Pittsburgh Preliminary Hearing
Criminal Court: The Process
If your criminal case cannot be resolved at the preliminary hearing before a magistrate, it moves to the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the alleged crime occurred.
First, there will be a formal arraignment. Your attorney will enter his or her appearance and obtain your next court date.
Next, there will be a pretrial conference. Your attorney will meet with the prosecutor to discuss everything from documentary evidence to key witnesses to potential settlement options including plea deals.
If the case cannot be resolved, it will move to a trial. Your case may be tried before the assigned judge or a jury of your peers.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of criminal defense with a special focus on domestic-violence defense.
For a free consultation, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Attorney Spivak Featured On Crime Law
Attorney Todd Spivak, founding partner at Spivak Law Firm, was featured in a recent article about whether the rights of crime victims should be added to the Pennsylvania constitution.
The American Civil Liberties Union and League of Women Voters oppose the referendum on grounds that it would adversely affect the constitutional rights of criminal defendants.
Pennsylvania first adopted the Crime Victims Rights Act in 1998, allowing victims to present impact statements to the court prior to criminal sentencing and to be notified of significant actions pertaining to their case.
On Tuesday, voters determined whether to support Marsy’s Law, named for the victim of a domestic-violence homicide. Several states have passed their own versions of the law to strengthen the rights of crime victims.
Spivak Law Firm handles all criminal defense matters with a special focus on domestic violence. We help defendants facing charges of: assault, harassment, terroristic threats, stalking, strangulation, child endangerment, and reckless endangerment.
To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
4 Goals At Preliminary Hearings
If you’re criminally charged with a misdemeanor of felony, you should have an experienced criminal defense attorney at your preliminary hearing. Here’s why:
First, there is an opportunity to resolve your entire case at the preliminary hearing. For instance, if you’re charged with a domestic-violence crime such as assault, harassment, or terroristic threats, your attorney may be able to reach a deal for dismissal of all charges upon completion of anger management classes.
Second, your attorney may be able strike a deal to drop certain charges in exchange for waiving the preliminary hearing.
Third, your attorney can cross-examine witnesses at the preliminary hearing to undermine their credibility and possibly get the charges against you dismissed.
Fourth, your attorney can cross-examine witnesses to create a record for trial.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive representation at preliminary hearings. To schedule a free consultation, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What Happens After Criminal Charges Are Filed?
When criminal charges are filed, the defendant will be arrested or ordered to appear at a court hearing.
The defendant will be taken before a judge and advised of the charges being filed.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled within ten days. The arresting officer will notify the victim of when and where to appear for this next court date.
A judge sets the bond amount.
Bond (or bail) is the amount of money that the Defendant must pay in order to guarantee he or she will appear at the next court date. If the money is not paid, then the defendant will remain in jail and be transported by a sheriff to the next court date.
Charged with a crime? Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.