Criminal Defense Law

  • Appeals: If you believe that your conviction was in error or that your sentence was too harsh, you are entitled to file an appeal. There are, however, time restrictions. Contact me immediately to discuss your appellate options.

  • Assaults: Whether you have been charged with simple assault (a misdemeanor) or aggravated assault (a felony), courts take personal crimes very seriously. A conviction means you could also be held liable in civil court should the victim decide to sue you. There are diversion programs for first-time offenders accused of assault, so it is important that you contact me immediately to get the best possible disposition for your case.

  • Bail motions: There are two major considerations at a bail hearing - risk of flight and dangerousness to the community. If your bail is too high, a motion can be filed asking a judge to reconsider the dollar amount. This reconsideration can often be the difference between making bail and spending months incarcerated pre-trial. Bail reduction motions can be successful if planned properly. Contact me immediately to discuss what factors should be presented at a bail reduction hearing.

  • Drug possession: Drug cases (both possession and sale) are one of my specialty areas. I have more than a decade of substance abuse research experience and prosecuted hundreds of drug offenses with the Philadelphia Office of the District Attorney. For every drug possession case, there are several pre-trial motions that can be filed (depending on the circumstances of your particular case). More importantly, however, an arrest for drug possession may mean you have a substance abuse problem, and this problem may work in your favor at trial. There are several diversion programs [e.g., Section 17, Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), and drug treatment court] for low-level drug offenders - programs that may help you avoid the stigma of a drug conviction. Call me immediately to discuss what diversion program may be most appropriate for you.

  • Drug sale: Drug cases (both possession and sale) are one of my specialty areas. I have more than a decade of substance abuse research experience and prosecuted hundreds of drug sale offenses (also known as PWID - possession with the intent to deliver) with the Philadelphia Office of the District Attorney. I had a 91% conviction rate prosecuting these cases, so I know them inside and out. Whether you were arrested for PWID because of an observed sale or because of weight, there are several pre-trial motions that can be filed (depending on the circumstances of your particular case). The penalties for drug sale are harsh, particularly if you have previous convictions. It is important that you know how to challenge a drug-related arrest. Contact me immediately to discuss appropriate strategies - it may be the difference between an acquittal/dismissal and the stigma associated with a drug conviction.

  • DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or an illicit drug - DUI (PA) and DWI (NJ) - are embarrassing and highly stigmatizing. Like with drug cases, there are several pre-trial motions that can be filed (depending on the circumstances of your particular case). The success of these motions may be difference between a DUI/DWI acquittal/dismissal and a conviction. It is also very important that you understand the penalties for a DUI/DWI offense. While jail time is not the norm in a DUI/DWI case, there are several mandatory conditions imposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, such as the suspension of your driver's license. If you absolutely cannot lose your driver's license, for personal or professional reasons, contact me immediately to discuss your options.

  • Expungements: Only in rare circumstances can you expunge a criminal conviction. The government CANNOT oppose the expungement of a not guilty verdict (acquittal) - but the appropriate motion must still be filed (expungement of an acquittal is not automatic). Charges that are withdrawn/dismissed are eligible for expungement, but a motion must be filed and arguments may be necessary. Clearing your criminal record may be the difference between moving on with your life (for example, getting a job) and having to carry the stigma of an arrest. Expungement petitions can also be filed for multiple cases at one time. Contact me immediately to discuss your expungement options - the process is simple and quick.

  • Firearms offenses: The government takes gun cases very seriously, and the penalties can be harsh depending on the nature of the offense and your previous criminal record. That said, non-jail options are still possible. Moreover, like drug cases, there are several pre-trial motions that may lead to the charges being withdraw/dismissed. Let me use my knowledge of the "prosecution" side to get you the best possible result.

  • Homicide offenses: For obvious reasons, the prosecution will always use all available resources to try a homicide offense. That said, a homicide arrest does not necessarily mean conviction (by plea or trial). The stakes are high, and you need an attorney who has the patience and stamina to exhaust every available option through the pre-trial, trial, and sentencing processes. Contact me immediately to discuss appropriate strategies.

  • Juvenile offenses: If a child under the age of 18 is arrested, the case will (usually) be handled by Family Court. The offense definitions are the same as adults - only the "jurisdiction" (what Court will handle the case) changes. The rules for Family Court and the "goals" of the juvenile justice system vary considerably from the adult system. While with the Philadelphia Office of the District Attorney I prosecuted hundreds of juvenile offenses, from drug possession to robbery to rape. Almost always a "disposition" can be negotiated that will allow your child to go home with you and get on with his/her life, but you will need someone who knows the intricacies of the process. I am an expert on the juvenile justice system - contact me immediately if your child is arrested.

  • Probation/parole violation hearings: If you are on probation or parole and are arrested for a new crime or taken into custody for a technical violation, you do not have to languish in jail for months. Depending on the nature of the new arrest or the violation, motions can be filed to have you released almost immediately. Contact me immediately to discuss your probation/parole violation options - the process can be simple and quick.

  • Property crimes: Property crimes include, among other offenses, burglary, theft, and receiving stolen property. Even though they are not violent offenses, property crimes are serious. Like with drug offenses, there are diversion programs that may be viable options, depending on the nature of the charge and your past criminal record. Contact me immediately if you have been arrested for a property crime.

  • Prostitution: Prostitution offenses can be embarrassing, but don't let this embarrassment deter you from hiring a competent attorney to handle the case. An arrest for prostitution may mean you have a substance abuse problem, and this problem may work in your favor at trial. There are several diversion programs [e.g., Section 17, Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), and drug treatment court] for low-level prostitution offenders - programs that may help you avoid the stigma of a prostitution conviction. Call me immediately to discuss what diversion program may be most appropriate for you.

  • Sexual assaults: Sexual assault cases are one of my specialty areas. I amassed a conviction rate of more than 90% in these types of cases while with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. I know the statutes inside and out and know exactly what elements the government needs to prove to get a conviction. Sexual assault offenses include indecent exposure/lewdness, endangering the welfare of a child (EWOC), incest, indecent assault (inappropriate sexual touching), aggravated indecent assault (forcible digital penetration), involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (IDSI or forcible anal/oral penetration), and rape (forcible vaginal penetration). The implications for even an arrest on these charges are immense. The pre-trial, trial, and post-trial processes will be lengthy, but ultimately my knowledge of the process will give you a significant advantage in the courtroom. Despite the fact that the government has a huge stake in gaining sexual assault convictions, there are multiple strategies that can me employed. Sexual assault cases are winnable - contact me immediately to discuss your (or your family member's) arrest for a sex-related offense.

Law Offices of
George S. Yacoubian, Jr, LLC:

Pennsylvania:
1060 First Avenue, Suite 400
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(215) 701.4357 - Philadelphia Office
(610) 768.8988 - Suburban Office
(610) 213.3452 - Cell
(610) 229.5168 - Fax

New Jersey:
One Greentree Center, Suite 201
10,000 Lincoln Drive East
Marlton, NJ 08053
(856) 988.5871 - Office
(610) 213.3452 - Cell
(610) 229.5168 - Fax

george@yacoubian-law.com