Represented a Montgomery County, Pennsylvania high school student on a Criminal Defense matter who engaged in some ill advised horseplay with a female classmate friend consisting of poking her in the chest area on the bus home from school. As a result, he was charged (of) with indecent assault and other similar offenses. After some lengthy consultations, it was clear there was absolutely no intent on his part to engage in any sexual activity nor was the conduct intended to arouse sexual desire for him or his female friend as required by the statute as an element of the offense. If convicted of the initial crimes charged, he was likely to end up as a registered sex offender. He had no prior contacts with the police or discipline problems at school.

After discussions with the lead detective, the most serious charges were withdrawn. Further discussions with the prosecutor allowed my client to enter a plea to a lesser offense that would not ruin his future. He was placed on probation and engaged in some counseling and community service. This was all done with the consent of the girl and her family. He is now successfully pursuing his college studies.

Not all cases are won in the court room. Many cases, if not most, are won outside the court room by preparation, investigation, and research. By using those tools, a case can be presented to the police and/or the District Attorney to obtain a favorable and fair result. Another factor is experience and reputation with the District Attorney's Office, county court judges, local police officers and judges in Abington, Willow Grove, Hatboro, Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Ambler, Elkins Park, Horsham, Huntingdon Valley, Souderton, Lansdale, Blue Bell, Whitpain, Rockledge, Bryn Athyn, Springfield, Upper Dublin, Whitemarsh, and other municipalities in Montgomery County and Bucks County. There is no substitute for reputation and experience and it has to be earned over time. I bring all of these factors into play when I represent a client and have been doing so for over 35 years in Montgomery County and Bucks County.

DUI

A few months ago, a client came into the office charged with DUI in Abington, PA, not based on alcohol consumption but rather prescription medication. In Pennsylvania, you can be arrested and convicted of DUI for being under the influence of prescription drugs that you lawfully possessed if the combination of drugs or the amount of drugs in your system exceeds the medically allowed levels and renders a person incapable of safe driving.

In this case, the client had taken his medication as prescribed and had a reaction to the medication which led to a minor one car accident. This was the first time he had this kind of reaction to his medication. After investigation and consulting the client's doctor, which included a change in medication, I was able to convince the arresting officer to withdraw the charges based on a written report from the doctor that it was the unforeseen reaction to the medication that caused the problem and that since the medication was changed, there were no more incidents or adverse reactions.

Retail Theft

A young woman came into the office charged with retail theft in Doylestown, Bucks County. It was one of those cases where she could have easily paid for the items since she was a well educated professional with a good job and no prior record. In my experience, these facts triggered the thought that there were other issues that caused this behavior and recommended that she get counseling. The client went into counseling and has benefited greatly in solving her underlying problems. As a result, she was accepted into the ARD program and the charges against her will eventually be dismissed.