Legal Articles, Criminal
What Is a Preliminary Hearing in Pennsylvania?
A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding held shortly after criminal charges are filed to determine if the Commonwealth has enough evidence to justify holding the case for trial.
It is not about proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge is simply deciding whether there is "prima facie" evidence that a crime was committed and that you are likely the person who committed it.
In Luzerne County as well as other counties In Pennsylvania, preliminary hearings are usually held before the magisterial district court near where the alleged offense occurred or such as in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, or Nanticoke.
Can I Be Charged in a County Where the Crime Didn’t Happen?
Understanding Jurisdiction and Venue in Pennsylvania Criminal Cases
One of the most common questions I get from people facing charges in Pennsylvania is this:
Charges Withdrawn in High-Profile Case
The Law Office of John B. Pike is pleased to announce a significant development in the criminal case against our client.
Factors and Evidence That Impact a Criminal Court Proceeding
When someone is charged with a crime, the courtroom may seem like a mystery, full of rituals, arguments, and rulings that are hard to follow. But in every criminal case, certain factors and types of evidence play outsized roles in shaping the outcome. Whether you're a defendant, family member, or just curious about how criminal trials work, understanding what truly influences court proceedings is essential.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors and forms of evidence that regularly affect criminal court proceedings in Pennsylvania, and across the country.
How a Routine Traffic Stop Can Escalate into Criminal Charges in Pennsylvania
Most people think a routine traffic stop is just that—routine. But in Pennsylvania, it doesn’t take much for a simple stop to escalate into something far more serious. As a criminal defense lawyer, I’ve seen this happen time and time again. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
How a Routine Traffic Stop Can Escalate into Criminal Charges in Pennsylvania
Most people think a routine traffic stop is just that—routine. But in Pennsylvania, it doesn’t take much for a simple stop to escalate into something far more serious. As a criminal defense lawyer, I’ve seen this happen time and time again. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
Factors and Evidence That Impact a Criminal Court Proceeding
When someone is charged with a crime, the courtroom may seem like a mystery, full of rituals, arguments, and rulings that are hard to follow. But in every criminal case, certain factors and types of evidence play outsized roles in shaping the outcome. Whether you're a defendant, family member, or just curious about how criminal trials work, understanding what truly influences court proceedings is essential.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors and forms of evidence that regularly affect criminal court proceedings in Pennsylvania, and across the country.
What Is Your Strategy for Defending Me in a Criminal Case?
When you're facing criminal charges, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask your lawyer is: “What is your strategy for defending me?” It’s a fair and important question. At the Law Office of John B. Pike, we believe in giving our clients clear answers, strong advocacy, and a defense that’s tailored to the facts of their case—not a cookie-cutter approach.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how we develop a custom criminal defense strategy and what you can expect when you work with our firm
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Pennsylvania's Marijuana DUI Laws: A Strict Zero-Tolerance Approach
Commonwealth v. Shifflett: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules DUI ARD Can’t Be Used for Sentence Enhancement
Commonwealth v. Shifflett: PA Supreme Court rules that a prior ARD for DUI cannot be used to enhance sentencing for a later DUI. ARD isn’t a conviction, so using it without a jury finding violates constitutional rights under Alleyne and Apprendi.
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