedures
  • Spend time assessing the case, gathering and examining documents, doing legal research, and talking to witnesses
  • Gather information from prosecution witnesses
  • Hire and manage investigators and experts

If you have been charged with a crime, it is critical that you hire an expert Philadelphia, PA criminal defense attorney to assist you with your defense.

Types Of Criminal Penalties

Criminal offenses are either misdemeanors or felonies. If you are charged with a crime, your criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia, PA can help you determine the severity and punishment level that goes with the offense. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, you could be facing harsh penalties, such as a lengthy jail sentence, substantial fines, community service, and other stringent ramifications.

Misdemeanors

If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you should be aware that the state of Pennsylvania classifies them into three categories, as follows:

  • First-degree misdemeanor
  • Second-degree misdemeanor
  • Third-degree misdemeanor

First-degree misdemeanors are the most serious, while third-degree misdemeanors are the least serious. Each misdemeanor degree is associated with a maximum penalty. For instance, a first-degree misdemeanor conviction can result in up to five years of jail time and no more than $10,000 in fines. A second-degree misdemeanor can result in up to two years of jail time with no more than $5,000 in fines. Lastly, a third-degree misdemeanor can result in up to one year of jail time and no more than $2,500 in fines. It is important to note that the court does not have to impose the maximum penalty.

Felonies

Like misdemeanors, felonies are also separated into three categories. If convicted of a felony, a person can serve between seven to 20 years in prison, depending on the crime. Again, similar to misdemeanor crimes, a court might not impose the maximum penalty associated with a felony offense.

Felonies are categorized as the following:

  • First-degree felony
  • Second-degree felony
  • Third-degree felony

First-degree felonies have a maximum jail sentence of 20 years in prison with a fine of up to $25,000. Second-degree felonies have a maximum jail sentence of 10 years in prison with up to $25,000 in fines. Third-degree felonies have a maximum jail sentence of seven years in prison and a fine not to exceed $15,000.

Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, it is crucial that you seek a qualified Philadelphia, PA criminal defense attorney to assist you with your case.

When Your Liberty Is At Stake, Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Troy R. Crichton, Esq. Gets Results.

Crichton Law

  • Commonwealth v. T.J., Philadelphia Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID) and Gun Charges (VUFA) – Motion to Suppress Granted/Charges Dismissed
    • Client was arrested in a house with over 30 lbs of marijuana, hundreds of THC cartilages, $15,000.00 in cash, and a handgun with an obliterated serial number. Attorney Crichton was able to show that the house the police had raided was a duplex and the probable cause for the downstairs was not sufficient to execute a warrant on the upstairs unit. All charges were dismissed.
  • Commonwealth v. E.S., Philadelphia Jury: Rape & Sexual Assault – Not Guilty
    • Client was arrested for allegations of sexual assault. He was arrested and taken to jail even though he never had any prior police contact. After spending a month in jail with an extremely high bail, Attorney Crichton got his bail reduced and he was released. Over the next 12 months, Attorney Crichton fought at all stages of the proceeding and eventually secured a resounding not guilty and vindication for his client who had always maintained his innocence after a three-day jury trial.
  • Commonwealth v. E.J., Philadelphia Jury: Possession With Intent to Distribute and Related Offenses – Not Guilty
    • Client was arrested by Philadelphia police after they supposedly used a confidential informant to purchase drugs from client via cell phone. Despite the police having had the defendant’s cell phone and house under surveillance at the time of the supposed “buy,” Attorney Crichton was able to convince a jury that he was not dealing drugs out of the home, resulting in a not guilty verdict.
  • Commonwealth v. T.S., Montgomery County: Felony Theft & Access Device Fraud – Charges Dismissed
    • Client was accused of filing fraudulent returns at a Montgomery County retail store in excess of $10,000.00. Attorney Crichton was able to immediately get the lead charge dropped at the preliminary hearing and negotiate an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD).
  • Commonwealth v. S.R., Delaware County: Assault & Theft – Charges Dismissed
    • Client was accused of theft and assault following a bar fight at a Delaware County bar. However, she was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office refused her Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) several times. Attorney Crichton contacted the First Assistant District Attorney of Delaware County and met with him in person to convince him of his client’s merit. Attorney Crichton’s client was accepted for ARD and the charges were dismissed.
  • Commonwealth v. M.S., Philadelphia Jury: Rape & Sexual Assault – Not Guilty
    • Client was accused of sexually assaulting a young woman after going on several dates. He was incarcerated for 10 months awaiting his trial. After a three-day jury trial, Attorney Crichton was able to show that she fabricated allegations after she thought the Defendant had left the house with her belongings. The case resulted in a not guilty verdict on all charges

Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Troy Crichton

Attorney Crichton understands the fear, uncertainty, and panic that can overwhelm someone who has been accused of a crime, which is why he is always available for a free case consultation at (267) 225-3317 .

If you want to know more about Criminal Defense, read informational blogs here.

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