The information and tools in this section are designed ONLY for summary offenses and misdemeanor charges. If you are facing felony charges, you should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. This is not a substitute for legal representation.

Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense & Expungement

Understand your rights, navigate criminal procedures in Pennsylvania, and access attorney-drafted templates for summary offenses and misdemeanor charges in Allegheny County.

Know Your Rights Check Expungement Eligibility

How a Criminal Case Moves Through PA Courts

Understanding the timeline helps you prepare at each stage.

Arrest

Day 0

Arraignment

Within hours

Prelim Hearing

3–14 days

Formal Arraignment

After bindover

Pre-Trial

Weeks–months

Trial

Within 365 days

Sentencing

60–90 days post

Explore Topics

Comprehensive guides for each stage of the criminal defense process in Pennsylvania.

Know Your Rights

Constitutional protections, Miranda rights, and what to do during police encounters.

Summary Offenses

MDJ procedures, common summary charges, and the appeal process for trial de novo.

Misdemeanor Offenses

M1, M2, M3 classifications, penalties, and Court of Common Pleas procedures.

Preliminary Hearing

Prima facie standard, cross-examination preparation, and your right to challenge evidence.

Bail & Bond

Bail types in order of preference, modification procedures, and conditions.

Discovery Rights

Pa.R.Crim.P. 573 disclosure requirements and Brady obligations.

Plea Bargaining & ARD

Plea types, ARD eligibility, and accelerated rehabilitation disposition.

Sentencing Guidelines

OGS/PRS calculator, sentencing ranges, and available alternatives.

Expungement & Clean Slate

Eligibility checker, Clean Slate provisions, and record sealing.

Allegheny County Guide

Local court locations, ARD procedures, public defender info, and MDJ districts.

Document Templates

Discovery letters, bail motions, summary appeals, and more.

Need Attorney-Drafted Documents?

Our ghostwriting services provide attorney-drafted motions, letters, and legal documents for pro se defendants handling summary and misdemeanor cases.

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