Cases We Handle in Allentown

Criminal cases in Allentown can come from traffic stops on local roads and highways, disturbances in homes or businesses, school incidents, or longer investigations. Our firm represents clients at every stage of the process, from the first hint of an investigation through trial and, when needed, appeals. Common Allentown criminal matters we handle include:

• Felony and misdemeanor charges
  Burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, fraud, firearm offenses, and other serious felonies, as well as misdemeanor DUIs, assaults, and property offenses filed in Allentown Magisterial District Courts and later handled in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

• Theft and property crimes
  Retail theft, shoplifting, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, and related charges arising from stores, neighborhoods, and workplaces in Allentown and nearby communities.

• Drug and controlled substance cases
  Simple possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to deliver (PWID), prescription drug issues, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana‑related charges prosecuted in Lehigh County.

• Assaults and violent offenses
  Simple assault, aggravated assault, domestic‑related accusations, terroristic threats, harassment, and recklessly endangering another person (REAP) that often stem from fights, arguments, or alleged domestic incidents.

• Weapons and firearm charges
  Carrying a firearm without a license, persons not to possess, prohibited offensive weapons, weapons on school property, and other weapons offenses that often move from Allentown MDJ courts to the Lehigh County Courthouse.

• Sex offense allegations
  Sexual assault, indecent assault, indecent exposure, unlawful dissemination of intimate images, and other offenses that can involve sensitive issues and potential registration requirements.

• Juvenile delinquency matters
  School fights, vaping and drug issues, underage drinking, and other accusations against minors in Allentown handled through the juvenile court system in Lehigh County.

• Probation and parole violations
  Technical and new‑offense violations, detainers, and bench warrants for people supervised through Lehigh County but living or working in Allentown.

Each type of case carries different potential penalties and long‑term consequences. Having a criminal defense lawyer who knows how Allentown cases move through the Lehigh County system can help you understand your options before you decide how to proceed.

What to Expect in an Allentown Criminal Case

Most criminal cases in Allentown follow a series of steps, even though the details and timing can vary from case to case. Understanding the basic roadmap can reduce some of the anxiety and help you prepare.

1. Charges Filed and First Court Notice

   • Police usually file a criminal complaint with a Magisterial District Court serving the Allentown area.

   • You may receive a summons with a court date, or you may be arrested and brought directly to the Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) for an initial appearance.

2. Preliminary Arraignment and Bail

   • At the preliminary arraignment, the MDJ explains the charges, advises you of your rights, and sets bail conditions.

   • Bail can range from release on your own recognizance to monetary bail or conditions like reporting, no contact, or travel restrictions.

3. Preliminary Hearing in Allentown District Court

   • The preliminary hearing is a screening hearing, not a trial. The prosecutor must present enough evidence to show basic probable cause that a crime was committed and that you may be responsible.

   • Your lawyer can cross‑examine witnesses, test the strength of the case, and sometimes negotiate changes to the charges or bail. Decisions made at this stage affect what happens later in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

4. Case Sent to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas

   • If the MDJ holds the charges for court, the case is transferred to the Lehigh County Courthouse in Allentown.

   • The Court of Common Pleas handles formal arraignment, pre‑trial motions, plea negotiations, diversion program applications, and trials.

5. Formal Arraignment and Pre‑Trial Conferences

   • At formal arraignment, you are advised of your rights and specific deadlines, including time limits to file motions or assert certain defenses.

   • Pre‑trial conferences allow the judge, prosecutor, and defense to discuss the status of the case, evidentiary issues, and whether it may be resolved through a plea, a diversionary program like Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), or trial.

6. Motions, Diversion, Plea, or Trial

   • Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence (for example, after a questionable stop, search, or interrogation), challenge the sufficiency of the charges, or raise other legal issues.

   • Some Allentown defendants may qualify for ARD or other problem‑solving courts; others resolve cases through negotiated pleas. If no fair resolution is reached, the case can proceed to a judge or jury trial at the Lehigh County Courthouse.

At each stage, early decisions—such as what to say to police, whether to contest or waive the preliminary hearing, and how to respond to plea offers—can have long‑lasting consequences. Getting legal guidance early in the process is important.

How Madsen Law Offices Approaches Criminal Defense Cases in Allentown

Madsen Law Offices takes a detailed, local approach to Allentown criminal cases. We combine careful case investigation with practical knowledge of how Lehigh County courts operate day‑to‑day. In a typical Allentown case, our work includes:

• Immediate review of the paperwork and police account

  • Obtaining the criminal complaint, affidavit of probable cause, and any supporting reports as soon as possible.

  • Identifying potential constitutional issues with stops, searches, seizures, and statements, as well as weaknesses in witness accounts or physical evidence.

• Active evidence gathering and preservation

  • Tracking down surveillance video, phone records, text messages, and social media content that can support your defense.

  • Interviewing defense witnesses and, when necessary, working with investigators or experts to analyze technical evidence.

• Clear explanation of the Lehigh County process

  • Walking you through what to expect at Allentown MDJ hearings and at the Lehigh County Courthouse so you are not surprised in court.

  • Helping you understand how each step may affect your record, your license, and other areas of your life.

• Exploring all resolution paths

  • Evaluating whether diversionary options such as ARD or alternative sentencing programs might apply in your case.

  • Negotiating with the district attorney’s office from a position of preparation, while also being ready to take the case to trial if necessary.

• Grounding strategy in local experience

  • Using experience with Lehigh County court procedures, filing requirements, scheduling, and common practices to keep your case organized and moving.

Our aim is to give you a realistic picture of your options, help you avoid avoidable mistakes, and work toward the best available outcome under the circumstances.

Serving Clients Throughout the Lehigh Valley

Although this page focuses on Allentown criminal defense, Madsen Law Offices serves clients across the Lehigh Valley, including Easton, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and surrounding communities in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Whether your case started with an arrest in downtown Allentown, a stop on Route 22 or I‑78, or an investigation elsewhere in the region, our Easton office is positioned to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my Allentown criminal case be heard?

Most Allentown criminal cases begin in a local Magisterial District Court, where the preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing take place. If the charges are held for court, the case is then transferred to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas at the courthouse in Allentown. Some lower‑level summary offenses may remain at the MDJ level and never go up to the county court.

What should I do if I receive a summons from an Allentown Magisterial District Court?

A summons means charges have been filed and you must appear at the listed date and time. At that hearing, the MDJ will review the charges with you and may hold the preliminary hearing or schedule it for a later date. Failing to attend can result in a bench warrant. You should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you receive the summons so you can prepare for the hearing and protect your rights.

Do I need a lawyer for a first‑time offense in Allentown, PA?

Even a first‑time offense can lead to a permanent criminal record, license issues, employment problems, or immigration consequences. Some first‑time offenders may qualify for programs like ARD, but these are not automatic and require proper handling. A lawyer familiar with Allentown and Lehigh County procedures can help you understand your options and avoid steps that could hurt you later.

Is ARD available for Allentown criminal cases?

Lehigh County offers an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for certain eligible first‑time offenders, especially in DUI and some non‑violent cases. Admission depends on the type of charge, your prior record, and the district attorney’s policies. A criminal defense attorney can review your situation and help you understand whether ARD might be available and what you must do to pursue it.

Will an Allentown criminal charge stay on my record permanently?

Many criminal cases, including cases where you receive probation or pay fines, can stay on your record unless you later qualify for expungement or record‑sealing relief. Whether you can clean up your record depends on the type of charge, how the case was resolved, and your overall history. It is important to consider long‑term record issues before you accept a plea or sign any paperwork.

How soon should I call a lawyer after being arrested in Allentown?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer immediately after an arrest, search, or serious police contact. Early legal help can prevent harmful statements, preserve helpful evidence, and allow time to prepare for the preliminary hearing and later court dates in Lehigh County. Waiting until right before a hearing often limits your options and may make it harder to correct early missteps.

Call for a Confidential Allentown Criminal Defense Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Allentown or elsewhere in Lehigh County, you do not have to face the court system by yourself. The choices you make in the first days and weeks of a case can affect your record and your future for years.

Madsen Law Offices offers confidential consultations from our Easton office at 680 Wolf Avenue to review Allentown charges, explain how the Lehigh County court system works, and discuss practical next steps. Call Madsen Law Offices at 484-548-0529 to speak with our team about your Allentown criminal case.