Facing Charges in Marple Township: What to Expect

Even in low-crime areas like Marple Township, Delaware County treats criminal charges seriously. As defense lawyers in Marple Township, we move fast to challenge evidence, secure release, and protect your options from day one.

Most Marple cases begin with the Marple Township Police Department and are listed for a preliminary hearing at the Magisterial District Court serving Broomall/Marple. Felony and select misdemeanor matters are then “held for court” and transferred to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media for arraignment, pre-trial, and trial. Bail decisions can be made within hours, and early attorney involvement can influence release conditions, preserve defenses, and position your case for diversion where available. Contact Fienman Defense today for a free consultation or visit our Delaware County office.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Marple Township

  • DUI & Traffic Offenses — DUI and traffic stops frequently originate along PA-3 (West Chester Pike), PA-320 (Sproul Rd), I-476, and around evening dining corridors in Broomall and Lawrence Park. We challenge the basis for the stop, field sobriety procedures, breath/blood testing, and fight PennDOT suspensions. Serious traffic matters (reckless driving, driving while suspended, hit-and-run) carry fines, points, insurance spikes, and possible jail—especially with priors.
  • Drug Crimes — Drug prosecutions in Marple range from simple possession after a campus-area stop near Delaware County Community College to intent-to-deliver investigations tied to task force operations. We attack unlawful stops and searches, inventory/vehicle search issues, and chain-of-custody gaps—often the difference between conviction and dismissal.
  • Theft, Retail Theft & Property Crimes — Police and loss-prevention monitor shops along West Chester Pike and the Lawrence Park retail area. Cases include shoplifting, employee theft, receiving stolen property, burglary, and criminal mischief (vandalism). Value and prior record determine grading—from summary to felony. We dissect surveillance, witness ID, and intent to reduce or defeat charges.
  • Fraud & White-Collar — Marple white-collar prosecutions often involve credit/debit card fraud, unemployment/SNAP fraud, forgery, embezzlement, or internet schemes. These cases turn on financial records and digital evidence. Early strategy, document review, and targeted negotiations can limit exposure, protect employment, and avoid incarceration where possible.
  • Assault & Domestic Violence — Disputes at home or altercations near bars/restaurants along PA-3 can lead to simple or aggravated assault, strangulation, and related PFA issues. We pursue self-defense and evidentiary defenses, challenge statements, and manage collateral family-court risks.
  • Firearms & Weapons — Charges include prohibited possession, carrying without a license, and possession of firearms during another offense. Felony exposure and mandatory minimums may apply. We aggressively litigate status elements, possession, and suppression issues.
  • Sex Offenses — Allegations of sexual assault, child pornography, or online solicitation carry severe penalties and potential registration. We challenge digital forensics, credibility, and procedures while safeguarding privacy and reputation.
  • Juvenile Matters — Incidents tied to Marple Newtown School District, youth sports, or local retail corridors often involve underage drinking, fights, theft, or vaping. We pursue diversion, consent decrees, and school-based outcomes to protect education and employment prospects.

The Criminal Process in Marple Township

  • Arrest & Booking — Initiated by Marple Township Police or state police; booking and release decisions happen quickly.
  • Preliminary Arraignment — Bail and conditions set; first hearing dates assigned.
  • Preliminary Hearing — At the district court serving Marple/Broomall; the judge determines if the case moves forward.
  • Formal Arraignment (Media) — Charges confirmed; motion and discovery timelines begin.
  • Pre-Trial & Motions — Suppression challenges, expert review, negotiations, and diversion (e.g., ARD) submissions.
  • Trial — Bench or jury trial in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
  • Sentencing — Pennsylvania guidelines apply; alternatives include probation, treatment, community service, or programs.

Arrested in Delco? Here’s What to Expect

Penalties & Sentencing in Marple Township

Penalties depend on charge level, prior record, and any aggravators (injury, weapons, high BAC, minors). Common outcomes include:

  • DUI (First Offense) — Fines, license suspension, treatment; ignition interlock; potential ARD eligibility.
  • Drug Possession — Probation, treatment, or county jail; evaluations are common.
  • PWID / Distribution — Felony exposure, state prison, fines, and possible asset forfeiture.
  • Retail Theft & Property Crimes — Summary to felony; restitution, probation, or incarceration based on value/priors.
  • Assault (Simple/Aggravated) — Ranges from probation to significant state prison; potential PFAs and no-contact orders.
  • Firearms Offenses — Felony exposure; potential mandatory minimums and long-term firearm disabilities.
  • Fraud & White-Collar — Restitution, probation, or incarceration linked to loss amounts and scheme.
  • Juvenile Cases — Diversion, consent decrees, probation, or placement; focus on rehabilitation and records protection.

Beyond Jail & Fines: Collateral Consequences

  • Employment & Licensing — Background checks and possible discipline for healthcare, education, trades, and CDL holders.
  • Driving & Insurance — PennDOT suspensions, points, and premium spikes (especially after DUI/serious traffic).
  • Immigration — Certain convictions trigger removability/inadmissibility for non-citizens.
  • Housing & Education — Rental denials, student conduct actions, and aid issues.
  • Family & Custody — Records factor into custody and protection-from-abuse cases.
  • Digital Footprint — Public dockets/news can impact reputation long after a case ends.

Read The Art of a Successful Defense – A Guide for Reductions, Dismissals & Winning in Court

ARD, Expungement & Record Sealing in Marple Township

ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) is often available to eligible first-time, non-violent defendants—including many DUI cases. Completing ARD typically results in dismissal, and you may petition to expunge the record of the case. Eligibility and conditions (treatment, community service, restitution) vary by charge and circumstances. We prepare persuasive submissions to maximize your chances.

If charges are dismissed/withdrawn, you complete ARD, or you’re eligible under Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate law, you may pursue expungement or limited access (record sealing). Petitions are filed in the Court of Common Pleas; once granted, state repositories and the arresting agency are notified to update records. We advise on timing, eligibility, and how record relief aligns with employment/licensing goals.

Read First-Time DUIs in Delaware County & Why ARD Is Your Best Option

How Marple Township Cases Differ From Philadelphia

Venue & Procedure: Marple arrests move through Delco’s Magisterial District Courts for the preliminary phase, then to the Court of Common Pleas in Media if held for court. Philadelphia uses Municipal Court and has different calendars and local practices. Delaware County is generally more conservative, with a reputation for aggressive prosecutions and stricter bail expectations—making early defense strategy and mitigation especially important.

Diversion & Outcomes: While both jurisdictions offer programs like ARD, Delco’s eligibility criteria and negotiation norms are narrower than Philadelphia’s in many categories. Knowing local judge expectations and DA policies helps determine whether a case is positioned for diversion, plea reduction, or trial—and how to build the record that gets you there.

Courts & Local Resources

Why Choose Fienman Defense in Marple Township

  • Deep Local Experience – Regularly in Delco district courts (serving Marple/Broomall) and Media’s courthouse; we know how Marple cases are charged and resolved.
  • Specialized DUI Training – Certified in NHTSA SFST, ARIDE, and DRE defense; we challenge roadside procedures and forensic testing from stops on PA-3, PA-320, and I-476.
  • Trial-Ready Advocacy – Motion practice, cross-examination, and evidence attacks when negotiations aren’t enough.
  • Clear Communication – Speak directly with your lawyer, get prompt updates, and a written defense roadmap after your first call.
  • Proven Results – From ARD for first-timers to reductions in complex property and assault cases (no guarantees).
  • Trusted by Clients – “Mike answered any and all questions I had…” — Daniel D.
  • Always Available – 24/7 consultations because arrests don’t wait.

Our Case Results

At Fienman Defense, we don’t let prosecutors push our Marple clients around just because they’ve been accused. We fight every case—from stops along West Chester Pike and Sproul Road to matters bound for Media—to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call (610) 565-4761 today for a free consultation with a Marple Township criminal defense lawyer who knows the local judges, prosecutors, and how to pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

FAQs: Criminal Defense in Marple Township

What Happens After an Arrest in Marple Township?

You’ll be processed by Marple Township Police and either released with a summons or presented for bail. Preliminary hearings occur at the Magisterial District Court serving Marple/Broomall; serious cases move to the Court of Common Pleas in Media.

Can I Avoid Jail for a First-Time Offense?

Often, yes. Many first-time, non-violent defendants qualify for ARD or other alternatives. We evaluate eligibility immediately and present mitigation (treatment, work history, community ties) to secure the best outcome.

How Do Police Handle DUI Stops Along PA-3 Or I-476?

Officers look for weaving, speeding, or late-night patterns, then conduct field sobriety tests and, in some cases, breath/blood testing. Provide license, registration, and insurance; politely invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer.

Will I Lose My License After a DUI?

It depends on BAC tier, refusals, priors, and program eligibility. We handle both the criminal case and PennDOT issues and pursue strategies that minimize suspension where possible.

What Are Common Penalties For Theft Or Retail Theft?

Penalties range from summary fines to felony convictions depending on value and prior record. Consequences can include restitution, probation, and incarceration. We scrutinize surveillance, eyewitness accounts, and intent.

Can I Expunge Or Seal My Record In Delaware County?

You may expunge after dismissal/withdrawal or successful ARD, and many non-violent misdemeanors can be sealed under Clean Slate. Petitions are filed in the Court of Common Pleas. We advise on timing and eligibility.

How Do Marple Cases Differ From Philadelphia?

Delco is generally more conservative, with aggressive charging and stricter bail practices. Diversion criteria (including ARD) can be narrower than in Philadelphia, so local strategy and early mitigation are key.

We Serve Marple Township & Nearby Communities

We represent clients throughout Marple Township and the surrounding areas:

  • Broomall
  • Lawrence Park
  • Paxon Hollow
  • Spring House / Old Marple corridors
  • Areas along West Chester Pike (PA-3) & Sproul Road (PA-320)
  • Nearby: Newtown Square, Springfield, Radnor, Haverford, Upper Darby

Our Delaware County criminal defense team pairs deep local court insight with responsive, hands-on advocacy. For a free consultation, call (610) 565-4761. We also represent clients across Delaware County, Bucks County, Philadelphia, and Montgomery County—so you can get local counsel wherever your case is filed.

Delaware County Criminal Defense

Client Reviews

Experience was excellent, Mike answered any and all questions I had and handled everything. Made me feel like I got my money's worth, an experienced attorney who is good at his job.

Danile D.