Facing criminal charges in Crawford County, PA, is a serious matter, regardless of the alleged severity of the offense. Any conviction can result in fines, possible jail time, and a criminal record that could follow you for years. Prosecutors often seek the maximum penalties permitted by state law, and without skilled legal representation, the likelihood of conviction and a harsher sentence is much higher. The best way to avoid these outcomes is with the assistance of an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney. A skilled attorney can work within the legal system to improve your chances of lenient sentencing, acquittal, or even a full dismissal of charges.
The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team has a proven track record of defending the rights of those accused and charged with crimes in Crawford County. We will work tirelessly on your behalf, navigating the judicial process, negotiating with prosecutors, and providing strong courtroom representation to achieve the best possible outcome. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or utilize our online form.
Crawford County Criminal Procedures
Crawford County divides criminal case responsibilities between the Magisterial District Courts and the Court of Common Pleas.
There are four Magisterial District Courts serving Crawford County. These courts handle the issuance of warrants, setting bail, preliminary arraignments and hearings, and dismissing or transferring cases to higher courts.
The Court of Common Pleas for Crawford County is located at the Crawford County Judicial Center, 359 E. Center Street in Meadville. This court oversees legal actions such as formal arraignment, judge or jury trials, pre- and post-trial motions, and sentencing.
Crawford County Magisterial District Court Procedures
If you're charged with a crime in Crawford County, your preliminary arraignment will occur before the Magisterial District judge for your district, either in person or via videoconference. The judge will review the charges, schedule your preliminary hearing, and determine bail (if any). The bail amount depends on a variety of factors including:
- The motivations behind the offense (e.g., aggravating factors or premeditation).
- Your ties to Crawford County (e.g., work, family, community involvement).
- Previous convictions or other court orders against you.
- Whether the judge believes you may pose a danger to the community.
The type of offense significantly influences the progression of your case. In Pennsylvania, crimes are categorized into three types:
Summary Offenses: Offenses with a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail, generally adjudicated in Magisterial Court.
Misdemeanors: Some lesser offenses are processed directly in Magisterial Court, but most are transferred to the Court of Common Pleas.
- First-degree misdemeanors carry up to five years of incarceration and fines of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree misdemeanors carry up to two years of incarceration and fines of up to $5,000.
- Third-degree misdemeanors carry up to one year of incarceration and fines up to $2,500.
Felonies: These more serious crimes are always handled by the Court of Common Pleas.
- First-degree felonies carry up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- Second-degree felonies carry up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- Third-degree felonies carry up to seven years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
Preliminary Hearing
The preliminary hearing is held in the Magisterial District Court. To establish probable cause for a trial, the Commonwealth must establish a "prima facie" case against the defendant. Both the defense and the prosecution can present evidence; however, the goal is not to determine guilt or innocence but to decide if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proof to convince the judge that the case should go forward. If they fail to provide adequate evidence, the Magisterial District Court judge may dismiss the case. Otherwise, it will be referred to the Court of Common Pleas for the next stages.
Crawford County Court of Common Pleas
The first step at the Court of Common Pleas is the formal arraignment, where the charges against the defendant are officially read, and the defendant is informed of their pretrial rights. During the pretrial, your attorney may do any/all of the following:
- Requesting evidence
- Filing motions to dismiss evidence
- Entering into plea agreements
- Filing motions for discovery
- Requesting continuances
For all felonies and misdemeanors carrying more than six months in jail, the defendant has the right to a jury trial. However, the defendant may waive this right and opt for a bench trial, where a judge will adjudicate the case.
Trial and Sentencing
During the trial at the Court of Common Pleas, both the defense and the prosecution present evidence and witness testimonies to support their cases. In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
After closing statements from both sides, the judge will render a verdict (in a bench trial) or instruct the jury to deliberate and reach a decision. If the verdict is "not guilty," the trial concludes immediately, and the defendant is released. If found "guilty," a sentencing hearing will be scheduled.
The Crawford County Adult Probation & Parole Department will prepare a pre-sentence investigation report for the sentencing hearing. Factors that may influence the sentence include:
- Responsibility to the community
- Work and family obligations
- Prior criminal convictions
- Risk of re-offense
- Medical conditions
At the sentencing hearing, the defense can argue for specific sentencing conditions, such as reduced jail time or alternatives to imprisonment. Additionally, the judge may allow the victim(s) to submit impact statements advocating for maximum penalties. The judge will then issue the sentence based on all the information received.
Appealing Crawford County Criminal Convictions
If you are convicted and/or sentenced in Crawford County, you have the right to appeal the judge or jury's decision to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Appeals, along with all supporting documentation, must be filed within 30 days of the sentencing date or after post-sentencing motions are resolved.
An appeal is not a new trial. The Superior Court will review specific issues that the defense believes were incorrectly decided by the Court of Common Pleas, such as bias or procedural errors, based only on the trial transcript and evidence. If the appeal is unsuccessful, you may petition the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, although few such petitions are granted.
Experienced Crawford County Criminal Defense Team
Facing criminal charges in Crawford County can be overwhelming, and the consequences can be life-changing. It is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side to protect your rights and navigate you through the complex legal process. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team has extensive experience with Pennsylvania criminal cases, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Call us at 888-535-3686 or tell us about your case using our online form.
