CRIMINAL

Criminal Justice System Procedures

1. Crime Occurs
   
   
2. Victim or Witness report crime to Police
   
   
3. Police Investigation - Victim or Witness Interviewed
   
   
4. Victim may contact Victim/Witness Department
   
   
5. Suspect Not Arrested or Released
   -or- Criminal Complaint Filed and Suspect Arrested or Notified by Mail
   
   
6. Suspect Charges as a Defendant. Arraignment by District Justice. Bail set and date set for Preliminary Hearing
   -or- If Suspect is under 18 years old then Juvenile Court
   
   
7. Prelilminary Hearing Held:
   
   • Case Dismissed
     -or- Case Bound over to Court
     
     
     1. Arraignment - Trial Date Set
        
        
     2. Pre-Trial Conference
        
        
     3. Plea Agreement -or- Trial in Court
        
        
     4. Not Guilty: Defendant Released
        -or-
        Guilty: Sentencing by Court
        
        
        • Pre-Sentence Report
          
          
        • Sentencing
          
          
        • Post-Sentence Motions
          
          
        • Appeals to Higher Courts
          
          

For a FREE Consultation call:

717-854-1900 phone
877-799-1900 toll-free