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State Criminal Defense Litigation for Pennsylvania

Experienced and aggressive former prosecutor defends charges in PA

Although federal criminal investigations and prosecutions make big headlines, most criminal cases fall under state law and are tried in the courts of the state where the offense is committed. While there is considerable commonality from state to state, significant differences exist:

  • Categories of crimes
  • Sentencing guidelines
  • Mandatory minimum sentences
  • Court rules and procedures
  • Death penalty availability

To mount a successful defense that upholds your due process rights and aggressively challenges the state’s case against you, your attorney must have significant experience in the state courts where you are charged. Attorney David Jay Glassman has more than 40 years of criminal defense trial experience in state courts throughout Pennsylvania. When you call the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman, you get the benefit of aggressive advocacy, quick thinking and innovative strategic planning.

What offenses are typically charged as state crimes?

Unless a crime has elements to it that justify federal prosecution, it is a state crime. Pennsylvania has abolished common-law offenses, so any charged crime must be a violation of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Code. Pennsylvania arranges state crimes in this manner:

  • Inchoate crimes — These are crimes of preparation or crimes the perpetrator fails to complete, such as criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, illegal possession of an offensive weapon, and illegal possession of master keys or burglary tools.
  • Offenses involving danger to a person — Crimes that violate another person’s health and safety include homicide, assault, rape, kidnapping and human trafficking.
  • Offenses against property — Crimes where the object is primarily the destruction or illegal taking of property include arson, vandalism, illegal dumping, burglary, robbery, theft, forgery and fraud.
  • Offenses against the family — Acts that violate the state’s interest in family integrity and child welfare include bigamy, incest, concealing the death of a child, child endangerment, and infant trafficking.
  • Offenses against public administration — Crimes that violate the public trust include bribery, corruption, perjury, witness intimidation, obstructing governmental operations and abuse of office.
  • Offenses against public order and decency — Crimes that disturb the peace or offend the sensibilities of individuals include rioting, disorderly conduct, cruelty to animals, illegal gambling, wiretapping, planting mobile tracking devices, public lewdness, and prostitution.
  • Miscellaneous offenses — Various crimes ranging from firearms violations to computer crimes.

Pennsylvania crimes are charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the circumstances.

We are ready to defend state criminal charges throughout Pennsylvania

If you’ve been charged with a state crime in Pennsylvania, call the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman. Our firm brings more than 40 years of defense litigation experience to the fight for your freedom. For a consultation, call 215-563-7100 today or contact us online.