Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer

Defending Against Criminal Charges in Armstrong, Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, Butler, Westmoreland Counties

If you or a loved one are facing investigation, arrest, trial, or jail time in Pittsburgh due to a criminal accusation, then you need an aggressive criminal defense strategy. Herb & Winters Law has over 45 years of professional experience and is dedicated to seeking justice for those who have been charged with a crime in the Pittsburgh area.

For quality high-stakes representation from an attorney who has handled hundreds of jury trials, contact a Pittsburgh criminal attorney at Herb & Winters Law online or at (412) 533-4821.

Criminal Cases We Handle

Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers at Herb & Winters Law can assist you with the following types of cases and proceedings:

• Drunk driving (DUI, DWI)
• Assault
• Battery
• Theft/Larceny
• Trespass
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• White Collar Crimes
• Larceny
• Embezzlement
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Drug crime (possession, intent to distribute, intent to manufacture)
• Arson
• Breaking & Entering
• Burglary
• Civil Asset Forfeiture
• Property Crimes
• Any other felony or misdemeanor
• Summary Offenses
• Traffic Tickets
• Boating while Impaired
• Arraignments
• Bail Bond Hearings
• Pre-Charge Representation
• All representation to and through trial, including all appeals.

In 2023, our law firm was recognized as one of the fastest growing law firms in the country by Law Firm 500. Due to the high-volume of cases we receive, our criminal lawyers accept criminal cases only on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in whether our Pittsburgh criminal attorneys will accept your criminal case, then we recommend contacting our office today to schedule a consultation.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Is there a warrant out for your arrest? Is it an arrest warrant or a bench warrant? Can you get out of jail on bond? How do you get a bail bond? Do you want a jury trial? Should you negotiate a plea bargain? Does it matter if you are facing criminal charges in a state or federal court? Will you lose your driver's license (or child or car or gun rights)? These are all important questions that an experienced criminal defense lawyer can answer for you and help you act on. It can be difficult to navigate a criminal charge efficiently without the intimate knowledge of criminal law and trial processes that an experienced attorney has.

Anyone accused of violating a criminal law needs a criminal defense attorney they can respect and trust. Money, jail time, and even your life may be on the line, and Herb & Winters Law will fight hard for our client's best interests. We have more than 45 years of experience helping people who are facing criminal authorities in arrests, allegations, investigations, trials, or appeals.

Before deciding on a criminal defense lawyer for your case, talk with the attorney and get a feel for how you will work together. There is no bond like that between a criminal defense lawyer and his client, and deciding who to hire as your defense attorney may be the most important decision of your life.

What is Unique About Herb & Winters Law’s Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyers?

Attorney James M. Herb, a partner of our law firm, has represented criminal defendants for over forty (45) plus years, which makes him one of the most experienced criminal defense attorneys in the Pittsburgh areas. Attorney James M. Herb has represented criminal defendants in matters ranging from high-profile murder cases to simple summary offenses.
Herb & Winters Law was recognized as one of the fastest growing law firms in the country by Law Firm 500 in 2023, which we believe is an indication 45of the excellent service that we have provided our clients. Since our law firm was also founded in the 1970s, our law firm is also among one of the oldest full-service law firms in the Pittsburgh area. We believe that our experience and success sets us apart from other Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyers. 

What is the Process Like Hiring a Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer From Herb & Winters Law?

The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation with one of Herb & Winters Law’s Pittsburgh criminal attorneys, so that we can gather more information about the situation that you are dealing with. The consultation process allows us to gather some preliminary factual information that will be very important to determine how to best proceed moving forward. The consultation with a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can be conducted via phone, video call, or in-person (whatever is most convenient for you). You call into our law office to inquire about scheduling a consultation with one of our criminal lawyers. Typically, a consultation can last up to one (1) hour. During this consultation, after gathering more facts about your situation, we can give you preliminary advice on next steps regarding how you should best proceed.

The second step in the process is to agree to the cost of representation by agreeing to a fee agreement between yourself and one of our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys and law firm. It is highly important that a fee agreement is, at least, confirmed in writing so that you are aware what the fees/costs will be with respect to your representation by a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney. If a fee agreement is reached, then next steps in the process will be communicated to you.

The third step is to proceed with next steps in the defense of the criminal charges against you. Because each criminal case has to be evaluated in a case-by-case basis, the next steps that we recommend could be different in your specific and individualized case. However, you would know what the goal is with each step in the criminal legal process. Do not delay, call a criminal lawyer today at Herb & Winters Law.

Assault in Pennsylvania

Assault is a criminal offense that involves intentionally causing bodily harm or attempting to cause bodily harm to another person, or placing them in fear of immediate bodily harm. In Pennsylvania, there are different degrees of assault, which are based on how severe the offense is.

Degrees of Assault in Pennsylvania:

• Simple assault - A misdemeanor offense that involves causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another person, or negligently causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon. It can also include causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury or physical menace.
• Aggravated Assault - A more serious offense and can be charged as a felony. It includes intentionally causing serious bodily injury to another person, attempting to cause serious bodily injury, or using a deadly weapon to cause bodily injury.

The penalties for assault convictions can vary depending on the degree of assault and the circumstances of the case. Convictions can result in fines, probation, and imprisonment. It is essential to consult with a qualified Pittsburgh criminal lawyer at Herb & Winters Law if you are facing assault charges.

Theft

Theft involves unlawfully taking or exerting control over another person's property with the intent to deprive the owner of its possession. The state recognizes various degrees of theft charges based on the value and nature of the stolen property.

• Petty Theft - A misdemeanor offense. Stolen property or services valued less than $1,000
• Grand Theft - A felony offense. Stolen property or services valued at $1,000 or more, or if the property stolen was a firearm, motor vehicle, or certain types of drugs
• Aggravated Theft - Property was stolen directly from a person or involves violence or threats

The penalties for theft convictions in Pennsylvania depend on the degree of the offense and the value of the stolen property. Misdemeanor convictions can result in fines and potential imprisonment, while felony convictions carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences. If you were arrested for theft, speak with criminal attorneys in Pittsburgh at Herb & Winters Law  to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

What Are The Potential Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Pennsylvania?

The potential consequences of a criminal conviction in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Here are some common consequences that individuals may face:

• Incarceration: Depending on the offense, a criminal conviction can result in a jail or prison sentence. The length of incarceration can range from a few days for minor offenses to several years or even life imprisonment for more serious crimes.
• Fines: A criminal conviction often carries financial penalties in the form of fines. The amount of the fine will depend on the offense and can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
• Probation: In some cases, a court may impose a period of probation as an alternative to incarceration. During probation, individuals are required to comply with specific conditions, such as regularly reporting to a probation officer, attending counseling or treatment programs, maintaining employment, and refraining from further criminal activity.
• Community Service: Courts may order individuals to perform community service as part of their sentence. This involves completing a certain number of hours of unpaid work for a nonprofit organization or government agency.
  Loss of Professional Licenses or Certifications: A criminal conviction can result in the revocation or suspension of professional licenses or certifications, particularly in fields that require high ethical standards or involve public safety, such as healthcare, law, teaching, or law enforcement.
• Loss of Voting Rights: In Pennsylvania, individuals convicted of certain crimes may temporarily lose their right to vote while incarcerated, but they can generally restore their voting rights upon release.
• Immigration Consequences: Non-U.S. citizens convicted of a crime may face deportation, denial of reentry into the United States, or other immigration consequences.
• Damage to Reputation and Future Opportunities: A criminal conviction can have long-term consequences on one's personal and professional life. It can affect employment opportunities, educational pursuits, housing options, and relationships, as it becomes a permanent part of a person's criminal record.

Were you arrested in Pennsylvania? It's important to note that the specific consequences will vary depending on the offense, prior criminal history, and individual circumstances. For a better understanding of what options are available to you and guidance on what steps you should take next, consult an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer at Herb & Winters Law. We are backed by years of experience and may be able to provide you with sound counsel based on the specific circumstances of your case. Reach out to us today.

DUI Defense Cases We Handle

Charges for driving under the influence are serious matters. Our firm handles a range of DUI cases, including those involving:

• An accident with another vehicle
• Property damage
• Vehicular damage
• Death or injury 

Learn more about DUI on our page here.

How Much Does a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer Charge at Herb & Winters Law?

To determine the price of representation, you will need to have a consultation with one of Herb & Winters Law’s Pittsburgh criminal attorneys (as each case must be assessed on a case-by-case basis). Depending upon the nature of the charges and the facts, the cost can vary greatly depending upon a number of factors. For example, a basic traffic ticket is going to be substantially cheaper than the cost of defense for a murder charge.

Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers may charge a flat fee or may charge an hourly fee (this is a case-by-case determination). Our Pittsburgh criminal attorneys may agree to represent through a particular point in the litigation. There are various different ways a fee agreement can be structured; however, this is usually determined at the time of the consultation or shortly after the consultation. To find out the cost of defense from one of our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyers at Herb & Winters’ Law, please call today to schedule your consultation.

Call (412) 533-4821 to Get Started on Your Defense

At Herb & Winters Law, our clients are our top priority. You can trust our experience to fight for you and your loved ones. One of the best steps you could take in your criminal defense is to call an attorney at Herb & Winters Law to get started on strategizing your defense. Having handled hundreds of jury trials, we are prepared to take on even your most high-stakes trial to defend your rights. Call one of Herb & Winters Law’s Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys today!

Contact us online or at (412) 533-4821 to learn more about your defense options.  Our criminal lawyers in Pittsburgh are prepared to help you.