Category Archives: Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney

criminal defense, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News

Robbery Charges: When Slight Force Can Lead to Serious Penalties #Pittsburgh #CriminalLawyer

Pittsburgh Robbery Lawyer - Frank Walker Law
Pittsburgh Robbery Lawyer – Frank Walker Law

Most people when they think of a robbery imagine a man in a mask with a gun holding up a bank and making a break for it in the getaway car and eventually being tracked down at the end of an exciting police chase. Or at the very least you would think of some sort of mugging on the street where someone gets beat up and their wallet stolen.  However, the reality of robbery may involve a significant less amount of force than you would think.

The offense of robbery requires that in the course of a theft, one of the following happens: the robber (1) Inflicts serious bodily injury; (2) or threatens or puts someone in fear of serious bodily injury; (3) or inflicts or threatens to inflict bodily injury; (4) physically takes or removes property from another by force however so slight; (5) or takes money from a financial institution or makes a demand of an employee of a financial institution orally or in writing.

With this loose definition of robbery, practically any theft that involves physical force of any kind can result in robbery charges under subsection four.  This may mean that in a domestic dispute with a girlfriend if you take her phone and leave with it, you may find yourself facing serious robbery charges. The conscientious bank thief may think that they won’t be charged for a robbery if they come in unarmed and just slide a note over to the teller, but subsection five covers that scenario too.  If you are part of a group of people that is committing a theft, you may find yourself charged with robbery as an accomplice even if you are not the one who did the actual physical assault. And add a firearm into the mix of any of the above scenarios and you’ll find yourself in even more trouble with possible enhancements applied to your potential sentence.

Robbery is a serious offense with statutory maximum punishments of up to seven, ten, or twenty years depending on the subsection a person is charged with. If you or a loved one has been charged with a robbery, the steps you take in handling the criminal case will impact the rest of your life.  The most important decision you can make from the start is retaining experienced, professional counsel who can handle your case from day one. 

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Super Lawyer and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

criminal defense, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer

It’s Not Just Breaking and Entering: Burglary Charges in Pennsylvania #Pittsburgh #CriminalDefenseLawyer

Pittsburgh Burglary Attorney - Frank Walker Law
Pittsburgh Burglary Attorney – Frank Walker Law

Burglary is possibly one of the most misunderstood crimes that is part of the crimes code today.  When most people think of burglary, they imagine a scenario like in one of those home security alarm commercials. A man in a black ski mask breaks in the glass on the front door with a crowbar, comes in and starts stealing everything in sight.  However, the reality is that many far more benign acts fall under the umbrella of “burglary.”  What a person accused of burglary may think was a simple theft or vandalism is actually a burglary, which is a serious felony one offense!

The simple definition of burglary is entry into a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime therein. The severity of the charge varies depending on whether someone was present on the premises or not, and whether the building is adapted for overnight accommodations. Basically it is seen as a more serious crime if someone is there or could be expected to spend the night there, as there is a higher risk of a dangerous physical confrontation.

Unlike the popular conception relating a burglary to a “breaking and entering” where a person must force their way into a stranger’s residence, a burglary can happen to anyone and doesn’t require someone breaking in the windows or front door. A large portion of burglaries are committed against people who know the alleged burglar. That may include parents, friends, relatives, or someone’s workplace.  The burglar seeks money or property, often to sell to support a drug habit, and comes by the person’s residence when they are not permitted to be there. They sneak in, and take property, believing they are committing only a small theft of less than a few hundred dollars. Many defendants are then surprised when upon their arrest they find that they are facing Felony One Burglary charges!

There are several defenses to burglary.  It is a defense to burglary if at the commission of the time of the offense, the building was abandoned, the building was open to the public, or if the defendant had authorization to enter. The defendant’s state of mind when committing the theft or other attendant crime is a key element of the offense as well.  

If you or a loved one has been charged with a burglary, the potential consequences of this charge are very serious. It’s important that you consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in the field of criminal defense. 

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Super Lawyer and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

criminal defense, Morgantown Criminal Defense Attorney, Morgantown Criminal Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, Pittsburgh Sex Assault Lawyer, Sex Crimes, West Virginia Criminal Lawyer

Sex, Alcohol, and Consent on College Campuses. #CriminalDefenseAttorney

Frank Walker Law College Party
Sex, Alcohol, and Consent on College Campuses – Frank Walker Law

College is a time where many adults begin living on their own and take their first steps into personal responsibility. For many young adults, it is also a time for experimentation with drugs and alcohol, and their first time living alone.  A college campus is a great place for young people to meet others in their age group, socialize, and pursue relationships.  However, the combination of youth, drugs and alcohol, and inexperience can lead to difficult situations in the eyes of the law.

Accusations of rape, sexual assault, and other sex and alcohol related crimes are common in a college campus setting.  In these cases usually there is no dispute as to whether sex occurred, instead the issue centers around whether that sex was consensual. Unfortunately in most cases of sex related crimes there is limited evidence outside the testimony of the two individuals involved. Add in alcohol or drugs, and even the two people’s memories of who were there that night may not reflect the reality of exactly what happened.

When these events are reported to the college, what happens from there can spiral out of control. College Administration, in attempts to protect their reputation as safe for students and unwilling to put themselves at risk by making hard decisions, often suspend or expel those accused of sexual misconduct without opportunity for a hearing or meaningful investigation into what happened.  This can end a promising career and future for a young college attendee before it even gets started.

Even if a hearing is convened, students may potentially be denied the opportunity to be represented by counsel or to present a meaningful opportunity to challenge the accusations. These situations have been gaining prominence in the news as students and attorneys have been pushing back against the university’s summary dismissals without due process.

If you are a college student or other individual facing allegations of sexual misconduct, or have a son or daughter that is facing allegations through their university or criminal charges from the police, its important to lay down a strong defense early. Getting an attorney early on can prevent potentially irreparable damage from being done to someones reputation and future.  Attorney Frank Walker can help.  With years of experience in the criminal justice system and helping college aged individuals in their time of need, Attorney Walker can help you fight the charges and demand due process for the accused. Set up a consultation now.  Attorney Walker has offices conveniently located near college campuses in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

 

criminal defense, Domestic Violence Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, Pittsburgh Preliminary Hearings

Bad Romance: When a Bad Breakup Leads to Criminal Charges

Frank Walker Law
      

*** If you are a victim of Domestic Violence, please seek help immediately by contacting local authorities or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). ***  

In romantic relationships, emotions run high and thinking is not always rational.  During a bad breakup, the potential for allegations of a criminal offense are particularly high. When you combine hurt feelings with a sense of being wronged and a taste of bitterness, and you mix in the arguing and fighting that may ensue, potentially illegal behavior is a highly possible outcome. After substance abuse and money, interpersonal romantic issues are one of the most common reasons behind the commission of a criminal offense.

Often times, breakup fights get physical.  One person may get slapped, bitten, punched, or shaken. One person may grab the other person in a way that leaves marks or bruises. Or threats may be made unthinkingly. If the cops are called to the scene, either one or both of the people involved may find themselves with criminal charges including harassment, assault, simple assault, aggravated assault and terroristic threats. It is a common misconception that the person reporting the crime is “pressing charges” against the other person. Instead, it is in the discretion of the office of the District Attorney’s office about whether to pursue and maintain criminal charges. Even after reconciliation, the DA’s office can and will still pursue serious criminal charges against the accused even over the protest of the alleged victim.

Sometimes even nonviolent contact can lead to criminal charges. After a breakup, the person who initiated the breakup may refuse to answer phone calls or respond to texts. The other person, unwilling to accept that the relationship has ended may call and/or text over and over again trying to get their attention, or show up repeatedly at their house or place of work. This type of conduct can result in charges of harassment or stalking.

Many times a bad breakup or fight may result in one party obtaining a protection form abuse order (PFA) against the other.  Once a PFA order is in place, any attempt to contact the  person who got the order, either calling them or talking to them in person can result in criminal charges for indirect criminal contempt, punishable with up to 6 months of incarceration for each violation.  Individuals can get in trouble for violating these no contact provisions even when it’s the victim who reaches out and initiates the contact in the first place!

If you’ve had a bad breakup that turned messy, and you now find yourself facing an eviction, criminal charges, and/or civil proceedings, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Don’t allow your emotions to cloud your thinking. You know that you need a qualified representative to fight the charges and help you navigate these tumultuous waters. Attorney Frank Walker can help. With years of experience helping both men and women accused of charges stemming from a bad breakup, Attorney Frank Walker can get the charges dismissed or reduced, fight PFA proceedings, and help you be in a good situation both financially and professionally moving forward. Give him a call today! Our lines are open 24/7 at 412-532-6805.

*** If you are a victim of Domestic Violence, please seek help immediately by contacting local authorities or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). ***

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

criminal defense, Expungement Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer

Expungement in Pennsylvania. #CriminalDefenseLawyer

Frank Walker Law Expungement Lawyer

A criminal conviction can come back to bite you for the rest of your life.  A common dis-qualifier when applying for a job or professional license is the criminal background check.  If that background check shows a conviction, you may be prevented from being hired. Also, a criminal conviction can affect you beyond just obtaining employment. It can keep you from obtaining a permit to carry a firearm,  deny you from obtaining many other licenses and permits, and be found by the general public who may use what they find to discriminate against you.

Unfortunately, in Pennsylvania, the majority of offenses are non-expungeable, though there are exceptions. The most common use of expungement is the expungement of an arrest record after successful completion of an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program.  While this program is used most frequently to prevent first time DUI offenders from having a criminal record, it can be entered into for other first time misdemeanor offenses as well.  ARD programs are an enticing option for those wishing to avoid a criminal record.

However, if ARD is not available, the options for for expungement of an offense under Pennsylvania Law are limited.  Criminal history information under 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 9122 in cases where there has been a conviction may only be expunged if the person has been dead for 3 or more years, or has reached the age of 70 and been prosecution free for ten years; or if the offense is a summary offense and the offender has been arrest and prosecution free for five years.  For the overwhelming majority of cases, misdemeanor and felony case convictions are not expungeable.

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, or have already been convicted and are wondering about what your options for expungement are, you should consult with an experienced attorney. Attorney Frank Walker has been helping people in Allegheny County and the surround regions charged with criminal offenses get their life back on the right track.  Attorney Walker can fight for you to get the case dismissed or the charges greatly reduced, and have the history surrounding the case wipe cleaned under the right circumstances. Give him a call today at: 412-532-6805.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

criminal defense, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, Pittsburgh Preliminary Hearings

Testifying at the Preliminary Hearing and Trial: A Personal and Strategic Decision. #CriminalDefenseLawyer

Frank Walker Law Testify

A decision that has to be made at every preliminary hearing or trial on criminal charges is the decision of whether to take the stand and testify.  You have the right to remain silent and do not have to testify if you do not wish to. However, you also have the right to testify on your own behalf, and at trial, your attorney can not prevent you from speaking. Whether you ultimately do speak at your preliminary hearing or trial is an important decision that you should decide with your attorney.

At the preliminary hearing, the temptation is almost overwhelming to tell your side of the story. The police or witnesses may present a story that you may know to be factually untrue, and you’re going to have an intense desire to call them out on it and tell the real story of what happened. However, testifying at your preliminary hearing is almost always a mistake. Its important to remember that at a preliminary hearing, the rule is that credibility of the Commonwealth’s witnesses is not at issue. Anything the Commonwealth’s witnesses say at this time will be taken at face value for purposes of establishing a prima facie case. Any testimony you give can not disprove their story at this time, and it can be used to impeach you at trial if anything you say ends up being able to be shown as potentially  inaccurate. Instead, its important to tell the real story to your lawyer, and allow him to build a record out of the Commonwealth’s witnesses that enables you to attack the merits of their case.

At trial, the analysis about whether to testify on your own behalf is entirely different. The pitfall of testifying on your own behalf at trial is that it opens you up to an intense cross examination from the prosecution that can draw out many facts that cast you in a bad light.  Also, if you have ever been convicted of prior crimes involving dishonesty (known as crimen falsi), all of these crimes may potentially be submitted into evidence against you.  As a legal matter, your decision not to testify can not be held against you. As a practical matter, testifying may be the only way to get your version of facts into evidence, and the jury may judge you in their own minds if you do not.  The decision about whether to testify is a personal and strategic decision that should be discussed at length with an experienced attorney.

Thats where Attorney Frank Walker comes in. With years of experience defending the accused at trial, Attorney Walker can help you make these important decisions, and build a sound legal defense to attack the charges. Call Walker Law today at 412-532-6805! Lines are open 24/7 365 to better serve you.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

criminal defense, Morgantown Criminal Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News

Should I talk to police about my case without a lawyer?

Should I speak to police?

The right to remain silent in a criminal prosecution is so important that our founding fathers enshrined it in the fifth amendment of the Bill Of Rights.  Many people have heard from crime drama TV shows that when being interrogated they should exercise their right to remain silent and to request their attorney to be present immediately.  There are many levels of an interaction between police and a defendant in a criminal case, and the right to remain silent applies to all of them. Police, however have many psychological tactics and procedures in their repertoire to get you to forgo this right and to give them the evidence they need to convict you.

Many police encounters do not begin with handcuffs. Instead, they may ask you to voluntarily come down to the police station just to talk, or they may arrive on your doorstep, and inform you that you are not under arrest and they just want you to answer a few questions, and that in doing so you may avoid a formal investigation. Even in these casual encounters with police though, its important to remember your right to remain silent. Anything said in these encounters can potentially be used against you in a court of law.  In many of these “casual encounters” the police have already begun their investigation and are merely attempting to gather additional information while your guard is down. 

Also, despite its notoriety from crime dramas, the “good cop, bad cop” routine is not only real, it is very effective.  People that get arrested are often drunk or high and their mental faculties may be impaired.  Also, the inherent stress of being arrested weighs further on the mind of an offender.  Add in one officer being rude and aggressive (the bad cop), and you will find an offender looking for someone to cut him a break. Enter the good cop. The “good” cop will treat you with more respect, and seem far more willing to listen. He may inform you that the current charges are no big deal, and he understands where you’re coming from. He may also tell you that if you cooperate, he can put in a good word for you with the district attorney. You may also be promised that if you just give a statement, or write an apology letter, that the charges wont go any further. None of these promises are binding. Instead, any statements or letters provided by you will be taken in as evidence against you in a criminal prosecution.

If you have been arrested, or have received a call or visit from the police, its important that to remember that you do have the right to remain silent. You also have the right to obtain an attorney who can deal with the police on your behalf. That’s where Attorney Frank Walker comes in. As an experienced criminal defense attorney serving the citizens of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia, Attorney Walker can be with you every step of the way in dealing with police and the District Attorney’s Office. Don’t wait until its too late, call Attorney Walker for advice today.

To set up a consultation call: 412-315-7441 for our office in Pittsburgh, PA and (304) 712-2089 for our office in Morgantown, WV.

 

criminal defense, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense News, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, Pittsburgh Public Intoxication

Should I represent myself for a Summary Trial?

Do I need an Attorney for a Summary Case

In Pennsylvania, crimes are divided into 3 categories, felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses. Misdemeanor and felony charges are the more serious offenses, while summary offenses have less serious consequences. In light of that, many people believe that its not worth it to spend the money to retain an attorney for a trial on a summary offense.  They could not be more mistaken.

First of all, many summary offenses carry with them the possibility of jail time of up to 90 days imprisonment in the county jail.  In cases with multiple summary offenses, you may receive an additional 90 days in jail for each summary offense you are convicted of. Each offense also carries with it the potential for a $300 fine in the case of most summary offenses. In the case of habitual offenders, you can find yourself paying fines of up to $1,000 cash for each offense. And again, these fines are cumulative in the case of conviction on multiple offenses. Certain offenses, such as a violation of 1543(b) Driving on a Suspended License (Alcohol Related) carry mandatory jail time.

Due to the traffic nature of most summary offenses, the possibility for a suspension of your driving privilege is a possible outcome attached to many summary trials.  You can get your license suspended either for a few months, or even an additional year depending on the offense and the status of your driver’s license.

Summary trials, especially those related to traffic are often very document intensive, including records from the Department of Transportation, employer’s records, financial records, and other documents. For these to be admissible in trial against you, they will be needed to be admitted pursuant to the rules of evidence. In many cases, a summary trial is prosecuted solely by the affiant, that meaning you are facing a police officer and not an attorney from the District Attorney’s office.  With an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side, you may have the advantage you need to challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence and get the case dismissed.  Also, due to the working relationship and experience a good attorney has with law enforcement, you may be able to strike a better plea bargain than you would be in the position to make on your own.

Even in a summary trial, its important to be prepared with a good attorney. Attorney Frank Walker can help. With experience in trials ranging from the most serious felonies, to lower grade summary offense, Attorney Walker fights to the utmost to receive the most advantageous outcome for his clients.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

criminal defense, DUI Defense, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, Pittsburgh DUI Attorney, Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer

Getting Ready: How to Fight Your DUI Arrest

Frank Walker Law DUI Attorney Criminal Lawyer

After a night of drinking, you drive home, and on the way you see flashing red and blue lights in your rear view mirror. Its your worst fear: a police officer is pulling you over under suspicion of DUI.  After a field sobriety test, breathalyzer, and /or blood draw, you find yourself facing DUI charges.  The question on your mind is: what do I do now?

Besides the obvious advice that you shouldn’t drink and drive, there are other things you can do to help your case.  The first thing you need to do is to remember that you have the right to remain silent, and to use it.  The police are doing everything they can to build a case against you, and any statements you make (such as “I only had 2 beers”) can and will be used against you at trial.  Also, remember, that the field sobriety tests as well as breathalyzer tests are evidence gathering tools used by the Commonwealth and are for the most part completely voluntary. Pennsylvania has an implied consent law which mandates that you must consent to a blood draw or face increased penalties, but you are not required to do the field sobriety or breathalyzer tests.

Next step, and probably the most important step is to lawyer up. You need a competent attorney to help you fight the case. Someone who can teach you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. You need someone experienced in criminal defense and specializes in handling DUI offenses.

Finally, remember to do the work. From here on out you need to comply with court rules and help build a case for a lighter sentence if you are eventually convicted. This means you need to do any counseling that is ordered, show up to your court dates on time, and help present the case that you are a strong contributing member of the community. This may include maintaining a good job, being active in the community, and strengthening family ties.  DUI proceedings are expensive, so you will want to make sure that you can build up some money to contribute towards any future fines or restitution.

If you have been charged with a DUI, getting an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best way to build a strong front line defense. Attorney Frank Walker has years of experience defending those charged with DUI offenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as West Virginia.  Call 412-532-6805 to set up a consultation today!

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.

DUI Defense, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer

Should You Tell Your Job About Your #DUI?

Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney

When someone gets in trouble with the law, one of the first things to cross their mind is “am I going to lose my job because of this?” The answer to that question is a resounding “maybe.” This depends on the nature of your job and the steps you take after you’ve been arrested.

One of the first things to do after hiring a competent DUI attorney to handle your criminal case, is to see if your company’s human resource department has a handbook or guidelines on what to do in cases where you’ve been arrested and/or convicted of a criminal charge. Some workplaces may mandate that you report an arrest within a short period of time of its occurrence. This may be a period as little as one to three days depending on the company. Others may only require that you report a conviction, and that reporting an arrest is unnecessary. For those with professional licenses, your state’s board may require you to report a conviction for DUI or risk facing a suspension or losing your license to practice altogether. Doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, and several other professions all have requirements on what must be reported and when.

If you have employment where driving is an integral part of the job, sooner or later a conviction for DUI is going to come to light. Convictions for DUI or admission into an ARD program are going to come with a driver’s license suspension that may range anywhere from two months up to an entire year.  Those with commercial driver’s license will be facing further consequences to the status of their license. Professional drivers usually have provisions in their contracts requiring the immediate reporting for a DUI arrest.

Your decision to tell your employer about a DUI arrest or conviction requires sensitive consideration.  You need to review contract rules, union rules, professional licensure rules, state laws, and factor in the specter of potential jail time in your future resulting from your conviction. Even if its your first offense, how you handle yourself professionally following a DUI arrest can shape the rest of your professional future.   This is why its important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Attorney Frank Walker has specialized experience handling DUI cases for professionals from all walks of life.  Attorney Walker can help you figure out your employer and state board’s reporting requirements, and of course help you fight the underlying criminal case.  Its time to trust a true professional! Call Attorney Frank Walker today at 412-532-6805.

Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer and Personal Injury Attorney with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia. Attorney Walker is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense and qualified as a Pennsylvania Death Penalty Defense Attorney.

If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or seriously injured in an accident in WV or PA, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation following a serious accident or injury.