Wyoming County Criminal Court

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

Burden of Proof

The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-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.

Wyoming County Criminal Court

Wyoming County Criminal Court

What is a Plea Agreement?

A plea agreement is a deal made between the prosecution and the defendant in a case, where the defendant agrees to plea guilty to a particular charge in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor. In practice, more than 90% of criminal cases end with a plea agreement.

Wyoming County Criminal Court hearings

Criminal hearings in Wyoming County will take place at the Wyoming County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Wyoming County Criminal Court Locations.

What is Jury Deliberation?

After both the prosecution and defense have presented their cases, the judge in the case will provide instructions to the jury about what they must decide. The jury will be dismissed to the jury room where they will deliberate about the guilt or innocence of the defendant. After reaching a unaminous decision, they return their decision to the court where it is read aloud in the courtroom. If the jury is unable to reach a unaminous decision, the jury is deadlocked, also known as a hung jury, in which a mistrial will be declared.

Defendant Sentencing

At a sentence hearing the judge will inform the defendant of the sentence that will be imposed. This sometimes occurs at the same hearing in which the defendant is found guilty (either by trial or plea agreement). In can also occur at a later date, most often this is due to the complexity of the case where more time is needed to determine the appropriate sentence.

Who is the prosecutor for Wyoming County?

Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Wyoming County criminal cases will either be a representative of Wyoming 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.

Required Court Appearances in Wyoming County

Any required court appearances in Wyoming County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.

What happens in Wyoming County at an arraignment?

In Wyoming 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.

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.

I need help for my Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 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.

Wyoming County Criminal Court Locations

  • Wyoming County Court of Common Pleas

    Address: 1 Courthouse Sq, Tunkhannock PA 18657
    Phone: 570-996-2232

  • Wyoming County Magisterial District Court 44-3-01

    Address: Route 107, PO Box 276, Factoryville PA 18419
    Phone: 570-945-3038 Fax: 570-945-9228

  • Wyoming County Magisterial District Court 44-3-02

    Address: 1 Courthouse Sq, Tunkhannock PA 18657
    Phone: 570-836-3797 Fax: 570-836-4641

  • Wyoming County Magisterial District Court 44-3-04

    Address: 71 Hollowcrest Rd, #1, Tunkhannock PA 18657
    Phone: 570-836-1616 Fax: 570-836-1956

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