Practice Areas
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's criminal justice system operates under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, with cases handled through the unified judicial system including Courts of Common Pleas in each county. The Commonwealth's approach to criminal defense emphasizes rehabilitation alongside punishment, with specific provisions for alternative sentencing programs. Philadelphia County alone handles over 30,000 criminal cases annually, while rural counties maintain their own distinct legal cultures and practices.
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Drug possession and trafficking
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Federal criminal charges
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Domestic violence defense
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Criminal Defense Attorneys by City in Pennsylvania
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Why It Matters
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys must be admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar and understand the Commonwealth's specific criminal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and local court procedures. Each of Pennsylvania's 60 judicial districts has unique practices, and only local counsel can effectively navigate relationships with prosecutors and judges in your specific county.
Local Courts
Criminal defense cases in Pennsylvania are primarily handled by the Courts of Common Pleas in each county, with appeals going to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Federal criminal matters are prosecuted in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Law
Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Laws & Deadlines
Pennsylvania follows specific statute of limitations periods, including no limit for murder, 5 years for most felonies, and 2 years for misdemeanors under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552. The Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines provide structured frameworks for penalties, while the state's expungement laws under Act 5 of 2016 offer opportunities for record clearing in qualifying cases.
Key Facts
What to Know About Criminal Defense in Pennsylvania
Typical Recovery Range
Pennsylvania criminal defense outcomes vary significantly by county and charge type, with Philadelphia seeing different plea bargaining patterns than rural counties.
When to Act
Immediately after arrest or charges filed
Attorney Cost
Free consultation · Contingency available
Coverage
Statewide — all Pennsylvania counties
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennsylvania's ARD program for first-time offenders?
Pennsylvania's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) allows eligible first-time offenders to complete probation and community service in exchange for dismissed charges. ARD is commonly used for DUI cases and non-violent crimes, though eligibility varies by county and prosecutor discretion.
How long do I have to appeal a criminal conviction in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of sentencing under Pa.R.A.P. 903. Post-conviction relief petitions under the PCRA must be filed within one year of the judgment becoming final, with limited exceptions for newly discovered evidence.
Do I need a Pennsylvania attorney for criminal charges in any PA county?
Yes, criminal charges in any Pennsylvania county require representation by an attorney licensed in Pennsylvania or admitted pro hac vice. Each county has unique prosecutor policies and court procedures that only experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers understand.
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