Lebanon Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are looking for aggressive representation to defend against criminal charges, you need to hire Feeman Law Offices. Previously serving as an assistant district attorney and senior deputy district attorney, Attorney Scot Feeman knows the tactics the prosecution will try and how to combat the state’s trial techniques.

If you are looking for an experienced Lebanon criminal defense lawyer, you need to look no further than Feeman Law Offices.

Types of Criminal Defense Services

Feeman Law Offices provides services for the following types of cases:

• Drug Offenses (Possession, distribution, and trafficking)
• Driving under the influence (DUI) and related traffic offenses
• Sex crimes
• Retail theft and robbery
• Burglary
• Violent crimes (assault and battery, murder, manslaughter, etc.)
• Firearm and weapons offenses
• White-collar crimes (embezzlement, insurance fraud, money laundering, etc.)

Pre-Trial Process

Although procedures may vary slightly between counties, the basics of the court process remain the same. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Pennsylvania, you need a Lebanon criminal defense lawyer during pre-trial proceedings, not just during trial. Below, we provide an overview of the pre-trial process in Pennsylvania.

Preliminary Hearing

Your first court appearance will be a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing establishes that the state has a prima facie case, meaning that there is sufficient evidence to charge you and let the case proceed to trial.

A defendant does have the option to waive a preliminary hearing. The defendant must sign a written waiver forgoing the hearing. In this situation, the case will proceed directly to the Court of Common Pleas.

Formal Arraignment

The formal arraignment will take place at the Court of Common Pleas, which is the trial court. A judge will read the charges against you, and you will enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, your case will continue to trial.

Pre-Trial Discovery

Before you proceed to trial, both parties will have the opportunity to exchange information, which is known as discovery. Discovery may be in the form of interrogatories (formal set of written questions), depositions (oral testimony taken under oath), requests for production (request for documents), or requests for disclosure (set of statements which the opposing party must admit or deny).

According to Pa. Code Rule 4003.1, a party is entitled to obtain discovery regarding information related to the case, whether it be a claim or defense to either side. Additionally, each party is allowed to conduct discovery in any order, and it will not impede the opposing party’s discovery.

Pre-Trial Conference

While other pre-trial motions may be filed, if your case is not dismissed, the last chance to resolve the case is at the pre-trial conference. At the pre-trial conference, the defendant, defense attorney, and district attorney will appear before a judge. They will discuss the status of the case, and the defendant will have one more opportunity to take a plea bargain.

If the prosecutor and your attorney do not come to an agreement, your case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will advise you on whether or not to take a plea bargain. Having effective representation during this time is critical in protecting your freedom.

Speak with a Lebanon Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Being charged with a crime can be terrifying. If you are looking for a defense attorney who can provide effective representation and put you at ease through the process, then you should contact Feeman Law Offices.

With over 26 years of prosecution and defense experience, Attorney Scot Feeman is prepared to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your given situation. To request your free call back, contact us online or by calling (717) 273-1763. Same-day consults are available.