If you've been charged with a crime in Northumberland County, you're probably feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. Your job, reputation, and future could be on the line. You need an attorney who can help you understand your options and build you a strong defense. You need the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team.
We work with clients throughout Northumberland County and Pennsylvania and we're ready to assist you too. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form with your information.
Criminal Courts in Northumberland County
If you're charged with a crime in Northumberland County, your case will go to one of two courts:
- Magisterial District Court
- Court of Common Pleas
The court system will let you know which court you're supposed to appear at, including the date, time, and location of the courthouse. However, if you're unsure about where your case is taking place, you should always contact the courts to confirm. Failing to appear for your scheduled court dates can have serious repercussions for your case.
Magisterial District Courts
The Northumberland County Magisterial District Courts handle criminal and civil matters. The criminal cases that typically go to the Magisterial District Courts are:
- Nonjury trials for criminal summary (minor) 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 of the defendant's immediate family, a third party's property damage is less than $500, and the defendant isn't a juvenile.
Typically, the Magisterial District Courts hear misdemeanors and summary offenses. It also accepts guilty pleas to misdemeanors of the third degree in some cases.
Magisterial Districts Located in Northumberland County
Northumberland County has four Magisterial Districts: One in Mount Carmel, one in Milton, one in Sunbury, and one in Shamokin.
Mount Carmel Court
- Address: 150 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, PA 17851
- Phone: (570) 339-2140
Milton Court
- Address: 45 Locust Street, Milton, PA 17842
- Phone: (570) 742-7446
Sunbury Court
- Address: 399 Stadium Drive, Sunbury, PA 17801
- Phone: (570) 988-4485
Shamokin Court
- Address: 2 East Arch Street
- Phone: (570) 644-0736
Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas
Most of Pennsylvania's Court of Common Pleas districts line up with the counties, which is the case for Northumberland County as well. The Courts of Common Pleas are Pennsylvania's trial courts. They also hear appeals from the Magisterial District Courts.
Here's the contact information for the Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas:
- Address: 201 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801
- Phone: (570) 988-4135
The types of cases the Court of Common Pleas handles include:
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Assault
- Sex crimes
- DUIs
- Drug crimes
- Burglary
- Theft and larceny
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
Generally, if the case is a felony charge, it goes to the Court of Common Pleas. It also hears some misdemeanors, depending on the case.
Levels of Criminal Offenses
In Pennsylvania, there are three classifications for criminal charges depending on their severity. It's possible to be charged with one offense and found guilty of a lesser offense. The three classifications of criminal offenses, in order from least to most severe, are:
- Summary offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Felonies
If you're found guilty or you accept a plea bargain, the crime you were charged with and its classification determines what your sentence should be.
Summary Offenses
The least severe criminal offenses in Pennsylvania are called summary offenses. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for up to 90 days, however, most people convicted of a summary offense pay a fine as their sentence. Summary offenses can also appear on background checks.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are the second most severe class of criminal offenses in Pennsylvania and they're also broken down even further into three sub-categories. Each of these categories has its own sentencing guidelines, which are typically either prison time or fines.
The degrees of misdemeanors, from least to most serious, are:
- Third-degree misdemeanor
- Second-degree misdemeanor
- First-degree misdemeanor
Felonies
The most serious classification for a criminal offense in Pennsylvania is a felony. Like misdemeanors, they also have three degrees of severity and sentencing guidelines based on each category. Murder in the first or second degree results in either life imprisonment or a death sentence.
Northumberland County Criminal Procedures
When a criminal case is brought to court, the defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant may also be acquitted, negotiate a plea agreement, or participate in a diversion program. The best option for a defendant depends on their specific circumstances and the details of their case. The Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm assists clients in determining the most suitable course of action for their case.
While each criminal case is unique, they generally follow a similar series of steps:
- An alleged crime
- Investigation by law enforcement
- Filing of charges
- Preliminary arraignment
- Pretrial actions
- A pretrial conference
- The trial itself
- If found guilty, sentencing
Throughout this process, charges may be dropped, and the defendant may choose to enter into a plea agreement with the prosecution. Going to trial allows defendants to challenge a verdict, while plea bargains mean forfeiting the right to appeal. However, a plea bargain may result in a defendant pleading no contest or guilty to a lesser charge, potentially giving them more control over their sentencing and resolving the case more efficiently than a trial.
Northumberland County Attorneys
When dealing with criminal charges in Northumberland County, it's crucial to have a strong advocate on your side. A single mistake can have severe repercussions for both you and your loved ones. The Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm is prepared to vigorously defend you. We'll ensure that you have a thorough understanding of your charges and assist you in determining the most effective approach for your circumstances. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or complete our contact form to provide us with your details.
