424 Walnut Street, Reading, Pennsylvania 19601-3930
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reading criminal defense lawyers

Providing Effective, Top-Quality Criminal Defense in Reading and Berks County for the Accused

Seeking justice and reduced charges, penalties and sentences for those charged with crimes

If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for a crime in Reading, Pennsylvania, or the Berks County area, David R. Eshelman, A Professional Corporation is prepared to work on your behalf to protect your rights and your freedom. Well-regarded throughout the county and the region, criminal defense attorney David R. Eshelman defends against both misdemeanors and felonies. If your job, your life, and your freedom are on the line, you need an experienced attorney on your side — and you need one before you say one word to the police.

What are the key differences between felonies, misdemeanors, summary offenses and traffic violations?

While traffic violations are fairly self-explanatory, Pennsylvania subdivides crimes into three categories — summary offenses, misdemeanors or felonies — depending on the severity of the crime and the act performed.

  • Summary offenses: A summary offense is any minor crime that is initially heard and decided by a district judge. Many traffic violations are summary offenses, such as speeding, running a red light and illegal parking. This also includes crimes such as underage drinking, disorderly conduct, harassment, and minor first-offense shoplifting.
  • Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors are mid-level crimes in Reading and throughout Pennsylvania, although that does not mean they are not serious. For example, a first-degree misdemeanor can carry five years of incarceration and $10,000 in fines. Examples of misdemeanors include certain DUIs, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.
  • Felonies: Most Pennsylvania felonies range from first degree to third degree, carrying a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Certain crimes are non-categorized felonies — such as first-degree murder, where the perpetrator faces life imprisonment or the death penalty. Other felonies, such as drug crimes, may have mandatory minimums, and prior offenses and convictions may increase penalties.

Some crimes are state crimes and others are federal crimes. Regardless of the charges and accusations you face, David R. Eshelman can help.

What should I do if I’m accused of a crime?

If you’re accused of a crime in Reading or elsewhere in Berks County, it’s important to speak with an experienced, effective lawyer such as David R. Eshelman. We know your rights under the law and represent clients across a range of charges, from drunk driving and underage drinking to homicide, robbery and sexual assault. Our experience includes significant work protecting the rights of local students who have been charged with DUI, DWI, drug offenses and underage drinking.

The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction in Reading or anywhere else in Pennsylvania can be tremendous — you may lose the right to drive, vote or bear arms, and your future job prospects may be severely limited. The right lawyer can help you keep these rights and other privileges and seek expungement if you are eligible.

There’s no substitute for experience when fighting unjust charges

Based in Reading, Pennsylvania, David R. Eshelman, A Professional Corporation offers aggressive, experienced criminal defense to clients facing criminal accusations throughout Berks County. For more than 40 years, friends and neighbors have relied upon our vigorous representation and knowledge of the law, the Constitution and the courts. Contact us online today or call 877.442.9704.

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