Common Criminal Arrests in Chambersburg
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and frightening. In Chambersburg and throughout Franklin County, common types of arrests include:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Arrests for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana, or illegal substances. DUI penalties escalate with higher BAC levels and repeat offenses.
- Drug Crimes: Including simple possession, possession with intent to deliver (PWID), drug trafficking, or possession of drug paraphernalia. Drug charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies carrying long prison sentences.
- Theft and Property Crimes: Charges such as retail theft, burglary, robbery, receiving stolen property, and criminal trespass. The value of stolen property often determines the severity of the offense.
- Assault and Violent Crimes: Simple assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and battery charges often lead to serious penalties and no-contact orders.
- Weapons Offenses: Crimes related to illegal firearm possession, carrying a firearm without a permit, or using a weapon during the commission of another crime.
- Probation Violations: Arrests for failing to meet probation terms, such as failing drug tests, missing meetings, or committing new offenses.
- Traffic Violations and Reckless Driving: Although often seen as minor, serious traffic offenses like fleeing from the police or reckless endangerment can carry jail time.
Even a first-time arrest can have life-altering consequences. Our attorneys at Mooney Law take every case seriously and work to limit — or eliminate — the impact on your future.
Types of Cases We Handle
At Mooney Law, we provide aggressive defense representation for a wide variety of criminal charges, including:
- DUI and DWI Offenses: Defending first-time offenders, multiple DUI offenders, underage DUI, commercial driver DUIs, and felony-level DUI cases.
- Drug Offenses: From marijuana possession to major heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, or prescription drug trafficking charges.
- Assault, Battery, and Domestic Violence: Defending against simple assault, aggravated assault, domestic battery, and harassment allegations.
- Theft, Burglary, and Robbery: Protecting clients facing charges involving theft from individuals, businesses, or residences.
- Gun and Firearms Offenses: Representing clients charged with illegal possession, carrying without a license, or firearm enhancements linked to other crimes.
- Juvenile Offenses: Helping minors accused of drug possession, theft, underage drinking, assault, or other offenses, focusing on rehabilitation whenever possible.
- White Collar Crimes: Representing individuals accused of fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, or forgery.
No matter the charge, Mooney Law provides tough, strategic legal defense focused on preserving your freedom and minimizing the long-term consequences of an arrest.
What to Do After Being Arrested
The actions you take immediately after your arrest can impact the outcome of your case. Here is what you should do:
- Remain Silent: Exercise your right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer police questions until your attorney is present.
- Request an Attorney: Insist on speaking with a criminal defense lawyer before answering any questions, no matter how minor they seem.
- Stay Calm and Cooperate: Resisting arrest or becoming argumentative can result in additional charges. Stay composed and respectful.
- Do Not Discuss the Case: Avoid discussing the arrest with friends, family, or over jail telephones — calls are recorded and monitored.
- Document What You Remember: As soon as possible, write down the details of the arrest, including what officers said or did, to help your defense attorney prepare your case.
The sooner you involve Mooney Law after an arrest, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin building your defense.
Understanding DUI Charges in Pennsylvania
DUI charges in Pennsylvania are categorized based on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) and the presence of controlled substances. The three tiers of DUI offenses are:
- General Impairment (0.08% to 0.099% BAC): Penalties may include probation, fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, and possible license suspension.
- High BAC (0.10% to 0.159% BAC): Punishments increase, often requiring longer license suspensions, higher fines, and mandatory jail time for repeat offenders.
- Highest BAC (0.16% and above or drug impairment): The most serious DUI category, involving harsh penalties including mandatory jail time, heavy fines, and extended license revocation.
Pennsylvania also applies enhanced penalties for DUI offenses involving accidents, injuries, minors in the vehicle, or prior DUI convictions. A DUI conviction can impact on your insurance rates, professional licenses, and even future employment opportunities.
First-time offenders may be eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which can lead to the dismissal and expungement of charges after successful completion. Our attorneys thoroughly review the legality of the traffic stop, breathalyzer, or blood test procedures, and whether your constitutional rights were violated in building a powerful defense.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal and DUI Defense
Q: How soon after arrest should I hire a criminal defense lawyer? A: Immediately. Early representation gives your lawyer more time to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors.
Q: Can DUI charges be reduced to a lesser offense? A: Yes. Charges may be reduced if there were errors in police procedure, problems with breath or blood tests, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Q: Will I go to jail for a first DUI? A: It depends. Some first-time offenders may avoid jail through ARD programs, but certain circumstances like high BAC or accidents can mandate incarceration.
Q: What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer in Pennsylvania? A: Refusing chemical testing results in automatic license suspension under Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law, regardless of the outcome of criminal charges.
Q: Can a criminal record ever be expunged? A: Some charges may qualify for expungement, especially first-time offenses resolved through diversionary programs like ARD. We help clients clear their records whenever possible.
Why Choose Mooney Law for Your Chambersburg Criminal Defense?
At Mooney Law, we understand the devastating impact criminal charges have on your future. Clients across Pennsylvania trust us because we offer:
- Aggressive Defense Strategies: We challenge the evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Extensive Courtroom Experience: Our attorneys have years of experience defending cases before Franklin County judges and juries.
- Personalized Case Attention: Every case is unique — we tailor defense strategies based on your specific circumstances and goals.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: We negotiate skillfully with prosecutors to minimize charges and penalties whenever possible.
- Commitment to Results: Our goal is to protect your rights, your record, and your future — with the least possible disruption to your life.
Take Immediate Action – Your Future Depends on It
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Chambersburg, the worst thing you can do is wait. The prosecutor is already building a case against you. You need an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney to start fighting for you now. Contact Mooney Law today for a confidential consultation. We are ready to defend your rights, minimize the consequences, and guide you back toward a brighter future.