Learn More About Criminal Defense Law in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

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Bryn Mawr is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, just west of Philadelphia along Lancaster Avenue and the border with Delaware County. Bryn Mawr is located towards the center of what is known as the Main Line, a group of picturesque and affluent Philadelphia suburbs stretching from the city limits to Malvern. It is also home to Bryn Mawr College and as of the 2000 census, it had a population of 4,382. The name Bryn Mawr means "big hill" in Welsh and takes its name from an estate near Dolgellau in North Wales. This was the farm of Rowland Ellis, who emigrated to Pennsylvania from Dolgellau in 1686 to escape religious persecution. Until 1869 and the coming of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the town was known as Humphreysville. The town was renamed by railroad agent William H. Wilson after he acquired on behalf of the railroad the 283 acres (1.15 km) that now comprise Bryn Mawr.

Criminal Defense Law Lawyers In Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania

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What is criminal defense law?

In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").

Answers to criminal defense law issues in Pennsylvania

What are the limits of the police to search me or my home?

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution says that you have a right to be free of unreasonable police searches and...

When can a police officer make an arrest?

The general criteria for making an arrest is what is referred to as probable cause. Probable cause arises when there...

Do the police need a warrant to search or arrest?

There are two different types of warrants that may be issued:

  • arrest warrants - an order issued by a...
What are my rights after I have been detained by the police?

The Miranda decision relates specifically to the rights of a criminal suspect after he has been detained by the...

How do you deal with bail?

Bail is typically set by a magistrate or a judge who considers the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood of...

What happens in the first court appearance?

Early in the course of a criminal proceeding, the defendant will be brought into court and the charges brought...

Can a person strike a deal with the prosecutor to avoid trial?

At any point during this process the defendant may plead guilty to the charge leveled against him or her. Likewise,...

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Criminal offenses can be divided into two general categories:

  • ­felonies -- a crime for which a person...
What are the different crimes that people can commit?

The distinguishing feature of criminal law is the element of punishment. The purpose of criminal law is to punish...

What are defenses to crimes?

There are several defenses that can be raised in a criminal case. The defenses listed here are a sampling of those...