What are the different types of proceedings?
Preliminary Hearing: The preliminary hearing is scheduled in all felony cases within three to ten days of defendant’s arrest. At this hearing the Commonwealth must establish that there is enough evidence to hold the defendant for trial in Common Pleas Court. If the case is “held for court” the witnesses will be required to appear at the trial in the Criminal Justice Center. Arraignment: At arraignment the defendant is formally charged with the crime and given a date for trial. Arraignments are held approximately two weeks after the preliminary hearing. No witnesses appear at this listing of the case. After the arraignment, witnesses are notified by mail of the trial date. Trial: At the trial in Common Pleas Court, the Assistant District Attorney will present all the facts of the case to the judge and/or the jury. This will include testimony from the victim, witnesses and the police officers involved in the case. At this time the judge and/or jury will decide whether the defendant is gu
