William Robert Bickerton's Answers

PA criminal defense, armed robbery, no priors, prison sentence

Each case is unique so there is no average prison sentence. With that said, even if a defendant charged with armed robbery has absolutely no criminal history, that defendant faces a possible mandatory minimum of five (5) years in a state correctional institution. If you are charged with a crime of violence and you possessed a firearm or a replica of a firearm that placed the victim in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury during the commission of the offense, you face a minimum...

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Criminal record in PA is preventing me from getting a job, expunging criminal record in PA

Did you go to court? Did you plead guilty? What law firm received this $167.00 fine? If you pleaded guilty, you can only apply for an expungement after you receive a pardon from the Governor of Pennsylvania. If you were charged but never convicted, you should obtain an expungement. Go see an attorney near you that handles criminal defense matters. And bring all your paperwork, if you have any. -Bill

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What is an ARD program, state of PA

ARD is short for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, and most people associate it with drunk driving (DUI/DWI/DAI). You usually have some of the same conditions to complete while in the ARD program as you would if you pleaded guilty, but you avoid the conviction and face fewer penalties if you successfully complete the program. In some counties like Allegheny County, your charges are automatically expunged after you successfully complete the program, but the district attorney's office is...

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Could there be a warrant 33 years after not showing up for court on a prostitution charge

Yes, you could have a warrant. I have represented many clients charged with prostitution. Call me, and I will find out if you have an active warrant for no charge. Very truly yours, William R. Bickerton

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PA DUI laws, consequences for 2nd DUI

Please consult an experienced DUI Defense Lawyer because your husband's case is very serious. You should be able to obtain a free consultation from a competent attorney near you. No matter what, your husband needs to retain the Public Defender or hire a private attorney. Pennsylvania's Driving Under the Influence law is now a 3-tier system so your husband could be facing a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 90 days, a mandatory minimum fine of $1,500.00, a license suspension of 18 months,...

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PA dui/dwi laws

There are so many possibilities that can happen with your case. Maybe the girls are not from the area and will not appear at the preliminary hearing. But it is a preliminary hearing and not a trial so the burden of proof is substantially lower, and the rules of evidence are more relaxed (to your detriment). Yes, the cop can rely on the girls' testimony that you were driving, and you can be convicted. They can provide direct evidence that you were driving the car, but their credibility can...

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Does PA have statute of limitations for DUI

To answer your question thoroughly and competently, I need more information from you. You can contact me for a free consultation, or you can call another qualified attorney in Allegheny County. Very truly yours, William R. Bickerton

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My son "shanked" someone in school today and is being charged with "disorderly conduct." Is this justifiable?

Charging your son with disorderly conduct seems excessive. Was the disorderly conduct charged as a summary or a misdemeanor? Call me for a free consultation or send me an email with your contact information so I can contact you. Very truly yours, William R. Bickerton

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Consequences 4 dui while on ard for dui

Hire a Criminal/DUI defense lawyer ASAP. You may be able to complete ARD before the new DUI violates your ARD. Technically, you violated ARD. Worst case scenario is that you get jail time for a second conviction in the new case. Then ARD is revoked, that first DUI goes to trial, and you get more jail time. There are other possible options, but you need to consult with an attorney near you immediately. -Bill

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Consequences for getting a dui while on probation in PA

More information is needed to determine what should be done with your new case. If you plead guilty to the new case, you are facing mandatory jail time. The amount of time that you face will depend upon your BAC. You are also subject to additional incarceration for the probation violation. You could receive Restrictive Intermediate Punishment (house arrest with an ankle bracelet) in lieu of jail. There are numerous possibilities that could happen based on the information that you have...

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