Having a seasoned attorney in your corner can make all the difference in fighting your charges. And if this isn’t your first time, you know first-hand the importance of hiring a private attorney to defend you.

Whatever your situation, we’re here for you. Contact us online or call (610) 565-4761 to schedule a free consultation at our Delaware County office, 119 N. Olive St., Media, Pennsylvania.

The Delaware County Criminal Court Process

We’re here to help you at every stage of the process, beginning right after your arrest. If police in Delaware County arrested your loved one, call us right away.

We can help locate your loved ones and get them released as soon as possible. If you or your loved one have been released from jail, then it’s time to start planning your defense.

Here’s an overview of the criminal court process.

The Arrest

Your arrest can come before or after a criminal investigation. Sometimes police arrest people they believe have recently committed a crime or are in the midst of one. For example, police can arrest you for drunk driving with minimal investigation.

Other times, detectives spend weeks or months investigating a crime and looking at different suspects. Once the police have enough evidence to establish probable cause, they get an arrest warrant from a judge.

The Booking Process

When the police arrest you, they take you to a nearby facility and book you into jail. This includes gathering basic information about you and taking your fingerprints. Don’t answer any questions about the alleged crime. You should remain silent and ask for a lawyer.

The Delaware County George W. Hill Correctional Facility is at 500 Cheyney Rd. in Thornton. However, you or a loved one may go to a local jail or holding facility in the town or city near where you’re arrested.

Getting Out of Jail

How you get out of jail depends on the circumstances. In some cases, police release you automatically. In others, a magistrate sets a bail amount. You’ll have to pay bail before they let you out.

Preliminary Hearing

The preliminary hearing is a pivotal part of the criminal justice process. It’s your first chance to defend yourself and possibly get the charges dropped or reduced. You must have a lawyer represent you.

This hearing isn’t a formal trial, but it works like one. The prosecutor presents evidence to try and prove there is probable cause. Your attorney can create doubt and argue that the prosecution lacks probable cause. If the judge agrees with your lawyer, they’ll dismiss the charges.

The Arraignment

If the judge believes the preliminary hearing shows probable cause, your next court appearance is your arraignment. During this appearance, you hear the charges against you and enter your plea. Your criminal defense lawyer can file a waiver for the arraignment, and you don’t have to attend.

Investigate and Prepare Your Defense

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer is having someone dig into your case. We investigate, gather evidence, and review the facts to get to the truth.

It can be an uncomfortable process, but it’s important. This is how we prepare for what the prosecution might say and determine the most effective defense strategy.

Consider a Plea Bargain

Once we know your case forward and backward, we can explain your options. We’ll discuss what could happen if you go to trial.

If we’re not confident in winning an acquittal, we may discuss the benefits of a plea bargain. In some circumstances, you can get a lenient sentence or even a lesser charge if you agree to plead guilty.

File Motions

We may file one or several motions depending on the facts of your matter. If we believe the prosecutor doesn’t have a strong case, we’ll file a motion to dismiss.

If we’re preparing for trial, we may file motions about potential evidence. If we believe law enforcement unlawfully obtained some evidence, we’ll ask the court to suppress it.

Go to Trial

We’ll go to trial if we believe it is in your best interest. You have the right to a jury trial, which means a group of your peers will listen to the evidence and decide if you’re guilty or innocent. You also can choose a bench trial where the judge decides your case.

If a judge or jury finds you guilty, then the judge will issue your sentence at another hearing.

Criminal Charges We Handle in Delaware County

Delaware County Courts

If you’re facing a summary offense, which is the lowest crime level, you go through one of Delaware County’s Magisterial District Courts. There are 32 different courts altogether.

For misdemeanors and felonies, your case goes through the Court of Common Pleas at 201 West Front St., Media, Pennsylvania. Our Delaware County office is close by, making it easy for us to defend you in court.

We Represent People Throughout Delaware County

Delaware County Criminal Defense

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