Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense

While domestic violence charges are always serious, they can be especially problematic in a divorce case or child custody dispute. If a domestic violence restraining order is in force against you, the court may presume that your fitness as a parent is suspect, and it can be extremely difficult to get custody of your children or parenting time on reasonable terms.

Although the most serious domestic violence criminal charges involve physical assault, fighting, and even weapons, a domestic violence restraining order can be granted in cases involving conduct such as pushing, blocking movement, threats, and even refusing to hand over car keys. Any violation of the restraining order that follows a finding of domestic violence can lead to a criminal conviction and time in jail.

Ms. Trongone will investigate the circumstances of the charges against you and present your side of the story. Her experience in defending domestic violence cases helps them expose false charges of domestic assault where the original charges are unfounded. They can also point out the context of the discord between the parties and bring out any extenuating circumstances that might result in a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

For further information or to schedule a free initial consultation call Carla Trongone, Attorney at Law today, or e-mail cmt@trongonelaw.com

DUI / DWI

If you've been stopped for any Pennsylvania drunk driving offense, you already know that you're in serious trouble. You may have spent a night or two in jail, and your driver's license may have already been suspended. You need dependable advice and skilled representation immediately.

The Law Office of Carla Trongone can represent you on such charges as the following:

• DUI, driving while intoxicated, (also known as DWI – Driving While Impaired) and violations for refusal to give a breath or blood test



• Driver's license suspension, and application for a restricted license at a DMV administrative hearing



• Repeat DUI offenses



• Aggravated DUI, such as cases involving accidents, resisting arrest, or injuries caused by a collision

Ms. Trongone will carefully examine every feature of your arrest, from the probable cause of the arresting officer to stop your vehicle, to the officer's suspicion that you were intoxicated, to the results of the blood alcohol test. Your attorney will compare the police report to the laboratory work, field sobriety tests, and the testimony of any witnesses to the arrest for inconsistencies. They can also work toward a challenge to either of the arresting officer's qualifications to administer a blood alcohol test or the plausibility of the results themselves based on prior experience with that particular apparatus. In other words, we will explore the possibility of challenging the circumstances of the arrest and the evidence against you in order to achieve the most favorable result possible.

Under the new DUI laws, license suspensions and mandatory sentence penalties are based on the number of prior offenses committed in the last ten years. License suspensions and mandatory sentences are also dependent on your blood-alcohol level or content, and on whether you refused a blood or breath test. We will advise you on what penalties you may be facing and what your options are.

We often recommend our clients pursue acceptance into an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program and assist in this goal. This program allows some first time offenders to avoid the criminal penalties associated with a DUI or other non-violent criminal offense. Upon successful completion of ARD, the criminal charges are dismissed. In Pennsylvania, ARD is not an available option for certain individuals, based on their driving history and prior charges.

For further information about Carla Trongone, Attorney at Law, or to schedule a free initial consultation, contact our offices today at cmt@trongonelaw.com