What Should You Do After an Arrest in PA?

Key Takeaway

• Remaining silent and requesting an attorney immediately are the most important steps you can take after an arrest in Pennsylvania.

• Anything you say to police before an attorney is present can be used against you in court, making early legal contact critical.

• Pennsylvania's criminal process moves quickly, and delays in securing legal representation can limit your options at key stages.

• Bolkovac Law Offices serves residents throughout Westmoreland, Indiana, and Fayette counties with experienced criminal defense representation.

An arrest turns your life upside down in a matter of minutes. Whether you are facing a DUI charge, a drug offense, or an unexpected warrant, the decisions you make in the first hours after an arrest will shape everything that follows. Most people are not prepared for this moment, and that lack of preparation often works against them before they ever set foot in a courtroom.

The criminal justice system in Pennsylvania does not pause to let you get your bearings. Bail hearings, preliminary hearings, and filing deadlines follow one another quickly, and each stage carries consequences you cannot undo. If you or someone you care about has recently been arrested, understanding what to do next is not just helpful, it is essential. Residents throughout the region facing criminal charges can find honest guidance on the Criminal Defense page at Bolkovac Law Offices.

What to Do Immediately After an Arrest in Pennsylvania

Knowing what to do after an arrest in Pennsylvania starts with one clear rule: stop talking. Pennsylvania law gives you the right to remain silent, and exercising that right is not an admission of guilt. It is a legal protection that exists precisely because anything you say, including explanations that seem reasonable to you, can be interpreted and used against you by prosecutors.

The second step is just as important: ask for an attorney and do not answer substantive questions until one is present. Police are permitted to continue asking questions after an arrest. You are not required to answer them. Politely and clearly stating that you want to speak with an attorney before saying anything more is both your right and your best immediate decision.

Understanding the Pennsylvania Criminal Process After an Arrest

Once you are taken into custody, several things happen in sequence. Here is what that typically looks like:

• Booking: Your personal information, fingerprints, and photograph are recorded at the station or county jail.

• Bail hearing: A magisterial district judge sets bail, often within hours of an arrest. The amount depends on the charge, your criminal history, and ties to the community.

• Preliminary hearing: This hearing, usually held within 14 days for someone in custody, determines whether the Commonwealth has enough evidence to move forward.

• Arraignment and pre-trial proceedings: If charges are held over, the case moves to the Court of Common Pleas in the relevant county, where formal arraignment and pre-trial motions take place.

Each stage offers opportunities and carries risks. A bail hearing is not just a formality. An attorney who understands how local judges approach bail can make a meaningful difference in whether you wait for trial at home or in a jail cell.

What Arrest Costs You in Time and Money

The financial and personal toll of a criminal charge extends well beyond any fine or potential sentence. Time away from work during hearings, the cost of legal representation, and the long-term impact of a conviction on employment and housing are all real concerns. Fees vary depending on the complexity of the charge, whether the matter goes to trial, and other factors specific to your situation.

The bottom line: attempting to handle a criminal charge without an attorney to save money can result in far greater costs down the road. A conviction, even for a misdemeanor, can affect your ability to work in certain fields, maintain a professional license, or pass a background check. Speaking with an attorney early allows you to understand your actual exposure before making decisions you cannot reverse.

Signs You Need to Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away

Some situations make the need for legal representation obvious. Others are less clear. You should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately if any of the following apply:

• You have been arrested or expect to be arrested

• You received a summons or notice of charges

• Police have contacted you for questioning in connection with a crime

• You are facing a DUI Defense situation involving a breath or blood test refusal or a high BAC reading

• You are charged with a felony or a Drug Crimes Defense matter involving weight thresholds that trigger mandatory minimum sentences in Pennsylvania

Even if you believe the charge is minor, Pennsylvania's sentencing framework carries real consequences at every level. Attorney Mark D. Bolkovac was appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing in 2024, giving the firm a direct connection to how Pennsylvania structures its sentencing guidelines and what factors courts weigh during that process.

Why Bolkovac Law Offices Is the Right Choice for Criminal Defense in Greensburg

Bolkovac Law Offices has served clients across Greensburg, Latrobe, Jeannette, Mount Pleasant, and the surrounding region for over two decades. The firm holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, with a file open since 2004, reflecting a long record of professionalism and client service in western Pennsylvania. You can learn more about the firm's history and attorneys on the About page.

Attorney Mark D. Bolkovac brings decades of courtroom experience in Pennsylvania criminal courts, combined with his appointment to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, which provides insight into how sentences are structured across the Commonwealth. The firm's approach centers on honest guidance, thorough case preparation, and clear communication so that clients in Westmoreland, Indiana, and Fayette counties understand every step of the process. For additional resources on criminal defense topics, visit the Blog.

People Also Ask

What happens at a preliminary hearing in Pennsylvania?

A preliminary hearing in Pennsylvania is held before a magisterial district judge to determine whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed on the charges. The Commonwealth must establish a prima facie case, meaning enough evidence that a crime occurred and that the defendant likely committed it. Charges can be reduced or dismissed at this stage, making it a critical early opportunity in the defense process.

Do I have to answer police questions after being arrested in Pennsylvania?

No. Under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, you have the right to remain silent after an arrest. You are required to provide basic identifying information, but you are not obligated to answer investigative questions or give a statement. Asking to speak with an attorney and then remaining silent is your legal right and a sound approach.

How long does a criminal case take in Pennsylvania?

The timeline varies significantly depending on the charge and whether the case resolves through a plea or proceeds to trial. Minor misdemeanor matters may conclude within a few months, while felony cases, particularly those involving extensive discovery or complex facts, can take a year or more. Bail status, court scheduling, and pre-trial motions all affect how long the process takes.

Can a criminal charge in Pennsylvania be expunged?

Some criminal records in Pennsylvania are eligible for expungement or limited access under the Clean Slate Act, depending on the offense, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since conviction or arrest. Acquittals and certain summary convictions are generally eligible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review your specific record and advise whether expungement may be available to you.

FAQ

Should I speak to police before contacting an attorney?

It is strongly advisable to contact an attorney before speaking with police beyond providing basic identifying information. Statements made during arrest or booking, even ones intended to explain or minimize a situation, can be used in court. An attorney can advise you on what to say, what not to say, and how to protect your rights from the earliest stage.

How are attorney fees structured for criminal defense cases?

Fee structures vary depending on the nature of the charge, the complexity of the case, and whether the matter proceeds to trial or resolves earlier. Bolkovac Law Offices encourages prospective clients to contact the firm directly to discuss their situation and get an accurate understanding of what representation may involve in their specific case.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, misdemeanors are graded as first, second, or third degree, while felonies are graded as first, second, or third degree. Felonies carry heavier potential sentences and more serious long-term consequences, including impacts on civil rights such as the right to possess a firearm. The grading of an offense directly affects sentencing ranges under Pennsylvania's guidelines.

What if I cannot afford bail after an arrest in Pennsylvania?

If you cannot afford the bail set at your hearing, you may have the option to request a bail reduction hearing before a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. An attorney can present arguments about your ties to the community, employment, and other factors relevant to the court's bail determination. In some cases, working with a licensed bail bondsman is also an option if a monetary condition has been set.

Facing a Charge in Western Pennsylvania? Talk to Bolkovac Law Offices Today

An arrest does not have to define what comes next. What matters most in the days immediately following a charge is that you have experienced legal guidance helping you avoid missteps that could limit your options later. Bolkovac Law Offices has represented clients across Greensburg, Connellsville, and the surrounding region for over two decades, and the firm understands how courts throughout Westmoreland, Indiana, and Fayette counties approach criminal matters at every stage.

Every case is different, and early consultation allows the attorneys at Bolkovac Law Offices to evaluate your situation honestly and help you understand the path forward. Do not wait until a preliminary hearing is days away to seek representation.

Visit Bolkovac Law Offices or call 724-837-2626 today. Getting experienced legal guidance early in the process gives you the best opportunity to protect your rights and make informed decisions. Contact us for more information.