Clear Your Record: Why You Should Appeal a Public Urination Conviction
When nature calls, it might be difficult not to heed its call. That’s why many people would agree that the world doesn’t end when they urinate in an alley during an emergency. However, publicly urinating is still a crime in several states of the US, including Pennsylvania.
In PA, public urination is a summary offense, fined up to $300 and/or imprisoned for 90 days. Since it’s a summary offense, you have the right to appeal it with the help of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. In this blog, we shall discuss what to do if you want to expunge your public urination summary offense.
What To Do After a Summary Offense Conviction
Being convicted of a summary offense in PA can feel overwhelming and frustrating. Compared to felonies or misdemeanors, summary offenses are considered minor. However, they still have penalties such as a criminal record, fines, and potential imprisonment. The good news is that PA law lets you appeal the conviction, which gives you a second chance to challenge the result.
At Logue Law Group, we understand how critical it is to reduce the consequences of a conviction and protect your record. So, if you’re found guilty, it’s crucial to act swiftly and get in touch with a seasoned Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. Here’s what you need to do:
Analyze the judgment
Meticulously evaluate the court’s decision, including the imposed penalties. If you were found guilty in a Magisterial District Court, the judgment will include details on court costs, fines, and other consequences.
Act within the period of appeal
You have 30 days in PA to file a summary appeal, and the countdown begins from the conviction date. If you miss this deadline, it could cause you to lose the right to challenge the judgment.
Consult a lawyer
A summary offense conviction appeal can be complicated. An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can analyze your case, provide the correct explanations, and guide you through the process.
File the appeal notice
A Notice of Appeal must be filed to initiate the process. This document is a formal request for a new hearing. It must be filed within 30 days.
Get ready for a de novo hearing
A “de novo” hearing refers to a case being heard anew. This provides a chance to showcase evidence, bring witnesses, and argue the case before a judge who wasn’t involved in the first judgment.
Reasons to Appeal a Conviction of a Summary Offense
You might think a conviction for a summary offense like public urination can’t have repercussions on your life. But that’s not true. You might need to appeal this conviction due to several reasons, which include:
Avoiding a criminal record
Summary offenses usually lead to a criminal record. Gaining a criminal record affects housing, employment opportunities, and more. If you appeal your conviction with a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, you can avoid these consequences.
Reducing penalties
If you appeal in time, your fines might be reduced. It might also lead to shorter driving privilege suspension and other relieved penalties.
Challenging errors
If improper procedures or insufficient evidence led to an error, the appeal lets you challenge them.
How We Can Help
At Logue Law Group, we have years of experience representing clients in appeals and cases for summary offenses. Here’s what our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will do if you want to appeal your public urination offense:
- Analyze your case to determine procedural errors or potential defenses.
- File the required paperwork to start your appeal.
- Advocate for you and present a strong case during the de novo hearing.
If you’ve been convicted of a summary offense, time is of the essence. To preserve your rights and fight for a better decision, we must file an appeal within 30 days.
Let us help in protecting your future. Contact us at sean@seanloguelaw.com today.