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CRIMINAL DEFENSE 

The attorneys at McVan & Weidenburner have handled numerous criminal matters from preliminary hearings through jury trials.  An experienced criminal defense attorney is essential when you are confronting criminal charges.

With what type of crime were you charged?

Crimes fall into three categories: Summaries, Misdemeanors and Felonies.

 A summary offense is the lowest level offense and usually handled by a citation from a police officer similar to a traffic citation.  However, these offenses can have serious consequences and remain on your record.  For example, underage drinking is a summary offense, but can result in loss of driver’s license and significant fines.

Misdemeanors are offenses more serious than summary offenses, but not as serious as felonies.  Misdemeanors are graded in three levels depending on the severity of the offense.  Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will work to get you the best possible results.  We will explain the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (A.R.D.) Program for you and let you know if it is the best resolution of your case.

Felonies are the most serious offenses and carry the most serious penalties.  Felony offenses are often associated with jail time.  If you are facing a felony, it is essential that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney working on your side.  You need representation at every level.  McVan & Weidenburner will guide you through the preliminary hearing, pre-trial conferences, and your trial.  We will work with the police and the prosecutors to negotiate on your behalf.  We will put our skills to work for you.

What is A.R.D?

A.R.D stands for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition.  It is a program run by the district attorney’s office in each county for first time nonviolent offenders.  A.R.D allows a defendant to enter the program and if completed properly will result in the withdrawal of the charges against the defendant.  The defendant’s criminal record is then eligible to be expunged.

What is an Expungement?

An expungement is the legal process of removing or eliminating your criminal record.  An expungement requires a court order and service on the law enforcement community to destroy the records of your arrest. The experienced criminal defense attorneys of McVan & Weidenburner can determine if you are eligible for an expungement.  Make sure your record is clear for searches by potential employers. 

For help with whatever criminal offense you may be facing, contact us today!  McVan & Weidenburner will fight to protect your rights.

DRUG OFFENSES

Drug Possession versus Possession with Intent to Deliver

The consequences of drug possession and possession with the intent to deliver vary greatly.  Most people do not realize that they can be charged with possession with intent to deliver even for handing a small amount of marijuana to a friend.  You need to know your rights.  Our experienced attorneys will work to get you admitted into a diversionary program to keep your record clean, and to achieve the best possible result that we can.

Are there mandatory sentences?

Possession with intent to deliver, or drug dealing, carries a wide variety of mandatory sentences.  The mandatory sentences can be based on the amount of drugs that are delivered, the location of the delivery, and whether a firearm was involved.  McVan & Weidenburner will work to keep you out of jail.

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