Northeastern Pennsylvania Crimes on Federal Land Attorneys

Arrested in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area? A Scranton, PA lawyer can help.

Thousands of people from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York visit the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the Pocono Mountains. The 40-mile-long park contains several waterfalls and extensive hiking trails. It even includes a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The vast forests, ponds, and Delaware River in the park also attract hunters, anglers, and boaters. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen here, including ones that result in criminal charges. Charges or offenses committed on federal lands might seem straightforward. In reality, since the National Park Service operates this park, the consequences can be very serious.

You must take federal criminal charges seriously right from the start. If the police arrest you in a Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or at another site maintained by the National Park Service in Pennsylvania, make sure you have a criminal defense lawyer on your side. Make sure you contact Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam.

Do Pennsylvania’s laws apply to crimes committed on federal lands?

No. The U.S. government classifies any crime committed on federal property as a federal crime. As a result, the federal court prosecutes these cases. If the court charges you with a crime in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, they will likely prosecute your case in the federal court in Scranton. In some circumstances, first-time offenders are eligible for the federal Pre-Trial Diversionary Program. This program is similar to Pennsylvania’s ARD program. According to the terms of this program, defendants often must complete a term of probation, after which the court will dismiss the charges.

The Department of Justice highlights the common offenses and charges that occur for crimes on federal lands. They can range from:

• Three months imprisonment, a $100 fine, or both
• Six months imprisonment, a $500 fine, or both

However, the severity of the crime can impact the punishment. Federal court cases involving crimes on federal property can be extremely complicated. The penalties for federal crimes can also sometimes be very severe. But, we are prepared to help clients navigate the legal system. We have a lot of experience in the law and understand the federal criminal justice system in Pennsylvania.

“Why should I hire Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam to handle my case?”

Our knowledgeable Scranton federal crime attorneys at Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam have years of experience handling such complicated cases. We will weigh the strength of the evidence against you, apply the law to your situation, and build the best possible case for acquittal.

If you or someone you know is charged with an offense committed on federal land, contact us immediately. Schedule an appointment at our law firm in downtown Scranton, just blocks away from the federal courthouse on North Washington Avenue. Call (570) 348-0776 for a no-cost consultation.