Important Things You Should Know
Legal Process
and
Court Procedures
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
“Discovery” refers to the process where both the prosecution and the defense exchange information and evidence related to the case. The prosecution has a legal obligation to disclose to the defense any evidence they possess that could be relevant to proving the charges against you. This typically includes police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other documentation. We will thoroughly review all discovery materials to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case and build our defense strategy accordingly.
If you are found guilty after a trial or enter a guilty plea, the Judge will typically order a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI). This involves an investigation into your background, circumstances, and the offense. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the PSI is completed. At the sentencing hearing, the Judge will review the PSI, consider the applicable laws and potential penalties, and hear arguments from both the prosecution and the defense before imposing a sentence.
Following an initial consultation to understand the details of your situation, we typically provide a flat fee quote for our criminal defense representation. The specific fee will depend on factors such as the level and number of charges, the complexity of the case, and the anticipated scope of work involved. We will clearly outline the fee structure and payment options during our initial discussion.
A pretrial hearing is a meeting typically involving the Prosecutor and your defense attorney, and sometimes the Judge. The purposes of a pretrial hearing can include discussing the possibility of a plea agreement, addressing any legal challenges to the evidence (such as motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully), and potentially setting a trial date if the case is not resolved through a plea.
A criminal record documents your arrests, charges, and convictions. This information is often accessible through background checks conducted by employers, landlords, educational institutions, and others. Having a criminal record can significantly impact your future opportunities, potentially affecting your ability to secure employment, obtain housing, travel internationally, and even impact certain personal relationships.
Yes, our firm can assist you in exploring your eligibility for expungement (the destruction of a criminal record) or record sealing (making a criminal record inaccessible to the public). Contact us today to discuss your past criminal history and determine if you meet the legal requirements for these processes.
Important Things You Should Know
Criminal Defense
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Your immediate priority is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is crucial that you do not discuss the specifics of your situation with anyone other than your lawyer.
An arraignment is your initial appearance in court before a Magistrate or Judge. At this hearing, you will be formally informed of the specific charges against you, and the court will enter your initial plea (typically “not guilty” at this stage). The Magistrate or Judge will also determine the appropriate bond or conditions of your release. Having legal representation at the arraignment is highly recommended to protect your rights from the outset.
Please gather and provide any documents or details related to your case, such as:
- Court information: Any notices, summons, or other documents you’ve received from the court.
- Case number: If you have been assigned one.
- Details of the arrest: When, where, and how it occurred.
- Previous criminal history: Information about any prior arrests or convictions, regardless of how long ago they were.
Potential evidence: Any evidence you possess that might be relevant to your case, including text messages, emails, photos, videos, or witness contact information.
Absolutely not! While law enforcement officers have a job to do, their focus is on gathering information that could lead to charges. In this situation, you are the subject of their inquiry. The safest course of action is to politely state, “I would like to speak with my attorney, and at this time, I have nothing further to say.”
Absolutely. We would be glad to discuss the specific charges against you in detail and explain the potential legal ramifications. We can also assess your situation and determine if our firm can provide you with effective legal representation. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.
Felonies: These are more serious offenses that are handled in the County Court of Common Pleas. Felony charges range in severity from F5 (lowest) to F1 (highest). The potential penalties for a felony conviction can include significant fines and incarceration in state prison, with even an F5 carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 12 months.
Misdemeanors: These are less serious offenses, typically handled in lower courts. Misdemeanors range from M1 (highest) to M4 or Minor (lowest). The potential penalties for a misdemeanor conviction can include fines and jail time in a local detention facility, with an M1 carrying a potential jail sentence of up to 180 days.
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