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Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense

Q: Can a person be punished for attempting to commit a crime?

A: Many jurisdictions have either a general "attempt" crime or individual statutes that make attempted murder or attempted robbery (or the like) a crime. The purpose of these statutes is to punish an individual who has shown himself or herself to be dangerously inclined to commit a crime without waiting until the criminal act is actually completed. In order to convict a person for an attempted crime, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person had the intent to do an act or bring about certain consequences that would amount to a crime, and that he or she took some step beyond mere preparation towards that goal.

Q: What is a "grand jury"?

A: A grand jury is a group of people called together by the prosecutor to gather information about suspected criminal activity by listening to testimony from witnesses and examining documents and other evidence. The prosecutor acts as legal advisor to the grand jury and directs the flow of witnesses and evidence. At the end of the proceeding, the grand jury decides whether there is enough evidence to put the defendant on trial for the crime.

Sixty-eight percent of those convicted of a felony in 2007 were sentenced to incarceration. That's over two-thirds. If you want to reduce the chances that you'll go to jail, a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is your best ally.

Pennsylvania DUI Defense Attorney - Driver's License Reinstatement Lawyer

Since 1975, Guyer & DeNardo, Attorneys at Law, has focused entirely on providing effective, skillful criminal defense that aggressively works to get the best possible outcome for each client's individual needs. Losing your driver's license or your freedom is a very real possibility for DUI, underage drinking, and other criminal charges. We have earned a reputation throughout Pennsylvania for our aggressive, intelligent defense with a goal of protecting your driving privileges and your future. Our attorneys offer more than thirty-five years of combined criminal defense and DUI experience.

To schedule a no-cost consultation about how we can protect your future, contact the Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys' offices of Guyer & DeNardo, Attorneys at Law, today.

Criminal Defense - An Overview

Criminal law is the body of law that relates to so-called "public wrongs." Criminal law does not concern itself with disputes between individuals but also to offenses against the public order. The federal government, along with cities and states, define and prosecute people who commit crimes that range from minor traffic violations to serious, violent offenses, like rape or murder. People who are charged with a crime are called defendants, and they are represented by criminal defense attorneys. The governmental body that pursues the charges against the defendant is represented by a lawyer called a prosecutor. If you find yourself charged with a crime, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, to protect your rights now and in the future.

Misdemeanor Criminal Defense

Crimes that are regarded as less serious are referred to as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor usually is punishable by a fine or by incarceration in a local jail for a period of less than one year. Prosecutors typically do not convene a grand jury to investigate or issue indictments for misdemeanor charges, although the same conduct may give rise to both felony and misdemeanor charges. Misdemeanors are usually charged by a written complaint, or "information." In some states, poor defendants are not entitled to a court-appointed attorney when charged only with a misdemeanor. The charges may be considered minor, but being accused of a misdemeanor--not to mention being convicted of one--can cause a major disruption in the life of an accused. As in any criminal case, it is essential that a defendant in a misdemeanor prosecution have zealous representation backing him or her up. A person accused of a misdemeanor should seek the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Felony Defense

The most serious types of crimes are referred to as felonies. The usual definition is that a felony is any crime that may be punished by more than a year's imprisonment or death. A crime that has a maximum sentence of a monetary fine or a short period of confinement in the local jail is not a felony. A statute may not specifically label an offense as a felony, but the punishment defines the offense as a felony. State criminal codes may call a crime an "aggravated" or a "gross" misdemeanor, but the offense calls for a sentence of more than one year in the state penal system. Those offenses will be treated as felonies. When crimes charged are more serious, the need for a criminal defense attorney to help a defendant through the process becomes even greater.

What to Do if You Are Falsely Accused of a Crime

Believe it or not, many people who are convicted of a crime and end up in prison were falsely accused. Although the American criminal justice system works in most cases, not all juries get things right and the consequences can be tragic. An innocent person pays the price for something he or she did not do, while the guilty party roams free. The best way to avoid such an unjust result and ensure the proper outcome when faced with criminal accusations is to immediately seek counsel from a criminal defense attorney. A defense lawyer at our firm can help you to navigate through the complex criminal law procedures.

Finding a Job After a Criminal Conviction

Employers have in recent years become increasingly concerned about knowing whether an applicant has a criminal record. Part of this concern stems from large jury verdicts that have been rendered against employers for negligently hiring a person with a criminal record who ultimately harms others, and the employer is held responsible. As a result, some companies conduct pre-employment background checks for criminal records and choose not to hire former convicts. Yet without the opportunity for future employment, how can those with a criminal record be afforded a chance to make a fresh start and become contributing members of society? These and other questions are addressed below and can be more fully explained by an attorney at our firm who is knowledgeable in criminal defense law.

Criminal Defense Resource Links

Equal Justice, USA
Equal Justice, USA, is dedicated to mobilizing and educating citizens on issues related to crime and punishment, including racial, economic, and political biases.

Prisoners and Prisoners' Rights
The Legal Information Institute (LII) is known internationally as a leading "law-not-com" provider of public legal information. The LII's prisoners' rights section includes an overview of prisons and prisoner's rights and links to a menu of related resources.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to victims and anyone calling on their behalf 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 140 languages through interpreter services.