In October 2024, a Centre County man was arrested on charges of sexual assault while out on bail for a prior charge of sexual assault months earlier. After his first arrest, he was released on $100,000 bail, but the judge revoked bail on the second charge when the details of the subsequent alleged crime became known. This case is an extreme example, but it does illustrate the importance of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney and following the advice and cautions the attorney provides. It also makes clear that release on bail will not and should not be granted to some defendants.

The LLF Law Firm is an experienced criminal defense firm representing defendants charged with all types of crimes. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team believes that every defendant has a right to a full and fair defense. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.

Criminal Process in Pennsylvania

If you have been accused of a crime in Pennsylvania, you must understand the basics of the criminal process to make good decisions. In Pennsylvania, most criminal cases proceed with the same process:

• Step One – Criminal Complaint

Usually filed by law enforcement or an alleged victim with district attorney approval, the complaint will spell out the charges against a defendant.

• Step Two – Warrant/Arrest

After a complaint is filed, a judge may issue a warrant for arrest. Additionally, a judge may issue an arrest warrant whenever a defendant fails to appear for a hearing.

• Step Three – Preliminary Arraignment

The defendant appears before a judge to determine issues of bail and release. A defendant may be granted bail, released on their own recognizance, or denied bail. The court will schedule a formal arraignment within 10 days.

• Step Four – Formal Arraignment

The court will formally charge the defendant and ask the defendant to enter a plea. If a defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the matter will proceed to sentencing. The case will be scheduled for trial if the defendant pleads not guilty.

• Step Five – Trial

In Pennsylvania, a jury of 12 citizens will decide whether the defendant is guilty. Alternatively, a defendant may decline the right to a jury trial and opt to have the case decided by a judge in a “bench trial.” Jury verdicts must be unanimous. The court will schedule a sentencing hearing if the jury unanimously finds the defendant guilty.

• Step Six – Sentencing/Appeal

The judge will decide the appropriate penalty but is bound by state laws regarding sentencing. A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction.

Subsequent Charges During Release/Bail

If a Defendant is charged with any crime while on bail or release, they are in deep trouble. It is difficult to argue for continued bail or release, particularly if the subsequent charge is violent. Every case is different, and defendants should discuss all issues with their attorneys.

Any defendant who becomes aware of possible subsequent charges at any step or stage of the criminal process needs an experienced criminal attorney. If you or a family member are facing issues related to bail or terms of release, call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.