Pennsylvania Felony Defense Lawyer
A felony charge in Pennsylvania is not simply a serious accusation. It is the beginning of a legal process that can strip away your freedom, your livelihood, and your future if it is not handled with real precision and real knowledge of how the Commonwealth prosecutes these cases. The difference between a conviction and a dismissal often comes down to how quickly you moved, how thoroughly your defense was prepared, and whether your attorney understood the specific charge you faced at the level it actually required. Choosing a Pennsylvania felony defense lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make.
Pennsylvania classifies felonies into three degrees. First-degree felonies carry the longest potential sentences and cover the most serious offenses. Second and third-degree felonies cover a wide range of charges that still carry years of prison exposure, steep fines, and permanent damage to your criminal record. Across all three categories, a conviction means something you cannot undo. It follows you into employment applications, housing decisions, professional licensing, immigration proceedings, and custody disputes. The criminal record problem often outlasts the sentence itself.
What changes when you hire a defense attorney who has actually handled felony cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey courts is this: the investigation, the review of evidence, the challenge to the prosecution’s theory, and the assessment of plea options versus trial all happen before the critical deadlines pass. That window matters enormously. Waiting too long to build a defense is one of the most common and costly mistakes people make when facing felony charges.
Felony Charges Our Pennsylvania Defense Attorneys Handle
- Drug Felonies: Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act creates felony exposure for possession with intent to deliver, drug trafficking, and certain manufacturing offenses. The classification depends on the substance and quantity involved, and charges often arise from traffic stops where search and seizure issues are central to the defense.
- Assault and Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault under Pennsylvania law can be charged as a first or second-degree felony depending on the alleged victim and the degree of bodily injury. Cases involving alleged attacks on police officers, public servants, or children are prosecuted aggressively by district attorneys across the Commonwealth.
- Robbery and Burglary: Pennsylvania distinguishes robbery from simple theft through the use or threat of force. Burglary charges depend on whether the structure entered was a home and whether someone was present. Both carry felony classifications and can result in lengthy mandatory minimums under specific circumstances.
- Weapons Offenses: Unlawful possession of a firearm under Pennsylvania law includes restrictions on people with prior convictions, certain mental health adjudications, and active protection from abuse orders. Federal overlap is common, and the charging decision between state and federal prosecution carries significant sentencing consequences.
- Sex Offenses: Rape, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and related charges are prosecuted as first and second-degree felonies. Convictions require registration under Pennsylvania’s sexual offender notification law, which carries lifelong consequences separate from the criminal sentence itself.
- Theft and Fraud Felonies: Theft by deception, identity theft, insurance fraud, and financial crimes can rise to felony level based on the dollar amount involved or the nature of the scheme. White-collar cases often involve extensive documentary evidence and long grand jury investigations before charges are filed.
- Homicide and Manslaughter: Murder in Pennsylvania is graded into degrees depending on intent and circumstances. Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter carry different sentencing frameworks. These cases demand intensive pretrial work including forensic evidence review, expert witnesses, and careful assessment of the prosecution’s timeline and witness credibility.
When Charges Are Filed: What to Do in the Days and Weeks That Follow
Pennsylvania felony cases typically begin at the magisterial district court level with a preliminary arraignment where bail is set. That initial bail hearing matters more than people often realize. The conditions set there can restrict where you live, who you can contact, and whether you remain in custody while your case proceeds. An attorney present at that stage can argue for reasonable bail and challenge unnecessarily restrictive conditions before they become entrenched.
The preliminary hearing follows and is one of the most strategically important moments in a felony case. This is the Commonwealth’s opportunity to show a magisterial district judge that sufficient evidence exists to bind the case over to the Court of Common Pleas. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses at the preliminary hearing, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and in some cases get charges reduced or dismissed before the case ever reaches the trial court. Waiving this hearing without understanding what you are giving up is a mistake that cannot be undone.
Once a case is bound over, it proceeds through the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the alleged offense occurred. Bucks County cases proceed through the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown. Montgomery County cases proceed through the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. Philadelphia County felony cases move through the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on Filbert Street. Each county’s district attorney’s office has its own charging culture, plea policies, and trial tendencies. This is exactly why local experience in these specific courthouses matters.
The critical mistake many people make after a felony arrest is talking. Statements made to police, to other inmates, to friends, or even in texts and social media posts can be used against you at trial. Invoking your right to remain silent and asking for an attorney is not an admission of guilt. Anything you say before counsel is involved can and often does become the centerpiece of the prosecution’s case. Stay silent and call an attorney as quickly as possible.
Document everything you remember about the circumstances of your arrest, the stop or search that preceded it, any witnesses present, and any statements made by officers. Your recollection is sharpest immediately after the event, and these details will matter when your attorney evaluates whether there are suppression issues or credibility questions worth pursuing.
Why Choose Young, Marr, Malis and Associates for Felony Defense in Pennsylvania
Young, Marr, Malis and Associates brings over 40 years of legal experience to Pennsylvania criminal defense cases. That is not a marketing figure. It reflects decades of courtroom experience across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including cases that have required navigating complex evidentiary issues, aggressive prosecution, and high-stakes sentencing hearings. The firm’s founding partner, Paul H. Young, built this firm from the ground up with a focus on delivering real results for real clients in difficult circumstances.
Partner Gail Marr began her legal career as a district attorney at the Bucks County DA’s office. Partner Paul Mallis is a former district attorney who prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases ranging from DUI to homicide before moving to defense work. This is a meaningful credential that not every felony defense law firm in Pennsylvania can claim. Attorneys who have sat at the prosecution’s table know how cases are built, what arguments resonate with judges, and where the weaknesses in a case are most likely to appear. That insider perspective informs every decision made in defense of a client.
Attorney Ethan Paraboschi has earned direct recognition from clients whose felony-level charges were dropped after thorough case preparation and consistent court representation. One client described how Paraboschi guided their family through three serious charges with a level of composure and preparation that changed the outcome entirely. Another client noted that his charges were dropped after Paraboschi met him at every hearing. These are not abstract endorsements. They reflect what competent, consistent criminal defense actually looks like in practice.
The firm represents clients across both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with attorneys who are members of both state bars. Over 99 percent of first-time DUI clients represented by the firm received no jail time and no criminal record, a data point that reflects the firm’s results-oriented approach across the criminal defense spectrum. When the firm identifies a path to a reduced charge, an acquittal, or a dismissal, it pursues that path with the preparation and courtroom experience to make it viable.
How Pennsylvania Courts Assess Felony Sentences and What That Means for Your Defense
Pennsylvania uses a sentencing guideline system that assigns an offense gravity score to each charge and combines it with a defendant’s prior record score to produce a recommended sentencing range. Judges are not required to follow these guidelines in every case, but departures must be explained on the record, and sentences outside the guidelines are subject to appellate review. Understanding where your charge falls within this grid, and whether there are valid arguments for a below-guideline sentence, is part of what a prepared defense attorney does long before the sentencing hearing.
Felony convictions in Pennsylvania can trigger additional consequences beyond the standard sentencing range. Certain firearm offenses carry mandatory minimum provisions that reduce a judge’s discretion. Drug trafficking convictions near school zones historically triggered mandatory minimums, though this area of law has shifted following appellate decisions, and the current landscape requires careful analysis of which provisions remain in force and which have been affected by constitutional challenges. An attorney who is not tracking these developments may not know which mandatory minimums are actually enforceable in your case.
Collateral consequences are a category of felony fallout that the criminal system does not always explain clearly to defendants. A Pennsylvania felony conviction can disqualify you from working in healthcare, education, financial services, and other licensed professions. It can affect your ability to obtain or renew a professional license with the Pennsylvania licensing boards. It can trigger immigration consequences including deportation for non-citizens. It can affect your ability to possess firearms permanently. And it can affect your eligibility for federal student financial aid. A defense attorney handling a felony case seriously examines all of these consequences when evaluating whether a plea offer is actually a good outcome or simply the path of least resistance.
Questions Pennsylvania Residents Ask About Felony Charges
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania classifies criminal offenses into summary offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies. Felonies carry the most serious penalties, with first-degree felonies carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years in state prison. The classification matters not just for sentencing but for long-term consequences including background checks, licensing, and voting rights. A misdemeanor conviction typically carries much shorter sentences and fewer collateral penalties.
Can felony charges in Pennsylvania be reduced to misdemeanors?
In some cases, yes. Charge reduction happens through negotiated plea agreements with the district attorney’s office, through motions to suppress evidence that weaken the prosecution’s case, or through the preliminary hearing process where the magisterial judge may find insufficient evidence to sustain the felony grading. Whether reduction is realistic depends on the specific charge, the evidence, and the defendant’s prior record.
What is accelerated rehabilitative disposition and does it apply to felony cases?
Accelerated rehabilitative disposition, commonly called ARD, is a pretrial diversion program available in Pennsylvania. It is most commonly used in DUI and other misdemeanor-level cases. Felony charges generally do not qualify for ARD, though some counties have diversion programs for specific felony categories such as drug-related offenses. Eligibility varies by county and by the specific charge involved.
Will a Pennsylvania felony conviction prevent me from owning a firearm?
Yes. Under both Pennsylvania law and federal law, a felony conviction prohibits you from possessing, purchasing, or transporting firearms. This applies to all felony convictions, not just violent ones. For clients who hunt, work in professions requiring firearm access, or hold permits to carry, this consequence can be significant and should factor into how the defense evaluates any proposed plea agreement.
How long does a felony case typically take to resolve in Pennsylvania courts?
The timeline varies considerably by county, charge type, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Cases in Philadelphia County may move on a different schedule than cases in Bucks or Montgomery County given the volume of cases each court handles. A straightforward plea resolution might occur within several months. A case proceeding through a full jury trial with pretrial motions, discovery disputes, and scheduling can take a year or longer. Cases involving extensive forensic evidence or multiple defendants typically take the longest.
What happens if I was charged with a felony in New Jersey but I live in Pennsylvania?
You will need to appear in New Jersey courts for proceedings in that state. Young, Marr, Malis and Associates represents clients in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey because the firm’s attorneys are admitted to both state bars. A charge in New Jersey follows New Jersey criminal law and procedure, which differs from Pennsylvania’s in significant ways, including how offenses are graded and how sentencing works. Having an attorney admitted in both states matters when your case has cross-border dimensions.
Can my employer terminate me if I am charged with a felony but not yet convicted?
Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means most employers can terminate an employee for a felony arrest even before conviction, depending on the terms of your employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or employee handbook. Some employers are also required to report employees who face certain criminal charges to licensing boards or regulatory agencies. This is why the earliest stages of a felony case carry professional consequences that begin well before any verdict.
What if I cannot afford the bail set at my preliminary arraignment?
If you cannot post the bail set by the magisterial district judge, you may remain in custody while your case proceeds. Your defense attorney can file a motion to modify bail conditions and argue to the Court of Common Pleas for a reduction or for release on non-monetary conditions. Pretrial detention affects your ability to assist in your own defense and can create pressure to accept plea agreements that may not be in your best interest. Addressing bail as early as possible is one of the first priorities in any felony case.
Does having a prior criminal record mean I will definitely receive a harsher sentence if convicted of a felony?
Pennsylvania’s sentencing guidelines assign prior record scores that increase the recommended sentencing range when a defendant has prior convictions. However, the prior record score calculation has specific rules about which prior convictions count, how juvenile adjudications are treated, and how older convictions factor in. A defense attorney should carefully review the calculation the prosecutor proposes for accuracy, and there are often arguments about how specific priors should be scored that can meaningfully affect the recommended range.
Is it ever a mistake to take a plea deal on a felony charge in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Plea agreements can resolve cases faster and with more certainty than trials, but they are not always the right outcome. If key evidence was obtained through an unlawful search, if alibi witnesses have not been fully investigated, if forensic evidence has not been independently reviewed, or if the plea requires admitting to a charge whose collateral consequences are not fully understood, accepting a deal before those issues are resolved can mean accepting a bad outcome that could have been avoided. Every plea offer deserves rigorous scrutiny, not just comparison against the worst-case trial outcome.
Felony Defense Representation Across Pennsylvania
Young, Marr, Malis and Associates represents clients facing felony charges throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In the greater Philadelphia area, the firm serves clients in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County. Across Bucks County specifically, the firm represents clients from Doylestown, Newtown, Langhorne, Bristol, Quakertown, Perkasie, Sellersville, and communities throughout the county. In Montgomery County, the firm handles cases from Norristown, Lansdale, Pottstown, Horsham, Willow Grove, Abington, Jenkintown, and the surrounding townships. Delaware County clients come to the firm from Media, Chester, Upper Darby, Haverford, Radnor, and the many communities along the Route 1 corridor. Chester County cases arise from West Chester, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Downingtown, Malvern, and Exton. The firm also serves clients in Burlington County, Camden County, Mercer County, and other parts of New Jersey where the firm’s attorneys are admitted to practice. Wherever your case is being heard, the firm’s attorneys are equipped to appear and represent you in that court.
Speak With a Pennsylvania Felony Defense Attorney at Young, Marr, Malis and Associates
A felony charge is not something to respond to slowly. The early decisions in a case, the bail hearing, the preliminary hearing, the investigation of the facts, and the review of the prosecution’s evidence, shape what happens at every stage that follows. Young, Marr, Malis and Associates has spent more than 40 years building the experience and the courtroom record that felony defendants in Pennsylvania need. Our attorneys have sat on both sides of the criminal courtroom, and that background informs every defense strategy we pursue.
If you or someone you know is facing a felony charge in Pennsylvania, contact Young, Marr, Malis and Associates to schedule a free consultation with a Pennsylvania felony defense attorney who will review your case, explain your options honestly, and help you understand what a serious, prepared defense looks like from the very first day.