Understanding Criminal Defense
Being charged with a crime, or learning that you are under investigation, can leave you with many questions about what happens next. The decisions made early in a criminal case can matter, and understanding what you are facing is an important first step.
Dethlefs Pykosh & Murphy represents individuals facing criminal charges in Harrisburg and throughout Central Pennsylvania. From DUI and drug offenses to serious felony and homicide cases, our criminal defense attorneys help clients understand the charges against them, evaluate their options and make informed decisions about how to move forward.
Every criminal case is different. Our role is to listen, examine the circumstances carefully, explain what to expect and develop a strategy based on the facts of your case.
Criminal Defense for a Wide Range of Charges
Representation for Misdemeanors, Felonies & Serious Criminal Matters
Criminal charges can range from relatively minor offenses to allegations carrying significant penalties and long-term consequences. Our attorneys represent clients across a broad range of criminal matters in Pennsylvania state courts.
DUI Defense
A DUI charge can affect your driving privileges and may carry fines, license suspension and other penalties depending on the circumstances. Our attorneys represent individuals facing DUI charges and evaluate the facts surrounding the stop, arrest, testing and other evidence involved in the case.
Firearms & Weapons Charges
Pennsylvania and federal firearms laws can be complex, and weapons allegations may arise on their own or in connection with other criminal charges. Understanding the specific charge and the evidence supporting it is essential to developing an appropriate defense strategy.
Assault & Violent Crimes
Our attorneys represent individuals accused of assault and other violent offenses. These cases can involve conflicting accounts of what occurred, questions about intent, witness testimony and other evidence that requires careful review.
Theft & Property Crimes
Theft allegations can range from relatively minor offenses to serious felony charges. The value and type of property involved, the circumstances surrounding the allegations and a person’s prior record may all affect the case.
Sex Crimes
Allegations involving sexual offenses can carry serious criminal and personal consequences. Our attorneys represent clients facing sex-crime investigations and charges and provide confidential guidance throughout the legal process.
White-Collar & Financial Crimes
Financial and white-collar investigations may involve complicated records, transactions and allegations of fraud or other financial wrongdoing. The firm represents clients facing these charges in state and, where applicable, federal court.
Homicide & Serious Felonies
Our experienced attorneys at DPM handle serious felony matters, including homicide cases. When the potential consequences are significant, thorough preparation and careful examination of the prosecution’s evidence are critical.
Our attorneys also handle other criminal matters, including traffic and non-traffic citations, expungements and appeals.
Jonathan White
Victor Schleich
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys
Get to know Attorneys Jonathan White and Victor Schleich.
Years Experience
Awards
Criminal Defense Throughout Central Pennsylvania
Serving Dauphin, Cumberland, York & Surrounding Counties
Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients in Harrisburg and throughout Central Pennsylvania.
Jonathan White and Victor Schleich primarily handle criminal matters in Dauphin, Cumberland and York counties and regularly represent clients in Adams, Franklin, Perry and Lancaster counties.
Because criminal cases are handled within the county or federal jurisdiction where charges are filed, experience with Pennsylvania’s criminal court system and an understanding of the process can help clients know what to expect as their cases move forward.
State and Federal Criminal Defense
Experience in Pennsylvania & Federal Courts
Our attorneys represent clients facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania state courts, while Attorney Jonathan White also maintains an extensive federal criminal defense practice.
Jonathan represents clients in federal criminal matters before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Federal criminal cases are handled within a different court system and can involve different procedures, prosecutors, investigative agencies and sentencing considerations than cases brought in Pennsylvania state court.
If you are facing a federal investigation or have been charged with a federal crime, understanding those differences is an important part of evaluating your situation and determining what comes next.
Criminal Defense Focused on the Client
Clear Answers. Personal Attention. Prepared Advocacy.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. We help clients understand their options, navigate the legal process, and make informed decisions at every stage of their case.
Experience That Matters
Jonathan White and Victor Schleich handle criminal matters ranging from DUI and misdemeanors to serious felonies and homicide cases, including hearings and trials.
Clear Guidance
We explain the charges, court procedures, and available options so you understand what to expect and can make informed decisions.
Personal Attention & Communication
We take the time to understand your circumstances, answer your questions, and keep you informed as your case progresses.
Prepared, Strategic Advocacy
We evaluate the evidence, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and prepare a defense tailored to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facing criminal charges can raise important questions about your rights, potential penalties, and legal options. Dethlefs Pykosh & Murphy have compiled answers to common questions about criminal defense to help you better understand the legal process and make informed decisions about your case. Have a question that isn’t answered here? Contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
What Happens After You Are Charged with a Crime in Pennsylvania?
Know What to Except
The criminal court process can be confusing, particularly if you have never been charged with a crime before. What happens next depends on the charges, where the case was filed and the specific circumstances involved.
A Pennsylvania criminal case may involve several stages, including an arraignment, bail determination, preliminary hearing, formal arraignment, pretrial proceedings and, in some cases, trial. Not every case follows exactly the same path.
An attorney can help you understand where your case stands, what may happen next and what decisions may need to be made along the way. That guidance can be particularly important before speaking with investigators, entering a plea or making other decisions that could affect your case.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
A Strategy Based on Your Circumstances
Effective criminal defense begins with understanding the case, and not making assumptions about it. A defense attorney can examine the charges and evidence, identify legal issues and help you understand the options that may be available.
Understanding the Charges and Potential Consequences
Your attorney can explain what the Commonwealth or federal government must prove and what the charges could mean for you.
Reviewing the Evidence
Police reports, witness statements, body-camera or other video, physical evidence, laboratory or chemical testing, digital records and other information may all play a role in a criminal case.
Evaluating How Evidence Was Obtained
The circumstances surrounding a traffic stop, search, seizure, interrogation or arrest may raise important legal questions. A criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether law enforcement followed the required procedures and whether your constitutional rights are implicated.
Developing a Defense Strategy
There is no single defense strategy that applies to every criminal case. The appropriate approach depends on the evidence, applicable law, potential consequences and your individual circumstances and objectives.
Advocating Throughout the Case
Representation may include negotiations, court hearings, pretrial motions, trial and, when appropriate, appeals. Our attorneys prepare each case with an understanding of both the immediate issues and what may come next.
What Should I Do If I’m Charged With a Crime in Pennsylvania?
Start by making sure you understand exactly what you have been charged with and what deadlines or court appearances may be approaching. Avoid making assumptions about the outcome based solely on the charge. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney can help you understand the allegations, the process ahead and the options that may be available based on your circumstances.
Should I Talk to Police Before I’m Arrested?
No, not without speaking with an attorney first. If law enforcement wants to question you about a matter in which you may be a suspect or target, what you say could affect the investigation or a future criminal case. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions can help you understand your rights and determine how to respond.
When Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney?
As soon as possible after contact with police. You do not need to wait until charges have been filed. If law enforcement has contacted you about an investigation, you believe you may be under investigation, or you have already been charged with a crime, speaking with a criminal defense attorney early can help you understand your rights, what may happen next and how to respond.
What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Pennsylvania?
Both misdemeanors and felonies are criminal offenses, but felonies are generally more serious and can carry greater potential penalties. Pennsylvania also divides offenses into different degrees, which can affect the possible sentence. The specific charge and degree matter when evaluating the potential consequences of a case.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dismissed?
Charges may be dismissed in some cases, but there is no guarantee that a particular case will be dismissed. The answer depends on the evidence, applicable law and circumstances surrounding the charges. A defense attorney can review the case to identify evidentiary, procedural or legal issues that may affect how it proceeds.
Does Dethlefs Pykosh & Murphy Handle Federal Criminal Cases?
Yes. Attorney Jonathan White represents clients in federal criminal matters in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in addition to his Pennsylvania state criminal-defense practice.
Understand What Comes Next
Talk With a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime or believe you may be under investigation, understanding your situation is the first step toward deciding what to do next.
Our criminal defense attorneys can review the circumstances of your case, explain the charges and legal process, answer your questions and discuss the options that may be available.
Ask us anything about your case! We are here to help.
Pennsylvania DUI Laws & Penalties: What You Need to Know
A DUI charge in Pennsylvania can carry consequences that go well beyond a fine. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction may...
Is There an Alternative Way My First DUI Might Be Handled? Understanding ARD in Pennsylvania
If you have been charged with DUI for the first time in Pennsylvania, one of your biggest concerns may be whether a conviction,...