Appeals & PCRA Petitions.

Since the facts of each case are different and there are numerous variables from case to case that affect how long it will take to resolve each case, I cannot give a generalized answer to this question. However, in general felony cases take longer to resolve than misdemeanor cases and fedweral cases take longer to resolve that state cases. Due to the special rules regarding juveniles, juvenile adjudications can be resolved quickly but the court can maintain jurisdiction of the case for an extended period of time while the juvenile is being supervised by the court. Likewise, OCY cases can talke many months and sometimes years to resolve as every effort is made to allow time for the posibility of family reunification before parental rights are terminated.

There is no way to determine whether a case will go to trial prior to reviewing discovery and holding pre-trial hearings. But you should know that you have a constitutional right to a trial (but the overwhelming majority of cases are resolved by plea). When deciding whether or not to proceed to trial or accept a plea you should consider the weight of the evidence likely to be admitted against you (including video, DNA, or recorded phone calls). You should also weigh your prior record score and how much jail time you would be exposed to if convicted after trial as opposed to what is being offered in the plea. Every situation is different and we would work together to decide what is in your best interest, but the final decision on whether to take your chances at trial will be yours.

The possible outcomes are different for each case and each person who may be involved in a case. A case can be disposed of by plea at the preliminary hearing or bound over to the Court of Common Pleas. After being bound over, a case may be dismissed after the filing of a pre-trial motion or habeas petition. You may decide to waive a preliminary hearing in exchange for a favorable plea agreement. You may go to trial and win. If convicted a person could be sentenced to fines, community service, restitution, house arrest, probation, a county jail sentence, or a significant state prison sentence depending on the nature of the charges and your criminal history. If charges are filed while you are already on probation or parole, there is a possibility that you would be detained for the duration of the case. There are many moving parts to every case which is why you need an experienced professional to provide expertise and counsel in these matters.

If you are involved inan OCY matter the most serious negative outcome would be the termination of parental rights. However, with determination and competant counsel you can also work your way to family reunification or another acceptable arrangement such as kinship care if that is in the child's best interests.

I routinely communicate with my privately retained clients via cell phone and text message. Additionally, once Page Law is officially retained to represent you, you will be able to set up your own account where you can log into your portal and check on the status of you case. You can also send me direct messages through your case portal.