Lycoming County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Lycoming County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Lycoming County.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Lycoming 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.
Right to Jury Trial
For “Serious Crimes”, those that can have a potential penalty of 6 months in jail OR a minimum $500 penalty, the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by jury. This is guaranteed by Article III of the Constitution and the 6th Amendment. The accused has the ability to waive their right to trial by jury.
Lycoming County Criminal Court
I need help for my Lycoming 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 Lycoming 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 Lycoming 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.
Right to an attorney
The US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment ensures the right to an attorney regardless of whether or not you can afford one. In Lycoming County a public defender will be appointed by the judge if you cannot afford private representation.
What happens in Lycoming County at an arraignment?
In Lycoming 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.
Lycoming County Required Court Appearances
In Lycoming 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.
Lycoming County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Lycoming County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
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.
Who is the prosecutor for Lycoming County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Lycoming County criminal cases will either be a representative of Lycoming 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.
If guilty, who sentences the defendant?
If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.
Can I appeal a guilty verdict?
If found guilty, a defendant may decide to appeal his case to an appelate court. The appellate court will not retry the case, they will examine the proceedings in the lower court to make sure they were done in a legal manner. The appellate court can either uphold the original conviction, or determine that due to errors made in the original trial, that there must be a retrial, resentencing or a complete dismissal of the charges.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Lycoming 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.
Lycoming County Criminal Court Locations
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Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas
Address: 48 W 3rd St, Williamsport PA 17701
Phone: 570-327-2251 Fax: 570-327-2505 -
Lycoming County Orphans’ Court
Address: 48 W 3rd St, Williamsport PA 17701
Phone: 570-327-2263 Fax: 570-327-6790 -
Lycoming County Magisterial District Court 29-1-01
Address: 605 W 4th St, Williamsport PA 17701
Phone: 570-322-6159 Fax: 570-322-3082 -
Lycoming County Magisterial District Court 29-1-02
Address: 48 W 3rd St, Williamsport PA 17701
Phone: 570-327-2275 Fax: 570-327-2426 -
Lycoming County Magisterial District Court 29-3-01
Address: 216 Market St, Jersey Shore PA 17740
Phone: 570-398-4880 Fax: 570-398-4855 -
Lycoming County Magisterial District Court 29-3-02
Address: 542 County Farm Rd, #103, Montoursville PA 17754
Phone: 570-326-1714 Fax: 570-326-6496 -
Lycoming County Magisterial District Court 29-3-03
Address: 46 S Main St, Muncy PA 17756
Phone: 570-546-7480 Fax: 570-546-6530 -
Lycoming County Magisterial District Court 29-3-04
Address: 1965 Lycoming Creek Rd, Williamsport PA 17701
Phone: 570-323-9982 Fax: 570-323-9015