Coatesville, PA asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania

Q: Being charged with check fraud, police said I will get a court date in mail in 2 weeks. Is this a felony, misdemeanor?

Was not arrested, just interviewed. Why no bail or arrest? Just a court date in mail? What type of charges can this be?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Norristown, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: It could be a felony (like forgery) or a misdemeanor (theft, for example), but you'll probably be charged with both in the form of several charges. Your case will start in one of the Magisterial District Courts, and then progress its way up to the Court of Common Pleas of whatever county. You'll get your initial Preliminary Arraignment and Preliminary Hearing notices by mail, and bail will be set at your Preliminary Arraignment -- likely at an unsecured amount, since you haven't been arrested at all.

Of course, you should have an attorney with you at any and all court appearances -- and you probably should've talked to one before you ever talked to the police in the first place. What's done is done now, however, and the best you can do is to "lawyer up" from now on to preserve your rights. I practice criminal defense law throughout southeastern PA (including Chester Co.), so if you'd like to discuss your case in greater detail, feel free to contact me at the information listed in my Justia profile. Best of luck to you.

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