Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Attorney

for Westmoreland, Washington & Fayette Counties

There are times that a person makes mistakes, exercises poor judgment or uses alcohol or controlled substances resulting in the filing of criminal charges. The prospect of involvement with police, legal procedures, court hearings and court costs, and the possibility of probation or even incarceration, is intimidating. An experienced criminal defense attorney can reduce the anxiety, answer your questions, explain legal strategy, and lay the ground work for the best possible result under the present facts and controlling law.

Mark Shire has spent a substantial portion of his career representing individuals charged with a gamut of criminal offenses under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and Vehicle Code, from driving under the influence to theft, assault, gun charges and forgery to homicide. His practice has included privately-retained clients and representation of individuals charged with serious offenses are unable to pay an attorney, but are nonetheless entitled to a defense under the Sixth Amendment.

Westmoreland Courthouse — Monessen, PA — Shire Law Firm

If you are facing criminal charges, you feel confident that the SHIRE LAW FIRM will provide you with an effective legal defense. Contact us to schedule a conference about the charges that you or a loved one are facing.

Criminal Cases We Handle

DUI
Felonies (Including homicide, aggravated assault, delivery of a controlled substance, burglary)
Misdemeanors (theft, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance)
Other Drug Offenses
Driving Under Suspension/Revocation
Sex Offenses
Expungement
Firearms Act Violations

DUI/DWI, Drinking/Drug Use, and Driving
Driving Under Suspension/Cancellation
Traffic Citations
Felonies
Misdemeanors
Drug Offenses
Domestic Violence
Sex Offenses
Assault
Theft
Expungement

Recovery from Criminal Charges and Conviction

Under certain circumstances, a person who with no prior criminal record can be admitted into a program which provides an opportunity for the charge to be dismissed after certain conditions such as probation, drug or alcohol counseling, anger management, family counseling, and payment of court costs, have been completed.

In a case where a person has been charged with a certain criminal offenses, but was not convicted, or was found not guilty, or the charge was withdrawn, a petition can be filed requesting the court to "expunge" such charges, which removes them from a person's criminal record.

In recent years, the Pennsylvania Legislature has passed the "Limited Access Law" and very recently, the "Clean Slate Limited Access Law", which can limit access to a person's prior convictions to law enforcement only so that the conviction information is not available to the public. Further, with the Clean Slate Legislation, an individual approved may legally complete an employment application without referring to the prior conviction.

SHIRE LAW FIRM can assist you with these outcomes, when appropriate, in order to eliminate these sources of embarrassment for past errors and obstacles to employment and career advancement.