We hope that neither you, nor anyone in your family or that you know, ever needs a criminal defense attorney. However, it that situation does, unfortunately, arise you need to talk to a good, experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Shields & Hoppe, our attorneys have years of experience representing individuals faced with a wide range of criminal charges including:

Child Abuse Child Pornography Obscenity Pedophilia Pornography Prostitution Rape Sexual Offenses Sexual Abuse Sexual Assault Sexual Harassment Statutory Rape Bank Fraud Bribery Computer Hacking Counterfeiting

Credit Card Fraud Cyber Crime DUI/DWI Email Interception Embezzlement Extortion Forgery Health Care Fraud Identity Theft Indecent Exposure Insurance Fraud Internet Fraud Money Laundering Pyramid Schemes Racketeering / RICO Tax Evasion / Tax Fraud

Telemarketing Fraud Wire Fraud Possession/Sale of Narcotics Aggravated Assault Arson Assault and Battery Domestic Violence Hate Crimes Homicide Manslaughter Murder Terrorism Theft Larceny Perjury Stalking

Having an experienced attorney behind you can be invaluable when facing criminal charges. At Shields & Hoppe, we work aggressively to develop and present the best possible defense for our clients. As a result of our preparedness and willingness to go to trial when we believe that the Prosecutor does not have a case or is overreaching, we have been successful in many cases in getting charges reduced or even dropped.

However, we also know that there are times when the best approach is to work out the best deal possible. In those cases, because of the experience that our attorneys have, they are familiar with which prosecutor has the "real" authority to settle a case, and what kinds of arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor.

Juvenile Matters

When a juvenile (someone under the age of 18) has been arrested for a crime, there are additional issues at stake. Not only is there the potential penalty for the crime, but there may be long term consequences. At Shields & Hoppe, our attorneys have handled numerous juvenile criminal matters and are very familiar with the issues involved. Our focus is getting the charges dismissed or withdrawn, if possible. However, if that is not possible, we work hard to obtain the best possible result so that any long term impact the charges and penalties have will be reduced. Remember, the improper handling of a Juvenile criminal matter, can lead to a permanent criminal record through adulthood.

Post Conviction

If you have been convicted our Attorneys are well able to pursue all remedies available to challenge a conviction including filing post-trial motions, appeal and PCRAs.

Expungement

In some instances you may be eligible to have your record expunged so that there will not be any evidence of your conviction. We would be glad to discuss your situation with you to see if you are eligible for expungement. If so, we can handle the filing of the proper petition and any arguments to the court to obtain an expungement of your arrest, and in some cases, any juvenile adjudications or other similar matters.

Driving Under the Influence ("DUI")

DUI is one of the most burdensome offenses an otherwise law abiding person can face. It is a serious infraction with extremely complex consequences. If you have been arrested for DUI, you likely have many pressing questions like;

• Will you lose your drivers license?
• Are you facing jail time?
• Can you beat the charge?
• Were the police justified in stopping you?

Under any circumstances, a DUI arrest can have a significant impact on your life. This is especially true in Pennsylvania, where, in 2004, the DUI statutes where substantially revised and harsher penalties imposed. Under the current law in PA:

• You may be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol level is .08%
• A minor may be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol is .02%
• If you refuse to take a breath, blood or urine test after being arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, your license will be suspended for a period of not less than 1 year and a 3 days mandatory incarceration. An appeal of the suspension must be made within 30 days of your receiving the notice of suspension from the Department of Transportation.
• The penalties for a conviction for a repeat offender can mean substantial jail time and the loss of civil rights.

In Delaware, the DUI laws are equally as tough. Under DE law:

• You may be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol level is 0.08%.
• Persons under the age of twenty one (21) may be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol level is 0.02%.
• Refusal to take a breath, blood or urine test after being arrested for DUI in Delaware may result in the suspension of your driver's license for a period of at least one year.
• For a first offense, you may face fines from $230 to $1,150 or imprisonment for no more than 6 months or both and shall be required to complete an alcohol evaluation and a course of instruction and/or rehabilitation program.
• For a second offense, you may face fines of no less than $575 to $2,300 and imprisonment not less than 60 days nor more than 18 months.
• For a third offense, you may be guilty of a class G felony, fined no less than $1,000 to $3,000 and imprisoned not less than one year nor more than two years.

If you are charged with DUI it is very important that you contact an attorney immediately. At Shields & Hoppe, our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have been charged with DUI/DWI and are very familiar with all the intricacies and nuances involved with DUI offenses. We will be able to help you through the process with the goal, if possible, of helping you to keep your license, stay out of jail and, ultimately, prevail at trial.