- Criminal DefenseThere are multiple defenses that a person charged with a theft crime may be able to assert. First, as with any criminal charge, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, if a Scranton theft crime attorney can show that the Commonwealth has insufficient evidence to prove each element of a crime, a defendant should be found not guilty. Additionally, many theft crimes require the prosecution to prove that the defendant intentionally or knowingly deprived another person of his or her property. Therefore, if the Commonwealth cannot establish that a person possessed the requisite state of mind, it should not be able to obtain a conviction. In some cases, a person may be able to argue that he or she reasonably believed that he or she had the permission of the property owner to take the property. Consult a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney
- DUI/DWIA conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) may not only impair your right to drive but also result in significant penalties and harm your reputation, career, and relationships. If you are charged with driving under the influence, you should meet with a seasoned attorney to discuss your options for protecting your liberties. The skillful Scranton DUI lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., are proficient at defending people charged with drunk driving in the Pennsylvania courts. We will aggressively advocate in your defense to help you strive for the best result possible under the facts of your case. Pennsylvania DUI Laws
- Wrongful DeathPennsylvania Super Lawyer as published in Philadelphia Magazine**. She is highly aggressive protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the money they deserve following an injury or wrongful death.
- Sex CrimesViolent crimes often irreparably harm the lives of both the victim and the person accused of committing the crime. Convictions of violent crimes, such as rape, aggravated assault, and murder, typically result in lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, impaired relationships, and diminished employment opportunities. If you are faced with a charge of a violent crime, it is critical to retain an assertive attorney who will aggressively advocate on your behalf. The Scranton violent crime lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., have ample experience defending people charged with serious crimes. We understand that your liberty and your life as you know it may be at risk. If you engage our services, we will fight tirelessly to help you pursue the best legal outcome available under the facts surrounding your charges. Violent Crimes and Potential Penalties
- FraudOne of the most common white collar crimes is fraud. There are many acts that constitute fraud, and the penalties for a fraud conviction will vary depending on the crime, but they typically include fines and jail time. Securities fraud is one of the most frequently committed white collar crimes. Securities fraud occurs when an investment professional intentionally misrepresents a material fact to a client, with the intent of misleading the client, and this ultimately causes the client to suffer financial harm.
- BurglaryThe dedicated criminal defense lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., have the knowledge and experience needed to set forth a zealous defense in an assault case. We frequently represent people who need an assault defense lawyer in the Scranton area, as well as people charged with a wide variety of other crimes, such as domestic violence, murder, manslaughter, arson, kidnapping, gun crimes, and burglary. We have offices in Scranton, Tunkhannock, New Berwick, and the Poconos Mountains region, and we assist people in criminal matters throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Columbia, Lycoming, Monroe, and Montour Counties. We can be reached at 888.536.2426 or through our form online to discuss the specifics of your case at no obligation.
- White Collar CrimesSome crimes do not involve violent acts or forceful taking of property, but instead they may involve the calculated deprivation of funds or property from a person or business. These crimes are known as white collar crimes because they are typically committed by financial professionals or people who work for the government. Although white collar crimes do not cause bodily harm, a conviction of a white collar crime can carry serious penalties. If you are charged with a white collar crime, you should engage a knowledgeable attorney to help you formulate a defense. The capable Scranton white collar crime lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., can assess the facts of your case and develop a strategy to help you strive for the most favorable outcome available. The Prosecution’s Burden in White Collar Crime Cases
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsNumerous offenses fall under the umbrella of theft crimes in Pennsylvania, ranging from third-degree misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. Generally, the severity of the charge depends on the value of the property that was stolen. One example of a theft crime is theft by unlawful taking. Unlawful taking crimes are divided into crimes in which the defendant takes or exercises control over movable property, such as an electronic device, and crimes involving immovable property, such as a house. The prosecution must show that the defendant had the intent to deprive the owner of the property. Unlawful taking crimes are crimes against a person. They differ from retail theft, which occurs when a person steals property from a business or store.
- EmbezzlementNot all theft crimes involve physical taking. The theft crime attorneys at our Scranton firm can help fight charges involving more subtle types of theft as well. For example, theft by deception is a common theft crime that involves depriving a person of property by intentionally creating a false impression, failing to correct a false impression, or withholding information that would change his or her mind regarding a transaction. Collecting money for a charity that does not exist may be charged as theft by deception. Embezzlement is another theft crime that involves deceptive acts. This occurs when a person obtains property under an agreement to dispose of the property in a certain manner but fails to do so, and instead treats the property as if it is his or her own. These are just some examples of the theft crimes in Pennsylvania. Potential Defenses in Theft Crime Cases
- Drug CrimesThe opioid epidemic continues to affect our nation, and more people are charged with drug crimes each year. People may be charged with drug crimes not only related to opioids, however, but also related to several other illicit and prescription substances. If you are charged with a drug crime, you should speak with an attorney regarding the strategies that you may be able to use to protect your interests. The Scranton drug crime lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., are skilled at handling the complexities of serious charges, and we will help you strive for the best legal outcome available in your case. Drug Crimes in Pennsylvania
- AssaultAssault is one of the most common charges in Pennsylvania. It often arises out of a disagreement or heated exchange. Assault charges range in severity, and sometimes an assault conviction can result in a lengthy prison term. Even facing a seemingly minor assault charge can be a harrowing experience, and it can have negative repercussions throughout all aspects of your life. If you are faced with assault charges, it is in your best interest to consult a knowledgeable attorney regarding your charges and potential defenses. At Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., our Scranton assault defense lawyers are adept at navigating the Pennsylvania criminal justice system, and we will work diligently to help you seek a favorable outcome. Pennsylvania Assault Charges
- MurderThe maximum penalties that a person convicted of a violent crime may face depend on how the crime was charged. A violent crime attorney can advise Scranton residents on the specific penalties that they may face. A person convicted of a first-degree felony may face up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines, while a person convicted of a second-degree felony may face up to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. A third-degree felony carries a potential penalty of up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Certain crimes that are not characterized carry their own sentences. For example, a conviction of first-degree murder will result in either a sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty, while second-degree murder will result in life imprisonment. In many instances, there are mandatory minimum penalties that a court must impose, regardless of any mitigating factors. The Justified Use of Force (Self-Defense)
- Juvenile CrimesA conviction of a violent crime may result in lasting damage to your freedom and reputation. If you are charged with a violent crime, it is vital to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss the details of your case. At Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., we can craft compelling arguments in your defense to help you seek a favorable outcome. We represent people throughout Lackawanna, Lycoming, Luzerne, Monroe, Columbia, and Montour Counties who have been charged with violent crimes and other offenses, such as white collar crimes, elder abuse, terroristic threats, gun crimes, drug crimes, theft crimes, juvenile crimes, and more. We have offices in Scranton, Tunkhannock, New Berwick, and the Poconos Mountains region. You can call us to discuss the specifics of your case at no obligation at 888.536.2426, or you can contact us via our online form to set up a meeting with a violent crime lawyer in the Scranton area.
- Probation ViolationIn many instances in which the Commonwealth convicts a person of a crime, the person may be sentenced to probation or may be released on parole after serving part of a prison sentence. Probation and parole allow people convicted of crimes to work and spend time with loved ones outside prison, subject to certain conditions. People who fail to comply with the conditions of their probation or parole may face significant penalties, however, including imprisonment. If you were recently charged with a parole or probation violation, you should speak with a capable attorney to discuss whether you may be able to avoid incarceration. The Scranton probation violation lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., can assess the facts of your case and explore the arguments that you may be able to set forth in your defense to help you strive for a successful result. Probation Violations
- HomicideEnding the life of another person may result in criminal charges for murder or manslaughter. A criminal conviction for causing a person’s death may result in significant penalties that irreparably alter your life, such as a sentence to life imprisonment. If you have been charged with murder or a related crime, it is vital to retain a seasoned attorney to represent you. The Scranton homicide defense lawyers at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., are devoted to helping people accused of committing serious crimes protect their rights, and they will develop persuasive arguments to help you seek a positive result under the circumstances. Elements of a Homicide Crime and Potential Defenses
- Arson
- ForgeryForgery is another common white collar crime. Under Pennsylvania law, a person commits forgery if he or she modifies someone else’s writing without authority to do so, or executes any writing so that it appears to be the writing of another person, with the intent of defrauding someone. For example, if a person signs another person’s name to a blank check, without permission, it may constitute forgery. These charges are often complex, and a defendant will benefit from the representation of a Scranton white collar crime attorney who is experienced in these cases.
- KidnappingThere are numerous crimes that are defined by Pennsylvania statutory law as crimes of violence. Generally, they are crimes that cause bodily harm to a person. Violent crimes are graded based on the severity of the harm that they cause, and they range from first-degree felonies to third-degree misdemeanors. Examples of felonies of the first degree include rape, kidnapping, and aggravated assault that causes serious bodily injury. Examples of felonies of the second degree include strangulation of a family or household member and aggravated indecent assault.
- ManslaughterUnder Pennsylvania law, there are several homicide offenses with which the Commonwealth may charge a person for killing another individual. Specifically, the law provides that a person who knowingly, recklessly, or negligently causes another human being’s death is guilty of criminal homicide. Homicide crimes are classified as murder or as voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. The exact elements that the prosecution must prove to establish a person’s guilt vary depending on the crime with which the person is charged, but in all cases, the prosecution must produce evidence sufficient to show that the person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, if the prosecution cannot prove that a defendant acted with intent, recklessness, or any other mental state required as an element of the alleged offense, they should not be able to get a conviction. Additionally, depending on the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death, a homicide defense attorney in Scranton may be able to help a defendant avoid a conviction by showing that his or her acts were justified under the circumstances. Murder Offenses in Pennsylvania
- Internet Crimes
- Hit and RunA conviction of a DUI offense may permanently affect your life. If you are charged with a DUI offense in Pennsylvania, it is in your best interest to speak with an attorney regarding your potential options. At Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C., our attorneys defend not only people charged with DUI but also people charged with a variety of other criminal offenses, including hit and run, vehicle crimes, drug crimes, assault, property crimes, fraud, and probation violations. From offices in Scranton, New Berwick, Tunkhannock, and the Poconos Mountains region, we represent people in towns throughout Lackawanna, Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, and Montour Counties. You can call us at 888.536.2426 to discuss the specifics of your case with a DUI lawyer in Scranton at no obligation, or you can reach us via our online form.
- Workers CompensationThe National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 25 Workers Compensation Trial Lawyers as well as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Pennsylvania. Terrence Dempsey has also been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer as published in Philadelphia Magazine. He is a graduate of the Dickinson School of Law. Prior to entering private practice, Attorney Dempsey clerked for Judge Robert Conway of Wayne County, PA.
- Premises LiabilityAttorney Lenahan concentrates his practice on assisting the seriously injured. He has a strong interest in cases in the fields of personal injury, motor vehicle/truck accident litigation, premises liability and workers' compensation.
- Construction Litigation
- Personal InjuryDedication to the law and our clients has led to tremendous growth. Lenahan & Dempsey is now one of, if not the largest personal injury law firm in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania devoted to protecting the rights of the seriously injured. With a staff of over 50 talented individuals, we maintain offices across our practice area. We are also available for hospital, nursing home or home visits if needed. Resources
- Medical Malpractice"Our region is fortunate to have many excellent physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and long term care facilities. However, not all medical professionals or institutions maintain the same high standards of care. If you or a loved one has been injured due to medical malpractice or negligence you must take certain steps to preserve your legal options. Call us today and we will help you preserve your rights."
- Auto Accidents
- Social Security Disability"Did you know that initially, Social Security denies more claims than they approve? Many of those who have their claim denied often feel lost in a bureaucratic maze. We have been helping seriously injured people navigate the Social Security laws and rules for over a half century. If your Social Security Disability Benefit has been denied, call me. I can review your claim and determine how you should proceed." Disability Defined Title II Claims
- Dog Bites
- Slip and Fall Injury