717-435-8830
Lancaster Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have ended up on the wrong side of the law, you need skilled counsel fighting for you. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important that you hire a defense attorney who understands the gravity of the charges levied against you.
At the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh, our successful case outcomes speak for themselves. With over 15 years of experience helping individuals avoid incarceration and steep fines, we are ready to assist you during this stressful time.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our office handles any of the following types of criminal cases:
- DUI (first time and multiple offenses)
- Assault and battery
- Simple drug possession
- Possession with intent to deliver
- Expungements and pardons
- Weapons offenses
- Domestic violence offenses
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Pennsylvania and 48 other states (except for Utah, which has a BAC limit of .05%) make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or greater. Pennsylvania law recognizes three tiers of impairment.
If convicted, your punishment will be contingent upon your past DUI history, your BAC, and if you refuse a blood or breath test. However, a solid defense can help you avoid a lengthy prison sentence.
Potential DUI penalties include:
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- License suspension up to 18 months
- 72 hours to 5 years in prison
- $300 to $10,000 fine
- Court-ordered treatment
- Alcohol highway safety school
White-Collar Crimes
Characterized as crimes committed by businesspersons and politicians, federal agencies such as the FBI are heavily involved in conducting these criminal investigations. Common examples of white-collar crimes include:
- Health care fraud: Submitting fraudulent claims to deceive a health care program to receive benefits.
- Money laundering: The act of making illegally earned money look “clean” by disguising its true source.
- Mortgage and financial institution fraud: A deliberate misrepresentation or omission of information that targets banks and other financial institutions. It can be performed by borrowers to secure a mortgage or real estate professionals to steal funds in a real estate transaction.
- Intellectual property theft: The robbery of ideas, inventions, and trade secrets to gain a financial advantage.
- Corporate fraud: The falsification of a company’s financial information and conditions committed by individuals or a corporation to gain an unfair advantage.
These crimes can be charged at the state or federal level. If you have been accused of committing a white-collar crime, our office has experience dealing with law enforcement and the FBI regarding such matters.
Simple Assault
Pa.C.S. § 2701 defines simple assault as attempting to cause, or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, causing another person bodily injury. Trying to intimidate someone by threatening bodily injury also constitutes simple assault.
Simple assault is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by two years in prison and a fine of $5,000. However, if the altercation was entered into mutually, then you will be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor. If found guilty, you may be imprisoned for three months and fined $5,000.
If the victim of the assault was under 12 years old and you are over the age of 18, then you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. If convicted, you may be imprisoned for five years and fined $10,000.
Aggravated Assault
A person will be charged with aggravated assault if he or she attempts to cause, or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, causes serious bodily injury to another person. There must be evidence that the person shows an “extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
In most circumstances, aggravated assault is a first-degree felony, punishable by 20 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. If the offense is committed against a police officer, then you will be guilty of a second-degree felony. You may be imprisoned for ten years and fined up to $25,000.
Simple Possession
Being in possession of a controlled substance that was not prescribed by a medical professional is illegal. Even a first offense carries jail time of one year and a $5,000 fine. If it is your second or third offense, you could be incarcerated for three years and potentially be fined $25,000.
Possession with Intent to Deliver
Possession with intent to deliver (PWID) involves the selling or trafficking of drugs. Even though state law has legalized the recreational use of marijuana, if you have a large amount, this is an indication that you intend to sell or distribute it.
Under 18 Pa.C.S. §7508.1 (iii), if you have 50 pounds or more of marijuana (or at least 51 marijuana plants) and are convicted under the law, you will be incarcerated for five years or fined $50,000.
Expungements and Pardons
Granted by the Governor, a pardon begins the expungement process for a former convict. When a crime is expunged, the criminal record associated with a past transgression is erased.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed new legislation that grants an automatic expungement to individuals who have been pardoned by the Governor. This new law updates the Clean Slate initiative, giving ex-convicts a second chance. An expungement allows individuals to have the same opportunities as others, leveling the playing field.
Firearm Offenses
If you are convicted of a firearm offense, you face significant jail time, a loss of voting rights, and a permanent record that will make it nearly impossible to find a well-paying job. Pennsylvania firearm offenses are codified under Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFA).
In Pennsylvania, you can carry a gun in your home or business without a license. However, you are required to transport it unloaded. To legally carry a gun in public, you must obtain a firearm license and be at least 21 years old. Although there are various firearm charges, if you are found guilty of carrying a firearm without a permit, you could be fined $7,000 and sent to prison for up to 15 years.
Domestic Violence
A person who attempts to cause or inflict bodily harm to another household member, family member, sexual partner, or someone who they have a child with is guilty of domestic violence (under the law referred to as domestic abuse).
Depending on the specific offense, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. For instance, a stalking conviction carries a $10,000 fine and five years in prison. However, if you have no prior criminal history, were abused as a child, show remorse, and/or have sought therapy, then a judge may give you a reduced sentence. One misstep should not cost you your freedom. Our Lancaster criminal defense attorney will do whatever it takes to achieve the best possible case outcome.
Speak with Our Lancaster Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, it is crucial that you contact skilled counsel. At the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh, we will work to get your charges reduced or to obtain a plea bargain with favorable terms. To speak with an experienced attorney, contact the office by calling (717) 435-8830 or by filling out our online intake form.