Offering Skilled Advocacy Against Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
Being accused of a crime is one of the most serious and stressful experiences one can have. When you or a loved one is charged with a crime, you need a seasoned and respected criminal defense attorney on your side.
At Avallone Law Associates, we are here to defend your rights with dedication and competence. We offer more than 25 years of experience in the five-county region court system and in federal court. The Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys at our firm apply their years of experience, legal skills and access to a network of investigators in developing an effective defense strategy. When experience matters, contact our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Representing Clients in All Aspects of Criminal Law
The criminal law attorneys at our law firm have extensive experience developing an aggressive defense strategy against felony and misdemeanor charges. Part of our focus includes conducting an investigation into allegations against you. We will seek to uncover any violations of your constitutional rights or procedural errors made by law enforcement.
Our legal team is committed to leveling the playing field against you with strong advocacy and legal counsel. When you select our firm, we will apply a comprehensive approach to secure your rights in all aspects of criminal law, including:
Criminal Charges
- Drunk driving — An arrest for DUI has serious consequences. At Avallone Law Associates, we have the skills and knowledge to obtain the best possible result from a bad situation. Whether we seek to challenge the evidence and take your case to trial, or get you into a DUI program, we are here for you.
- Drug forfeiture — If police search your house and find drugs or if someone uses your car in a drug buy, the government can take your property. If you are accused of drug charges in connection to drug forfeiture, our law firm can help you protect your rights. We will negotiate with prosecutors while presenting your claim before the courts to try and get your house and your car back.
- Summary offenses — The least serious crimes are summary offenses, such as disorderly conduct and harassment. Though such charges usually result in fines, they are serious. A criminal record goes with you through life. Avallone Law Associates is available to protect you. We can represent you at trial or negotiate with the district attorney so you can be placed in a pre-trial program for the charges to be withdrawn.
- Private criminal complaint — Minor cases where police are not involved are often handled through private criminal complaints. If someone files a private criminal complaint against you, we can help protect your rights. Most often, these cases can be settled without you obtaining a criminal record. However, if a trial is required, we will fight for you every step of the way.
- Juvenile criminal charges — The consequences of juvenile cases are serious. Admission to college, eligibility for the military and job prospects can be put at risk. If your child has a case in juvenile court, Avallone Law Associates will fight for you. Our work may involve a full trial, negotiating a resolution, or enrolling your son or daughter in a treatment program.
Pre-Arrest Services and Investigations
- Pre-arrest services — Unless a police officer is an eyewitness, most arrests come only after an investigation. If you are suspected of committing a crime, you may be contacted by detectives about giving a statement, turning over evidence, or participating in a line-up. The U.S. Constitution protects you against self-incrimination. At Avallone Law Associates, we will explain your rights, help you chose the best strategy and work with you whether you chose to cooperate with the police or fight your case.
- Surrender — In most circumstances, police need an arrest warrant signed by a judicial officer before making an arrest. At Avallone Law Associates, we can represent you when an arrest is made. We will advise you of your rights and help you invoke your right to remain silent.
- Investigations — Detectives investigating a crime may contact you as a witness or a possible suspect. In either case, you have constitutional rights. The lawyers at Avallone Law Associates can advise you of your rights and, if you choose, negotiate for you with prosecutors and law enforcement authorities.
Trial Procedures
- Bail — Except in capital cases, a person arrested for a crime has a right to bail. The first proceeding after an arrest is the bail hearing. The accused will appear before a judicial officer, where the charges are read and bail is considered. We can represent you at your bail hearing and seek a low or nominal bail. We will point out factors such as employment history, ties to the community and likelihood not to offend while on bail.
- Grand jury proceedings — All federal cases and many state cases result from grand jury proceedings. If you receive a subpoena to appear before a grand jury, you should have legal representation. At Avallone Law Associates, we can represent you in federal and state grand jury proceedings.
- Preliminary hearings — The first opportunity to challenge the evidence is at the preliminary hearing. The accused legal counsel has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and argue for a dismissal or reduction of charges. We can represent you at your preliminary hearing to contest the charges with a strong defense strategy.
- Sentencing hearings — A criminal case does not end with conviction. The court has to impose a sentence, ranging from probation, community service, fines, and treatment programs to prison time. You need competent, zealous representation at your sentencing hearing. At Avallone Law Associates, we can represent you at the sentencing stage. We will incorporate the right evidence in pursuit of a less severe sentences.
Alternative Sentencing
- Accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) — As an alternative to traditional sentencing, ARD is available to first-time offenders convicted of less serious crimes who are unlikely to offend again. At Avallone Law Associates, we can help you apply for ARD and represent you at the hearing.
- Work release — Often, a court will grant work release for the inmate to work during the day and return to prison at night and on weekends. Work release protects families from loss of income and provides a positive incentive for offenders to successfully complete their sentence.
Post-Trial Proceedings
- Post-sentence motions — The appeals process begins with post-sentence motions. It is important to raise all appellate issues at this juncture, so any errors at trial can be addressed before issues are waived and a prison sentence is served. At Avallone Law Associates, our experienced appellate attorneys can preserve your rights and work to get you a new trial.
- Post-conviction proceedings — Once all appeals are denied, a prisoner has the right to file a petition under the Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA). Generally, a prisoner has one year in which to file a PCRA petition or his or her rights are lost. Among the grounds available for relief are ineffective assistance of legal counsel, newly discovered evidence, or retroactive changes in the law. We will conduct a thorough review of your trial and appeals, if necessarily, interview witnesses and give you an evaluation of your options. If you choose, we will file your PCRA petition and represent you at the court hearings.
- Pardons — After a sentence is completed, a convict may apply to the Board of Pardons for a pardon. If granted, a pardon will clear your record. Pardons are difficult to get. The convict must convince the Board of Pardons and then the governor that he or she has thoroughly reformed and has become an exemplary citizen.
- Expungements — If you are found not guilty or if the charges are withdrawn or dismissed without a trial, you still have a criminal record. Expungement means that your criminal record is wiped clean. If you were found not guilty, you have a right to an expungement. At Avallone Law Associates, we can represent you in expungement petitions. We will prepare your petition, represent you in court and advise the judge why an expungement should be granted.
Representing Crime Victims and Witnesses
- Crime victim's compensation — If you are a victim of crime, the law is on your side. The state can provide limited compensation for your losses. Avallone Law Associates can help you prepare your Petition for Compensation, making the best possible claim for reimbursement of your losses.
- Representation of victims and witnesses — Coming to court as a victim or witness can be difficult. People often find it helpful to have an attorney to act as liaison with the police and prosecutors. At Avallone Law Associates, we can represent you, standing with you in court, speaking to prosecutors, making sure your claims for restitution are fully articulated.
Contact Our Firm's Bucks County Drug and Drunk Driving Defense Attorneys
The attorneys at Avallone Law Associates are available for you and your family. We will work hard for you. Put our knowledge and commitment to justice on your side. Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We will apply our years of experience in developing an aggressive defense strategy, focused on mitigating any potential damages.
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