Scranton Criminal Defense Attorney In Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania

Attorney William D. Thompson understands that you may be seeking Thompson Law‘s services at a difficult and trying time in your life. It is primarily for this reason that he makes sure you and your loved ones feel supported and guided. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide Lackawanna County clients with zealous legal representation and offer them the honest communication and tireless support they deserve.

Experienced Defense Advocate For Many Types Of Crimes

With more than 19 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Thompson can handle a wide range of issues, such as:

• DUI, including first-time offenses, homicide DUI, underage DUI, license suspensions related to DUI, injuries due to DUI and DUI preliminary hearings
• Drug crimes, including drug trafficking, drug possession and drug manufacturing
• Traffic offenses, including hit-and-runs, reckless driving, speeding and vehicular manslaughter
• Sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse of children
• Assault, including aggravated assault
• Theft crimes, such as robbery, identity theft, burglary and fraud
• Child pornography, including possession and distribution of child pornography
• Probation violations, such as failure to pay fines, failure to attend mandatory meetings, positive drug or alcohol testing and new criminal arrests
• Parole violations, including illegal possession of a firearm, violating existing protective orders and failing a drug test
• Expungement, including reviewing your case and determining eligibility
• Appeals, including evaluating your case, collecting further evidence and developing a new strategy
• Arson, including different degrees of arson, wildfire arson and negligent fire charges
• Kidnapping, including kidnapping for ransom, kidnapping to hold as a hostage, kidnapping to use for a crime and kidding for involuntary servitude
• Violent crimes, such as murder, arson, burglary, rape and homicide
• Veterans court program, which may cover DUIs, property crimes, public intoxication and indecent exposure

Answering Frequently Asked Questions

Being arrested and facing the criminal justice system can be intimidating, especially if you have not been through it before. You have many questions and concerns. Attorney William D. Thompson is an experienced, dedicated criminal defense lawyer who is deeply committed to treating clients with respect and helping them through every step of their defense.

After reading the frequently asked questions and answers below, contact Thompson Law to speak to a lawyer who provides strong defense against all types of criminal charges.

What should I do if I am arrested or pulled over for a crime?

If you are pulled over or arrested, there are three critical things you should do:

1. Cooperate with the police: Do not fight or be overly argumentative with the arresting officer(s).
2. Remain silent: Do not tell the police anything. You have a right to remain silent; use that right.
3. Call a lawyer: You have a constitutionally protected right to the assistance of legal counsel in criminal proceedings. Tell the police you are remaining silent until you have an attorney present.

With these steps, you will protect your rights in the criminal justice process.

Are the police allowed to search my car or home?

In many cases, yes, but not always. For example, a police officer cannot pull you over for no reason at all and open your trunk. There needs to be reasonable suspicion and probable cause. Talk with an attorney who can help you determine whether your rights were violated.

Can I refuse a breath test or blood test?

Technically, yes. But in the vast majority of cases, it is a bad idea. Refusal will result in the automatic suspension of your license, and you can still be convicted even without the blood, breath or urine test evidence. Call an attorney before you take the test, if possible.

Will I lose my license for DUI?

This depends on a couple of factors. Most importantly, it depends on whether you’ve been convicted of DUI in the past and the degree to which you were intoxicated.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania uses a three-tier system to classify the degree of impairment.

For first offense, general impairment (the lowest level of intoxication, between .08 and .10 blood alcohol content), there is no mandatory license suspension, but it is not out of the question. For the higher levels of intoxication, there is a 12-month mandatory minimum license suspension.

These numbers can increase with multiple DUI convictions, and it is important to remember that these are “mandatory minimum” sentences. The judge will have discretion to increase that penalty if the facts surrounding the case merit this decision.

Will I have to go to court?

While many cases end up with a plea bargain that can help avoid the trial process, you will almost certainly have to show up for a hearing. Mr. Thompson will help you through the process and explain everything happening, so you will be prepared.

Will I go to jail?

This depends. Similar to the suspension of driving privileges, jail time depends on numerous factors. For first offenses of general intoxication, the minimum mandatory sentence is six months of probation, but there is a minimum of 48 hours to six months in jail for higher intoxication.

With a good lawyer defending you, it might be possible to get your charges dismissed or to find another way to avoid jail time.

What if I hurt or killed someone while driving under the influence?

Of course, in cases of DUI that results in manslaughter or DUI resulting in serious injury to another, the penalties will be much higher and the judge is much less likely to be merciful.

These are cases that require particularly strong defense.

Should I go with the public defender?

While most public defenders are skilled, conscientious lawyers, the system is such that they are simply too overburdened with cases to give your case any unique attention or care.

A private lawyer will be able to dig deeper into the record of your arrest and other details to find ways to get your case thrown out or at least to minimize the penalties you will receive.

Contact Thompson Law Today For A Free Consultation