Recent Case Results - Successful Outcomes in Robbery, Burglary, Probation, Possession, and Sex Crimes Cases

Our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers have continued to obtain successful results on behalf of our clients in cases involving sex crimes, robbery, burglary, and Possession with the Intent to Deliver. These successful outcomes have included bail reductions, the dismissal of all charges, favorable results in pre-trial Motions to Suppress, and probationary and house arrest sentences. In the past two months alone, we have achieved a number of wins, including:

Commonwealth v. S.A. - S.A. was charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, and related charges. The magistrate initially set bail at an extremely high amount due to the seriousness of the charges, and SA was unable to make bail. Within 24 hours of being retained, Attorney Goldstein obtained a significant bail reduction, and the defendant was able to make bail. After the defendant made bail, Attorney Goldstein was also able to have all charges dismissed at the preliminary hearing.

Commonwealth v. H.S. - Our criminal defense lawyers were able to obtain a full dismissal of all charges in a burglary case against HS at the preliminary hearing.

Commonwealth v. S.V. - Our attorneys were able to obtain a sentence of house arrest and drug treatment for a defendant who was convicted of drug charges. After the defendant was convicted of Possession with the Intent to Deliver, our defense attorneys arranged for the defendant's other open matters, including a case for which the defendant was on probation, to be brought in before the sentencing judge so that the defendant could be sentenced on all of the cases at the same time and only have one back judge. This procedure is called a 701 consolidation, and it can be very helpful in terms of avoiding multiple probation judges and consecutive sentences for a defendant who has violated probation.

Although the sentencing guidelines called for a state prison sentence and the defendant had been on probation at the time of the new arrest, our defense attorneys were able to convince the sentencing judge to give the defendant a chance to serve a house arrest sentence and obtain drug treatment. By investigating the client's background, our lawyers learned that despite being on probation for a similar offense, the defendant had never been ordered to undergo any kind of addiction treatment. Now, instead of serving time in state prison, the client will have the chance to receive treatment in the community, and the Court will also assist the client with obtaining educational and job training.

Commonwealth v S.A. - Attorney Goldstein obtained a full dismissal of all charges in a Robbery case at the preliminary hearing. In this case, the complainant alleged that the defendant had been part of a group that assaulted him and stole his tablet. After the complainant testified that he had been under the influence of prescription medication at the time of the incident and was no longer sure if the defendant had been present, Attorney Goldstein was able to convince the preliminary hearing judge to dismiss all charges. Prior to the preliminary hearing, Attorney Goldstein obtained a significant bail reduction which allowed the client to fight the case from out of custody.

Cmmonwealth v. D.S. - Our attorneys successfully moved for a bail reduction in a felony gun possession case. After the judge at the preliminary hearing refused to reduce bail, Attorney Goldstein immediately moved for a bail reduction in the Court of Common Pleas, and the Common Pleas judge reduced bail from $35,000 to $15,000.

In Re: J.W.: We negotiated an admission to Criminal Trespass in a juvenile delinquency case where the client was originally charged with felony burglary for breaking and entering into a school after hours. After hearing the defense's mitigation evidence and recommendation at disposition (sentencing), the Family Court judge found that the client was not in need of supervision and dismissed all of the charges. The defendant will not even have to be on probation, and the entire record of the case can be expunged.

Commonwealth v. E.G. - All charges dismissed prior to trial in domestic violence case involving Simple Assault and Recklessly Endangering Another Person charges.

Commonwealth v. M.M. - Client was arrested on a potential technical probation violation. Attorney Goldstein filed a motion to lift the detainer and had a hearing scheduled within a week. At the hearing, our defense attorneys convinced the judge to find that the client had not violated the terms of his probation. The client was immediately released the same day.

Commonwealth v. W.L. - The defendant was arrested on a bench warrant due to a failure to show up for court for a preliminary hearing. Our attorneys were able to have the bench warrant lifted without a finding of contempt of court and obtain Sign on Bond bail, meaning the defendant was released without an increase in bail.

Commonwealth v B.M. - We were able to successfully have Possession with the Intent to Deliver PCP and Conspiracy charges dismissed, leaving only charges related to marijuana sales for trial.

Commonwealth v. J.W. - Our defense attorneys obtained the dismissal of charges of selling crack cocaine and conspiracy at a preliminary hearing. The defendant will now face much less serious charges related only to marijuana in a trial in the Municipal Court. A conviction for Possession with the Intent to Deliver of crack cocaine may often involve jail time, whereas even a conviction for PWID of marijuana in the Municipal Court is more likely to result in probation.

Commonwealth v. M.G. - Successfully negotiated Section 17 disposition on drug possession charges. The Section 17 program requires the defendant to plead no contest and be placed on a period of probation. If the defendant successfully completes the probation, then the charges will be dismissed and can be expunged.

Commonwealth v. A.C. - Successfully negotiated for client who was facing assault charges to obtain entry into a Domestic Violence diversion program. If the client pays a small fine, completes a number of counseling sessions, and stays out of trouble for approximately four months, the entire case will be dismissed and can be expunged. Pursuant to the terms of the program, the client was not required to enter into any kind of plea or admission of guilt.

Commonwealth v. J.H. - Successfully negotiated for client's entry into drug treatment court for client facing two cases of Possession with the Intent to Deliver. If client completes the program, the charges will be dismissed and can be expunged, and client will not have a felony record.

What to Do if Police Are Asking About Illegal Pornographic Material on Your Computer

Getting Help With Megan's Law Allegations

Of all the crimes one may be charged with, sex crimes are especially scary, and perhaps none more so than possession, receipt, production, or distribution of child pornography. Even if eventually found not guilty in a court of law, the damage to your reputation can be life-altering. If found guilty, there may be serious jail time involved and decades on Megan's List.  

Getting help is difficult. What kind of lawyer can you speak to? Will what you say to that lawyer be kept confidential given reporting laws? Will searching for a lawyer on the internet trigger suspicion from Google or the Government?  

So first, some ground rules: yes, anything that you say to your lawyer, is confidential. There was a time when the legislature in Pennsylvania contemplated making lawyers mandatory reporters. Luckily, someone came to their senses and realized it would be impossible to represent those accused of such crimes from mounting a defense if they could not safely and confidentially tell their lawyer their side of the story. 

Pennsylvania And Federal Child Pornography Laws

Second, child porn laws are far-reaching. When I was a kid (many, many years ago), a girl might show a boy she liked him by kissing him, holding hands, dating. Today, some kids do something a little dumber and far more permanent: they take pictures and send them to their new found loves on their smart phones (sexting). The law often treats these children as criminals; and more importantly, this "criminal activity" can have lifelong consequences requiring registration as a sex offender if the one who sends the material is over the age of 18. What was just a little fun has now become a serious, possibly federal case. 

Worse, many people using the internet are not particularly tech-savvy. There was a time when to use the internet conferred a certain guarantee of technical know-how. Today, if you have a laptop, you're free to surf the information superhighway; with no safeguards in place, you can quickly become the victim of ransomware hackers. 

Often parents allow their children free access to the internet and the home computer without thinking what kind of material their children may have access to. I've seen cases where a son downloads terabytes of movies off Russian servers only to infect the computer with computer viruses and child pornography. Or, teens, not thinking about long-term consequences go on to websites like Reddit or 4chan and access material they should not have touched. 

In general, the law does not care how you came to be in possession of the material, the law only cares that you possessed it. Why, might be something that is sorted out later - but not before your reputation is destroyed and your name has been plastered all over the news. 

What To Do If The Police Are Asking Questions

If you think you need legal assistance because of material you've encountered on the internet, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If you receive any correspondence from a law enforcement agency, it is in your best interest to seek out a lawyer to ensure your rights will be safeguarded and you will be treated as fairly as possible.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Remember: whenever the Government brings a criminal prosecution, the Government has to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Even when prohibited images or videos are found on a computer, the Government may not be able to prove who downloaded them. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that you do not speak with investigators without first consulting with an attorney.

A Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help With Child Pornography Charges

Internet Crimes Lawyers - Philadelphia, PA

Child pornography cases can be incredibly complex and come with such serious consequences this is not the time to delay and see what happens. You must act quickly and aggressively to protect yourself and your family. Call 267-225-2545 for a free, confidential consultation.