Felony Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania — Charges, Bail, Plea Deals and Sentencing

An arrest is not a conviction, and the next steps matter. This guide from a felony defense attorney in Pennsylvania perspective explains how felony cases work, what penalties apply, and how to protect yourself.

Pennsylvania grades felonies as first, second or third degree. Moreover, cases are prosecuted by the District Attorney in the Court of Common Pleas, such as the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia. As a result, every decision should be informed.

Our attorneys provide criminal case reviews, bail motions and mitigation documents across Pennsylvania, entirely online.

How felonies are graded in Pennsylvania

A felony is a serious crime, usually punishable by more than a year in prison. Pennsylvania grades felonies as first, second or third degree. The grade affects the possible sentence, bail and plea options.

Pennsylvania uses sentencing guidelines based on offense gravity and prior record. As a result, the exact charge deserves close review. A criminal case review looks at the charge, the evidence and the likely range.

What to do right after a felony arrest in Pennsylvania

First, stay calm and stay silent. You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. Next, ask for a lawyer before answering questions.

Do not discuss the case on the phone from jail, because those calls are usually recorded. Similarly, avoid social media posts about the arrest. An arrest consultation or emergency criminal consultation helps your family act quickly.

Bail and pretrial release in Pennsylvania

After arrest, a judge decides whether to release the accused and on what conditions. Courts consider the charge, criminal history and community ties. Proof of community ties carries real weight.

If bail is set too high, a motion can ask the court to reduce it. Our bail reduction motion service prepares this request at a fixed price. Furthermore, release conditions must be followed strictly, because violations can lead to re-arrest.

The stages of a felony case in Pennsylvania

Felony cases follow a series of stages. First comes the initial appearance, where charges and release are addressed. Next, the case usually goes through a preliminary hearing or grand jury, depending on the court and charge.

After that, the accused is arraigned and enters a plea. Then come discovery, pretrial motions and plea negotiations. Finally, if no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial in the Court of Common Pleas, such as the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia.

Deadlines and continuances

Each stage has deadlines. Consequently, track every court date carefully. Always attend every hearing.

Common defenses in Pennsylvania felony cases

Every case is different, but certain defenses appear often. For example, the defense may challenge an illegal search or a coerced statement. Similarly, the defense may argue mistaken identity or lack of intent.

Sometimes the evidence simply does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, the defense tests every piece of the prosecution's case. Our motion preparation service drafts motions to suppress and other pretrial motions.

Plea bargains in Pennsylvania

Most felony cases end in a plea agreement. A plea may reduce the charge, the sentence or both. Still, accepting a plea is a serious decision.

Before accepting a plea, understand the full consequences. These may include prison, probation, fines and a permanent record. In addition, consider effects on employment, housing and gun rights. Prosecutors in Pennsylvania are represented by the District Attorney, and negotiations often start early.

Sentencing in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania uses sentencing guidelines based on offense gravity and prior record. Judges also consider the impact on victims and the need to protect the public.

Mitigation evidence can make a real difference. For example, letters from employers, family and community leaders show the person behind the charge. Our character letters for court service helps prepare persuasive letters. Furthermore, proof of treatment, work and education supports a lower sentence.

Felony charges and immigration status

Non-citizens face extra risks. A felony conviction can lead to deportation or block future immigration benefits. As a result, plea wording can matter enormously.

Read our guide to criminal charges and deportation to understand the risks. If you are detained by ICE, see our guide to ICE detention and bond in Pennsylvania.

Life after a felony in Pennsylvania

A felony conviction can affect jobs, housing and voting rights. However, many states offer ways to reduce the impact over time. For example, some convictions can be sealed or expunged after a waiting period.

Our expungement consultation explains whether you may qualify in Pennsylvania. In addition, a pardon application may be possible in some cases. For appeals and post-conviction options, read our criminal appeals guide.

Public defenders and private counsel in Pennsylvania

Anyone charged with a felony has the right to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the court in Pennsylvania can appoint a public defender. Appointed counsel can be very capable, although time is often tight.

Families sometimes want extra help alongside appointed counsel. For example, a second opinion on the evidence can clarify the options. Similarly, well-prepared mitigation material can support the defense at sentencing. Therefore, our fixed-fee services are designed to work with, not against, your trial lawyer.

What felony defense costs in Pennsylvania

Felony defense is often billed as a flat fee per stage or by the hour. Costs depend on the charge, the evidence and whether the case goes to trial. Each motion and hearing adds time.

Fixed-fee services reduce that cost. For example, case reviews, bail motions and mitigation packets can be ordered at set prices. As a result, you know the cost up front. For a national overview, read our felony defense guide.

How fixed-fee help works for Pennsylvania felony cases

You do not need to buy every hour to get strong documents. Instead, you can order specific services. For example, many families start with a criminal defense consultation to understand the charge.

After that, you can order motions, bail requests or character letters as the case moves forward. Each has a set price. Furthermore, everything happens online, so family members anywhere can help. Our documents can also support the work of your court-appointed or local trial attorney.

If you are unsure where to begin, gather the charging papers, bail paperwork and court dates first. Then book a review, and we will explain your next steps clearly.

Our Felony Defense services in Pennsylvania

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in Pennsylvania. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

Felony Defense across Pennsylvania — cities we serve

We work with clients in every part of Pennsylvania, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow Pennsylvania law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.

• Philadelphia: Criminal-defense consultation in Philadelphia · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Philadelphia · Emergency criminal consultation in Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh: Criminal-defense consultation in Pittsburgh · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Pittsburgh · Emergency criminal consultation in Pittsburgh
• Allentown: Criminal-defense consultation in Allentown · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Allentown · Emergency criminal consultation in Allentown
• Erie: Criminal-defense consultation in Erie · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Erie · Emergency criminal consultation in Erie
• Reading: Criminal-defense consultation in Reading · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Reading · Emergency criminal consultation in Reading
• Scranton: Criminal-defense consultation in Scranton · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Scranton · Emergency criminal consultation in Scranton
• Bethlehem: Criminal-defense consultation in Bethlehem · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Bethlehem · Emergency criminal consultation in Bethlehem
• Lancaster: Criminal-defense consultation in Lancaster · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Lancaster · Emergency criminal consultation in Lancaster
• Harrisburg: Criminal-defense consultation in Harrisburg · Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Harrisburg · Emergency criminal consultation in Harrisburg

More Pennsylvania services

Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Pennsylvania · Emergency criminal consultation in Pennsylvania · Bail Hearing — Motion to Reduce or Set Bail in Pennsylvania · Motion / Response Preparation (Self-Represented) in Pennsylvania · Character Reference Letters for Court in Pennsylvania · Arrest consultation in Pennsylvania. See all legal services in Pennsylvania.

Nearby states

Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover Criminal-defense consultation in New Jersey, Criminal-defense consultation in New York, Criminal-defense consultation in Ohio, Criminal-defense consultation in Maryland, Criminal-defense consultation in Delaware. See every location we cover.

Frequently asked questions

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Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.