FAQ - How Long Does A Criminal Case Take

How Long does a Criminal
Case Take?

This will depend on the nature of your case and
whether you are the one seeking the
continuance. In theory, a defendant can seek
an unlimited amount of continuances.
Otherwise, generally speaking, the law povides
as follows:

(A)(1) Trial in a court case in which a written
complaint is filed against the defendant after
June 30, 1973 but before July 1, 1974 shall
commence no later than 270 days from the
date on which the complaint is filed.

(2) Trial in a court case in which a written
complaint is filed against the defendant, when
the defendant is incarcerated on that case,
shall commence no later than 180 days from
the date on which the complaint is filed.

(3) Trial in a court case in which a written
complaint is filed against the defendant, when
the defendant is at liberty on bail, shall
commence no later than 365 days from the
date on which the complaint is filed.

Notwithstanding the above, our firm may be
able to negotiate a plea deal at the preliminary
hearing.

Drunk Driving (DUI)
DUI, first offense,
second offence, first
tier, second tier, third
tier (most serious)

Assault and Battery
Bar fights, mutual
combat, defenses,
domestic violence

Felony
Aggravated assault,
conspiracy, drug
charges

Bad Checks
Plea deals, restitution,
avoiding jail time and
heavy fines

Shoplifting
Retal theft cases in
Pittsburgh and Beaver
County

Disorderly Conduct
Disturbing the peace,
Police going too far to
find you guilty of
something

Expunged Records
We get your charges
expunged