When the Government Accuses You of a Crime
A criminal charge can affect your freedom long before a trial occurs. Bail restrictions, license problems, missed work, public records, and damage to personal relationships may begin almost immediately.
Grace Legal Offices helps people understand the accusations against them and the choices available at every stage of the case.
We represent clients in Lebanon, Palmyra, Annville, Cleona, Myerstown, Cornwall, Jonestown, Richland, Fredericksburg, and throughout Lebanon County.
Need an advocate to protect you or a loved one's legal rights? Contact Grace Legal Offices today for a free consultation.
Lebanon County Criminal Court
Criminal and juvenile filings are maintained by the Lebanon County Clerk of Courts. The Clerk of Courts and Court of Common Pleas offices are located in the Lebanon County Municipal Building at 400 South Eighth Street in Lebanon.
A criminal case may begin before a Magisterial District Judge and proceed through:
- Preliminary arraignment
- Bail
- Preliminary hearing
- Formal arraignment
- Pretrial conferences
- Motion practice
- Plea discussions
- Trial
- Sentencing
Each stage presents different deadlines and strategic considerations.
Criminal Defense Services
Our attorneys defend allegations involving:
- DUI
- Drug offenses
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Strangulation
- Harassment
- Theft and retail theft
- Burglary
- Gun and weapons offenses
- Sex crimes
- Property crimes
- Juvenile charges
- Probation violations
- PFA-related allegations
- State and federal offenses
We do not begin with the assumption that the police report tells the entire story.
What a Defense Lawyer Does
A criminal defense attorney can:
- Review the complaint and affidavit of probable cause
- Investigate the factual allegations
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence
- Prepare for a preliminary hearing
- Challenge unconstitutional police conduct
- Negotiate when doing so serves the client
- Prepare the case for trial
- Advise the client about collateral consequences
Collateral consequences may involve employment, professional licensing, education, immigration, housing, firearm rights, and driver’s-license status.
Need an advocate to protect you or a loved one's legal rights? Contact Grace Legal Offices today for a free consultation.
Search-and-Seizure Issues
The Fourth Amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Depending on the facts, questions may include:
- Did police have a lawful reason for the stop?
- Was there probable cause to search?
- Was consent freely and voluntarily given?
- Did a warrant describe the proper location and evidence?
- Did police exceed the scope of the warrant?
- Was the person detained longer than legally permitted?
If evidence was obtained unlawfully, the defense may seek to suppress it.
The Right to Remain Silent
People frequently try to talk their way out of an accusation. Unfortunately, statements can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or used to fill gaps in the investigation.
Clearly state that you want an attorney and that you are exercising your right to remain silent.
Do not lie to investigators. Simply stop answering substantive questions until you have legal counsel.
Honest Advice and Determined Advocacy
An attorney should not guarantee an outcome or tell you only what you want to hear. Effective representation requires an honest assessment of the evidence, risks, defenses, and possible outcomes.
Grace Legal Offices has received recognition for criminal defense and client satisfaction. Client reviews frequently describe the firm as knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and compassionate.
Need an advocate to protect you or a loved one's legal rights? Contact Grace Legal Offices today for a free consultation.
Speak With a Lebanon County Criminal Defense Attorney
Do not wait until immediately before a hearing to learn what the charges mean.
Contact Grace Legal Offices to schedule a consultation about an arrest, investigation, preliminary hearing, or criminal charge in Lebanon County.