The ramifications of a criminal conviction in Butler or the surrounding areas are far-reaching and could be permanent. Even a first offense for some crimes can lead to imprisonment, thousands of dollars in fines, and a haunting criminal record.

You may also experience:

• Long / prohibitive periods of probation
• The loss of your current job or an inability to find employment
• Revoked security clearances or professional licensure
• The inability to own or possess firearms
• Suspended or revoked driving privileges
• Mandatory registration as a sex offender for some sex crimes
• Expensive court ordered classes and diversionary programs
• Rescinded voting rights and travel restrictions
• Child custody and visitation issues

If you want to advance in your career, retain your driver’s license after a DUI, avoid prison, or otherwise give you and your family a chance at a better future, a criminal conviction can seriously limit your opportunities. The Butler criminal defense attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC don’t think that a misunderstanding or momentary lapse in judgment should define the rest of your life. That’s why we offer every client a unique and personalized defense.

We know the pitfalls of Pennsylvania’s justice system and how to avoid them.Let us meet with you, discuss your case, and come with a plan that meets your needs. If a theft conviction will limit your job prospects, we’ll strive to keep your record clear. If a drug-related offense will send you to prison, but what you really need is treatment, that will be our goal. And, if you were falsely accused of a violent act, we will fight to prove your innocence.

When clients come to us, we know they are going through a difficult time. Our Butler criminal defense lawyers have decades of legal experience, and we take a lot of pride in walking people through the Pennsylvania criminal process. Other attorneys may try to rush you through the justice system, and talk you into accepting the first offer presented. You deserve better and this isn’t how we operate.

At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, we are compassionate about your situation, but we are also direct. We want you to understand all your options, but we won’t sugar coat things. If a plea agreement is your best option, you’ll know it. However, if you’re best served by a jury trial, our criminal lawyers will fight relentlessly for you.

The first thing we do in any case is meet with you, discuss what led to your charge, and what success means to you. From there, we will look at all the evidence, negotiate with all the parties involved, and craft a plan to secure the best possible outcome. We do all of this while remaining readily available to answer your questions and keep you informed.

When you work with our Butler criminal lawyers, you can rely on:

• Experience – Decades of collective experience from trial-tested and aggressive lawyers within Pennsylvania’s court system.
• Results – A reputation for obtaining outcomes that let you put criminal charges behind you.
• Reasonable Fees – We offer flat fees and flexible payment options.
• Accessibility – We answer calls 24/7, and in most cases, you’ll have your attorney’s cell phone number.

When you’re accused of a crime or being questioned by police, it is easy to take your rights for granted. But, keep in mind law enforcement is not worried about what’s best for you. They are interested in collecting evidence and securing convictions. By trying to explain a situation without a lawyer, you could be doing more harm than good. However, when you have a Butler defense attorney, you can be confident that your rights will be respected and firmly asserted.

In any criminal matter, you always have the right to:

• Remain silent so nothing you say can be used against you
• Consult an attorney and have a lawyer present during questioning
• A trial by either a jury or a judge
• Testify and present evidence on your behalf
• Confront your accusers and cross-examine witnesses
• Be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Will I Go to Jail?
A criminal charge is not the same as conviction. While an initial arrest may require you to spend some time in custody depending on the specific county’s booking and arraignment process, an arrest does not automatically mean you will serve a sentence. Everyone is afforded the chance to go through the criminal justice process, and official penalties are only handed down if you plead guilty, are convicted by a judge or jury, or agree to lesser offense.

Should I Accept a Plea?
Criminal cases rarely go to trial and prosecutors often resolve matters with plea agreements based on the available evidence, strength of their case, and the prior history of the accused. The facts and issues are different in every case and an acceptable plea for one person may be completely unreasonable to another. Whether you accept a plea should be weighed against its pros and cons, and carefully considered with your defense attorney.

Should I Consent to a Search?
When police are investigating, they may want to come into your home or look through your vehicle. You do not have to consent to a search unless they have a valid search warrant or have established probable cause that you are engaged in criminal activity. In most cases, if they request to search your property, they do yet have enough justification. Even if they ask politely, it’s best to ask them to wait while you contact a Butler criminal lawyer.