Felonies in Wayne County

Felony Attorney in Wayne County, PA

Board-Certified. Trial-Tested. Defending Felony Charges in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

A felony charge in Wayne County, Pennsylvania can change the course of your life. Prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record are all on the table, and the consequences extend well beyond the courtroom into your career, housing, and civil rights. The moment charges become a possibility is the moment to have an attorney working your case.

At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, Attorney Bernie Brown handles felony charges in both Pennsylvania state court and federal court. With more than 15 years of criminal defense experience, a reported success rate of over 90 percent, and thousands of cases handled, he brings a high level of preparation and courtroom depth.

Facing a felony charge in Wayne County, PA? Call Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law at (570) 676-1553 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and virtual consultations are available for your convenience.

Why Wayne County Defendants Choose Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law

Attorney Brown isn’t simply an experienced criminal defense lawyer. He’s a board-certified criminal law specialist, a designation that reflects demonstrated proficiency in the field beyond standard bar admission. That certification matters in felony cases, where the stakes are high.

His trial record speaks directly to his readiness: 40 jury trials taken to verdict and 12 acquittals. He also holds certifications to handle capital death penalty cases in Pennsylvania state court and under the Federal Criminal Justice Act in federal court.

Professional Affiliations & Recognition
Attorney Brown is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL Rules Committee), the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, and the Trial Lawyers College. He was recognized by Super Lawyers in 2023, named a Rising Star in 2020, and listed among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 from 2014 through 2021.

The firm’s criminal defense roots run deep. Attorney Brown’s grandfather served as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, appointed by President John F. Kennedy in 1960. That multi-generational presence in Pennsylvania’s legal landscape shapes how Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law approaches every case.

Pennsylvania Felony Classifications & the Charges We Handle

Pennsylvania classifies felonies into three degrees under Title 18, Section 106. A third-degree felony carries up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. A second-degree felony carries up to 10 years and fines up to $25,000. A first-degree felony carries up to 20 years and fines up to $25,000, with attempted murder and murder offenses carrying fines up to $50,000. Some charges carry fixed statutory sentences rather than these degree caps, and sentences are structured as indeterminate ranges, with the court imposing a minimum and maximum term.

Some offenses are wobbler offenses, meaning they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts, the harm caused, and the defendant’s prior record. How a charge is filed shapes everything that follows.

Felony charges we handle in Wayne County include:

How Felony Cases Move Through the Wayne County Court System

After an arrest in Wayne County, a defendant appears before one of the county’s magisterial district judges for a preliminary arraignment. Rights are explained, bail is set, and the case begins moving through the system. A preliminary hearing follows to determine whether the prosecution has established a prima facie case. If the case is bound over, it moves to the Court of Common Pleas of Wayne County in Honesdale. The Wayne County District Attorney’s Office files a criminal information, and a formal arraignment is held before a judge. Pretrial motions must be filed within 30 days of that arraignment. Federal felony charges involving Wayne County residents are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where we’re prepared to appear.

Attorney Brown prepares every case for trial from day one. Independent investigation starts immediately, and motion strategy is shaped by what the evidence actually shows rather than what the prosecution claims.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction

A felony conviction in Pennsylvania doesn’t end when a sentence is served. The record follows you. Background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing will surface a felony conviction, and many employers and landlords may screen you out on that basis alone. Professional licenses can be revoked, and civil rights, including the right to own a firearm, can be restricted.

Certain sex offense convictions trigger mandatory registration requirements under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law. Prior felony convictions can also result in enhanced sentencing under the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines, meaning a second felony conviction may carry longer prison time and reduced parole eligibility. These stakes make the quality of your defense from the outset a decision with lifelong consequences.

Get a Free Consultation with a Felony Lawyer Serving Wayne County

Don’t wait to get counsel involved. The earlier we begin investigating your case, the more options may be available to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and build a defense. Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law offers free consultations, virtual appointments, and 24/7 availability for Wayne County residents facing felony charges.

Call (570) 676-1553 or contact us online to speak with Attorney Bernie Brown about your case.

What to Expect at Each Stage of a Wayne County Felony Case

Understanding how the process unfolds helps you make informed decisions at every step. Here is what defense work looks like as a Wayne County felony case moves through the system.

Arrest & Preliminary Arraignment

The process begins with a preliminary arraignment before a magisterial district judge, where bail is set. This is the first opportunity to advocate for reasonable bail conditions. We begin independent case investigation immediately, regardless of what stage the charges are at when you reach us.

Preliminary Hearing

At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must show a prima facie case, meaning enough evidence to support each element of the charge. This isn’t a full trial, but it’s a meaningful opportunity. A focused challenge here may result in charges being reduced or dismissed before the case reaches the Court of Common Pleas. We don’t treat this stage as a formality.

Formal Arraignment & Pretrial Motions

Once the case is bound over to the Court of Common Pleas of Wayne County, the District Attorney’s Office files a criminal information, and a formal arraignment is held. Pretrial motions must be filed within 30 days of that date. This window is critical. Motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, challenge constitutional violations, or seek dismissal based on procedural defects can fundamentally alter the case before trial begins. We use this stage aggressively.

Trial

If the case proceeds to trial, the prosecution must prove every element of the felony charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Our role is to expose weaknesses in that proof through cross-examination, competing evidence, and legal argument. Attorney Brown has taken 40 jury trials to verdict, and that preparation shapes how we handle every case from the start, not just the ones that end up before a jury.

Plea Negotiations

In many felony cases, negotiating with the prosecutor for reduced charges or a favorable resolution is an option worth evaluating. That leverage is strongest when the defense has done the investigative work and is prepared for trial. We approach every negotiation from a position of preparation, not necessity.

Sentencing

If a conviction results, sentencing is another stage where advocacy matters. Wayne County felony sentencing is guided by the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines, but judges retain discretion in most cases. Presenting mitigating facts effectively can affect where within the guidelines a sentence lands. We continue advocating for our clients through this stage and beyond.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Meet Bernard J. Brown

a seasoned criminal defense attorney carrying on a legacy of excellence. With 15 years of courtroom experience—including high-stakes federal and state cases—and unique certifications to handle Capital Death Penalty cases in Pennsylvania and under the Federal Criminal Justice Act, Bernard is prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf.

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Why Choose Us?

Legal Advocacy You Can Rely On

Trusted Family Legacy of Criminal Defense
Available Any Time You Need Us
40 Jury Trials to Verdict; 12 Acquittals
Certified Litigation Specialist

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