Criminal Defense Attorney in Abington

Facing Charges in Abington? Get Trial-Ready Defense from the Start

An arrest, criminal charge, or investigation in the Abington area can affect your liberty, record, employment, finances, family relationships, and immigration status. The decisions made early in a case can matter, including whether to answer questions, what paperwork to preserve, and how to respond to bail and release conditions or court notices.

At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we represent people facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Pennsylvania state and federal courts. Attorney Bernard J. Brown has more than 15 years of criminal-defense experience and has handled thousands of criminal matters. We review the allegations, explain your options in plain language, and prepare for the procedural steps your case may require.

Contact our firm by calling (570) 676-1553 to discuss your charges, court dates, and possible next steps.

Criminal Defense Representation for Abington Cases

Choosing a criminal defense lawyer is an important decision after an accusation or arrest. You need counsel who can evaluate the evidence, identify constitutional issues, explain Pennsylvania criminal procedure, and help you understand what may happen in court.

Led by Attorney Bernard J. Brown, we represent clients facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania state and federal courts. We have handled thousands of criminal matters involving a range of allegations and legal complexities, allowing us to approach each case with an understanding of the issues that may arise.

Our Pennsylvania legal tradition traces back to Attorney Brown’s grandfather, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania from 1960 to 1968. Attorney Brown is also a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and other professional legal organizations. We draw on this background to provide informed guidance, communicate directly with clients, and prepare to challenge the prosecution's case.

Criminal Charges We Handle Near Abington

We represent clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Pennsylvania state and federal courts. A criminal matter can begin with a citation, arrest, criminal complaint, or investigation. The applicable court and procedure depend on the allegations, where the alleged conduct occurred, and whether the case is prosecuted under Pennsylvania or federal law.

Our criminal-defense work includes:

• DUI and traffic offenses. Driving under the influence, refusal allegations, and serious traffic offenses that may affect driving privileges.
• Drug charges. Possession, possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing, and distribution allegations.
• Violent crimes. Assault, robbery, and other charges involving alleged harm or threats.
• Sex offenses. Charges that may carry serious penalties and potential registration consequences.
• Theft and property crimes. Shoplifting, burglary, fraud allegations, and related offenses.
• White-collar and financial crimes. Embezzlement, fraud, and other financial allegations.
• Federal criminal cases. Matters investigated or prosecuted by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or Department of Justice.

Potential consequences vary by charge and may include incarceration, fines, probation, driver's-license consequences, restitution, professional licensing concerns, immigration consequences, or registration requirements.

If you don't see your exact charge listed, contact us to discuss your circumstances. We can review the allegations and explain whether our firm may be able to represent you.

What to Do After an Arrest or Criminal Charge

After an arrest or criminal charge, protecting your legal position and meeting court requirements are important. 

While you seek legal counsel, consider these steps:

• Use your right to remain silent. You generally have the right to decline substantive questioning about the alleged offense. Clearly state that you want to remain silent and speak with an attorney. Follow lawful instructions and seek legal advice about any identification requirements that apply.
• Request counsel clearly. Ask for a criminal defense lawyer before discussing the allegations in detail with law enforcement.
• Limit case discussions. Avoid discussing the facts on recorded jail calls, social media, or with other people. Prosecutors may later review statements, posts, and messages.
• Preserve paperwork. Keep charging documents, citations, release paperwork, bail information, and court notices in one place.
• Attend required hearings. Missing a hearing can create additional legal problems. Review every notice carefully and seek guidance if you’re uncertain about a date or requirement.

Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure for Abington Cases

Many Pennsylvania criminal cases begin with an arrest or criminal complaint, followed by a preliminary arraignment or another initial appearance. At this stage, the court may address the charges and bail and release conditions. The timing and sequence vary based on the charge, custody status, filings, and case-specific circumstances.

Abington Township is served by two Magisterial District Courts, 38-1-04 and 38-1-05, which cover different portions of the township. The court assigned to a particular matter depends on where the alleged conduct occurred and the applicable court boundaries.

A preliminary hearing may follow in the appropriate Magisterial District Court. At that hearing, the prosecution generally must present sufficient evidence for the case to continue toward the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Depending on the facts, defense counsel may question witnesses, examine the evidence presented, raise legal issues, and evaluate what the proceeding reveals about the prosecution’s case.

When a state case proceeds beyond the magisterial district stage, it may involve arraignment, discovery, pretrial conferences, motions, plea discussions, sentencing, or trial in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Federal criminal defense matters follow different rules and procedures from Pennsylvania state cases. We represent clients in both systems and explain which process applies to their matter.

How We Prepare a Criminal Defense

Our defense preparation begins with your account of what happened, the charging documents, and the information available at that point in the case. We review police reports, witness accounts, digital records, physical evidence, and procedural history when available and relevant.

We examine searches, seizures, questioning, identification procedures, witness credibility, and other constitutional or evidentiary concerns when they apply. Whether an issue supports a motion or another defense strategy depends on the facts, applicable law, and record of the case.

Our work can include investigation, motion practice, negotiation, hearings, and trial preparation. We prepare matters with the possibility of trial in mind while also discussing other available paths. A case may resolve through negotiations, court-approved options where available, sentencing proceedings, or trial, depending on the allegations, evidence, prior record, and client objectives.

We explain potential consequences and strategic considerations so clients can participate in major decisions and understand the options available to them.

Virtual Consultations & Accessible Representation

We offer free consultations, including convenient virtual meetings, for people who need to discuss a criminal case from a private location. During an initial conversation, we can discuss the charges, what has happened so far, upcoming court dates, and documents that may be useful to review.

Bring or send charging documents, citations, release paperwork, and court notices when available. These materials can help us understand the immediate procedural issues.

Fees depend on the seriousness of the charges, the court system, factual and legal complexity, motion practice, expert involvement, and potential trial needs. We discuss the anticipated scope and cost of representation so you can make an informed decision.

Abington Criminal Defense FAQs

What Should I Do After an Arrest in Abington?

Avoid discussing the alleged offense, clearly request an attorney, preserve your paperwork, and keep track of court dates. Contact us to discuss your release conditions and upcoming requirements.

Am I Going to Jail for These Charges?

That depends on the charges, alleged conduct, prior record, evidence, and applicable law. We can review your circumstances and explain the potential consequences. No attorney can promise a particular outcome.

How Does Pennsylvania Court Experience Help My Case?

Knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal procedure helps us assess potential legal issues, understand the applicable court process, and prepare a defense based on the circumstances of your case.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Not every case goes to trial. The decision depends on the evidence, available defenses, potential consequences, and your objectives. We discuss the available options and prepare for trial when appropriate.

How Will You Communicate With Me?

We keep clients informed about case developments, upcoming hearings, and procedural stages. We use phone, email, and virtual meetings when appropriate. If you have a question about a court date, paperwork, or a development in your case, we can explain what it means and what may be required next.

Can You Handle Federal Criminal Cases?

Yes. We represent clients in federal criminal cases as well as Pennsylvania state matters. We can review the charging documents and explain the applicable federal procedures.

Discuss Your Criminal Case with a Defense Attorney

If you’re facing charges, under investigation, or seeking legal help for a loved one with a pending case, contact Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law to discuss your circumstances and possible next steps.