Criminal Defense in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's criminal justice system operates through Common Pleas Courts with jurisdiction over felonies and misdemeanors, and Magisterial District Courts handling preliminary hearings and summary offenses. Defense costs for summary offenses (the lowest level) run $500-$1,500, while misdemeanor defense costs $3,000-$7,000. Felony cases, graded from third degree to first degree, range from $7,000 to $70,000+ in legal fees. Pennsylvania has mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug and firearms offenses, though recent legislative reforms have provided judges more flexibility. The state's three-strikes law imposes enhanced sentences for repeat violent offenders. Philadelphia has a progressive District Attorney's office that has reduced prosecution of certain low-level offenses, while other counties maintain more traditional prosecution approaches. Pennsylvania juvenile cases are handled through a separate system with different fee structures and outcomes focused on rehabilitation.