Reading Criminal Defense Lawyer

Aggressive representation when you are charged with a crime

You need quality legal defense right away when you are arrested in Berks County. David R. Eshelman defends all criminal cases, drug charges, drunk driving and motor vehicle charges. If you are in custody in the Berks County jail, Mr. Eshelman responds promptly and meets with you at the jail. You can also contact Mr. Eshelman if you have been released on bail and need to know what happens next.

Drug charges

A conviction on Pennsylvania drug charges can restrict your freedom in the short term and further impact your life in the long term. Depending on the amount of illegal drugs you are accused of having and what happened, you may be charged with:

  • Drug possession
  • Drug possession with intent to deliver
  • Drug delivery

You may have difficulty maintaining your job or securing future employment with a drug conviction on your record. Reading criminal defense attorney David R. Eshelman helps you decide if a plea bargain or a trial is in your best interests.

Even for first offenders, sentences on drug convictions can include mandatory minimum sentences based on drug quantity as well as location of drug possession with intent to deliver or delivery, such as within 1000 feet of a school (two-year mandatory minimum sentence if requested by the prosecution). You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine your situation and what might be done to avoid going to jail.

Drunk driving

A DUI/DWI arrest must be handled very carefully. When you are facing DUI charges for the first time, David R. Eshelman can help you explore Berks County rehabilitation programs that reduce or eliminate your jail time. Trial, however, is always an option if you do not qualify for the programs. Learn more about Berks County DUI/DWI.

Motor vehicle charges

Motor vehicle charges can be more serious than you realize, especially if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Convictions can send you to jail and/or put points on your license. Additionally, your auto insurance premiums may increase or your insurer may drop you altogether. You can get help from David R. Eshelman, one of the most experienced criminal defense lawyers in Berks County. He can help you fight your traffic charges and avoid serious consequences.

Driver’s license suspension

Your license may be suspended for many different reasons, including:

  • Drug convictions
  • Drunk driving arrests
  • Motor vehicle convictions
  • Breathalyzer or blood test refusal
  • Underage drinking charges

David R. Eshelman can appeal your license suspension if the facts warrant an appeal.

Pennsylvania assigns points to certain traffic convictions, and based on an accumulation of points, your license can be suspended or you can be ordered to take an examination. Some convictions carry automatic suspensions. You should consult an attorney and learn the consequences before you plead guilty, especially if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Even speeding violations can have more serious consequences for CDL operators compared to Class C licensees.

If you do receive notice of license suspension from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), it is again important to take prompt action because you have only 30 days to file a written appeal with the county court of common pleas. The 30 days runs from the mail date of the letter, not the date of receipt. It will be no defense if you do not receive the notice of suspension if you have moved and did not notify PennDOT of your new address within 15 days.

Expungements

An encounter with the criminal justice system leaves a mark on your personal history. Even if you were not convicted, the record of your arrest and prosecution is usually retained by the courts. You may face future challenges when you are asked to submit to background checks. But in certain cases, records of your criminal matter may be eliminated. Learn more about how David R. Eshelman can help you accomplish this through expungement.

Choose an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Berks County

No matter what crime you have been charged with, Mr. Eshelman can and will represent you. For prompt assistance and skilled criminal defense, contact the Law Office of David R. Eshelman at 1-877-442-9704.