Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer

Philadelphia criminal cases are handled primarily in Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas. Municipal Court often handles early stages such as preliminary hearings and many misdemeanor matters. Felony cases and more serious prosecutions typically proceed in Common Pleas after the preliminary stages.

Knowing where your case sits in that process — and what the next listing is for — matters as much as the charge title on the complaint. Hearings may include formal arraignment, pretrial conferences, waiver trials, jury trials, sentencing, probation review, and related listings.

The Altschuler Firm focuses on measured criminal defense: careful review of the allegations, the discovery, and the practical paths available for dismissal, reduction, negotiation, or trial.

Clients and families often search for help by charge type. Common Philadelphia criminal matters include aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, firearms offenses (including carrying without a license and person-not-to-possess), theft, retail theft, receiving stolen property, robbery, burglary, drug possession and PWID (possession with intent to deliver), and DUI.

Many cases involve more than one category — for example, a gun charge paired with assault allegations, or theft paired with drug charges. Defense strategy has to account for the full charging package, not just the lead offense.

Do not discuss the facts of the case with police, investigators, or on social media without counsel. Preserve paperwork: the complaint, bail papers, subpoenas, and any hearing notices. Note the next court date, courtroom, and whether the listing is a preliminary hearing, arraignment, or another proceeding.

Contact the firm promptly so counsel can review the charging documents, explain the process in plain language, and prepare for the next listing. Early involvement can affect bail conditions, discovery requests, and how evidence is preserved.

Clients work directly with Jonathan R. Altschuler. The goal is clear advice about risk, leverage, and next steps — whether that means fighting the Commonwealth’s case at a preliminary hearing, litigating pretrial issues, negotiating a resolution, or preparing for trial.

If you are looking for a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer for a pending Municipal Court or Common Pleas matter, schedule a consultation or call 267-888-8529.