Criminal Defense
- Your Legal Rights
- Criminal Defense FAQs
- Civil Rights Violations/Police Brutality
- College Crimes
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Crimes FAQs
- When Does Drug Possession Become Drug Trafficking?
- Defenses to Drug Trafficking In Pennsylvania
- Conspiracy To Traffic Drugs
- Cocaine Crimes
- Drug Paraphernalia Charges
- Drug Possession Charges
- Heroin Crimes
- Intent To Deliver Charges
- Marijuana Crimes
- MDMA
- Meth Crimes
- Prescription Drug Crimes
- Fentanyl Drug Crime
- Student Drug Charges
- DUI/DWI/Impaired Driving Crimes
- DUI Basics
- Defending DUI cases
- First-Offense Penalties
- Penalties For Multiple DUI Convictions In Pennsylvania
- Driving Under The Influence Of Marijuana
- Driving Under The Influence Of Prescription Drugs
- Aggravated Assault While DUI
- Vehicular Homicide Via DUI
- Leaving The Scene Of An Accident
- State Of DUI Law After Birchfield
- Federal Crimes
- Computer And Internet Fraud
- Federal Drug Trafficking
- Federal Sex Offenses
- Federal Conspiracy
- White collar crimes
- Arrest, Indictment And Arraignment
- Gun Possession And Federal Drug Crimes
- Federal Tax Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Insider Trading
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines
- Federal Government Investigations
- Federal Crimes FAQs
- Federal Crimes Versus State Crimes
- Felony Charges
- Juvenile Crimes
- Pennsylvania Criminal Law Information
- Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (A.R.D.)
- Arrest Warrants
- Chester County Common Pleas Judges
- Chester County District Justices
- Federal Grand Jury
- Helpful Links
- Indicting Grand Juries
- Mandatory Sentencing Laws
- Montgomery County District Justices
- Pennsylvania Courts
- Preliminary Hearings
- Preliminary Arraignment
- Post-Conviction Related Issues
- Professional License Defense
- Representation Of Public Officials & Grand Jury Investigations
- Sex Crimes
- Sex Crimes FAQs
- What Constitutes A Sexual Offense?
- When Should I Call A Lawyer For A Sex Crime
- How To Avoid Conviction For A Sex Crime
- Sexual Assault
- Statutory Sexual Assault
- Indecent Assault
- Title IX Sexual Assault Defense
- Aggravated Indecent Assault
- Rape
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI)
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution
- Internet Sex Crimes
- Child Pornography
- False Allegations Of Child Sex Abuse
- Sex Crimes Against Minors
- Solicitation Of A Minor
- Corruption Of Minors
- Child Endangerment
- Children Youth And Families Investigations (CYS Investigations)
- Megan’s Law
- Statutory Rape
- Sex Crimes Involving Teachers
- Sex Crimes Trials
- Sexually Violent Predator Hearings
- Theft Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Aggravated Assault Of An Unborn Child
- Pennsylvania Law On Self-Defense
- Domestic Violence Charges
- Protection from Abuse (PFA)
- Restraining Order Violations
- Murder
- What’s The Difference Between First- And Second-Degree Murder?
- First-Degree Murder
- Second-Degree Murder
- Third-Degree Murder
- Attempted Murder
- Manslaughter
- Terroristic Threats
- Weapons & Firearm Charges
- Kidnapping
- Communities Served
Civil Litigation
Personal Injury
- Personal Injury FAQs
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers
- Drunk Driving Accidents/Dram Shop Liability
- Hit-And-Runs
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Slip-And-Fall Injuries
- Texting and Distracted Drivers
- Victims Of Crimes
- Victims Of Crimes FAQs
- What Are Crime Victim Rights in Pennsylvania
- What is the Crime Victims Compensation Fund/Program?
- How Does Crime Victims Compensation Work in Pennsylvania?
- Civil Claims For Crime Victims
- Can I Sue For Sexual Assault or Rape in Pennsylvania?
- Sex Assault Victims
- Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse
- Victims Of Day Care And Foster Care Mistreatment
- Victims Of School Bullying
- Victims Of Title IX Sexual Assault
- Can I Sue My Employer For Being Assaulted at Work?
- Workplace Violence
- Victims Of Crime Due To Negligent Security
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Victims of Crime
- Victims Of Crimes FAQs
- What is the Crime Victims Compensation Fund/Program?
- How Does Crime Victims Compensation Work in Pennsylvania?
- Civil Claims For Crime Victims
- Can I Sue For Sexual Assault or Rape in Pennsylvania?
- Sex Assault Victims
- Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse
- Victims Of Day Care And Foster Care Mistreatment
- Victims Of School Bullying
- Victims Of Title IX Sexual Assault
- Can I Sue My Employer For Being Assaulted at Work?
- Workplace Violence
- Victims Of Crime Due To Negligent Security
Professional License Defense
Communities Served
Mandatory Sentencing Laws
Combining experience as criminal defense attorneys with insight as former prosecutors allows the legal team at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP to provide seasoned and sophisticated legal representation. Protecting the rights of our clients is paramount throughout the process, including the possibility of a sentencing for a conviction.
The Complexities And Challenges Of Pennsylvania Mandatory Sentencing Laws
Mandatory minimum sentences represent the minimum that judges must impose for those found guilty of applicable crimes. District attorneys have sole authority as to whether they should or should not be imposed, particularly when plea bargaining or when a defendant cooperating with law enforcement is a factor.
Should a district attorney choose to pursue a mandatory minimum sentence, judges have absolutely no discretion to mitigate sentences. Factors such as no criminal record, any level of remorse or the age of the defendant are not subject to consideration. A judge’s sole option is to reject the sentence, claiming that it is unfair, which is extremely rare.
Pennsylvania statutes governing mandatory minimum sentences are frequently updated. The constitutionality of the sentences is continually challenged. At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, we commit ourselves to staying on the cutting edge of ever-changing Pennsylvania laws regarding mandatory prison time.
Contact An Experienced West Chester Lawyer For A Meth Charge Defense
For more information on mandatory minimum sentences and the laws that govern them, call us or fill out our online intake form to schedule a free consultation. Bellwoar Kelly, LLP is located one block from the Chester County Courthouse. We can also arrange to meet at a more convenient location if you cannot come to our office.
Criminal Defense
- Your Legal Rights
- Criminal Defense FAQs
- Civil Rights Violations/Police Brutality
- College Crimes
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Crimes FAQs
- When Does Drug Possession Become Drug Trafficking?
- Defenses to Drug Trafficking In Pennsylvania
- Conspiracy To Traffic Drugs
- Cocaine Crimes
- Drug Paraphernalia Charges
- Drug Possession Charges
- Heroin Crimes
- Intent To Deliver Charges
- Marijuana Crimes
- MDMA
- Meth Crimes
- Prescription Drug Crimes
- Fentanyl Drug Crime
- Student Drug Charges
- DUI/DWI/Impaired Driving Crimes
- DUI Basics
- Defending DUI cases
- First-Offense Penalties
- Penalties For Multiple DUI Convictions In Pennsylvania
- Driving Under The Influence Of Marijuana
- Driving Under The Influence Of Prescription Drugs
- Aggravated Assault While DUI
- Vehicular Homicide Via DUI
- Leaving The Scene Of An Accident
- State Of DUI Law After Birchfield
- Federal Crimes
- Computer And Internet Fraud
- Federal Drug Trafficking
- Federal Sex Offenses
- Federal Conspiracy
- White collar crimes
- Arrest, Indictment And Arraignment
- Gun Possession And Federal Drug Crimes
- Federal Tax Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Insider Trading
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines
- Federal Government Investigations
- Federal Crimes FAQs
- Federal Crimes Versus State Crimes
- Felony Charges
- Juvenile Crimes
- Pennsylvania Criminal Law Information
- Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (A.R.D.)
- Arrest Warrants
- Chester County Common Pleas Judges
- Chester County District Justices
- Federal Grand Jury
- Helpful Links
- Indicting Grand Juries
- Mandatory Sentencing Laws
- Montgomery County District Justices
- Pennsylvania Courts
- Preliminary Hearings
- Preliminary Arraignment
- Post-Conviction Related Issues
- Professional License Defense
- Representation Of Public Officials & Grand Jury Investigations
- Sex Crimes
- Sex Crimes FAQs
- What Constitutes A Sexual Offense?
- When Should I Call A Lawyer For A Sex Crime
- How To Avoid Conviction For A Sex Crime
- Sexual Assault
- Statutory Sexual Assault
- Indecent Assault
- Title IX Sexual Assault Defense
- Aggravated Indecent Assault
- Rape
- Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI)
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution
- Internet Sex Crimes
- Child Pornography
- False Allegations Of Child Sex Abuse
- Sex Crimes Against Minors
- Solicitation Of A Minor
- Corruption Of Minors
- Child Endangerment
- Children Youth And Families Investigations (CYS Investigations)
- Megan’s Law
- Statutory Rape
- Sex Crimes Involving Teachers
- Sex Crimes Trials
- Sexually Violent Predator Hearings
- Theft Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Aggravated Assault Of An Unborn Child
- Pennsylvania Law On Self-Defense
- Domestic Violence Charges
- Protection from Abuse (PFA)
- Restraining Order Violations
- Murder
- What’s The Difference Between First- And Second-Degree Murder?
- First-Degree Murder
- Second-Degree Murder
- Third-Degree Murder
- Attempted Murder
- Manslaughter
- Terroristic Threats
- Weapons & Firearm Charges
- Kidnapping
- Communities Served
Civil Litigation
Personal Injury
- Personal Injury FAQs
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers
- Drunk Driving Accidents/Dram Shop Liability
- Hit-And-Runs
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability
- Slip-And-Fall Injuries
- Texting and Distracted Drivers
- Victims Of Crimes
- Victims Of Crimes FAQs
- What Are Crime Victim Rights in Pennsylvania
- What is the Crime Victims Compensation Fund/Program?
- How Does Crime Victims Compensation Work in Pennsylvania?
- Civil Claims For Crime Victims
- Can I Sue For Sexual Assault or Rape in Pennsylvania?
- Sex Assault Victims
- Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse
- Victims Of Day Care And Foster Care Mistreatment
- Victims Of School Bullying
- Victims Of Title IX Sexual Assault
- Can I Sue My Employer For Being Assaulted at Work?
- Workplace Violence
- Victims Of Crime Due To Negligent Security
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Victims of Crime
- Victims Of Crimes FAQs
- What is the Crime Victims Compensation Fund/Program?
- How Does Crime Victims Compensation Work in Pennsylvania?
- Civil Claims For Crime Victims
- Can I Sue For Sexual Assault or Rape in Pennsylvania?
- Sex Assault Victims
- Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse
- Victims Of Day Care And Foster Care Mistreatment
- Victims Of School Bullying
- Victims Of Title IX Sexual Assault
- Can I Sue My Employer For Being Assaulted at Work?
- Workplace Violence
- Victims Of Crime Due To Negligent Security
Professional License Defense
Communities Served