Preliminary Hearing Defense Lawyer in Philadelphia Represents Clients in Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Pennsylvania
Being arrested and charged with a crime can be a scary and overwhelming experience. The whole experience is made even worse by the fact that the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania can be quite complex. Once you get into the system, you will have to go through multiple phases before your trial. One of the most critical pre-trial phases is the preliminary hearing. This hearing is an essential step in which the court will decide whether to go forward with your case. It is therefore important to understand your rights and be prepared for your pre-trial hearing to ensure your rights are protected. An experienced Pennsylvania preliminary hearing attorney from our law firm can help.
Preliminary hearings are a critical step in the criminal justice process. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim is experienced in defending the rights of those charged with crimes in Pennsylvania. We have successfully represented clients charged with crimes in thousands of hearings. We have been able to get the charges of many of our clients dismissed at the initial stages of the proceedings and secure their freedom while protecting their future. We will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced preliminary hearing defense lawyer in Philadelphia, PA. We will review your case and provide you with guidance on your rights and options.
What is a Preliminary Hearing?
A preliminary hearing is an important step in the criminal justice process in Pennsylvania. In this stage, the prosecution is allowed to present the evidence they have gathered against you. The hearing is designed to determine whether there is enough evidence against you to justify having you stand trial. While the preliminary hearing may resemble a trial in various aspects, it will not result in a determination of whether you are guilty or not for committing the crime. The goal of this phase is to ensure that the evidentiary standards in your case are upheld by the court.
The Burden of Proof
In a preliminary hearing, the burden of providing evidence to support the case against you lies on the prosecution. It is, therefore, the prosecution’s responsibility to meet the evidentiary standard of the hearing in order for you to be officially charged and brought to trial. If the prosecution fails to meet the burden of proof, your case will be dismissed.
The preliminary trial is a great opportunity to protect your name and freedom. Work with an experienced Pennsylvania preliminary hearing attorney. We will use our cross-examination skills to poke holes in the case presented by the prosecution. We will move to have your case dismissed and the charges against you dismissed. We will work to protect your rights.
Probable Cause in Preliminary Hearings
The prosecution is required by law to provide evidence that would lead a reasonable person to believe that you as the defendant committed the crime for which you are being accused. The prosecution can therefore present testimony as well as evidence that barely proves the elements of the crime. The evidentiary standard in a preliminary hearing is very low. If the prosecution can meet the standard, then your case will advance to the Court of Common Pleas.
The experienced team at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim will work to protect your rights and your freedom. We will examine the prosecution’s case and poke holes in it. We will work to get the best possible outcome.
Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim to Consult with an Experienced Pennsylvania Preliminary Hearing Attorney
Are you facing a preliminary hearing? This can be a scary and even overwhelming experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to face your hearing alone. Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim to consult with an experienced preliminary hearing defense lawyer in Philadelphia, PA. We are available to answer your questions, address your concerns and help you understand your rights and the options available to you. Work with an experienced Pennsylvania preliminary hearing attorney from our law firm and get the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Our experienced legal team will go above and beyond to secure a favorable outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take that first step to protect your rights.
