Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law have helped thousands of Pennsylvanian’s beat their charges when wrongfully accused of committing a crime. Our legal team’s tenacity, thoroughness, and experience will help you seek the best possible outcome while putting up a fight that does not back down. Find out how 20 years of hard-fought, hard-won experience can help you decide on the right approach for your situation, backed by the legal resources needed to deliver results.
“My legal team and I stand firm that no one should ever face the consequences for an unproven crime. When you call our office for legal help, you will meet with criminal defense attorneys who believe in justice for all. We know that prosecutors do not always meet their burden of proof, which is the only way they can get a conviction. Give my office a call at no cost, find out what we think of your case for reassurance, and let’s go from there. We can get you help.”
Call for Your Free Case Evaluation with Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Team
Shuttleworth Law is a team of award-winning Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers recognized for our results, client relationships, and courtroom experience. If you want advice about approaching your case, call our office for Your Free Case Evaluation at 215-774-1371 or message us here.
Let us know if you cannot travel to our office for Your Free Case Evaluation. Our firm can meet by phone or secure video chat!
Shuttleworth Law Offers Experience & Results Against Criminal Charges
If you are facing criminal charges, our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers will assist you in mounting your best possible legal defense. Prosecutors in Pennsylvania and New Jersey must establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and if they build their case on shaky evidence, that is your chance to clear your name.
Types of cases Shuttleworth Law represents include:
Assault & Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence is not okay, nor is it right to accuse someone of this behavior when it never happened. Philadelphia assault & domestic violence defense lawyers will protect your rights and shield your case from prosecutors. Work with us to mount a legal defense from experience and creative solutions.
Burglary, Robbery, & Theft Defense
Our Philadelphia burglary, robbery, & theft defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law will fight for your future and freedom. Find out how we can help.
Computer Crimes Defense
Our Philadelphia computer crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law are ready to put our resources behind your charges. Do not go to prison for a crime that prosecutors cannot prove.
Criminal Appeals
Criminal appeals are a necessary form of civil justice, just in case the lower courts got your matter wrong. Philadelphia criminal appeals lawyers at Shuttleworth Law represents people with appeals in state and federal courts.
Criminal Investigations
Criminal investigations can lead to more severe charges in the future. You should invoke your right to remain silent and speak with Philadelphia criminal investigations lawyers. We will talk with law enforcement on your behalf and attend interviews.
Criminal Record Expungements
Ready to move on with your life? Your charges are not your entire life’s story. Find out how our Philadelphia criminal record expungement lawyers can help you expunge or seal your record from public viewing.
Drug Crimes Defense
Working with Philadelphia drug crimes defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law ensures that you give yourself every chance to retain your freedom. Our legal team will represent your case when facing simple possession, trafficking, and more, and we will help you clear your good name.
DUI Defense
Drunk or drugged driving crimes, or DUIs, in Pennsylvania, are charged as misdemeanors and felonies. Even for a first high-tier DUI conviction, penalties include a mandatory fine of at least $1,000 but could be as high as $5,000, lost driving privileges for one year, and 72 hours in jail as a mandatory minimum sentence. The stakes are too high; work with Philadelphia DUI defense lawyers to represent you in court.
Gun Crimes Defense
Worried about losing your right to bear arms? So are we. The Philadelphia gun crimes defense lawyers on our legal team will fight to retain them.
Homicide, Manslaughter, & Murder Defense
Homicide, manslaughter, and murder crimes are among the most serious anyone can face in Pennsylvania. Shuttleworth Law will stand up to the prosecutor and fight your charges while building the best possible plan in your circumstances. We have years of experience routinely devising case strategies and defending those charged or questioned.
Sex Crimes Defense
Pennsylvania also punishes sex crimes severely, and a conviction can result in social and professional stigma. Our Philadelphia sex crimes defense lawyers will examine the facts of your case to ensure that you are not accepting responsibility for a crime you did not commit.
White-Collar Crimes Defense
The Philadelphia white-collar crimes defense lawyers know that your reputation is on the line. We will handle your case from start-to-finish, including all media interviews, arguments, and court filings.
A Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer at Shuttleworth Law is ready to represent your criminal charges and help you move forward. Brad V. Shuttleworth will put his years of training and courtroom experience behind you. Our goal is to obtain the outcome you want and deserve and argue for your rights and freedom at every critical point
A Free Case Evaluation Will Get You Answers
Get a Free Claim Evaluation with Brad today by calling (215) 774-1371 or message him directly online. We’ll get you the legal help you want and deserve.
You Do Not Have to Face Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Alone
Pennsylvania misdemeanor and felony convictions can result in severe legal penalties. While felonies often carry the most impactful consequences, misdemeanors are also just as undesirable. A Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer has the characteristics the wrongly accused wants in private counsel.
You can count on Shuttleworth Law to represent you at the following hearings, as well:
- Appeals
- Arraignments
- Initial appearances
- Judge or jury trials
- Preliminary hearings
- Pre-trial motion hearings
- Receipt of discovery
- Sentencing hearings
- Any other hearing
Even if the prosecutor feels confident they will get a conviction, you should never have to accept charges that they cannot prove. From our very first meeting, your Pennsylvania criminal lawyer at Shuttleworth Law is examining your case’s facts and looking for opportunities to shut the case against you down. Our loyalty and hard work will offer you the reassurance you need from legal counsel.
Our legal team will demonstrate how we can help and why you would want to hire us.
Get Legal Help from Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney
Hire a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer to handle your case aggressively for the legal situation at hand while avoiding costly mistakes altogether. When you hire Shuttleworth Law, you or your loved ones will receive personalized, attentive service and experienced representation. We also commit to open and honest client communication to stay up to the minute on case developments.
Do not try to handle your case alone. Prosecutors have in-depth knowledge of the law, and they will not shy away from pushing for a conviction when they can. Get Brad V. Shuttleworth on your side to assert your rights and mount a legal defense against your charges.
Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney Represents Felony and Misdemeanor Crimes
Felony Charges
It is critical for people charged with a state or federal felony in Pennsylvania to retain a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible! Felonies are serious and carry the harshest penalties. The law grades felonies according to the nature and severity of the offense.
This classification has several different grades, referred to as degrees, which indicate the crime’s seriousness. A first-degree felony, for example, is punished more harshly than a third-degree felony. As a result, the penalties for a third-degree felony are less so than those for a first-degree felony.
Types of federal and state felony cases Shuttleworth Law represents include:
1st-Degree Felonies (F1)
The most harshly punished type of crime is a 1st-degree felony. Conviction of a first-degree felony carries a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, and a maximum fine of $25,000 and charges may include:
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
- Burglary
- Drug delivery resulting in death
- Firearm possession by a felon
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Rape
- Robbery
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Other 1st-degree felonies
2nd-Degree Felonies (F2)
2nd-degree felonies are more severe than 3rd-degree felonies but less severe than 1st-degree felonies. A conviction for a 2nd-degree felony carries a ten (10)-year prison sentence and a $25,000 fine for charges including:
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
- Burglary
- Criminal trespass
- Firearm possession by a felon
- Forgery
- Incest
- Robbery
- Sexual assault
- Other 2nd-degree felonies
3rd-Degree Felonies (F3)
3rd-degree felony offenses are the least serious felony offenses. However, you still face up to seven (7) years in prison and a $15,000 fine for a third-degree felony offense for charges including:
- Bad checks
- Credit card fraud
- Criminal trespass
- Criminal use of a communication facility
- Forgery
- Receiving stolen property
- Stalking
- Theft
- Unlawful firearm possession
- VUFA offenses (carrying concealed firearm without a permit)
- Unlawful computer use
- Other 3rd-degree felonies
Misdemeanor Charges
Although misdemeanors convictions are less serious than felony convictions, they can still result in mandatory minimum prison time and hefty fines. Misdemeanors, like felonies, are classified according to a degree, from first to third.
Types of federal and state misdemeanor cases Shuttleworth Law represents include:
1st-Degree Misdemeanors (M1)
A 1st-degree misdemeanor is the most severe of the misdemeanor classifications. A conviction for a first-degree misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to five (5) years imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000 for the following offenses:
- Computer crimes
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Shoplifting
- Stalking
- Terrorist Threats
- Theft
- Unlawful Restraint
- Other 1st-degree misdemeanors
2nd-Degree Misdemeanors (M2)
A conviction for a misdemeanor in the 2nd–degree carries up to two (2) years imprisonment and fines of up to $5,000 for:
- Assault
- Bigamy
- Criminal mischief
- Custody interference
- False imprisonment
- False police reports
- Obstructing justice
- Reckless endangerment
- Resisting Arrest
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- Other 2nd-degree misdemeanors
3rd-Degree Misdemeanors (M3)
A conviction for a 3rd-degree misdemeanor in the third degree carries up to one (1) year imprisonment and fines of up to $2,500 for:
- Bad Checks
- Criminal mischief
- Disorderly Conduct
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Loitering
- Prostitution
- Scalping Tickets
- Simple assault
- Theft
- Trespassing
- Other 3rd-degree misdemeanors
Warning: Pennsylvania Laws Allow For Misdemeanor to Felony Upgrades
In some cases, the law upgrades a misdemeanor to a felony. A typical example of this is assault, typically a comprehensive set of misdemeanor and felony charges. However, a simple misdemeanor assault case could be upgraded to aggravated assault, a felony in Pennsylvania.
Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers Achieve Client Results
It does not matter what prosecutors think you did; it only matters what they can prove. Shuttleworth Law understands this concept and will hold the justice system accountable to YOUR rights. This approach achieves incredible case results for those who stand wrongfully accused of an unproven crime.
Below, check out the results our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers have achieved on behalf of past clients:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. C.L.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client charged with armed robbery of a bank in Philadelphia. The incident was caught on video. Trial was held in front of a judge, and client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges. The defense was mistaken identification. As a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, I take great pride in achieving the most advantageous outcome.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.A.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client was charged with aggravated assault of a correctional officer while in custody at the Detention Center in Philadelphia, PA (part of the Philadelphia Prison System). He testified that he had to punch the correctional officer in self-defense, because he was attacked by two officers. Client was found NOT GUILTY.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.C.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client accused of burglarizing a home at night. A neighbor witness claimed to have seen the burglar and recognized him as client. Witness also claimed he knew client from the neighborhood, which is why he recognized him. Mistaken identification was the defense. Client found NOT GUILTY of all charges.
Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers Achieve Client Results
It does not matter what prosecutors think you did; it only matters what they can prove. Shuttleworth Law understands this concept and will hold the justice system accountable to YOUR rights. This approach achieves incredible case results for those who stand wrongfully accused of an unproven crime.
Below, check out the results our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers have achieved on behalf of past clients:
Why Hire Shuttleworth Law to Represent Your Case
The Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law want to mount the legal defense of your life. From an independent investigation of the facts to arguing against the prosecutor’s allegations, our legal team will not spare a single moment working to free you from your charges.
Track Record of Results
We focus on achieving results for clients. While every case is unique, our firm will look for opportunities to get your charges dropped, reduced, or cleared at trial. Shuttleworth Law has helped thousands of people get the outcomes they want and deserve.
Ability to Handle Complex Matters
Investigatory and legal resources can mount a legal defense that pokes holes in the prosecutor’s case against you. If we can beat your case with physical evidence and expert testimony, for example, our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers know who to call upon and how to present our findings in a compelling, cohesive manner.
Individualized Client Care
Clients often come to us at one of the scariest moments of their lives. We have cultivated a “desk-side” manner that focuses on the individual. Our legal team will never treat you like your life is the entire sum of your current situation.
Plus, you get access to a person client portal through the MyCase client-management system we use for our clients. It allows you to message with our staff, to upload or download documents, to look up your next court date, and to stay connected with your lawyer!
Drive to Win Your Case
Shuttleworth Law is a team of legal professionals with a competitive drive and tenacity that clients trust. When you hire us to represent your case, you will see how determined we are to get you out of a bad situation. Our firm will get started on your case and prepare your defense out of the gate.
How Shuttleworth Law Could Build Your Legal Defense
It is difficult to specifically say how we would defend your charges without knowing the initial facts. That is why Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers meet with clients in person or by secure video or audio chat. Shuttleworth Law wants to understand what you are facing and provide an accurate picture of how we can help.
However, some general strategies that we apply to most cases can explain how we assist clients in their legal defenses. Strategies utilized by Shuttleworth Law may include:
Create a Compelling Case Narrative
The burden of proof falls on Commonwealth prosecutors, not you. However, challenging their allegations requires you to devise a compelling narrative with evidence and a strong knowledge of the law. The court and jurors must understand that the story has two sides, and prosecutors may have gotten their allegations incorrect.
Preservation of the Evidence
You have the legal right to investigate your charges and preserve evidence that speaks to the facts. Hire the Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law to tell your story. We will perform a specific discovery request and investigation that reveals what happened on the day of the alleged crime. However, we will only utilize resources as appropriate so that you do not spend more money than necessary and only focus on the relevant pieces of evidence to clear your name.
Application of Legal Knowledge
Applying the law to your situation may form the right argument to set you free. Pennsylvania’s Crimes and Offenses code provides for both concrete and abstract applications. For example, the law is clear that the use of deadly force is a crime in some situations; but did prosecutors sufficiently prove that you used deadly force? Our legal team will protect your legal rights under these circumstances.
Leveraging Your Circumstances
The vast majority of cases will never go through a full criminal trial. This result does not come from lawyers not arguing their cases insufficiently. Rather, you could get your charges dropped or reduced during the pre-trial stage so that you do not have to pay for an unnecessary trial by leveraging your circumstances and effectively using key points.
Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer at Shuttleworth Law NOW
Hire a defense team with years of success in serving accused people throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey if you want legal advice. We are conveniently located in Philadelphia but we offer convenient modes of communication and can also travel to you. Call us now for your Free Consultation at 215-774-1371 or message us through the contact form below.
Get the Most Out of Your Free Case Evaluation
Facing criminal charges is frightening since your freedoms and life are on the line. However, you may gain significant clarity during your Free Case Evaluation with the Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law. If you want to get the most out of your experience, our legal team will tell you what you need to provide to us for the meeting. Bringing the additional documentation and asking questions can help us get your defense started faster.
Here are a few tips for preparing for a meeting with our legal counsel:
- Tip 1. Confirm and provide your contact information so we can reach you as soon as new developments arise
- Tip 2. Write a synopsis of your personal and professional background, including any details or information that could have an impact on your case
- Tip 3. Provide all documentation you have, including police reports and court documents. While we can retrieve these copies for you, it is helpful to have them initially
- Tip 4. Carefully transport any forms of evidence you may have that could help prove the prosecutor’s allegations to be false
- Tip 5. Maintain a list of witnesses who can help explain your innocence or if you believe they provided a conflicting account of events to police
Questions You May Want to Address with Our Firm
Getting the most out of your time with our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers is helpful when achieving peace of mind. While Shuttleworth Law will address all relevant issues, you may have questions beyond what we cover, which is welcomed. Every case is different and we want you to feel in control over your situation as much as possible. So, if there is a question, please do not hesitate to ask.
These are standard, case-specific questions we get from clients who want to have a solid understanding of the situation they face:
- Do I have any legal options for getting out of my charges?
- How can I mitigate damage to my personal and professional reputation?
- What challenges, if any, do you potentially see during my legal defense?
- Give me an accurate picture of the best and worst-case scenarios, including legal defense costs for both.
- How often will I have to go to court, and will I have enough notice for work?
- How long do you think it will take to get my case resolved?
Shuttleworth Law May Ask Fewer Questions Initially
A powerful strategy for defending against criminal charges in Pennsylvania starts with how you and your criminal defense lawyer communicate. At Shuttleworth Law, we may not ask you everything about your so-called crime. Sometimes, it is more advantageous to the client if we can determine what prosecutors can prove first and then follow up with questions later.
In fact, the less information our legal team knows in some cases can actually lead to a better result. Why? Because it also means that prosecutors are unaware of this information, which is ideal under certain circumstances. Once we are aware of specific facts, it can change the entire outset of your defense.
Because every criminal case is different, our approach to questions we ask you will vary. The important thing is to honestly answer any questions your lawyer poses to you.
FAQs: Criminal Defense
You most likely have several questions if you or your loved one were arrested for a crime in Pennsylvania. The Shuttleworth Law Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers understand and appreciate your need for as much information as possible.
Below, we have addressed several frequently asked questions (FAQs), including links for more detailed information:
Are Plea Deals Worth It in Pennsylvania?
A plea deal might be worth it, depending on the facts of your case. Some cases are so damning that a plea deal may be the best option. However, prosecutors may lead you to believe they have a solid case so that you accept a plea deal when, in fact, you have a defensible case. The only way to determine which option is right for you is by speaking with a lawyer who will thoroughly analyze your case
Related Article: Are Plea Deals Worth It in Pennsylvania?
What Is a Misdemeanor in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania misdemeanors are a type of criminal offense classification. They are less consequential than felonies but could still result in up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines. As such, always speak with a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney to help you protect your legal rights and freedom.
Related Article: What Is a Misdemeanor in Pennsylvania?
What is a Felony in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania felonies are another type of criminal offense classification. They are more consequential than misdemeanors and could carry up to 20 years imprisonment and $25,000 in fines, if not more, depending upon the facts of your case. A felony conviction could also result in a loss of other legal rights and freedoms, even long after paying the consequences.
Related Article: What is a Felony in Pennsylvania?
Can the Philadelphia Police Lie to You?
Yes, the Philadelphia Police can lie to you. It is a common investigatory tactic that they use to get people to admit to certain facts. The best way to defend against this strategy is by exercising your right to remain silent and asking for an attorney.
Related Article: Can the Philadelphia Police Lie to You?
Do you have Shuttleworth Law-related questions about our legal services? If so, check out our firm-level FAQs page for details.