Facing criminal charges in Pike County, Pennsylvania, can be daunting and emotionally taxing, even if the charges seem minor. Depending on the charges, outcomes can range from substantial fines to potentially spending years behind bars if you're convicted. Appearing before a judge to defend oneself against criminal accusations is a challenging ordeal, and without the help of an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney, you run a significant risk of incurring more severe penalties.
This underscores the importance of securing skilled legal representation if you're facing charges in Pike County. The seasoned Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm is prepared to safeguard your rights. We have successfully defended clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Pike County. Call 888-535-3686 or complete our contact form to explore how the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team can assist you.
Categories of Crimes in Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes three levels of criminal charges:
- Summary Offenses: These are minor charges, less severe than misdemeanors, and include acts like public intoxication, trespassing, and criminal mischief. Arrest may not always follow a summary offense, but official notification of charges is guaranteed. The harshest penalty is 90 days in jail and a $300 fine, though fines are more typical.
- Misdemeanors: A step up in severity, misdemeanors in Pennsylvania are categorized into three levels, with First-Degree being the most serious and Third-Degree the least. Punishments can involve jail time ranging from six months to five years, along with fines up to $10,000.
- Felonies: Representing the gravest charges, felonies include crimes like murder, which is divided into three degrees. Felony sentences can extend from 2-1/2 to 20 years and fines up to $50,000, while murder penalties can reach 40 years to life in prison, with fines also up to $50,000, and the death penalty is a possibility for the most severe offenses.
Courts in Pike County
Facing a criminal charge in Pike County might involve navigating multiple court systems, depending on the nature of your charge and the progression of your case. It's crucial to verify your court appearance details, as missing a required court appearance could result in an arrest warrant. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team can help coordinate your defense and track your court appearances to make sure you are at the right place at the right time.
Pike County has two types of state courts:
- Court of Common Pleas: Situated at 412 Broad St in Milford, PA, this court addresses misdemeanor and felony cases after preliminary matters are resolved by the Magisterial District Courts.
- Magisterial District Courts: These handle summary offenses and the initial stages of misdemeanor and felony cases. Four of these courts are distributed across the county.
For summary offenses, your case will be handled completely within the Magisterial District Court where the alleged offense took place. For misdemeanor or felony cases, initial hearings might occur in a Magisterial District Court, with subsequent proceedings in the Court of Common Pleas in Wilkes-Barre. Ensuring your presence at the correct time and location is vital throughout your case, and LLF Law Firm's attorneys can guide you through each step.
Steps in the Criminal Process in Pike County
As outlined, besides summary offenses, which are fully managed by the Magisterial District Courts, misdemeanor and felony proceedings may involve both court levels. The process typically goes as follows.
Preliminary Hearing
This phase occurs before a Magisterial District Judge. The judge evaluates the evidence to decide if the case should proceed. There will also be a determination of whether bail is required and the amount of bail to be set. The LLF Law Firm Team can often negotiate for dropped charges at this early stage if the evidence against you is weak; we can also negotiate for the lowest possible bail terms.
Formal Charges and Arraignment
This hearing is typically held in the Court of Common Pleas. The judge will formally read the charges against you and give you the opportunity to enter a plea. Your attorney may also file pre-trial motions in an attempt to get the charges mitigated or dismissed.
Trial
At the Court of Common Pleas, both defense and prosecution can present evidence and call witnesses to support their arguments before a judge or jury. By this stage, all evidence, witness lists, and charges are typically disclosed. The prosecution, representing the Commonwealth, bears the burden of proof. Depending on the case, the trial may be extended for further arguments. After closing remarks from both sides, the judge will either issue a verdict or instruct the jury to deliberate. If the verdict is "not guilty," the trial ends immediately, and the defendant is released. A "guilty" verdict results in a scheduled sentencing hearing.
Sentencing
The Pike County Adult Probation Department will prepare a pre-sentence investigation report for this hearing. Several factors may influence the sentencing outcome, including your community responsibilities, employment, family obligations, prior criminal history, etc.
During the sentencing hearing, the defense may suggest specific terms, like reducing jail time or changing the incarceration setting. The judge may also allow victim-related individuals to make statements advocating for maximum penalties. The sentence is issued immediately but may be deferred under certain conditions.
This process notwithstanding, many criminal cases conclude before reaching trial, often through dropped charges or a plea bargain. The LLF Law Firm's adept Criminal Defense Team can significantly influence case outcomes during this stage. Our attorneys possess extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania's legal system and have established rapport with local prosecutors, courts, and judges. We strive to negotiate favorable resolutions and, if necessary, are prepared to defend your rights in court.
The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Is Poised to Defend Your Rights in Pike County
When facing criminal charges in Pike County, your future and reputation are at stake. Even minor offenses can have lasting impacts if they result in fines or penalties. This is why enlisting the support of an LLF Law Firm's seasoned criminal defense attorney is crucial. Our team has successfully represented clients throughout Pennsylvania, including Pike County, and we are prepared to stand by you as well.
Avoid the pitfalls of representing yourself in a criminal case. Contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or complete our contact form to arrange a confidential consultation and discover how we can assist with your case.
