Why Local Expertise Matters for Serious Criminal Defense Cases in Philadelphia

Your choice of attorney will matter greatly when you have been accused of committing a crime. Choosing the wrong attorney could mean you being found guilty, accepting an unfavorable plea bargain, or even spending years in jail. Even after you have paid your debt, the stigma of having a criminal record could affect your future employment opportunities and many other aspects of your life. Whether you are guilty or innocent, hiring the right attorney will be your best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.

While many law firms exist that will represent clients nationwide, hiring a local attorney is always more advisable, especially in the Philadelphia area. Prosecutors in the region are known for being tough on those accused of crimes, so many advantages come with being represented by an attorney who has lived and worked in the area for a long time.

These advantages include:

Understanding Local Laws

An intimate understanding of the law is crucial to an attorney’s ability to perform their job. In any case, but especially those that involve charges at the state or local level, it helps to have an attorney on your side who has been immersed in that community. A local attorney might have unique insights into local laws, or they may have defended clients previously accused of the same crimes in the same area. They may also have knowledge of and access to local resources like law libraries, witness databases, and regional experts who will be willing to testify in your case.

This type of experience and access to resources will be a valuable asset to you as you attempt to mount a defense against your charges, which could result in you receiving a lighter sentence or your charges being dropped entirely.

Familiarity with the Local Judicial System

When you hire an attorney who has spent decades working in your community, you can be certain that this will not be their first time representing clients in Philadelphia area courts. They may have appeared previously before the judge who is handling your case. They may have butted heads during negotiations with the same local prosecutors before. They may be friendly with court staff who can provide helpful advantages. These types of relationships take years to build, and they can potentially help you have a better outcome in your case.

Knowing About Local Law Enforcement Practices

We’ve all heard the stories about overzealous law enforcement who play fast and loose with the rights of those accused of crimes. A local attorney has likely encountered some of those law enforcement professionals during their time practicing law. For example, imagine you are pulled over during a traffic stop and accused of drunk driving. If you choose a local DUI lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, they might be aware of the way local law enforcement conducts traffic stops.

They may have successfully defended clients from DUI charges involving the same officers. They may be aware that these officers have had DUI cases dismissed previously because they violated the rights of the accused during traffic stops. All of this knowledge will be very valuable during your trial and could result in you getting a lighter sentence or having your charges dropped.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia

Mark D. Hauser has been defending clients in the greater Philadelphia area for more than 30 years. That means he has spent decades building relationships with local judges, prosecutors, experts, and more, allowing him to develop the best strategy for your defense, no matter what crime you are accused of committing. He has the experience and extensive legal knowledge it takes to beat or reduce any criminal charge. He will be your strongest ally, advising you in the leadup to your trial and representing you in court.

Get in touch with Mark D. Hauser any time you need a trusted criminal defense attorney in Bucks County, PA, or anywhere else in the Philadelphia area.