Being charged with a crime is one of the scariest things that can happen to a person. When you are charged with a crime you need to find an attorney who specializes in this type of law. Unlike personal injury or other types of law; if you loose you may go to jail. Attorney Pisanchyn has handled 1000's of criminal law cases.

Normally the first thing that happens when you are involved in the criminal Justice system is a Police officer gets involved. Remember, if a Police Officer is asking you questions he is most likely looking to charge you or someone around you with a crime. The best advice is that you should never speak to a Police Officer about the facts of the case without consulting an attorney first.

If you are charged with a criminal offense, the next thing that happens is you will be brought in front of a magistrate. This is called an informal arraignment and you have no right to an attorney at this stage. The magistrate/judge does not care if you committed the criminal offense; they only are there to determine the likelihood of you showing up to the court proceedings. The magistrate/judge sets bail. If you make bail you stay out of jail if you do not then you will have to sit in jail until you are bailed out.

Within 10 days the Court will set up a Preliminary Hearing. At this time you are entitled to an attorney. This is one of the most important hearings. It is also one of the best times to plea-bargain or in other words plead guilty to some charges in exchange for other charges to be dropped. At the preliminary hearing the Commonwealth has to prove by prima-facie evidence that a crime was committed and you committed it. Prima-facie is about 50%. Remember, your case can be dismissed at this hearing if not the magistrate/judge will bound the case over which means that there is enough evidence for your case to proceed to the next level. You are not found guilty but your case will now proceed to a jury trial.