A traffic stop or an arrest leaves little time to think and a lot of urgent questions. The charge matters, but so do the circumstances surrounding it, the options available, and what it could mean for your future.
We defend people facing criminal charges throughout Central Pennsylvania, with a practice focused exclusively on criminal defense. That focus gives us the room to examine the specifics of each case and build a strategy around the person involved.
See the range of charges we handle and why a focused defense matters.
The Charge Is Where We Start
Not every criminal case begins the same way. Some start with a traffic stop, others with an allegation involving property or another person. Our work starts by helping clients understand the charge they're facing, their rights, and the legal options available to them.
As the video notes, “some type of DUI or DUI related offense” is among the most common reasons people come to our office, but that’s only one part of what we handle. We represent clients facing charges involving:
- DUI and DUI-related offenses
- Theft offenses
- Assault-related offenses
- Summary harassment charges
- Aggravated assault charges
- Criminal homicide cases
DUI Charges Can Involve More Than Alcohol
A DUI allegation may follow field sobriety testing and an accusation of alcohol use, but it can also involve a controlled substance—prescribed or illicit. The facts of the stop and testing can matter greatly to the defense.
We also handle serious DUI-related allegations, including aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and homicide by vehicle while DUI. These are high-stakes charges, and clients deserve a clear picture of what they’re facing rather than assumptions about what comes next.
From Theft Allegations to Violent Offense Charges
Theft and assault cases can look very different from one another, yet each calls for careful attention to the facts and the specific charge filed. A summary harassment charge and an aggravated assault charge don’t carry the same potential consequences, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t serve the person accused. Our role is to evaluate the individual situation, explain the legal process, and provide disciplined advocacy.
A Focused Practice, A Personal Strategy
We don’t divide our practice among unrelated areas of law. As Shawn Dorward puts it, “our focus on just criminal defense” shapes how we represent clients facing these allegations. That concentration matters most when the details of a stop, a test, a witness account, or an accusation determine the path forward.
We bring more than a decade of experience to criminal defense cases, along with DUI-related knowledge and certifications. We also maintain relationships within the legal community and with expert witnesses—resources that can directly inform our preparation when the circumstances call for them.
Bring Your Questions to the First Conversation
You don’t need to have every answer before speaking with a defense attorney. A free consultation is a practical place to discuss the charge, ask questions about your rights, and start making sense of the situation.
If you’re facing a criminal charge, The Dorward Law Firm is available to discuss your specific circumstances at (717) 429-0411.