Easton, Allentown & Bethlehem Pennsylvania DUI Law Firm
Aggressive DUI Defense Lawyers in Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem
In Pennsylvania, the penalties associated with a drunk driving arrest will vary based upon your blood alcohol level and whether you have had any previous drinking and driving convictions. Almost all driving under the influence offenses carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence, but there are often programs available that can work to eliminate the prison sentence or provide for an alternative, such as house arrest or work release. These programs can often help to reduce your license suspension as well.
These programs vary between the Lehigh County DUI Program, the Monroe County DUI Program and the Northampton County DUI Program. All counties offer ARD as a first offense option, but requirements for admittance differ greatly. For example, Northampton County requires waiver of the preliminary hearing for entry in the Northampton County DUI ARD Program. Counties vary much more greatly on programs for subsequent offenses. For example, a conviction of second offense DUI in Northampton County has mandatory jail time but the same conviction for DUI in Lehigh County will likely not require jail time. As these varying programs have different benefits, conditions and requirements it is advisable to contact the best DUI lawyer in Lehigh, Monroe or Northampton County that you can find. Contact our Easton DUI law firm immediately in order intelligently weigh your options. DUI penalties are serious. Don’t go unrepresented.
Drug Crimes Attorneys in Northampton & Lehigh Counties
Drug Charge Lawyers in Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton
Our Lehigh Valley Criminal Defense Attorneys represent clients facing all varieties of Drug Charges. A non-comprehensive list of charges we defend includes:
Drug Charge Lawyers in Northampton & Lehigh Counties
• Drug Possession
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession With Intent to Deliver (PWI) (PWID)
• Marijuana Cultivation
• Inter-state Medical Marijuana Transport & Consumption
• DUI
Lehigh Valley Criminal Defense Attorneys
As experienced criminal defense attorneys, we work diligently to find evidence that will support our clients’ innocence and establish a reasonable doubt that they are guilty of a drug charge. As your criminal defense law firm, we meticulously review police reports and eyewitness statements. We will conduct our own witness interviews and track down information that can help in obtaining a favorable outcome.
To schedule a and confidential consultation regarding your drug charges contact a Lehigh Valley Drug Charge Attorney today.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Easton, Allentown & Bethlehem
If you have been arrested or are the subject of a criminal investigation you need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Northampton or Lehigh County immediately. Our criminal defense attorneys all have jury trial experience, including trying homicides to verdict. Our criminal lawyers are prepared to defend against a broad range of criminal charges from drug and gun charges to DUI:
• Drug charges, including possession and distribution
• Firearm possession
• Criminal trespass
• Forgery
• Misappropriation
• White collar crimes
• Theft
• Burglary
• Assault
• PFA Contempt
• Juvenile Defense
• Arson
• Unlawful gun possession
• Federal crimes and prosecution
• Driving under the influence (DUI) (DWI)
• Sex crimes
• Grand jury investigations
• VUFA Charges
• Gun Charges
• Felony Charges
• Misdemeanor Charges
• Juvenile Charges
• Other criminal charges
What are Federal Crimes?
Federal crimes are crimes charged by the U.S. government rather than the state government. Often both the state and the feds can bring charges out of the same incident.
What is the difference between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
There are numerous differences but generally a Felony is punishable by up to 5 years in jail and a Felony is punishable by over 7 years in prison.
How do I find a cheap defense attorney?
If you cannot afford a defense attorney, you should apply for a Public Defender ASAP.
I need a criminal defense attorney, what should I do?
Call us now!
How do I find the best criminal defense lawyer?
Shopping for the best lawyer in the Lehigh Valley is like shopping for anything else. The best lawyer for you may not be the best lawyer for someone else. If you’re charged with a crime you should start looking for a lawyer right away and you should research both our attorneys and others.
Should I hire a local attorney or a “top criminal defense lawyer” from Philadelphia?
Generally speaking our attorneys do not practice outside of the counties bordering our Lehigh Valley office because we would not know the ins and outs of that county’s criminal justice system. However, sometimes an out of county lawyer can be exactly what is needed in a particular case.
This is a decision that only you can make but you want to be very sure you will be able to communicate well with your attorney no matter where he or she is from.
Can you promise a particular outcome in my case?
We will never promise a particular outcome in your case and you should be weary of any attorney who does.
What is a Felony Crime?
Felony crimes are the most serious crimes in Pennsylvania. A Felony 3, the least serious of felony crimes, is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair are well versed in all aspects of criminal law. Whether you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Allentown Pennsylvania or the best criminal attorney if Easton Pennsylvania, we can help. Even the best defense attorneys may be handicapped by a lack of perspective from the position of judge and prosecutor. The collective experience of our defense lawyers provide us with an understanding of the defense, prosecutorial and judicial perspectives of criminal trials. Our criminal attorneys have won jury trials, appeals before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and have also found relief for our numerous PCRA clients. Our criminal justice lawyers are well versed in all types of criminal charges. Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair can help guide you through the Criminal Court Process and help you to attain a fair outcome.
Federal Prosecution in the Lehigh Valley
Federal felony crimes can be more serious than Pennsylvania criminal charges. Federal crimes are often accompanied by mandatory minimum sentences and often come with stiffer penalties and lengthy jail sentences. Our criminal defense lawyers have years of experience representing criminal defendants in the Lehigh Valley. We will defend your charges aggressively whether they be gun charges, misdemeanors, DUI. homicide.
Northampton & Lehigh County Criminal Defense Attorneys
The Lehigh Valley Criminal Defense Attorneys at Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair are a dedicated and hardworking team that will work hard to beat your criminal charges. Our Attorneys practice primarily in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas and the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Whether you’re searching for a top white collar crime attorney in Allentown, a drug possession lawyer in Bethlehem, a gun charge attorney Stroudsburg or a DUI lawyer, contact our Easton office today.
Pennsylvania Criminal Charges and Sentencing
Incarceration Jail-time, Prison-time, Work Release, House Arrest or Probation
In Pennsylvania sentencing is based upon certain mandatory minimum sentences in some cases. In most cases it is based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and Matrix which takes into account the seriousness of an offense, the Offense Gravity Score (OGS), and an accused Prior Record Score (PRS). While the Sentencing Guidelines set out a range of possible sentences, there is a great amount of leeway within this range. Further, the Court is often able to impose a modified sentence such as house arrest or work release without running afoul of the sentencing guidelines. Finally, the OGS of a conviction is often a very facts specific determination and requires up-to-date knowledge of the law. Our attorneys can assist in achieving no only the best possible defense in your case but also the best possible sentence if a conviction does result. Contact our Easton office today at (610)258-3757 to speak with a criminal lawyer in Northampton County.
Practice Areas
Contact Us
At Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair we endeavor to simplify your legal issues and distill them into practical advice. Whether you’ve dealt with other attorneys in the past or this is your first time contacting a lawyer, we are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. If you are unsure if an attorney is needed to handle your legal issue, rest assured that we will guide you in that decision.
Client Resources
Welcome to Our Client Knowledge Center
Here you will find Legal Guides to help you prepare for your case as effectively and efficiently as possible, Intake Forms to help us help you and Court Forms that may be required by the Court in your case.
Our Attorneys
At Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair our experienced trial lawyers are committed to a tradition of personal service and effective representation for each and every client, making our firm one of the most client oriented and diverse law firms in the Lehigh Valley.
Our attorneys provide services in a variety of legal practice areas throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey.
Contact us at 610-258-3757 to schedule a consultation.
Ms. Spitale’s areas of practice include family law, juvenile dependency, criminal defense and general civil litigation. Lisa has experience in the Courts of Common Pleas, Magisterial Courts and Juvenile Court systems.
A lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, Ms. Spitale graduated from Nazareth Area High School, the Pennsylvania State University, and the University Of Miami School Of Law.
EDUCATION
University of Miami, J.D.
The Pennsylvania State University, B.S.
Lisa is an active member of the Northampton County Bar Association, serving on several committees including the Family Law Committee, Law Day Committee, Continuing Legal Education Committee, Attorney Referral & Information Services Committee and the Young Lawyers’ Division. She volunteers her time to assist homeowners/debtors in the Northampton County Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program as well as parents in the Northampton County Bar Association’s “Fair Share” Program.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Northampton County Bar Association
Committees
Attorney Referral and Information
Continuing Legal Education
Law Day Committee
Family Law
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Attorney Vargo is a life-long resident of the Lehigh Valley and a graduate of Liberty High School, Muhlenberg College, and Temple Law School. Before joining in Spitale Vargo Madsen & Blair, he operated his own diverse solo law practice. He practices in Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, and Carbon Counties and has experience in many areas of law including DUI and other criminal defense, general civil litigation, and all areas of family law.
EDUCATION
Temple University, Beasley School of Law , J.D.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Northampton County Bar Association
Family Law Committee
Pennsylvania Bar Association
James Madsen was born in Flemington, New Jersey, but spent most of his adult life in Easton, Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from The American University in Washington, D.C. and a Juris Doctor from Drexel University School of Law where he attended under a Law Trustees’ Scholarship.
Before partnering with Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair, he operated a solo practice from 2011 to 2015. He has been employed by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, The Philadelphia Defenders’ Association and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
Attorney Madsen has successfully taken cases to trial in Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Philadelphia Counties. Moreover, he has successfully won appeals in the Pennsylvania Superior Courts, Administrative Courts. Mr. Madsen has also successfully defended against a Commonwealth appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
EDUCATION
Drexel University School of Law, J.D.
The American University, B.A.
Raritan Valley Community College, A.A.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Juvenile Defenders’ Association of Pennsylvania
Northampton County Bar Association
Criminal Law Committee
Family Law Committee
Solo & Small Firm Committee
Technology Committee
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Phi Sigma Kappa
AWARDS & HONORS
Law Trustees’ Scholarship
Outstanding Service Honors
Pro Bono Service Award
Public Interest Fellowship
Attorney Blair attended Easton Area High School where he was a star running back for the Red Rovers. Tyree attended Penn State where received his Bachelors Degree. Prior to attending the Charlotte School of Law, he worked in the medical field at the corporate level.
Attorney Blair now focuses primarily in Criminal Defense litigation and has represented clients in cases ranging from retail theft to homicide.
EDUCATION
Charlotte School of Law, J.D.
The Pennsylvania State University, B.A.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
American Bar Association
Northampton County Bar Association
Criminal Law Committee
Family Law Committee
Pennsylvania Bar Association
AWARDS & HONORS
Summa Cum Laude, Charlotte School of Law
SVMB Law
Making a Difference is Our Practice
At Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair our experienced trial lawyers are committed to a tradition of personal service and effective representation for each and every client, making our firm one of the most client oriented and diverse law firms in the Lehigh Valley.
Trusted Experience
Our Attorneys come together to provide a broad array of experience to individuals accused of a crime. Whether you've dealt with other attorneys in the past or this is your first time contacting a lawyer, we are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. If you are unsure if an attorney is needed to handle your legal issue, rest assured that we will guide you in that decision.