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.
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.
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.
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.
]]>A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty, typically in exchange for leniency. That leniency can take several forms. A charge bargain involves the prosecution agreeing to reduce the charges against you, for example, from a felony to a misdemeanor. A sentence bargain involves the prosecution recommending a specific sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. In some cases, the agreement includes both a reduced charge and a sentencing recommendation.
In Pennsylvania, the court must approve plea agreements. Judges can reject agreements, but this rarely happens when all parties contribute to the deal.
A plea bargain can offer real benefits. Reduced charges may mean a shorter sentence and fewer long-term consequences, sometimes even resulting in a felony being reduced to a misdemeanor. A deal gives certainty, avoiding the risk of a worse outcome at trial. Plea agreements resolve cases fast, minimizing the burden of pretrial detention or uncertainty on your work, family, and finances.
Accepting a plea bargain means pleading guilty. This results in a criminal conviction, which can have lasting effects. These consequences may impact:
Even when the charges are reduced, the penalties you face may still be significant, including jail time, hefty fines, or lasting negative effects on your record. Carefully weigh these potential outcomes against the chances of being acquitted at trial.
It is also not true that all plea offers are fair. Prosecutors may use the threat of severe charges to pressure defendants into accepting agreements that are not in their best interest. This makes it essential to have an attorney review any offer before you respond. Help from Our Criminal Defense Attorney
Never decide on a plea bargain under pressure or without understanding the evidence and your true chances at trial. Your attorney should show you the strength of the prosecution’s case, the likely sentence if convicted, and available defenses that might lead to acquittal or dismissal.
If you are facing charges in State College and want clear, informed guidance, Decker Bradburn stands ready to advocate for you. Take action, contact us online or call 814-308-8895 today for a confidential case review and to discuss how we can protect your future.
]]>Our criminal defense attorneys at Decker Bradburn represent individuals facing PFA violation charges in State College, PA, and help them understand their legal options.
A PFA order sets specific conditions that the restrained party must follow. Violating any of those conditions can result in criminal charges. Common violations include:
One point many people misunderstand: even if the protected party initiates contact with you, responding to that contact can still constitute a violation of the order. The plaintiff’s consent to contact does not invalidate the order, which can only be modified by further order of the court.
A PFA violation is charged as indirect criminal contempt under 23 Pa. C.S. § 6114. This is not a misdemeanor charge under the Crimes Code; it is a contempt charge with its own sentencing framework. Upon conviction, the court may impose:
Each separate violation can be charged as a separate count of indirect criminal contempt, meaning that multiple violations can result in multiple periods of potential incarceration. A PFA violation can also trigger separate criminal charges under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code if the underlying conduct constitutes an independent offense, such as harassment or stalking.
Yes. Law enforcement officers are required to arrest a person for a PFA violation without a warrant when they have probable cause to believe a violation occurred. A complaint from the protected party can be sufficient to trigger an immediate arrest.
A finding of indirect criminal contempt can affect pending or existing custody arrangements. Courts may consider a PFA violation in their assessment of a party’s fitness as a parent, and existing custody agreements may be reopened for reconsideration following a violation.
If you have been accused of violating a PFA order, avoid any further contact with the protected party and contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not attempt to resolve the situation on your own or reach out to the other party to explain yourself, as doing so could result in additional violations and additional charges.
An attorney can review the circumstances of the alleged violation, evaluate whether the accusation is supported by the evidence, and represent you at the contempt hearing.
A PFA violation charge can carry real consequences, including jail time, fines, a longer PFA order, and harm to your custody case. The attorneys at Decker Bradburn are ready to help you understand your rights and prepare a defense. Call 814-308-8895 or contact us online to arrange your confidential consultation today.
]]>At Decker Bradburn, our criminal defense attorneys in State College, PA, help individuals through PFA proceedings and understand their rights under Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act.
A PFA order is a civil court order issued under the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act. It is designed to protect individuals from domestic abuse, harassment, or threats of harm. A final PFA order can remain in effect for up to three years and may include conditions such as:
Because these restrictions can significantly affect your home life, your relationship with your children, and your ability to possess firearms, understanding your legal options is important from the start.
Yes. Under the law, the court may amend a PFA order at any time upon a petition filed by either party. Common reasons people seek modifications include changes in living arrangements, updated custody agreements, or a mutual understanding between the parties that certain restrictions are no longer necessary.
Even if the protected party agrees to a modification, only the court has the authority to change the terms of the order. Acting as though the conditions have informally changed, without a formal court order, can still constitute a violation.
Yes, under certain circumstances. A PFA order may be dismissed before its expiration date if a party petitions the court and the court finds that dismissal is appropriate.
Any modification or termination of a PFA order requires a petition and a court order. The court will not simply dismiss the order because the parties have reconciled or because the plaintiff no longer wishes to pursue it. Judges evaluate the specific facts of the case before making any decision.
It is also worth noting that some counties in Pennsylvania allow the parties greater latitude in seeking dismissal, while others require a formal hearing and judicial approval. Our attorneys are familiar with Centre County practice and can help you understand what to expect locally.
If you believe a modification or dismissal is appropriate in your case, working with a defense attorney is strongly advisable. PFA proceedings involve specific procedural requirements, and even well-intentioned mistakes can affect the outcome. An attorney can help you prepare a proper petition, present your circumstances clearly to the court, and advocate for terms that reflect your current situation.
If you have questions about modifying or dismissing a PFA order, the attorneys at Decker Bradburn are here to help. Call us at 814-308-8895 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.
]]>No matter what type of charge you are facing, the right defense representation is imperative. Contact Decker Bradburn to learn how our Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers can protect you.
Pennsylvania’s sentencing guidelines recommend prison terms based on two factors:
Judges consult these guidelines but still have the discretion to impose sentences above or below the recommended range if they state reasons on the record.
Felony convictions can result in lengthy state prison sentences. First-degree felonies can carry sentences of 10 to 20 years or more. Second-degree felonies carry a sentence of five to ten years. Third-degree felonies carry a sentence of 2.5 to 7 years. Judges impose minimum and maximum terms, and parole eligibility depends on serving the minimum sentence.
Misdemeanor convictions result in county jail sentences. First-degree misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of up to 5 years. Second-degree misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of 2 years. Third-degree misdemeanors carry a maximum of 1 year, and summary offenses carry a maximum of 90 days.
Financial penalties accompany most convictions. Felonies can result in fines up to $15,000, though amounts vary by statute. First-degree misdemeanors carry fines up to $10,000, while second-degree misdemeanors carry fines up to $5,000. Third-degree misdemeanors and summary offenses carry fines of up to $2,500 and $300, respectively. Courts also impose costs, restitution to victims, and fees that can total thousands of dollars beyond the fine itself.
Many sentences include probation, either instead of jail or as post-release supervision. Probation requires reporting to an officer, drug and alcohol testing, employment or education, and compliance with the law. Violations can result in jail time for the original offense. Parole is similar but follows part of a prison sentence.
Beyond direct penalties, criminal convictions create lasting collateral consequences. Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights while incarcerated and loss of firearm rights. Both felonies and misdemeanors appear on background checks, affecting employment, housing, professional licensing, student loans, and immigration status. DUI convictions trigger license suspension. Drug convictions can affect eligibility for federal student aid. Sex offense convictions require registration as a sex offender, often for life.
Certain factors increase penalties, including:
Judges consider aggravating factors such as a lack of remorse, the vulnerability of victims, and the use of a position of trust when imposing sentences. Your defense attorney can challenge aggravating factors or present mitigating factors to help reduce your sentence if convicted.
If you are facing criminal charges in State College or Centre County, do not delay getting the legal support you need. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at Decker Bradburn at 814-308-8895 or online for a confidential case evaluation. Let us review your charges and explain how we can fight to minimize the penalties you face.
]]>Misdemeanors are less serious crimes that carry maximum sentences of up to 5 years’ imprisonment. This distinction matters because the classification of your charge affects everything from bail to sentencing to long-term consequences, such as employment and voting rights.
Even though misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they still carry penalties and create a criminal record. Regardless of your charge, promptly consult a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney at Decker Bradburn.
Pennsylvania law divides felonies into three degrees, each with different sentences:
Some crimes are ungraded felonies. The court sets sentences based on the law and the facts of each case.
Misdemeanors are divided into three degrees as well:
Ungraded misdemeanors carry the same maximum sentence as third-degree misdemeanors unless the law states otherwise.
Felony charges can sometimes be reduced to misdemeanors in Pennsylvania by negotiations or legal challenges. A criminal defense attorney may do this by negotiating with prosecutors, challenging the evidence, showing mitigating circumstances, filing motions to suppress evidence, or finding procedural errors.
These strategies depend on facts, prosecutors’ policies, and your defense. Reducing a felony decreases prison time, keeps some civil rights, and lessens long-term effects.
Prosecutors may have discretion in charging offenses. For example, theft may be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the value involved. An experienced defense attorney can negotiate to reduce charges or seek to have charges dismissed. Even minor changes in classification can dramatically impact sentencing and long-term effects.
If you are facing criminal charges in State College or Centre County, contact the Decker Bradburn criminal defense attorneys immediately at 814-308-8895, or online for a confidential case evaluation. Take action today to protect your rights and your future.
]]>A criminal defense lawyer is a strong advocate for criminal defendants. More importantly for purposes of this post, a State College criminal defense lawyer is a trusted advisor and counselor. An attorney guides cases through the complex criminal law process, explaining things in English, not legalese, all along the way. Then, when prosecutors make plea bargain offers (as they almost always do), lawyers give thumbs-up or thumbs-down recommendations.
First things first. Getting out of jail is usually the top priority for defendants and State College criminal defense lawyers alike.
Extended pretrial detention wreaks havoc on a person’s life from several perspectives. In many ways, the damage that pretrial detention causes, especially the emotional damage, is permanent. Pretrial release also gives a lawyer time to fully develop all possible procedural, substantive, and/or affirmative defenses.
Because Pennsylvania has such a high arrest rate, as mentioned above, several jail release options are available. These options help clear jails, thus reducing maintenance costs for cities and counties. Jail release options usually include:
All three forms of pretrial release involve some external supervision. This supervision often includes remaining in the county and avoiding further trouble with the law. Offense-specific conditions, such as a keep-away order in a domestic battery matter, are common as well.
To get a batter out, one fielder must throw the ball, and another must catch it, at least in most cases. The same thing is true in criminal law. A jail release can lay the groundwork for a successful criminal defense. But a State College criminal defense lawyer must identify all possible defenses and seal the deal.
Procedural defenses include violations of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. The Fourth Amendment limits the power of search and seizure, and the Fifth Amendment protects individuals from abuses of government power.
A substantive defense is an inability to prove all elements of a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If Eric is charged with drug possession, the state must not only prove that the drugs were close to Eric. The state must also prove he had exclusive control over them.
Affirmative defenses in criminal cases include coercion, entrapment, and, especially in battery cases, self-defense.
Your worst moment never defines who you are. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in State College, PA, contact Decker Bradburn. Contact us online or call 814-308-8895. Virtual, home, and jail visits are available.
]]>At Decker Bradburn, our criminal defense lawyer understands the direct and collateral consequences of criminal cases. Immigration matters are a good example. A noncitizen could be deported even if the case doesn’t technically result in a criminal conviction. Judges are under no legal obligation to inform defendants of these collateral consequences. A State College, PA criminal defense lawyer not only provides this information but also effectively advocates for defendants.
In most cases, public defenders and court-appointed lawyers are top-flight criminal defense lawyers. In some instances, these attorneys are recent graduates or semi-retired lawyers with little energy or commitment. Judges randomly assign court-appointed lawyers, and chief public defenders assign associate lawyers.
Therefore, these defendants have no way of knowing if they are receiving quality representation until they see their lawyers in action. By that time, changing lawyers is usually no longer an option.
Additionally, a court-appointed lawyer or public defender may not be an option. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to an attorney, but not the right to a free attorney. Many judges have strict financial eligibility requirements. Generally, if the defendant posted bond, the judge believes the defendant can afford to hire a lawyer. That assumption may be true or untrue, but it’s the assumption most judges make.
Moreover, public interest defense lawyers only represent defendants in the criminal portion of their cases. They do not represent defendants in ancillary matters, such as protective orders in assault cases and driver’s license suspension matters in DUI cases.
At first blush, defendants have lots of choices when they partner with lawyers. Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers of lawyers per capita in the United States. But upon closer review, only a handful of attorneys have the right combination of:
At Decker Bradburn, our mid-size firm has ample resources to defend cases and retains the feel of a small-town law office. We’re dedicated to individual rights, both in criminal defense and personal injury. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, our attorneys have a combined experience of decades.
Your worst moment never defines who you are. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in State College, PA, contact Decker Bradburn online or call 814-308-8895. Convenient payment plans are available.
]]>Unlike handling a minor personal task, defending yourself against the state means going up against seasoned prosecutors who thoroughly understand the system. A skilled State College criminal defense lawyer can level the playing field—analyzing your case, identifying potential defenses, and fighting strategically for the best possible result under the circumstances.
At first glance, many attorneys may appear similar — most have comparable educational credentials and basic legal training. However, meaningful distinctions quickly emerge when you look deeper. The qualities that truly set a strong criminal defense attorney apart often include:
Search thoroughly but search quickly. Strict time deadlines apply in most criminal cases, and a head start usually leads to a successful outcome.
Your worst moment never defines who you are. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in State College, PA, contact Decker Bradburn, Attorneys at Law, by visiting our website or calling 814-308-8895. Virtual, home, and jail visits are available.
]]>Winning this award is a testament to our dedication to providing high-quality legal services and excellent client care. If you need legal assistance, trust our personal injury lawyers in State College, PA, to handle your case with professionalism and experience. Thank you for choosing us as your trusted legal partner.
The Centre Daily Times presents the Centre County Favorites, a contest that is truly designed to engage the community in celebrating the places, restaurants, and local businesses our county loves. Members of the community vote, which means it is truly an award of appreciation by the people of our community. Decker Bradburn won the award in 2024 and is thrilled to announce we have won again in 2025 for the favorite overall law firm, the favorite personal injury firm, and the favorite criminal defense firm.
Securing the title for the second consecutive year as the best law firm in Centre County is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing top legal services. At Decker Bradburn, we believe in prioritizing the needs of our clients and delivering favorable outcomes with integrity and professionalism.
In the area of personal injury law, our team at Decker Bradburn stands out for our unyielding dedication to advocating for those who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. Whether you have been involved in a car accident, slip and fall incident, or any other form of personal injury, our attorneys are here to protect your rights and seek the full compensation you deserve.
When facing criminal charges, having a skilled and experienced defense team on your side is critical. At Decker Bradburn, our criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in our local criminal justice system, handling charges ranging from DUI to assault to sex crimes, among many others. Whether we seek a dismissal, plea agreement, or acquittal in court, we are committed to providing comprehensive defense strategies to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
At Decker Bradburn, we prioritize client satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations by ensuring that our clients’ legal needs are met with diligence and skill. When you choose us as your legal representative, you can expect personalized attention, strategic legal counsel, and a steadfast commitment to securing the most favorable resolution for your legal matter.
If you need legal assistance in Centre County, whether for personal injury or criminal defense issues, do not hesitate to reach out to Decker Bradburn, the law firm people across Centre County rely on. Contact us online or call 814-308-8895 to schedule an initial consultation and take the first step towards resolving your legal concerns.
]]>