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The Experienced Local Team You Can Trust

Lehigh Valley Criminal Defense Attorneys

Last updated on August 12, 2026

When you face a criminal charge, it is critical to take prompt action to protect your future. This includes securing strong legal advocacy. Our experienced Bethlehem criminal defense attorneys at Deschler Law are prepared to guide you through all aspects of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system. We offer skilled, local criminal defense services across the Lehigh Valley. Our trusted legal professionals will provide honest assessments of your options and shield your rights from your case’s inception to its conclusion. With steadfast dedication, we will strive to secure results that preserve your freedom and reputation.

Our Criminal Defense Practice

For decades, clients have chosen our firm because of our record of success and our reputation for dependable, results-focused service. We have defended clients across the Lehigh Valley against charges of:

  • Drunk driving: Driving under the influence (DUI) in Pennsylvania can expose you to an array of severe punishments. Such charges can be especially disruptive if driving is necessary for your work.
  • Violent crimes: Prosecutors often employ aggressive tactics in cases involving allegations of assault, murder, rape, sex crimes and other offenses involving violence.
  • White collar crimes: This class of non-violent offenses includes fraud, embezzlement and other illegal practices that cause significant financial losses to individuals or the government. Such cases often involve complex evidentiary concerns that require meticulous analysis.
  • Theft offenses: There are many different types of such offenses, including burglary, shoplifting and grand theft. They vary considerably in their potential penalties.
  • Drug crimes: Drug charges are among the most prevalent types of criminal charges, but it is not uncommon for them to be based on unreliable evidence or prosecutorial overreach.

When providing you with vigorous defense representation in relation to such charges, one of our primary objectives is to serve as a protective barrier between you and the prosecution. By guiding you through all communications with authorities, our criminal defense attorneys can help prevent your statements from being misconstrued in a way that could damage your case. We will aim to ensure that you, not the prosecution, retain control over the narrative.

The Importance Of Your Constitutional Rights

The rights provided under the Constitution of the United States are foundational to the American criminal justice system. Three constitutional protections that are often significant factors in criminal cases are:

  • The right to an attorney: Having legal representation can have major implications for the overall trajectory of your case and be instrumental in providing full protection to your other rights.
  • The right to remain silent: Law enforcement officers are trained to elicit incriminating testimony. Even seemingly innocuous statements to authorities could eliminate key defense opportunities, making silence an integral right to exercise.
  • Protection from unreasonable searches: There are an array of procedures and rules police are to comply with when searching your vehicle, your person or your home. If evidence was obtained through searches that violate such regulations, there may be the potential to have such evidence suppressed.

Our criminal defense attorneys can help you legally contest actions by police or prosecutors that violate or ignore your constitutional rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges

As lifelong Lehigh Valley residents, we understand the uncertainty that follows an arrest. Our criminal defense attorneys provide clear, authoritative answers to critical questions, such as:

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania?

The primary difference is the potential length of imprisonment upon conviction. Under the offense grading system established by Pennsylvania statutes, misdemeanors have a maximum sentence of five years or less of incarceration, while felonies have maximum terms of seven years or higher. Both offense classes can expose you to significant long-term consequences in addition to imprisonment, such as professional, educational, financial, personal and reputational impacts.

What occurs in a preliminary hearing in Pennsylvania?

Preliminary hearings in Pennsylvania address critical procedural issues, such as whether sufficient evidence is present for a case to proceed. The decisions a court makes in these proceedings can have considerable implications for the overall direction and outcome of a criminal case.

Can a criminal record be expunged in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania law allows for the expungement or sealing of certain offenses from criminal records. However, the process is not automatic and not all offenses qualify. Second-degree and third-degree misdemeanors are typically eligible for record sealing, while full expungements are generally only available for nonconvictions, summary offenses and other special circumstances. There are additional types of post-conviction relief that you could seek to attain, such as full pardon. Each option has unique requirements and considerations.

Choose Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Will Prioritize Your Future

Our reliable legal professionals, who have deep roots in this community, have a steadfast commitment to advocating for the rights of local individuals accused of criminal offenses. We understand the gravity of your situation and offer the strategic defense services required to challenge the charges against you. Call us today at 610-419-0319 or send us an email using our online form to set up a confidential consultation.