Bensalem Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Bensalem, PA
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Bensalem, you’re likely dealing with a lot of uncertainty right now — and probably some fear about what comes next. That’s completely understandable. Criminal charges in Pennsylvania can move fast, and the decisions you make in the early stages of your case can have a lasting impact on the outcome.
At Latta Law, we represent people facing criminal charges throughout Bucks County, including Bensalem Township. Our firm handles serious matters — DUI, drug crimes, gun offenses, violent crimes, homicide, and more — and we approach every case with the same level of care and attention regardless of the charge. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Contact Latta Law today for a free consultation about your Bensalem criminal case.
Why Bensalem Criminal Cases Require Local Knowledge
Bensalem Township sits in the southeastern corner of Bucks County, just across the Philadelphia county line. It’s one of the most densely populated municipalities in Pennsylvania, and its proximity to Philadelphia, Levittown, and the major corridors along Route 1 and I-95 means local law enforcement is active — and busy.
Criminal cases that originate in Bensalem are typically handled through the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown. That’s a different courthouse, different judges, and different procedural tendencies than what defendants experience in Philadelphia. If your attorney isn’t familiar with how Bucks County prosecutors approach plea negotiations, or how local judges handle sentencing in first-offense DUI cases, that inexperience can cost you.
Latta Law has experience navigating the criminal court system in this region. We know what to expect, and we build strategies around the realities of how these cases actually play out — not just how the law reads on paper.
Criminal Charges We Handle in Bensalem
We handle a full range of criminal defense matters for Bensalem-area clients. Here’s a closer look at the practice areas most relevant to Bucks County defendants:
DUI Defense
Pennsylvania’s DUI laws are tiered based on blood alcohol content, and even a first offense can result in license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol highway safety school, and possible jail time. Higher BAC levels or prior offenses escalate these consequences significantly.
If you were stopped on Route 1, Street Road, or anywhere in Bensalem Township and charged with driving under the influence, the way your case is handled from the beginning matters. Was the stop lawful? Were field sobriety tests administered correctly? Was your blood drawn properly and within the required time window?
Our Philadelphia DUI lawyers also serve clients in Bensalem and throughout Bucks County. Read our guide on what happens after a DUI arrest in Pennsylvania to understand the steps ahead of you.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges in Pennsylvania range from simple possession misdemeanors to felony trafficking charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences under certain circumstances. Bensalem has seen consistent enforcement activity related to opioids, fentanyl, and prescription drug cases — trends that mirror what’s happening statewide.
How law enforcement obtained the evidence against you is central to any drug defense. Unlawful searches, improper traffic stops, or violations of your Fourth Amendment rights can result in evidence being suppressed entirely. Our Philadelphia drug crimes lawyers handle cases throughout the region, including Bensalem and the surrounding Bucks County communities.
According to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, drug offenses consistently represent one of the largest categories of criminal sentencing in the state — making an experienced defense attorney especially important.
Gun Crimes
Pennsylvania has a complex web of firearms laws, and Bucks County prosecutors take gun charges seriously. Whether you’re facing charges for unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, or a more serious weapons-related offense, these cases can result in significant jail time and a permanent felony record.
Our Philadelphia gun crimes lawyers understand the nuances of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act and how these cases are litigated. We look at every angle — from the legality of the stop that led to the discovery of the firearm to whether any prior convictions that affect your eligibility to possess a weapon were properly accounted for.
Violent Crimes
Assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and related charges carry serious consequences and, often, complicated fact patterns. Eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, and physical evidence all have to be scrutinized carefully. In many violent crime cases, context matters enormously — self-defense claims, the credibility of the alleged victim, and the circumstances leading up to the incident can all shape how a defense is built.
Our Philadelphia violent crimes lawyers handle cases throughout Bucks County, and we’re not afraid to take a case to trial when that’s what the situation demands.
Retail Theft
Retail theft charges in Pennsylvania can range from a summary offense for small-dollar thefts to a felony of the third degree for amounts over $2,000 — or if you have prior retail theft convictions. Many people assume a shoplifting charge is minor and handle it without a lawyer, only to find out later it’s affected their employment background checks or created a record they can’t expunge.
Our Philadelphia retail theft lawyers represent clients charged at the Neshaminy Mall, large retail chains along Street Road, and elsewhere throughout Bensalem and Bucks County.
Homicide
Homicide charges are the most serious criminal matter a person can face. Whether you’re charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, or a related offense, these cases require an attorney who is prepared to invest the time, resources, and experience these charges demand.
Our Philadelphia homicide lawyers handle the full spectrum of homicide-related cases. We believe everyone — regardless of what they’re accused of — deserves a defense attorney who takes the time to understand every detail of their case.
What Happens After an Arrest in Bensalem
Many people who are arrested in Bensalem don’t fully understand the process unfolding around them, and that confusion can lead to mistakes. Read our detailed breakdown of what actually happens in the first 48 hours after a Philadelphia-area arrest — the same general process applies in Bucks County, with some procedural differences worth understanding.
Here’s a simplified overview of how Bensalem criminal cases typically unfold:
Arrest and booking. You’re taken into custody, booked at the Bensalem Township Police Department, and your personal information and charges are recorded. Fingerprints and a photo are taken.
Preliminary arraignment. Within hours of your arrest, you’ll appear before a district magistrate who will formally advise you of the charges and set bail. Whether you’re released before trial often comes down to what happens here.
Preliminary hearing. A district judge reviews whether there is sufficient evidence to hold the case for trial. This is an important strategic opportunity — it’s often the first time your defense attorney can cross-examine the Commonwealth’s witnesses.
Formal arraignment and pre-trial proceedings. The case moves to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. Motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or narrow the issues before trial.
Trial or plea resolution. Many cases resolve before trial through negotiated plea agreements, but Latta Law is prepared to take your case to trial when that’s in your best interest.
Having a criminal defense attorney involved as early as possible — ideally before or immediately after your arraignment — gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome. If you’ve just been arrested or expect to be charged, call us now.
Your Rights During an Investigation or Arrest
One of the most common ways people unintentionally hurt their own cases is by talking to police without an attorney present. In Pennsylvania, as under federal law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. These aren’t just legal technicalities — they’re protections that exist for a reason.
It’s also worth understanding what law enforcement can and cannot do when they stop you. Our blog post on whether police can search your car during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania walks through the rules and your rights in detail — including when a search is lawful, when it isn’t, and what to do if you believe your rights were violated.
According to the American Bar Association, the right to counsel is one of the most fundamental protections in the U.S. criminal justice system. Invoking that right early can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds.
Why Choose Latta Law for Your Bensalem Criminal Defense
People who are facing criminal charges don’t just need a lawyer — they need someone who will actually listen to them, dig into the facts, and fight for them. Here’s what we offer:
Direct attorney involvement. Your case won’t be handed off to a paralegal. When you hire Latta Law, you work with an attorney who stays involved in your case from the initial consultation through resolution.
Straightforward communication. We explain what’s happening in your case in plain language. You shouldn’t have to wonder what a motion to suppress means or what your options are at the preliminary hearing stage — we’ll make sure you understand.
Serious defense for serious charges. We handle the full range of criminal matters, including cases that are likely to go to trial. Our practice isn’t built around volume — it’s built around results.
Regional familiarity. We serve clients in Philadelphia and throughout the surrounding counties. Bucks County courts, prosecutors, and procedures aren’t unfamiliar territory for us.
Visit our homepage to learn more about our firm and the areas of law we practice
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Frequently Asked Questions: Bensalem Criminal Defense
How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Bensalem cost?
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the charge and the anticipated amount of work involved. Misdemeanor cases are generally less expensive than felony trials. At Latta Law, we offer free initial consultations and discuss fees transparently so there are no surprises.
Can I get charges dismissed before trial?
In some cases, yes. Evidence may be suppressible due to an unlawful search or stop. Charges may be dismissed at the preliminary hearing if the Commonwealth can’t meet its burden. A skilled criminal defense attorney will evaluate every possibility for early resolution.
Should I take a plea deal?
That depends entirely on the facts of your case, your prior record, and the strength of the evidence against you. We evaluate each case individually and never pressure clients into accepting or rejecting a plea. Our goal is to make sure you have the information you need to make that decision yourself.
What if I was charged with a crime in Bensalem but live in Philadelphia?
The location of the alleged offense determines jurisdiction — so your case will be handled in Bucks County even if you live in Philadelphia. We represent clients who live throughout the region and appear regularly in Bucks County courts.
Contact Your Bensalem Criminal Defense Lawyer Latta Law Today!
A criminal charge doesn’t have to define the rest of your life, but how you handle it in the days and weeks after your arrest can shape what happens next. The sooner you have an attorney in your corner, the better positioned you’ll be.
Contact Latta Law today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Bensalem, throughout Bucks County, and across the greater Philadelphia region. Whether you’re facing a first-time DUI or a serious felony charge, we’re ready to hear your story and start building your defense.