West Chester Criminal Defense Blog

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | November 11, 2021 | DUI

Most DUI cases in Chester County, Pennsylvania are misdemeanors. While misdemeanors are considered to be less serious than felony offenses, they still carry harsh penalties. Certain factors can escalate a DUI to a felony offense. When these aggravating factors are present, the potential penalties for… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | November 10, 2021 | DUI

When you are arrested for a DUI in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the prosecutor will check your record for the last 10 years to see if you have any prior DUI offenses. While the law in Pennsylvania treats first DUI offenses with the recognition that people… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | November 5, 2021 | Criminal Law

If you have been charged with a violent crime in Chester County, Pennsylvania, you need to identify all of the potential defenses that you might raise. Violent crimes in Pennsylvania can result in serious penalties. Depending on your charges, you could face decades in prison… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | November 1, 2021 | DUI

If you are convicted of a DUI, it can cause ongoing problems in your life for some time. In addition to the criminal penalties you might face, a DUI conviction could also result in problems with employment and increases in your insurance costs. Thankfully, however,… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | October 27, 2021 | Assault

Assault against an officer in Pennsylvania is a serious crime and can result in years in prison. Assaulting a police officer can transform what might otherwise be a misdemeanor simple assault into an aggravated felony assault and is considered to be a crime of violence…. read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | October 25, 2021 | Criminal Law

Whether you might be charged with a domestic violence or non-domestic violence offense depends on the relationship between you and the alleged victim. A broad variety of offenses can be charged as domestic violence offenses, and Pennsylvania does not have a separately defined crime called… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | October 22, 2021 | DUI

Some people in Pennsylvania are charged with DUIs when they are visiting other states. If you have been convicted of a DUI in another state, you might wonder how it might affect you in Pennsylvania. Each state has its own DUI laws. When you get… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | October 20, 2021 | DUI

If you are convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania, you will have to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment before you are sentenced. This assessment is used by the courts to determine any treatment that might be needed. There are also some DUI programs that… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | October 19, 2021 | Weapons

In Pennsylvania, knowingly lying on a firearm application can lead to serious trouble. Anyone who tries to buy a gun from a retail store must undergo a state and federal background check. If you lie on your application form in connection to your background check,… read more

ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | October 18, 2021 | Child Pornography

Child pornography offenses in Pennsylvania are serious felony crimes. In addition to the potential for a long prison sentence and lifetime sex offender registration, being accused of child pornography can also lead to significant social stigma, job loss, problems finding housing, and other ongoing problems…. read more