Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor Crimes

At the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law offices of Jensen Bagnato, P.C., a Professional Corporation, we have over 30 years of experience in criminal law matters, including juvenile law issues. Our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers take an interdisciplinary approach, looking at your problems from a number of different perspectives, so that we can identify any potential roadblocks and help you take the right steps to achieve your objectives. When necessary, we will work with other lawyers or law firms to identify and put in place solutions that meet your specific needs. We offer creative and innovative legal thinking in a results-oriented manner.

Common Philadelphia Misdemeanors

Our criminal attorneys defend people charged with any type of misdemeanor, including (but not limited to):

Alcohol related crimes: There are several different common alcohol related crimes in the Philadelphia area. These can range from those having to do with driving under the influence, minor in possession and carrying an open container. Different alcohol related incidents will carry different penalties, so it is important for any person to educate themselves on the city and state alcohol related laws.

Criminal impersonation: It is illegal to impersonate someone else in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This happens commonly in situations such as attempting to commit insurance fraud, identity theft and when getting arrested. Criminal impersonation is a very serious crime and mandates the help of experienced legal counsel.

A person is guilty of criminal impersonation when the person:

  1. Impersonates another person and does an act in an assumed character intending to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud another person; or
  2. Pretends to be a representative of some person or organization and does an act in a pretended capacity with intent to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud another person; or
  3. Pretends to be a public servant, or wears or displays without authority any identification, uniform or badge by which a public servant is lawfully distinguished or identified.

Criminal mischief: In Pennsylvania the blanket term ‘criminal mischief’ encompasses a number of crimes and or misdemeanors such as vandalism and destruction of public or private property. A criminal mischief charge is very serious in Philadelphia, especially if you have a previous criminal record and are over the age of 18.

Pennsylvania law defines criminal mischief as intentionally or recklessly damaging property belonging to another person, tampering with property of someone else as to endanger that person or their property, or tampering with or making a connection with property of public utilities with no lawful purpose. Examples are gas, electric, water and telephone connections.

Disorderly conduct: One of the most common offenses in Pennsylvania, particularly near the colleges and universities, is Disorderly Conduct. Disorderly Conduct can be the result of too much alcohol consumption, which can lead to use of poor judgement and ignorance regarding local laws. It can also be used as a catch all charge for several minor offenses. Generally, Disorderly conduct can include any type of unruly behavior that provokes a disturbance. Certain types of misdemeanors can result in jail time depending on the various misdemeanor categories. Also, disorderly conduct and other misdemeanors can also be bundled in with other more serious charges.

Reckless endangerment: This is a crime in which your conduct puts someone else in significant danger or places them at risk of physical injury. In Pennsylvania reckless endangering can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. If you are facing reckless endangering charges in the Philadelphia area you should immediately speak with a criminal defense lawyer handling reckless endangering cases.

Resisting arrest: Often times a resisting arrest charge starts out as something much less serious but developed into a resisting arrest charge. Frequently, a resisting arrest charge began as a routine traffic stop or some other type of common interaction with law enforcement. You may have had a bench warrant for your arrest in Philadelphia but were not aware of it. Perhaps you forgot to pay a traffic ticket or some other minor infraction. Once the cop sees that you have an outstanding bench warrant, they may arrest you. The circumstances could cause you to be non-compliant or confrontational. Since resisting arrest is always one of multiple charges, it is a good idea to retain a skilled Philadelphia criminal defense attorney to represent you and protect your rights.

Simple assault: Assault is a physical attack on someone with the intent to cause harm or physical injury. A Pennsylvania assault charge is very serious as it is a crime of violence. A conviction related to a violent crime will prevent you from engaging in certain life activities such as getting and maintaining a job. If you have been arrested and charged with assault, domestic assault or felony assault charges in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area you need effective legal representation that can only be provided by a skilled Pennsylvania Assault Defense Attorney.

Trespassing: In Pennsylvania it is illegal to be on or inside a property that does not belong to you or that you do not have a reason to be on. This crime is called trespassing and there are several levels of trespassing charges under PA law. If you have been arrested for trespassing or criminal trespassing in Delaware you should speak to a skilled and experienced Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney.

Most misdemeanors are handled in smaller courts with different procedures than the principal criminal courts, with sentences usually less than a year in jail. We have an intimate understanding of the laws and procedures governing misdemeanors.

When you hire us to defend you on a misdemeanor charge, we will look carefully at all the evidence in your case, looking first to make certain that police and prosecutors did not violate your constitutional rights. We will review the facts and circumstances to confirm that there was probable cause for any search, seizure or arrest, and that all evidence was properly obtained.

We will also evaluate the evidence to establish the best arguments in your defense, looking at the credibility of witnesses as well as any extenuating circumstances that legally justified your actions.

Contact Us

To set up a free initial consultation, contact us or call us at 215-798-0544 (toll-free at 1-866-550-4686). We are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All major credit cards are welcome and payment plans can be arranged.

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