Being arrested in Allegheny County is just the first step in Pennsylvania's criminal justice process. In most cases, the next step is to prepare for a preliminary hearing.
This hearing is a crucial opportunity for you to lay the groundwork for establishing your innocence or explaining why the court should be lenient in assigning you penalties. To maximize your chances of success, you need a committed, smart, and innovative legal team on your side. Contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team 888.535.3686 or fill out an online submission form to find out how they can help.
A Summary of Preliminary Hearings in Allegheny County
Simply put, a preliminary hearing is a formal meeting with the court to outline the facts of the case, present evidence, examine witnesses, and summarize the positions of the defendant and plaintiff. The prosecution uses these hearings to convince the court that there's probable cause suggesting that you're likely culpable in the crime for which you were arrested. If probable cause were a puzzle, these are the pieces that they might bring to the court:
- Statements, testimonies, and observations from officers, experts, witnesses, and/or people who know the defendant.
- Documents, photos, recordings, or video footage relevant to the case.
- Results and testimonies regarding searches of the defendant's property, if authorized by warrants.
Probable cause is different from providing proof beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the prosecution's goal for the actual trial. During the preliminary hearing, they simply want to show the court how likely it is that you're the perpetrator of the crime in question.
The defendant doesn't usually offer any testimony of their own at the preliminary hearing. However, if you have a criminal defense lawyer with you, they can challenge the prosecution's arguments, witnesses, and evidence, possibly persuading the court to dismiss the case before it goes to trial.
Even if that doesn't happen, it's important to know how the prosecution plans to proceed so that you and your legal team can devise an effective defense strategy.
What is a Preliminary Hearing Like in Allegheny County?
The courts in Allegheny County typically schedule preliminary hearings three to ten days following an arrest. Although they sometimes take place at the office of the magisterial district judge indicated on the criminal complaint form, they're commonly held here:
Pittsburgh Municipal Court Building
660 First Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
An authorized hearing examiner rather than a judge will lead the preliminary hearing. Their job is to review testimonies and evidence, make decisions or recommendations to legal bodies on how the case should proceed, enforce the rules of the court, and uphold the defendants' rights, including:
- Representation by qualified lawyers.
- Offering evidence to support their side of the story.
- Calling their own witnesses to the stand.
- Cross-examination of all witnesses.
The alleged victim will likely be present at the hearing as well, although they can choose to write a letter to the court instead if the crime is related to property damage or theft.
What Happens After a Preliminary Hearing?
If the prosecution satisfies the court's requirements for establishing probable cause, the court will arraign you. Afterward, you'll receive an official notice, along with a chance to enter your plea. The court will set a date for your trial, although the prosecution and defense teams may try to agree on a plea deal or other resolution by then.
How to Prepare for a Preliminary Hearing
Since the preliminary hearing is critical for creating a foundation for your defense, you must be prepared for it. Work together with the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team to ensure that you feel confident about the following:
- You fully understand the charges against you.
- You've gathered all the evidence that you can to advocate for yourself, including photographs, recordings, videos, communications, and witness statements.
- How you might respond to any questions the prosecution might ask you, though that's unlikely in a preliminary hearing.
- The defense strategy and criminal procedures in Allegheny County are clear to you.
Honesty is vital in your collaborations with the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. Be as open with them as possible about every aspect of your case so that they can help you craft an airtight and powerful defense.
Can or Should You Waive the Preliminary Hearing?
It's possible to waive the preliminary hearing and take your case right to the criminal division of the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas instead. The court will arraign you and explain the charges against you, allowing you to plead guilty or not guilty to each one.
It might sound tempting to speed the case along so that you can put it behind you sooner rather than later. However, waiving the preliminary hearing is not always the right choice. The greatest downside is that you'd miss the chance to find out what the prosecution intends to do and assess the strength of their evidence and arguments. Without that information, your defense strategy might be too weak to fight the charges or negotiate with the court.
Also, if the prosecution doesn't even have enough evidence to establish probable cause, the preliminary hearing could lead the court to dismiss the criminal complaint against you. It would spare you the time, expense, and stress of a trial.
Nevertheless, there are situations where waiving the preliminary hearing could make sense, such as if you plan to ask the court for a plea deal. Don't make any decisions either way until you've consulted with the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Preliminary Hearing in Allegheny County?
Legally, you can represent yourself rather than hire a lawyer for this stage of the criminal justice process. Nevertheless, you'll exponentially increase your odds of an outcome in your favor if you partner with competent and passionate legal counsel. That's why you should contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. They can promise everything you could need or want in a lawyer, especially:
Extensive Knowledge of the Court System
Even if your case seems straightforward, the complexity and intricacy of the court system could be your downfall if you try to navigate it yourself. There are many rules, regulations, administrative requirements, and legal terms that you wouldn't know without proper training and experience.
The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team knows its way around the court system. They can assist you with every small detail of your case to ensure that it remains above board and presents you in the best possible light.
Powerful Defense Strategies
Although evidence and witness, expert, and character statements are all crucial to advocating for yourself, they're seldom enough on their own. You need a defense strategy that considers the case from every possible angle and incorporates important factors like context, stressors, background, and more.
Luckily, that's one of the many strengths of the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. They're proficient at forming thorough strategies that prepare you against all kinds of attacks and potential surprises from the prosecution.
Excellent Communication
To make wise and informed decisions about your case, you need to fully comprehend all the facts and procedures as they become relevant. One mistake or misunderstanding can be the difference between a dismissal and a conviction.
Knowing this, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team prioritizes prompt, clear, and honest communication. They go out of their way to involve you and ensure that you have all the information you need—pros, cons, risks, and probable outcomes—to help steer the case in an advantageous direction.
Support for Your Reputation
Cases have a way of drawing attention, especially if they're reported on the news or discussed on social media. The allegations against you might affect your reputation, which could result in strained relationships, loss of employment, difficulty securing housing, and undesirable child custody arrangements. Plus, public opinion can sway the court's decision.
The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team understands all this. They'll present your side of the case in a way that salvages your reputation in your community and garners sympathy from the court.
Get Help for Your Preliminary Hearing in Allegheny County
As they say, you never get a second chance to make a great first impression. The preliminary hearing can set the tone for your entire case, so don't take any chances with it. Secure the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team to guarantee victory from start to finish. Schedule a consultation today by calling their offices at 888.535.3686 or filling out an online submission form.
