Langhorne

Located in Pennsylvania, Langhorne is a small borough six miles west of the Delaware River that was settled in the 17th century and became the stagecoach transportation hub of Bucks County. It was incorporated in 1976 and named for a former chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Langhorne is only 0.5 square miles and has a population of about 1,500 people. Famous figures from the town include professional skateboarder Chris Cole, author J. Nathan Bazzel, singer Langhorne Slim, and painter Edward Hicks. Whether you are facing a criminal prosecution or considering filing for bankruptcy in Langhorne, experienced attorney John M. Kenney can help you pursue a favorable outcome.

One of the most common issues involved in criminal cases is domestic violence. This offense is not a separate criminal charge in Pennsylvania. Instead, it is an accusation that the defendant committed a criminal act against a victim with whom he or she had an intimate relationship under Title 23, Section 6102 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The defendant and victim must be spouses or ex-spouses, or they must have an intimate relationship or previously had an intimate live-in relationship, or they must be current or former sexual partners. Other relationships that make a crime domestic violence are parent-child relationships and other blood or marriage relationships.

Domestic violence charges are treated differently from other kinds of criminal charges in Pennsylvania. If a victim calls the police and alleges that a household or family member has committed a violent act against him or her, the police are required to arrest the perpetrator of the violence. The victim cannot decide to drop charges at that point, and the trajectory of the case will rest in the prosecutor's hands.

Under Pennsylvania law, domestic violence can be used in the context of multiple crimes, include assault, sexual abuse of minors, sexual assault, or engaging in repetitive behaviors that cause the victim to fear he or she will be injured. A domestic violence conviction can result in penalties such as a defendant being ordered to take anger management courses or incarceration. As with other crimes, a defendant's first offense is likely to result in a lighter sentence. However, if you receive one conviction, it can affect your ability to negotiate for a dismissal, reduction in charges, or reduced sentence should you get charged a second or third time. This makes it crucial to consult an experienced defense attorney.

If you are facing financial difficulties, bankruptcy is a formal process that allows you to obtain a fresh start. Many people wonder whether they should file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. To file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will need to pass the means test. This test was designed to identify who truly cannot pay off their debts and must therefore file for bankruptcy to start over. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is attractive to many people because it takes much less time than Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

By contrast, Chapter 13 bankruptcies require debtors with sufficient disposable income to create debt repayment plans and pay off their debts over a 3-5 year period. It also has multiple tools that allow debtors to save their home from foreclosure, reduce their mortgage payments, and reduce their car loan payments in certain circumstances.

Financial trouble and trouble with law enforcement can be very stressful. Since the stakes are so high, it is wise to get advice and representation from an experienced advocate in the Langhorne area. Capable criminal defense lawyer John M. Kenney can try to get domestic violence or other charges against you dismissed or reduced, or he can fight for you at trial. Mr. Kenney is also knowledgeable about bankruptcy laws and can help you seek a discharge under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Contact him at (215) 547-3031 or by completing our online form.