Pennsylvania is a popular state for tourists to visit every year. Mix this factor with the heavy police presence that often occupies Delaware County, and some out-of-state residents are bound to get in trouble with the law. For visitors facing criminal charges in Delaware County, PA, it's important you understand what the county prosecution entails, and how they can navigate it.
If you've been arrested and charged in Delaware County, this is where your offense will be tried. This can lead to some serious additional logistical issues for you. The criminal process requires that you attend several court dates. If you've been released on bail or other terms pending trial, then it can be troublesome to return to Pennsylvania and Delaware County everytime a mandatory court appearance is scheduled. You'll have to sacrifice time away from your career, your family, and cover the expenses that accompany traveling back and forth.
The only way to ease some of the burden that comes with out-of-state criminal charges is to obtain legal representation. An attorney can make deals to get dates changed or moved to accommodate your unique situation. A legal representative can even attend some court dates on your behalf to save you valuable time and money.
Missing Court Dates
Missing a court date is never a good idea. Some out-of-state residents may be under the impression that if they don't show up, a judge will take their circumstances into consideration and be empathic or forgiving. Unfortunately, this isn't how the court operates. Whether you deliberately missed a court date or you couldn't make it due to commute complications, failing to appear in court on a mandatory appearance is a crime.
Under Pennsylvania Code Rule 1919.13-1, the failure to appear at a court date will inevitably result in the issuing of an outstanding bench warrant. When this occurs, you can be arrested at any time. You can be pulled over, or merely be around law enforcement during an incident totally unrelated to you. An officer can run your name through a computer and the arrest warrant will show up. The police are obligated to make the arrest on the spot. Regardless of if you are discovered in state or out-of-state, you'll be held in a correctional facility until the warrant is remedied. Bail conditions will also be revoked as an additional repercussion.
If you are aware that there is a bench warrant against you, you should contact a Bucks County criminal defense attorney immediately. A legal professional can propose the most appropriate course of action. In these cases, it isn't abnormal for defendants to be held in custody without bail for days, weeks, or even months before getting extradited to Delaware County authorities.
Delaware County Criminal Defense Attorney
The bottom line is that out-of-state residents have every reason to obtain legal representation. Not only will the help of an attorney make an acquired criminal charge easier to mitigate, it will ultimately save you time and money in the long run.
If you've been charged with a crime in Delaware County, or if you have a warrant out for your arrest, don't hesitate to contact our experienced Criminal Law Team today. To schedule a consultation with us, contact him online or by phone at 888-535-3686.
