Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington County

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   ROBERT OAKES 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith was amazing. He listened very intently and seemed to ask all the right questions to allow me to get the best possible outcome for my charges. I can’t thank him enough and would recommend him for any of your attorney needs.
  
 
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   Nikki 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith was wonderful to work with. His calm demeanor put my anxiety at ease every time I walked into the courthouse. The first time I spoke with him about my case, I knew he was the one for the job. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
  
 
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   Robert Tohey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was happy to meet with Keith Emerick. He is soft spoken and to the  point. At first I didn't think I would need an attorney but for my situation I needed one. He treated me with kindness and respect. I would recommend Keith  to anyone that needs help.
  
 
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   Monica Buzzard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith is a very kind and professional man. He made me feel like I could trust him throughout the whole legal process and was very good at communicating and getting back to me in a timely manner. Working with him was a pleasure to say the least and I would highly reccomend him to anyone!
  
 
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   Ken Moskal 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith helped my daughter navigate a DUI charge that could have been more of a severe punishment. He was knowledgeable to know a pending state case could impact with a lesser degree for my daughter. We waited it out and it helped my her case tremendously. We trusted his judgement and it was well worth it.
  
 
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   Cory Schons 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keith was nothing less than the most professional, knowledgeable, and personable criminal lawyer I have ever encountered. His dedication to your best interests are irrevocably unmatched; and with out a doubt is the only person to contact for such matters. He truly goes above and beyond for his clients, and I am entirely grateful for his work. 10/10
  
 
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   Mike Psychic 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and helpful
  
 
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   Maria Leija 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Keith Emerick is great, he is knowledgeable, communicative and straightforward. We really appreciate his step by step guidance with our case thru out the whole process. Very professional and experienced highly recommended

Experienced, Skilled, Ready to Help

From his law office on Beau Street, near the county courthouse, Criminal Defense Lawyer, Keith Emerick, has successfully defended his clients in the Washington County, PA court system in a wide variety of criminal cases. From violent crimes like Homicide, Assault and Reckless Endangerment to drug crimes like Simple Possession and Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID), Mr. Emerick has a proven track record in Washington County for providing the best possible defense when his clients need him the most.

Mr. Emerick has represented citizens from all over Washington County, including: Washington, Canonsburg, California, Donora, McMurray, Monongahela, Charleroi, Thompsonville, Centerville, McDonald, Cecil, and Burgettstown, among others. He has practiced before every Magisterial District Judge in Washington County. He has practiced before every Washington County Court of Common Pleas Judge. Out-of-county residents seek him out for his local experience. He has practiced with every prosecutor in Washington County. He has met, handled cases filed by, even questioned, many of the police officers and Pennsylvania State Troopers employed in Washington County. Mr. Emerick is a known quantity among judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement alike.

Mr. Emerick is well respected among his colleagues in the Washington County Bar, having previously served as the President of the Washington County Bar Association’s Criminal Law Division, where he was asked to guide continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities for other lawyers. He is a member of respected professional organizations like Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) where he routinely shares and discusses legal developments and strategy with criminal defense lawyers from around Pennsylvania and the United States. Mr. Emerick’s skill, training, knowledge, and experience provide his clients a key advantage in court.

If you are charged with a crime in Washington County, PA, Keith Emerick is here to help.

Drug Crimes

Possession, Paraphernalia, Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID); Marijuana, Heroine, Cocaine, Prescription Medication, Civil Asset Forfeiture/Return of Property, etc.

Violent Crimes

Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Harassment, Stalking, Domestic Abuse, Protection from Abuse Proceedings, Reckless Endangerment, etc.

Other Offenses

Sexual Offenses, Retail Theft, Forgery, Receiving Stolen Property, Theft, Robbery, Burglary, Arson, Firearm Offenses, Criminal Mischief, etc.

Been There. Done That.

Defense Investigation
- Private Investigators, Witness Interviews, Scene Inspection, Expert Witnesses, Forensic Evidence, etc.
Affirmative Defenses, Culpability, Justification
- Self-Defense, Involuntary Acts, Ignorance/Mistake, Duress, Consent, De minimis acts, Entrapment, Mental Health Defenses/Competency Proceedings, etc.
Constitutional Defenses / Civil Rights
- Illegal Searches & Seizures, Illegal Arrests, Illegal Search Warrants, Suggestive Identifications, Coercive Interrogations, etc.
Bench Trials, Jury Trials, Appeals, Post-Conviction Relief
Sentence Mitigation
- Sometimes the best course of action is to control the damage, to mitigate, to lessen any eventual punishment.

“I’ve never met anyone I could not help.”

Proudly Serving

Allegheny County

Pittsburgh
Washington County

Washington
Westmoreland County

Greensburg
Greene County

Waynesburg
Beaver County

Beaver
Butler County

Butler
Fayette County

Uniontown
Southwestern

Pennsylvania

Criminal Defense FAQs

What does charging with a crime mean?

If you’ve been charged with a crime, a criminal complaint has been filed against you, accusing you of committing a crime. It’s possible a warrant has been issued for your arrest, or – if your charges are misdemeanor and/or non-violent – that you will soon receive a summons to court, preliminary hearing notice, fingerprint order, and copy of the criminal complaint filed against you. The time to hire a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer is now.

What if you are charged with a crime you did not commit?

The first step is to contact a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer. We’ll begin formulating a defense. It may even be necessary to involve a defense investigator.

How long do police have to file charges in PA?

In PA, the statute of limitations depends on the nature of the offense. Prosecutions for “Major offenses” as enumerated under PA law, must be commenced within 5 years. Prosecutions for “Major sexual offense” must be commenced within 12 years. Prosecutions for other offenses must be commenced within 2 years. Certain serious offenses, such as Murder, can be commenced at any time.

Do you handle assault charges?

Yes, I handle assault charges. I have represented individuals accused with a wide array of violent crimes, including but not limited to: Homicide, Attempted Homicide, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Strangulation, and Terroristic Threats.

What is the charge of simple assault in PA?

In PA, Simple Assault is act of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, or attempt to cause bodily injury to another. It can also be the negligent causing of bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon. Simple Assault can be the attempt, by physical menace, to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Simple Assault is also charged when an individual conceals a hypodermic needle on his person and intentionally or knowingly penetrates a law enforcement officer, jail guard, or mental hospital staff. Simple Assault is the most common charge for individuals accused of attacking another person, though it can also arise in the context of a mutual fight.

Is simple assault a misdemeanor in PA?

Yes, Simple Assault is a misdemeanor in PA. It is most often graded as a second-degree misdemeanor, or “M2”. If the victim was a child under 12 years of age, the crime is graded as a first-degree misdemeanor, or “M1”. If the assault occurs in the context of a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent, the crime is graded as a third-degree misdemeanor, or “M3”.

How bad is a terroristic threat charge in PA?

In PA, Terroristic Threats is most often graded a first-degree misdemeanor. If the threat disrupts the occupants of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation, the crime is graded as a third-degree felony. This charge brings with it potential incarceration, probation, fines, and court costs.

Do you handle drug cases?

Yes, I handle drug cases. I have represented individuals accused with a wide array of drug crimes, including but not limited to: Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. For those who have had property and/or cash seized by law enforcement, I have also handled both Civil Asset Forfeiture proceedings and Return of Property proceedings.

What is possession with intent to deliver in PA?

In PA, Possession with Intent to Deliver or “PWID”, is the unauthorized possession of a controlled substance, together with the intent to manufacture or deliver the substance. This felony charge is most common for those accused of involvement in the sale of controlled substances.

Can possession charges be dropped in Pennsylvania?

Yes, possession charges can be dropped. It often depends on the amount of drugs possessed, the circumstances of same, and the history and/or criminal record of the defendant.

What is a first-degree misdemeanor?

In PA, a first-degree misdemeanor or “M1” is a crime where – if convicted - the longest allowable minimum sentence is 2 ½ years and the longest allowable maximum sentence is 5 years. The maximum allowable fine is $10,000.

What is first-degree felony?

In PA, a first-degree felony or “F1” is a crime where – if convicted - the longest allowable minimum sentence is 10 years and the longest allowable maximum sentence is 20 years. The maximum allowable fine is $25,000.

What is a second-degree misdemeanor?

In PA, a second-degree misdemeanor or “M2” is a crime where – if convicted - the longest allowable minimum sentence is 1 year and the longest allowable maximum sentence is 2 years. The maximum allowable fine is $5,000.

What is a second-degree felony?

In PA, a second-degree felony or “F2” is a crime where – if convicted - the longest allowable minimum sentence is 5 years and the longest allowable maximum sentence is 10 years. The maximum allowable fine is $25,000.

What is a third-degree misdemeanor?

In PA, a third-degree misdemeanor or “M3” is a crime where – if convicted - the longest allowable minimum sentence is 6 months and the longest allowable maximum sentence is 1 year. The maximum allowable fine is $2,500.

What is a third-degree felony?

In PA, a third-degree felony or “F3” is a crime where – if convicted - the longest allowable minimum sentence is 3 ½ years and the longest allowable maximum sentence is 7 years. The maximum allowable fine is 15,000.

What is the least punishment for a felony?

In PA, sentences for felonies and misdemeanors are determined by a judge who considers, among other facts, the severity of the offense, as enumerated by an Offense Gravity Score (OGS) and the defendant’s criminal record, as enumerated by a Prior Record Score (PRS). Among the possibilities: incarceration at a state correctional institute or county jail, probation, and fines. In rare cases, where probation is unnecessary, state law authorizes the determination of guilt without further penalty.

Do first-time drug offenders go to jail in Pennsylvania?

It’s possible. Depending on the amount of drugs possessed and circumstances of same, incarceration at either a state prison or county jail is possible. Since drug cases are highly fact specific, the best thing to do is contact a skilled, experienced criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible to being discussing your defense strategy.

Charged with a crime?

Get a free evaluation of your case. Fill out the form or call us. We’re here to help.

412-450-0305