Assault

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Criminal Defense Law Office

Assault is defined as: the threat or attempt of force or battery on another that causes the victim to have a reasonable apprehension of imminent harm. In criminal law, assault is defined as an attempt to commit battery, requiring the specific intent to cause physical injury. If you are currently being investigated for or have been charged with the crime of assault it would be in your best interest to hire a skilled attorney immediately. An assault charge is extremely serious and can result in the immediate loss of your freedom.

Assault could be classified as simple assault or aggravated assault. A simple assault is one where there is no intention to do any other injury. Aggravated assault is one that has in addition to the bare intention to commit it, another object which is also criminal. Using a weapon such as a knife or gun can therefore constitute aggravated assault.

Assault is considered a violent crime in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Being accused of assault can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Either charge could result in jail time, fines, and restitution to the victim, counseling, parole and a mark on your criminal record for life. It can also result in the loss of your rights to own a firearm, loss of employment, lifetime revocation of your driver’s license and a damaged reputation.

Terroristic Threats Charges

Verbal or written threats to invict bodily harm or physical damage to property.

Have you been accused of making terrorist threats? A terrorist threat is a threat to commit any crime of violence with the purpose of (1) terrorizing another, (2) Causing the evacuation of a building, public or assembly, or facility of public transportation, (3) causing serious public inconvenience, or (4) recklessly disregarding the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. In today’s society, a conviction of terrorist threats can have very severe consequences. Those severe consequences can include long term incarceration in a state prison, heavy fines, restitution, parole and a criminal conviction on your record for life.

You are in need of an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with making terrorist threats. Terrorist threats are a severe violation of Pennsylvania and New Jersey law. At the Law Offices of Perry Liss, we pride ourselves in offering excellent and reliable criminal defense services. We have exceptional skill and can use aggressive tactics when it comes to defending the rights of our clients. We are committed to providing you with the most effective defense for your case and the best outcome possible.

Terroristic threat charges are not taken lightly in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We will provide you with the best criminal defense possible for your terroristic threat case.

Drug Possession

Oftentimes, if drugs are found in your possession you may be charged by law enforcement with drug sales (possession with intent to sell) as well, even if the drugs were for your own personal use. The differences in the charges that can be brought against you for drug crimes are extreme. You could be looking at a virtual slap on the wrist or a lifetime behind bars. Penalties for a drug charge are based on the type and amount of drug in your possession, intent to sell, or distribute, your past criminal arrests and the circumstances surrounding your case.

In the unfortunate circumstance that you have become entangled with the law due to a drug possession charge, you should hire a professional and qualified attorney who understands your issues and can help you through them. At the Law Offices of Perry Liss, we can do that and more.

Robbery

A robbery accusation is very serious in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Robbery is the illegal taking of property from someone else’s personal possession by using violence or intimidation. Robbery is categorized as either aggravated robbery, armed robbery, or simple robbery. Robbery is divided by first degree robbery or second degree robbery. First degree robbery is any robbery that takes place in an inhabited dwelling, vessel or trailer and/or used against the operator of a vehicle; it also refers to an ATM robbery or a carjacking. Second degree robbery refers to all other types of robbery. A robbery charge is typically a felony offense and carries various penalties which may include:

In addition, if you are convicted of robbery in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey , you will lose your rights to purchase or have in your possession any type of firearm. A robbery conviction could also affect your future employment opportunities, right to vote and overall reputation within your community. You need to protect yourself and your future by hiring an aggressive criminal defense attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Perry Liss, we have the qualifications to uphold your rights and protect your freedom.

Theft Crimes

Southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys

A theft crime is the unlawful taking and removing of another’s personal property with the intent of depriving him or her of it. It is also referred to as “stealing” and can consist of the following charges: larceny, burglary, embezzlement, identity theft, shoplifting, etc. At the Law Offices of Perry Liss we defend all types of theft crimes charges, and will fight for you every step of the way.

If you are in need of a theft crimes lawyer, contact us today. We will look over the charges against you, determine a plan and begin the steps necessary in ensuring a proper defense for your theft crimes case. We pride ourselves in providing our clients with compassionate and caring representation. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.

Southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Children often make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes can have devastating results and turn a family upside down. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, juvenile crime is on the rise with our youth. Children are being investigated and are arrested daily for all types of criminal behavior. In some cases your child may become wrongly accused, or he or she may have been at the wrong place at the wrong time. Regardless of the charges, it is important that you hire immediate legal representation for your son or daughter.

At the Law Offices of Perry Liss our attorneys believe that everyone deserves a second chance, especially minors. We will investigate the charges against your child and we will make every attempt to have the charges reduced or dismissed completely. In the unfortunate event that your child’s case goes before a judge, we will ask for counseling or a rehabilitation program instead of incarceration.

A juvenile record can affect your child’s future and ruin his or her chances at employment and getting into a college of their choice. In some juvenile cases, children can be tried as an adult and sentenced to prison. By hiring an attorney you can give your child a fighting chance. The Law Offices of Perry Liss have your child’s best interests in mind and will protect your child and your child’s rights to provide a winning outcome for his or her juvenile crimes case.

DUI/DWI

DUI Defense In Pennsylvania and New Jersey driving with a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. If you are stopped by a police officer you can be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence). First, the officer will need to determine whether or not you are under the influence by performing one or more of several field sobriety tests. The tests can range from a walk and turn test to a more extensive test such as a blood, breath or urine test. Refusal to perform any of these tests when asked by the officer will most likely result in your immediate arrest and being booked in a county jail for DUI. A DUI charge and conviction can have dramatic affects on your future. An attorney experienced in defending people charged with driving under the influence will be able to help keep you out of jail.

Consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs vary depending on how many previous convictions you have. Best case scenario, you get into the ARD program, or a similar diversionary program and never get a conviction. However, the possible penalties for DUI include jail time, fines, loss of license, community service, and more.

At the Law Offices of Perry Liss, we will fight for you and are determined to keep you out of jail. We will look at the facts surrounding your DUI charge and will question the allegations against you. We will challenge any field sobriety tests administered and will use their education and knowledge of Pennsylvania and New Jersey DUI laws to obtain the best possible outcome for you.

If you are in need of an experienced DUI defense attorney, contact our firm immediately. We understand all areas of criminal defense in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and will use our experience to aggressively defend the charges against you. We may even be able to have the charges against you lowered or dropped completely.

Domestic Violence

Experienced Pennsylvania and New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer

Abusing your spouse, intimate partner, grandparents or child physically or emotionally can result in charges of domestic violence being filed. The definition of domestic violence is the use of physical force, usually accompanied by fury, vehemence, or outrage; especially physical force unlawfully exercised, with the intent to harm a spouse, loved one or cohabitant both mentally and physically. Domestic violence is a very serious crime in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the damage caused to another individual both physically and mentally can have emotionally devastating repercussions.

If you are currently being investigated for, or have been accused of or formally charged with domestic violence it would be in your best interest to retain the services of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. It is important because a criminal defense attorney will strengthen your case by using his or her experience, skill, education and superior knowledge of Pennsylvania and New Jersey criminal law when defending your case before a judge in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey courts.

Domestic violence can include sexual abuse, intimidation, threats or deprivation of daily human activities and rights. If you are convicted of domestic violence you will face jail time, restitution, fines, probation, counseling and a mark on your criminal record for life. You can also lose your rights to employment within government agencies and elsewhere, carry a handgun and many other rights that the most citizens are able to benefit from. The Law Offices of Perry Liss will provide you with excellent criminal defense for your domestic violence charge.

Criminal Information

A criminal record could cause problems in an employment opportunity, even if you have been only charged once for a crime. Sometimes even the least serious crimes may prevent you from obtaining certain types of employment or could cause you to lose your job. Also, a charge can be used against you if you are charged for a crime again in the future.

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What is a Crime?

A crime is an action that is against the law or ignoring an action that is required by law. Committing a crime can subject you to penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or both. The more serious the crime, the more severe the penalty. Crimes are divided into three major groups: summary offenses, misdemeanors and felonies.

Summary offenses include most traffic violations, disorderly conduct and first-offense shoplifting. Summary charges are brought against a person through a citation from a police officer (as in the case of most traffic violations) or by a summons from a magisterial district judge to appear and answer to charges.

If the person charged wants a hearing, it is held by the magisterial district judge. If that person is found guilty and a fine or prison sentence is imposed, he/she can appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the charge was filed. The appeal must be made promptly or the opportunity to appeal will be lost.

Another possibility for the handling of summary offenses recently has been put into effect. This procedure is known as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, or "ARD." Prior to a hearing in a summary offense matter, you should discuss the possibility of ARD with your lawyer.

In cases of misdemeanor and felony charges, there will be a preliminary hearing before a magisterial district judge. This is not a trial. The magisterial district judge does not determine guilt or innocence in cases of misdemeanors or felonies, but determines only if the commonwealth is able to make out a charge that should be tried in court. If so, the trial is then held in the Common Pleas Court of the county where the charges are filed.

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What if I am stopped by a police officer?

Police may ask you to identify yourself or question you briefly without arresting you. They may also issue a citation to you for a summary offense. If an officer takes you into custody or otherwise deprives you of your freedom, informs you of your rights or that you are under arrest and indicates that you are being held for a crime, you have been arrested.

It is a crime to resist arrest by the police. The officer may use reasonable force if necessary to make the arrest. You should not resist an officer arresting you or interfere in the arrest of another person. If you think that your rights are being violated, remember exactly what is being done and tell your lawyer about it as soon as possible.

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When can the police conduct a search?

Not all police searches require a search warrant. Rest assured, you do not have to give your consent to search. If you consent or allow police to search you or your property, they do not need a warrant and any evidence found may be used against you. If you are arrested, the police do not need a warrant or your consent to search. Prior to an arrest, police may conduct a "pat-down" to determine if a person is carrying a weapon. A warrant or consent is not necessary for this search. Also, after an arrest, police are allowed to "frisk" a person to determine whether he/she is carrying weapons or other illegal items. Police are also permitted to search the immediate area.

A warrant or consent also is not needed in what are called "exigent" circumstances. Exigent circumstances arise when police officers are faced with what reasonably appears to be an emergency demanding an immediate search. This may happen when valuable evidence would otherwise be lost or damaged or when a suspected criminal is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained. In any of these situations you should not obstruct or resist a search.

There are other instances in which the police are not legally required to obtain a warrant or your consent prior to a "search and seizure." If you feel that the police have improperly searched you or your property, you should discuss the matter with a lawyer.

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What if I am charged with a crime?

When you are charged with a crime, especially a misdemeanor or felony, you have certain rights. The two most important rights you have are the right to remain silent and the right to have a lawyer present at all stages of the process. You should be aware of these rights and remember them. They apply not only after you've been charged with a crime, but also even if you are suspected of having committed a crime. Therefore, if you are being arrested or interrogated, always invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney rather than answering questions from the police on your own.

The most important things to remember when you have been charged or think you will be charged with a crime are: