Facing any type of criminal charge in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania – even the most minor of charges – can be a stressful and upsetting experience. Nobody likes to be standing in front of a judge, having to defend themselves against allegations that they've committed a crime. At a minimum, you may be facing a stiff fine; at the maximum, of course, you could spend decades in prison if convicted. In any case, your reputation will be at risk, with local and national news services constantly paying attention to criminal dockets, police department arrest announcements, and prosecutors' press releases.
That is why if you are facing criminal charges in Luzerne County, you need the help of one of the experienced criminal defense attorneys from the LLF Law Firm. Our Criminal Defense Team has defended clients all across Pennsylvania, including in Luzerne County, and we are ready to protect your rights too. Call us at 888.535.3686 or set up a confidential consultation online to learn more about how the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you.
Categories of Crimes in Pennsylvania
There are three main categories of criminal charges you could be facing in Luzerne County. These are:
- Summary offenses. The most minor, summary offenses are lower-level crimes than misdemeanors and include offenses such as public intoxication, trespassing, criminal mischief, and others. You may or may not be arrested for a summary offense, but in any case, you will be informed in some official way that you're facing charges. The maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $300 fine, though as a practical matter, most summary offense penalties are fines.
- Misdemeanors. This is the next level of crime in Pennsylvania. There are three categories of misdemeanor crimes, with First-Degree Misdemeanors being the most serious and Third-Degree Misdemeanors being the least serious. Misdemeanor penalties can range from 6 months to 5 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
- Felonies. These are the most serious crimes you can be charged with in Pennsylvania. In addition to Murder (which has three degrees), there are also three degrees of felonies, with First-Degree being the most serious and Third-Degree being the least serious. Prison sentences can range from 2-1/2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000 for felonies, from 40 years to life in prison, and fines of up to $50,000 for murder (with the death penalty also being possible).
Courts in Luzerne County
You may find yourself in more than one court if you're charged with a crime in Luzerne County, depending on the charge you're facing and what stage your case is at. It's important to make sure that if you do have to appear in court, you double-check where you need to be. Failing to appear as required for a criminal matter can lead to the judge issuing an arrest warrant for you. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the LLF Law Firm can help you avoid making basic mistakes, such as showing up in the wrong place or at the wrong time for your court appearance.
There are two types of state courts in Luzerne County:
- The Court of Common Pleas, located at 200 N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre is where misdemeanor and felony cases are handled, after any preliminary stages have been administered by the Magisterial District Court.
- Magisterial District Courts handle summary criminal offenses and the preliminary stages of misdemeanor and felony cases. There are 16 of these courts located across the county.
If you've been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you may appear before a Magisterial District Judge in that judge's court for the early stages of your case and then before a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Wilkes-Barre for the later stages. As noted above, it's very important to pay close attention to where you're supposed to appear and when at all stages of your case; working with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the LLF Law Firm will help you make sure you're where you're supposed to be for each stage of your case.
Steps in the Criminal Process in Luzerne County
As mentioned above, unless you've been charged with a summary offense, you may appear before both a Magisterial District Judge for the preliminary portions of your criminal case and before a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the later stages. (Summary offenses are handled entirely by the Magisterial District Courts.)
For misdemeanors and felony matters, your case may generally proceed as follows:
- The preliminary arraignment, including bail determination and preliminary hearing, where the judge can determine whether there is enough evidence against you to proceed with your case, will generally take place before the Magisterial District Judge.
- Later stages, including the introduction of formal charges by prosecutors (called the criminal information), the formal arraignment, and any trial or sentencing will generally happen in the Court of Common Pleas.
As a practical matter, most criminal cases resolve themselves before trial, either with the prosecution dropping charges or, more frequently, the defendant agreeing to take a negotiated plea. This is where working with one of the experienced criminal defense attorneys from the LLF Law Firm can make a tremendous difference. Our attorneys understand the criminal laws, rules, and procedures that apply in Pennsylvania. We know the prosecutors, courts, and judges and will forcefully negotiate on your behalf for a favorable resolution of your case. When that's not possible, we have the experience to take your case to trial, protect your rights, and vigorously defend you against the power of the state.
The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Is Ready to Protect Your Rights in Luzerne County
Your future and your reputation are on the line if you've been charged with any crime in Luzerne County – even the most minor charges can follow you around if they result in a fine or other penalty. That's why if you are facing a criminal proceeding in Luzerne County, you need the help of one of the experienced criminal defense attorneys from the LLF Law Firm. We've defended clients all across Pennsylvania, including in Luzerne County, who are facing criminal charges, and we are ready to help you too.
Don't try to defend yourself in your criminal case! Prosecutors are professionals whose job it is to secure convictions, and judges are not on the bench to defend your case. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight to protect your rights. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation to learn how we can help you.
