Anatomy of a Criminal Case: What to Expect After an Arrest

Being accused of a crime can be an intimidating and confusing experience, particularly if you are unfamiliar with legal terminology. To help you understand the entire legal process of a criminal case in Pennsylvania, we've provided detailed definitions of some of the most important legal terms and a general roadmap of the sequence of events following an arrest.

Initial Arrest: This is the first stage of a criminal case, in which a law enforcement agency arrests a suspect because they have probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime. Once an arrest has been made, law enforcement officers collect a range of personal details from the suspect, such as name, date of birth, address, and contact information. Fingerprints and photographs are also taken, which may be used for identification or as evidence in court. Officers may also collect additional personal details, such as race, ethnicity, occupation, education, and medical or mental health conditions. It's important for suspects to be aware of their right to remain silent and have an attorney present, as any information provided during the booking process can and will be used as evidence in court.

Arraignment: At this stage, the defendant is brought before a judge and informed of the charges that have been brought against them. They are also asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge will determine whether the defendant should be released on bail or kept in custody until the trial.

Pre-Trial: This is the period during which both the prosecution and defense attorneys gather evidence and build their case. The defense attorney reviews the evidence against the defendant and may file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case. The parties may also engage in plea bargaining negotiations, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. In Pennsylvania, this stage also includes a discovery phase, which is the process of obtaining evidence from the opposing party and reviewing it to build a case.

Trial: If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial, the prosecutor presents evidence and witnesses to prove their case, and the defense attorney cross-examines the witnesses and presents their own evidence and witnesses. The judge or jury then determines whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty, the case proceeds to the sentencing phase. The judge considers various factors, such as the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and any mitigating circumstances, in determining the appropriate sentence. The defendant may receive a prison sentence, probation, or a combination of both.

Appeal: If the defendant is not satisfied with the outcome of their case, they may have the option to appeal the decision. An appeal involves a review of the trial record and arguments from both parties to determine whether there were any legal errors that affected the outcome of the case.

At Moro & Moro, we understand that legal terminology can be overwhelming, and we are here to help guide you through the legal process of a criminal case in Pennsylvania. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge and skill to provide you with the representation you need to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 570.784.1010

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