Know Your Rights
| 05 February 2010
If you have been charged with a crime it is important that you get competent legal advice quickly. A conviction can severely disrupt your life, as you may face the loss of your driver's license, fines, costs, probation or even jail time. It is important that you choose the attorney who will represent you wisely.
This website was created by Dawn M. Cutaia, a York County, Pennsylvania attorney who concentrates a significant portion of her practice in the area of criminal defense. The purpose of this site is to provide people who have been chargedwith a crime in Pennsylvania basic information about their rights and to provide information about the qualifications of Attorney Cutaia.
1. A criminal defense attorney should encourage you to come in and meet with him or her before paying a large retainer. Attorney Cutaia meets with clients either in her office, or for clients who are incarcerated she will meet with them at the prison. We offer FREE initial 1/2 hour consultations on the phone or in person. We charge $175.00 for a visit to York County Prison. During the consultation, we will discuss the merits of your case, review your documents, and go over possible sentencing outcomes and other issues. The consultation is not just used by us as a time to "sell you" our services.
2. A criminal defense attorney should provide a written fee agreement to clients, which outlines the fees costs and the scope of the representation. We provide all clients with a written fee agreement. The fee agreement spells out what services are covered or not covered. Fees quoted are based on the complexity of the case and the amount of time anticipated. Payment plans are available in certain circumstances.
3. A criminal defense attorney should not be afraid to discuss his or her experience and qualifications with a prospective client. Attorney Cutaia has handled numerous criminal cases since being admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1996, from summary offenses, to felony first degree murder. Attorney Cutaia has experience with bench trials, jury trials, and appellate matters.
4. A criminal defense attorney should provide clients with unbiased, truthful advice about whether to plead, go to trial, file motions, or appeal. Attorney Cutaia's advice is based on the best interests of her clients and the merits of the case. Clients who want to go to trial should have an attorney who is willing to put in the time to prepare for trial and to represent his or her clients zealously and aggressively. Clients who want to work out a settlement should have an attorney who is willing to take the time to learn the facts of the case to make the best argument on behalf of her client to the district attorney assigned to the case.
5. A criminal defense attorney should be accessible and easy to reach. Attorney Cutaia gives all of her clients her personal cell phone number, as well as her email address, and she has both evening and weekend appointments.
If you have been charged with a crime, or if you think you may be charged with a crime, or if the police want to discuss a crime with you, please contact us. Mistakes made early in your case can have drastic effects on the outcome of your case and your ability to pursue certain defenses. You should almost NEVER speak with the police without speaking with a criminal defense attorney first. Once you give a statement to the police, you can never take that statement back unless you are able to get it suppressed, which is very difficult to do. If you need immediate assistance or advice because the police have contacted you and asked you to meet with them, please contact us. For emergency, after-hours assistance, please call us at 717-304-1841.