Defense for felony and misdemeanor charges in Delaware County

Remain calm and polite. Do not resist arrest. Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions or make statements without your lawyer present, even if you think it will help your case. Contact Mango Law as soon as possible.

Not necessarily. Many misdemeanor cases result in community control (probation), fines, or alternative sentencing. The outcome depends on factors like the specific charge, your criminal history, the facts of the case, and the quality of your defense. We work to minimize consequences and explore alternatives to incarceration.

It varies widely. A misdemeanor case might resolve in 2-4 months, while a felony case can take 6-12 months or longer if it goes to trial. Complex cases with multiple hearings, expert witnesses, or suppression motions will take more time. We keep you informed of timelines and what to expect at every stage.

Possibly. Charges can be dismissed if there are constitutional violations (illegal search or seizure), insufficient evidence, witness credibility issues, or procedural errors. We thoroughly review every aspect of your case to identify grounds for dismissal and file appropriate motions when the facts support it.

Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by over one year in prison, while misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail. Felonies have more severe long-term consequences including loss of voting rights, firearm restrictions, and greater impact on employment. The degree of the felony (1st through 5th) affects potential penalties.

It can. Many employers conduct background checks, and certain professions require licenses that can be revoked or denied based on criminal convictions. We assess these collateral consequences early and build a defense strategy that considers your career and licensing concerns. In some cases, we can negotiate plea agreements that minimize professional impact.

While you have the right to represent yourself, it is strongly discouraged. Criminal law is complex, prosecutors are experienced attorneys, and the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering. Even seemingly simple cases involve constitutional protections, evidentiary rules, and procedural requirements that require legal expertise.

A suppression motion asks the court to exclude evidence obtained through illegal means, such as an unconstitutional search or seizure, or statements obtained in violation of Miranda rights. If the motion is granted, critical evidence may be excluded, often leading to case dismissal or significant leverage in negotiations.

It depends on the strength of the evidence, the risks of trial, and your goals. We thoroughly analyze the discovery, assess the likelihood of success at trial, and explain the pros and cons of both options. The decision is yours, but you will have all the information needed to make an informed choice.

Being charged does not mean you are guilty. Our job is to hold the state to its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. We investigate the facts, challenge the evidence, interview witnesses, and build a defense strategy to prove your innocence. You have the right to a trial, and we will fight for you at every stage.