In brief
If you are charged with a crime in Philadelphia, your case starts in Philadelphia Municipal Court and, if it is a felony, usually moves to the Court of Common Pleas. Both courts sit at the Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, 1301 Filbert Street. Jonathan R. Altschuler represents people at every stage, from bail and the preliminary hearing through trial.
- Criminal cases in Philadelphia move through Municipal Court and, for more serious matters, the Court of Common Pleas.
- Early decisions about bail, statements to police, and preliminary hearings can shape the entire case.
- Charges commonly include assault, firearms, theft and robbery, drug offenses, and DUI.
- You work directly with Attorney Jonathan R. Altschuler.
- A consultation helps you understand options before deadlines and hearings pass.
Criminal defense in Philadelphia courts
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.
Charges the firm handles
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.
What to do if you or a loved one has been charged
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.
Direct counsel, practical judgment
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.
Common questions
What is the difference between Philadelphia Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas?
Municipal Court holds preliminary hearings in felony cases and tries offenses that carry up to five years in prison. Those trials are before a judge, with no jury. The Court of Common Pleas hears felony cases after they are held for court, holds jury trials, and hears appeals from Municipal Court convictions. Both are part of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which covers Philadelphia County.
What happens at a preliminary hearing?
The prosecution must show a judge enough evidence that, if believed, a crime was committed and the accused committed it. It is not a trial on guilt. If the judge finds the evidence sufficient, the charges are held for court. If not, some or all charges can be dismissed. It is also an early chance for the defense to hear and question the prosecution's witnesses.
Should I talk to the police about my case?
You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Anything you say to police can be used against you, even if you believe it helps. You can politely say that you want to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.
Where is the firm's office?
The office is at 1760 Market Street, Suite 603, Philadelphia, PA 19103, a few blocks from the Criminal Justice Center. Call 267-888-8529 to request a consultation.
Talk to the attorney about your case
Consultations with Jonathan R. Altschuler are confidential. Call the office or send a short request online.
This page provides general information about Pennsylvania criminal practice and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Contact a licensed attorney about your situation.