An experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Reading will aggressively defend your rights.

If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Reading, you can trust the attorneys at Kitay Law Offices. We have extensive experience with the criminal courts in the Reading area. Furthermore, we will protect your rights every step of the way.

Criminal charges cause tons of stress, but we will do everything we can to help you get through this difficult time. We are familiar with the prosecutors and judges in the Reading area and will use our knowledge to help obtain the best possible result for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

A Reading Criminal Defense Attorney may be able to get your charges dismissed or reduced

Finding the right legal team is crucial when you are up against criminal charges. The law is complicated and the stakes are high. Therefore, you need someone who knows how to navigate these murky waters, someone who can help you achieve your goals. That’s why it’s important to retain a Reading criminal defense lawyer from Kitay Law Offices.

While we help with all sorts of criminal charges, read on to learn about some of the most common matters our clients in Reading, PA face:

Reckless Endangerment charges? Talk to a Criminal Defense Law Firm in Reading immediately!

If the police believe that you have recklessly put someone else in danger of death or serious injury, you may be charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Commonly, this charge is known as “REAP.”

Most often, this is a misdemeanor charge that can lead to a $5,000.00 fine and up to 2 years in prison. REAP is also frequently added onto other, even more serious, charges. Oddly, a conviction may result even if the victim did not suffer any actual injury!

Importantly, several defenses may apply. These include:

• You were negligent, not reckless
• Your actions were in self-defense
• Nobody was in danger as a result of your actions

An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Reading will help determine your best defense when charged with reckless endangerment.

Contact a Reading Criminal Defense Attorney to fight disorderly conduct charges

In Pennsylvania, disorderly conduct charges will follow if you have acted to intentionally annoy or alarm others. In addition, you may receive disorderly conduct charges by causing a public inconvenience. Examples of this may include:

• Making threats
• Acting violently
• Using foul language
• Fighting

An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Reading can explain all of the potential consequences of these charges. To begin with, however, you may face a $300 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

In addition, disorderly conduct charges range in seriousness from a summary offense up to a third-degree misdemeanor. The penalties increase as the level of seriousness increases.

Weapons charges can impact your life in Reading, PA

Pennsylvania gun laws are complicated. As a result, it’s pretty easy to end up with charges even if you thought you were doing the right thing. The Reading criminal defense attorneys at Kitay Law Offices can help make sense of it all.

Most frequently, weapons charges in Pennsylvania fall into one of the following categories:

• Carrying a firearm without a valid license
• Possessing a firearm if you have previously been convicted of a felony
• Having a gun or weapon with you on school property
• Unlawfully selling weapons
• Lying on an application for a gun permit

As you can see, gun charges are often difficult to understand. Consult with a criminal defense law firm in Reading to review the defenses that may apply in your case.

Let a Reading Criminal Defense Attorney defend careless driving and reckless driving charges

There is a difference between careless driving and reckless driving in Pennsylvania. Careless driving is a summary offense and carries a fine. The fine will increase if you injure someone while driving carelessly.

Reckless driving is a more serious offense. Generally, reckless driving means that you were intentionally driving without care for the safety of those around you. A conviction will automatically result in a $200 fine and a 6-month driver’s license suspension. As a result, consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial in these cases.

What should I know about the crime rate in Reading, PA?

Unfortunately, Reading has experienced a relatively high crime rate for several years. As recently as 2020, Reading accounted for 320 crimes per square mile. This is compared to a statewide average of 49 and a national median of 26.9.

On the upside, however, violent crime has been decreasing in the Reading area. Back in 2004, Reading experienced 1,385 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. This rate had fallen to 680 as recently as 2016. While this is higher than the statewide average of 306 per 100,000 residents, the trend is moving in the right direction.

What are the Reading courts?

Most criminal charges are initially heard in the Magisterial District Courts. Reading is home to several branches. Even a quick online search reveals multiple mapped locations.

Criminal matters that are not resolved at the lower courts are then heard at the Berks County Court of Common Pleas.

Speak with a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Reading at Kitay Law Offices

Located along Penn Avenue coming straight out of downtown Reading, our office is conveniently located. You’ll see our sign right across the street from the Wyomissing Fire Department.

Our Reading criminal defense attorneys can help you by phone, video call, or in-person. If visiting our office, we have parking located right outside our front door. Contact us today for a free consultation!