You've just been charged with a crime, and you feel like panicking. It can easily feel overwhelming, and you may have no idea what you need to do next. You have a lot on the line—your job, your reputation, your future. You don't want to risk it by making the wrong choices or choosing the wrong criminal defense attorney.
If you're charged with a crime in Bradford County, you need a lawyer who can help you navigate the process and keep your best interests in mind. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team helps people just like you throughout Bradford County and all over Pennsylvania. We can build you a strong defense. Call us at 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our online form.
Criminal Courts in Bradford County
When you get charged with a crime in Bradford County, you will have to deal with either the Court of Common Pleas or the Magisterial District Court. The court system should provide you with the information you need, such as dates and locations. You should always confirm which courthouse you have to appear at, though, if you're unsure. If you don't show up or you arrive late, there could be serious repercussions for your case.
Cases are handled in the counties where the crime occurs. If the alleged crime happened in Bradford County, you'll have to appear in a Bradford County court—even if you live in another county.
Magisterial District Courts
In Bradford County, Magisterial District Courts handle criminal and civil matters. For criminal cases, the Magisterial District Courts are responsible for:
- Nonjury trials for criminal summary matters
- Preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings
- Fixing and accepting bail (excluding murder or voluntary manslaughter cases)
- Issuing arrest warrants
- Accepting guilty pleas for DUIs when it's a first offense, no personal injury occurred to anyone outside the defendant's immediate family, a third party's property damage is less than $500, or the defendant isn't a juvenile
In some circumstances, the Magisterial District Courts also accept guilty pleas to misdemeanors of the third degree.
Magisterial Districts Located in Bradford County
Bradford County has four magisterial districts in Troy, Towanda, Sayre, and Wysox. Here's the contact information for each one:
District 42-3-01
- Address: 123 Canton Street, Troy, PA 16947
- Phone: (570) 297-3880
District 42-3-02
- Address: 75 Herrick Avenue, Sayre, PA 18840
- Phone: (570) 888-6324
District 42-3-03
- Address: 200 Main Street, Towanda, PA 18848
- Phone: (570) 268-5057
District 42-3-04
- Address: 1959 Golden Mile Road, Wysox, PA 18854
- Phone: (570) 265-9393
Bradford County Court of Common Pleas
The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts for Pennsylvania. They also hear appeals from the Magisterial District Courts. There are sixty Court of Common Plea districts in Pennsylvania and the majority of them align with the counties, including in Bradford County.
Make sure you know the address and phone for the Bradford Court of Common Pleas if you are scheduled to appear there:
- Address: 301 Main St, Towanda, PA 18848
- Phone: (570) 265-1707
The Court of Common Pleas handles cases dealing with:
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Assault
- Sex crimes
- DUIs
- Drug crimes
- Burglary
- Theft and larceny
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
The Court of Common Pleas typically hears all felony cases and some cases involving misdemeanors. The Magisterial District Courts, on the other hand, handle some misdemeanors and summary offenses.
Levels of Criminal Offenses
In Pennsylvania, criminal charges are divided into three categories depending on the seriousness of the alleged offense. A person can be accused of a particular crime but may end up being convicted of a less severe offense. These three classifications are summary offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies. When an individual is convicted or agrees to a plea deal, the charge and its classification dictate which guidelines are used to determine the punishment.
Summary Offenses
The most minor of the three categories is known as a summary offense. It has a maximum imprisonment sentence of ninety days but typically results in a fine for those found guilty. Summary offenses may be included in criminal record screenings.
Misdemeanors
There are three levels of misdemeanors in Pennsylvania with specific penalties for each. Those found guilty may be subject to imprisonment, monetary penalties, or both. The least severe is a third-degree misdemeanor, followed by a second-degree misdemeanor, and the most serious is a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum term for imprisonment and fines increases with the severity of the offense, with first-degree misdemeanors carrying the harshest penalties.
Felonies
The most severe category of crimes is known as felonies. They vary in degrees of severity, and punishment is determined by which degree of felony they are found guilty of. There are three degrees of felonies, including first or second-degree murder. Murder in the first or second degree can lead to life imprisonment or a death penalty unless there are certain defenses present.
Bradford County Criminal Procedures
When a criminal case is brought to court, the defendant must be proven guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. Alternatively, the defendant may be cleared of charges, negotiate a plea deal, or participate in a diversionary program. The best course of action for a defendant depends on their individual circumstances and the details of their case, which is where the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can assist.
While each criminal case is unique, the general sequence of events is as follows:
- A crime is committed
- Law enforcement investigates
- Charges are filed
- Preliminary arraignment (also known as the first court appearance)
- Pretrial proceedings, including evidence gathering, legal motions, and potential plea negotiations
- A pretrial conference
- Trial
- If found guilty, sentencing
Throughout this process, charges may be dropped, and a defendant may choose to agree to a plea deal with the prosecution. Opting for a trial allows the defendant to appeal a decision and have their case heard in court. On the other hand, plea bargains avoid going to court and may result in the defendant giving up their right to an appeal. However, a plea bargain may include a lesser charge and the possibility of the defendant having more input in their sentencing, as well as a potentially quicker resolution compared to a trial.
Bradford County Attorneys
If you're facing criminal charges in Bradford County, you need someone in your corner who can advocate strongly on your behalf. One misstep can result in disastrous consequences for you and your family. At the LLF Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team is ready to defend you. We help you fully understand the charges against you and decide what the best course of action is for your situation. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our contact form with your information.
