When a criminal complaint has been filed against you, a criminal summons will be issued demanding your immediate appearance in court. You should not take this lightly; it will help preserve your rights if you are familiar with the Pennsylvania criminal procedure.
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IN PENNSYLVANIA, WHAT EXACTLY IS A SUMMONS?
A summons, sometimes known as a “court order,” is an official document issued by a judge at the outset of a legal case. Anybody can be served with a summons, not just the plaintiff or the defendant.
A party to a case may be served with a summons for the sole purpose of requesting evidence or testimony. You might be required to make a personal appearance before the court at the request of either the prosecution or the defense, or even the court itself.
Learn how to challenge a protection from abuse order in Pennsylvania.
Should I obey a Pennsylvania court summons?
A criminal summons indicates that you may be required to appear in court. There are, however, a few exemptions to this rule. Depending on the circumstances, you may be allowed to have your lawyer represent you in court without actually being there.
As mentioned before, you can also choose to skip the preliminary hearing in favor of having your case heard in the Court of Common Pleas. If you think you could be excused from the court, consult with your lawyer.
Examine your criminal summons thoroughly.
The time and location of your court appearance are specified on the summons. Don’t forget about this so you can get legal representation in time for your court date.
A copy of the formal criminal complaint outlining your charges and an affidavit of probable cause outlining the basis for them will be included with your summons. Knowing the reasoning for the summoning will allow you to properly prepare your defense.
IMMEDIATELY CONTACT A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER IN YOUR AREA
Although persons accused of minor offenses and misdemeanors usually receive a summons in the mail, it doesn’t imply they should go through the criminal procedure alone. A criminal defense attorney in Pittsburgh can give you advice about your case and the legal choices available to you.
ATTEND THE INITIAL HEARING
Your counsel will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and summon witnesses on your behalf at the preliminary hearing. The defendant may elect to skip the preliminary hearing and have the matter heard directly by the Court of Common Pleas.