Beaver County Criminal Court

Beaver County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Beaver County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Beaver County.

What is the Burden of Proof?

The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.

Where can I get help for my Beaver County criminal case?

The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Beaver County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.

Beaver County Criminal Court

Beaver County Criminal Court

Jury by Trial Right

The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.

Sentencing in Beaver County

In Beaver County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.

Can I request a Plea Agreement?

In Beaver County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.

Beaver County Criminal Court locations

Criminal proceedings take place in the Beaver County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.

What if I can’t afford an attorney?

The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.

Jury Deliberation

In a jury trial in Beaver County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.

Appealing a guilty verdict

A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.

What happens in Beaver County at an arraignment?

In Beaver County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.

Who is the prosecutor for Beaver County?

Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Beaver County criminal cases will either be a representative of Beaver County or a representative from Pennsylvania. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.

Beaver County Required Court Appearances

In Beaver County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.

Beaver County Criminal Court Locations

  • Beaver County Court of Common Pleas – Clerk of Courts (Criminal)

    Address: 810 Third St, Beaver PA 15009
    Phone: 724-770-4590 Fax: 724-728-8853

  • Beaver County Court of Common Pleas – Prothonotary (Civil)

    Address: 810 Third St, Beaver PA 15009
    Phone: 724-770-4570 Fax: 724-728-3360

  • Beaver County Orphans’ Court

    Address: 810 Third St, Beaver PA 15009
    Phone: 724-770-4550 Fax: 724-728-9810

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-1-01

    Address: 650 11th St, Ambridge PA 15003
    Phone: 724-770-2000 Fax: 724-266-5331

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-1-02

    Address: 1000 6th Ave, Beaver Falls PA 15010
    Phone: 724-770-2002 Fax: 724-846-9417

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-1-03

    Address: 550 Franklin Ave, Aliquippa PA 15001
    Phone: 724-770-2005 Fax: 724-378-8442

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-2-01

    Address: 559 Third Ave, Freedom PA 15042
    Phone: 724-774-0840 Fax: 724-774-3231

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-2-02

    Address: 175 Friendship Dr, Beaver, PA 15009
    Phone: 724-775-3380 Fax: 724-775-3531

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-3-01

    Address: 513 11th St, New Brighton PA 15066
    Phone: 724-770-2001 Fax: 724-843-9061

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-3-02

    Address: 19 Cessna Dr, Beaver Falls PA 15010
    Phone: 724-770-2003 Fax: 724-843-1322

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-3-03

    Address: 226-F Center Grange Rd, Aliquippa PA 15001
    Phone: 724-775-1714 Fax: 724-775-4254

  • Beaver County Magisterial District Court 36-3-04

    Address: 1515 Gringo Rd, SR 151, Aliquippa PA 15001
    Phone: 724-770-2004 Fax: 724-378-9994

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