What You Should Know if You’re Arrested in Lower Merion
Getting arrested is not a very great experience! It is as terrifying as it is shameful for a normal person.
However, what can you do if you’ve been arrested in Lower Merion Township? Well, that’s what this blog is all about! So, let’s explore to find what the things are that you should or shouldn’t do while being arrested, and how a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you out.
The Arrest Procedure and Post-Arrest Scenario
When you’re being arrested here, you have to go through the following procedure-
- Provide personal details to the cops.
- Provide your fingerprints and photographs.
Other than that, the cops will conduct a full body search and a quick health checkup. Also, any of your belongings will be confiscated, and returned to you only when you come out of police custody.
If you’ve committed a minor crime, you may be released after a court summons and citation. However, if the case is something severe, you’ll be taken to a holding cell and will be allowed to make one to two phone calls.
Now, after being arrested, the cops might ask you if you have something to say, or might tell you to answer some questions. This is where most people go wrong. Remember that anything you say might be held against you in court. Also, don’t forget to exercise your right to call a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
The Bail Process
After you’ve been booked, you’ll have to appear before the Montgomery County Magisterial District Judge for your preliminary arraignment. Here is where your bail and a preliminary hearing will be set for your case.
The bail amount depends entirely upon the severity of your crime. Tagged with that come some other factors like your history of failed court appearances, the status of your employment, your mental health, etc. You can pay the amount either in cash or collateral through a bail bondsman. You can also pay your bail via credit card on Pennsylvania’s online bail payment portal.
Common Charges in Lower Merion
Petty thefts, burglaries, and drug offenses are some of the most common criminal charges in Lower Merion. Although the intensity of the offenses are lot less than murder or assault, if you’re convicted, you could still face jail time, license suspension, and fines. That’s exactly why an expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is required, as they can help with negotiations and effectively reduce or dismiss your charges.
What’s best is, there are some alternative sentences to jail time, like-
- House arrests
- Probation
- Community service
Other than these, you might also be eligible for a diversion program. Whatever it is, only a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you, as they know their way with the local prosecutors and cops, and understand how they operate.
Logue Law Group – The Solution to Every Problem
We at Logue Law Group actively operate in and around Lower Merion Township. Not just that, but our firm has a long-standing reputation for helping a lot of clients out here in this area.
So, if you, or a loved one, have been booked by the cops in Lower Merion, don’t just sit back, and call us at 412-387-6901, or send an email to sean@seanloguelaw.com to schedule a free consultation with our experts today!