How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Pennsylvania?

After being charged with a crime in Pennsylvania, the process varies depending on the charges, the evidence, and whether the case is resolved by plea or goes to trial. Our criminal defense attorneys at Decker Bradburn can outline a likely timeline for your specific situation.

The Preliminary Stages

After an arrest in Pennsylvania, the court process begins quickly. A preliminary arraignment typically occurs within hours, where a magistrate sets bail and formally notifies you of the charges. Within ten days, a preliminary hearing is scheduled, at which a magisterial district judge determines whether there is sufficient evidence to hold the case over for trial. This is not a trial, and the standard of proof is lower than at trial, but it is an important early opportunity for the defense to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

If the case is held over, it moves to the Court of Common Pleas. A formal arraignment follows, at which the defendant enters a plea. In many Pennsylvania counties, this stage occurs within a few weeks of the preliminary hearing, generally bringing the timeline from arrest to formal arraignment to about one month, though the schedule can vary by county.

Pretrial Proceedings

After the arraignment, the pretrial phase begins. This period involves discovery, during which both sides exchange evidence and any pretrial motions the defense chooses to file. Common pretrial motions include motions to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure and motions to dismiss charges that lack sufficient legal foundation.

The pretrial phase can last from a few months to over a year. On average, less complex cases may resolve in three to six months, but complicated cases, or those with extensive evidence and court backlogs, can take more than 12 months, depending on the court’s docket and other factors.

Centre County, where State College is located, has its own scheduling practices and caseload pressures that affect how quickly cases move through the system. Our attorneys are familiar with the local courts and can give you a more precise sense of what to expect based on current conditions.

Trial and Resolution

If a case proceeds to trial, the trial may last anywhere from a single day to several weeks, depending on its complexity. After a verdict, sentencing may occur immediately or be scheduled for a later date following a presentence investigation.

Many cases, however, resolve before trial through a guilty plea or plea agreement. Cases that resolve this way typically move faster than those that go to trial. For example, if negotiations begin early, a case may be resolved within a few weeks or months, while negotiations started later may take longer.

Learn More from Our Criminal Defense Team

A straightforward misdemeanor case in Pennsylvania might be resolved in 3 to 6 months. A felony case that proceeds to trial can take a year or longer from arrest to sentencing. The most important thing you can do to keep your case moving efficiently and protect your rights throughout the process is to retain experienced legal counsel as early as possible.

If you face criminal charges in State College or the surrounding area, call 814-308-8895 or contact Decker Bradburn online to schedule a consultation.