Erie County Criminal Defense Lawyers

Battle-Tested Criminal Defense Lawyers Represent Clients Accused of Crimes in Erie County, PA

At Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C., our skilled criminal defense lawyers understand how high the stakes are when you have been accused of committing a crime.  We know that you may be facing monetary fines, a lasting criminal record and even time in jail, so we work tirelessly to investigate your case and analyze every available piece of evidence on your behalf.  We are committed to formulating the strongest and most strategic defense possible in every criminal defense case we take on. Importantly, we also have the resources necessary to even the playing field when you face criminal charges levied by the state of Pennsylvania, which has virtually unlimited resources and vigorously pursues criminal charges.

The time period following an arrest or accusation can be terrifying for most clients facing criminal charges.  While every case is unique, the common thread that ties every Erie County criminal case together is the need for an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight the accusations you are facing.  We know that this is a challenging time and that choosing a lawyer to protect your freedom may be one of the most difficult decisions you have encountered. We want all of our prospective clients to know that we take their charges seriously and treat every client with the dignity and respect that they deserve as we help them navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Take on in Erie County, PA

Our Erie County criminal defense lawyers handle a wide variety of criminal cases, including clients accused of:

• DUI/DWI, including drug-related DWI charges,
• Theft crimes, including shoplifting, robbery, burglary, forgery and receiving stolen property,
• Insurance fraud,
• Sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, corruption of minors and more,
• Drug offenses, including drug possession and possession with intent to distribute,
• Violent crimes, such as homicide, manslaughter, assault, aggravated assault, harassment and more.

Skilled Erie County Criminal Defense Lawyers Help Clients Through Every Aspect of the Pennsylvania Criminal Justice System

If you have been arrested for committing a crime or have learned that you are currently being investigated for criminal acts, the first step you should take is to retain the advice of an experienced and reputable criminal defense lawyer.  The initial investigatory phase of a criminal act can be crucial, and you need someone who is working on your behalf to gather all available exculpatory evidence. When you retain Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. as your legal defense team, you can expect:

• Detailed discussion about what to expect when proceeding through the legal system,
• A full and complete independent investigation of your case,
• Our honest and straightforward opinion about the available options in your case,
• That we will analyze every piece of evidence presented by the prosecution to locate any deficiencies or holes in their case,
• That we will put in the work necessary to formulate a strong and innovative defense strategy in your case, exploring every available defense,
• Compassion and respect,
• Personal access to your defense lawyer,
• Regular updates about the progress of your case.

In many cases, our criminal defense lawyers may be able to have the charges in your case reduced or even dropped entirely.  In all cases, you can expect that our lawyers will take a vested interest in pursuing the best possible outcome given the facts of your case.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Our Veteran Erie County Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

When your future and freedom are on the line, you can’t afford to cut corners when it comes to choosing your criminal defense lawyer—you need a lawyer who is dedicated to minimizing the repercussions of the criminal accusations at hand.  At Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C., our collective experience successfully defending clients accused of crimes in Erie County spans decades, and we have been recognized by numerous lawyer ranking organizations such as Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell and AVVO.com (where we maintain a perfect-10 rating).  Call us today, or fill out this online contact form, to tell us what happened in your case.

About Erie County, PA

Erie County is located in Pennsylvania, near New York State.  Erie County is currently home to two Pennsylvania state parks, including the Erie Bluffs State Park and the Presque Isle State Park.  Additional recreational facilities in Erie County include an indoor waterpark, Presque Isle Casino, a zoo and a maritime museum. Erie County is known for its annual “Roar on the Shore” motorcycle rally (so-named because of Erie County’s close proximity to Lake Erie).

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense Strategies in Erie County, PA

FAQ: What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? Do I need a lawyer if I have been accused of a misdemeanor in Erie County?

Felonies are crimes that are categorized as being more serious, and so carry a potential jail term of at least one year in prison.  Misdemeanors can only result in a maximum of one year in jail. Even if you have only been accused of a “less serious” misdemeanor crime, the consequences can still be substantial.  One year in jail is a significant penalty, and most of these crimes carry additional consequences, such as community service and monetary fines. Importantly, misdemeanors show up on your criminal record, meaning that a potential employer or landlord can discover that you were convicted of the crime.  Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to protect your rights gives you the strongest chance of minimizing the consequences following your arrest.

FAQ: What should I do after I am arrested on criminal charges?

It is important to remember that the police warnings about your right to remain silent are serious.  Refrain from making any statements whatsoever without an experienced criminal defense lawyer present to protect your rights.  Statements can be used against you in ways that you may not initially anticipate. Otherwise, the first step you should take is to contact our experienced criminal defense lawyers so that we can get to work as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.