Cumberland County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Cumberland County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Cumberland County.
The Right to Counsel
The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.
Sentencing in Cumberland County
In Cumberland 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.
Cumberland County Criminal Court
Cumberland County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Cumberland County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Cumberland 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.
Cumberland County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Cumberland County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Cumberland County. The Cumberland County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
I need help for my Cumberland County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Cumberland County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Cumberland County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
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.
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.
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.
Cumberland County Required Court Appearances
In Cumberland 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.
Jury Deliberations in Cumberland County
In Cumberland County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
Arraignments in Cumberland County
During an arraignment in Cumberland County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Cumberland County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Cumberland County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Cumberland County Criminal Court Locations
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Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas – Clerk of Courts (Criminal)
Address: 1 Courthouse Square, #205, Carlisle PA 17013
Phone: 717-240-6250 Fax: 717-240-6571 -
Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas – Prothonotary (Civil)
Address: 1 Courthouse Square, #100, Carlisle PA 17013
Phone: 717-240-6195 Fax: 717-240-6573 -
Cumberland County Orphans’ Court
Address: 1 Courthouse Square, #102, Carlisle PA 17013
Phone: 717-240-6345 Fax: 717-240-7797 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-1-01
Address: 920 Linda Lane, Camp Hill PA 17011
Phone: 717-737-3434 Fax: 717-960-5534 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-1-02
Address: 1901 State St, Camp Hill PA 17011
Phone: 717-761-0583 Fax: 717-761-2233 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-1-03
Address: 98 S Enola Dr, #1, Enola PA 17025
Phone: 717-728-2805 Fax: 717-728-2808 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-2-01
Address: 2260 Spring Rd, #3, Carlisle PA 17013
Phone: 717-218-5250 Fax: 717-218-5253 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-2-02
Address: 18 N Hanover St, #106, Carlisle PA 17013
Phone: 717-240-6564 Fax: 717-240-7821 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-3-01
Address: 35 W Orange St, Shippensburg PA 17257
Phone: 717-532-7676 Fax: 717-532-3308 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-3-02
Address: 55 Penn Dr, PO Box 155, Newville PA 17241
Phone: 717-776-3187 Fax: 717-776-9284 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-3-03
Address: 229 Mill St, PO Box 167, Mount Holly Springs PA 17065
Phone: 717-486-7672 Fax: 717-486-0224 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-3-04
Address: 5275 E Trindle Rd, #110, Mechanicsburg PA 17050
Phone: 717-697-2201 Fax: 717-697-2209 -
Cumberland County Magisterial District Court 09-3-05
Address: 507 N York St, Mechanicsburg PA 17055
Phone: 717-766-4575 Fax: 717-766-2238