Somerset Personal Injury, Custody, Divorce, Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer
Steps in the Criminal Process
As a criminal defense lawyer in Somerset, Pennsylvania, I have represented individuals charged with criminal offenses ranging from traffic citations all the way to homicide related charges. If you have been charged with a criminal offense contact me today.
Below is a short timeline of the steps in the criminal process for offenses misdemeanor level and above. The burden of proof on the Commonwealth varies depending on the stage of the criminal process.
1) The Arrest or Summons, 2) Preliminary Arraignment, 3) Preliminary Hearing, 4) Arraignment, 5) Discovery & Filing of Pretrial Motions, 6) Call of the Criminal Trial List/Entry of Plea, 7) Jury Selection (jury trial only), 8) Jury or Non Jury Trial, 9) Filing of Post Trial Motions, 10) Sentencing, 11) Filing of Post Sentence Motions, 12) Appeal, and 11) Post Conviction Collateral Relief.
DUI
It should be noted that the process for DUIs, and particularly the sentencing laws, are unique compared to other criminal charges.
The grading of DUI offenses are contingent on several factors. The two main factors are the number of prior DUIs the Defendant has within the past ten years and the blood alcohol level and/or controlled substance(s) present in the blood stream. Many DUI offenses carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence. If you have been charged with a DUI please contact me today.
As a criminal defense lawyer in Somerset, Pennsylvania, I have represented individuals charged with criminal offenses ranging from traffic citations all the way to homicide related charges. If you have been charged with a criminal offense contact me today.
Below is a short timeline of the steps in the criminal process for offenses misdemeanor level and above. The burden of proof on the Commonwealth varies depending on the stage of the criminal process.
1) The Arrest or Summons, 2) Preliminary Arraignment, 3) Preliminary Hearing, 4) Arraignment, 5) Discovery & Filing of Pretrial Motions, 6) Call of the Criminal Trial List/Entry of Plea, 7) Jury Selection (jury trial only), 8) Jury or Non Jury Trial, 9) Filing of Post Trial Motions, 10) Sentencing, 11) Filing of Post Sentence Motions, 12) Appeal, and 11) Post Conviction Collateral Relief.
DUI
It should be noted that the process for DUIs, and particularly the sentencing laws, are unique compared to other criminal charges.
The grading of DUI offenses are contingent on several factors. The two main factors are the number of prior DUIs the Defendant has within the past ten years and the blood alcohol level and/or controlled substance(s) present in the blood stream. Many DUI offenses carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence. If you have been charged with a DUI please contact me today.
Somerset, PA Divorce and Family Law Attroney
As a divorce, custody, and family law lawyer in Somerset, Pennsylvania, I represent individuals in the family court.
Pennsylvania courts apply different legal principles in deciding divorce, custody, property division, and support actions.
There are several types of divorce actions a party may seek under the Pennsylvania divorce statute. In deciding custody actions, our courts apply the best interest standard. For property division cases, Pennsylvania uses equitable distribution. Support actions, depending on the type, are decided based on many different factors, including the relative income of the parties. If you have a family law related matter please contact me today.
Pennsylvania courts apply different legal principles in deciding divorce, custody, property division, and support actions.
There are several types of divorce actions a party may seek under the Pennsylvania divorce statute. In deciding custody actions, our courts apply the best interest standard. For property division cases, Pennsylvania uses equitable distribution. Support actions, depending on the type, are decided based on many different factors, including the relative income of the parties. If you have a family law related matter please contact me today.
Personal Injury
I offer representation to those that have fallen victim to injuries caused by car accidents, traffic accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and accidents causing injury to those in Somerset County. If you have been injured in an accident please contact me today.
Wills, Estates & Trusts
I offer representation in the estate planning process including of the drafting of wills, powers of attorney, and living wills. I also represent individuals in the estate probating process and guardianship process.
Firearms Law Advising
Advising in all realms of firearms law, including but not limited to, in the context of firearms rights being affected in a criminal case, advising before purchasing a firearm with a criminal record, and representation in registerstion of short barrel rifles with the ATF. If you are considering purchasing or building an NFA item, buying a gun with previous charges on your record, or are seeking general firearm law advising, please call today to schedule a consultation.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this website is intended to be legal advice. The content of this website is for informational purposes only.