Act Fast in Haverford Township If You’re Charged

Most cases begin with the Haverford Township Police Department (1010 Darby Rd, Havertown) and are listed at the Magisterial District Court serving your address for the preliminary phase. Serious misdemeanors and felonies move to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media. Bail can be set within hours, so early attorney involvement can mean the difference between going home and sitting in custody while your case proceeds.

Speak with a local defense lawyer at (610) 828-3338. We’ll assess the stop, the evidence, and your options right away.

Criminal Charges We See in Haverford Township

Haverford blends quiet neighborhoods with busy corridors—Darby Rd, Eagle Rd, Township Line Rd (US-1), and West Chester Pike (PA-3). Police presence is visible near the Oakmont business district, Manoa Shopping Center, and around evening events. We commonly defend:

  • DUI & Traffic Offenses — We challenge the stop, SFSTs, and breath/blood testing; we fight suspensions and pursue ARD where appropriate.
  • Drug Crimes — Possession, paraphernalia, and intent to deliver; campus-area incidents and task-force investigations.
  • Assault & Domestic Violence — Household disputes and bar/restaurant altercations can trigger charges and protective orders.
  • Theft & Retail Theft — Shoplifting and employee theft cases are actively prosecuted across Delco.
  • Fraud & White-Collar — Identity theft, embezzlement, unemployment/SNAP fraud; sometimes with state or federal coordination.
  • Firearms & Weapons — Prohibited possession, carrying without a license, or use during another offense.
  • Sex Crimes — From indecent assault to registry-eligible offenses; high-stakes investigations require fast counsel.
  • Juvenile Offenses — School-based incidents, underage drinking, vaping, and retail cases; we protect your child’s record.
  • Professional & CDL License Defense — Healthcare workers (Lankenau, Bryn Mawr), teachers, and CDL drivers often face collateral licensing issues.

The Criminal Process in Haverford Township: Step-By-Step

  • Arrest & Booking — Haverford PD processes the arrest; release with summons or presentation for bail.
  • Preliminary Arraignment — Conditions of release and scheduling set.
  • Preliminary Hearing (District Court) — A judge decides if there’s enough evidence to hold the case for court.
  • Arraignment (Common Pleas, Media) — Formal notice of charges; motion deadlines start.
  • Pre-Trial & Motions — Suppression (stop, statements, testing), discovery enforcement, negotiations, and ARD submissions where eligible.
  • Trial & Sentencing — Bench or jury trial; sentencing under Pennsylvania guidelines if convicted.

Charged in Philly’s Suburbs? Knowing the Local Courts Matters

Where Are Haverford Criminal Cases Heard?

Penalties of a Criminal Conviction in Haverford

Outcomes depend on the exact charge, prior record, and aggravating factors (injury, high BAC, weapons). The grid below is a general guide—your case may qualify for defenses, diversion, or reductions.

Offense Potential Penalties Local Context
DUI (First Offense) Fines, license suspension, treatment; possible ARD for eligible first-timers Frequent patrols along PA-3 & Eagle Rd
Drug Possession Probation to jail; treatment/counseling conditions are common Often linked to campus areas or traffic stops
Retail Theft Summary to felony based on value/priors Active loss-prevention at shopping centers
Simple/Aggravated Assault Probation up to significant state prison for aggravated Domestic and nightlife incidents
Firearms Offenses Mandatory minimums possible for certain felonies Strict charging posture county-wide
Juvenile Offenses Diversion, consent decrees, probation, or placement School and neighborhood referrals
Fraud/White-Collar Restitution, probation, or prison depending on loss May involve state/federal coordination

Beyond Jail & Fines — The Collateral Damage

  • Employment — Main Line hospitals and local employers run background checks.
  • Housing — Landlords in Havertown and nearby towns routinely screen records.
  • Licensing — Nurses, teachers, real-estate agents, and CDL drivers face disciplinary exposure.
  • Immigration — Certain convictions can cause removal or inadmissibility issues.
  • Family & Custody — Records can impact custody disputes in Delaware County.
  • Financial — Court costs, restitution, time off work, and insurance increases.

Delaware County, PA Case Results

More Case Results

Courts & Haverford Resources

  • Delaware County Court of Common Pleas — 201 W Front St, Media, PA 19063 • Main courthouse for felonies and bound-over cases.
  • Magisterial District Courts (Haverford) — Handle preliminary hearings, traffic, and summary matters (venue varies by address).
  • Adult Probation & Parole — Reporting requirements and supervision after sentencing.
  • Haverford Township Police Department — 1010 Darby Rd, Havertown, PA 19083 (non-emergency listed on Township site).
  • Delaware County Sheriff / George W. Hill Correctional Facility — Custody, bail, and inmate information.
  • Treatment & Recovery — Local counseling and outpatient programs that support mitigation or ARD.

Defense Strategies We Use in Haverford

Our approach is local and evidence-driven. We scrutinize the stop, body-cam footage, calibration logs, lab records, and whether prosecutors can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. We combine legal defenses with mitigation—treatment, counseling, community service, and verified progress—to seek dismissals, diversions, or reduced outcomes when available.

  • Stop & Seizure — Was there reasonable suspicion or probable cause?
  • Field & Chemical Testing — Were procedures and machines compliant and maintained?
  • Statements — Miranda compliance and voluntariness issues.
  • Discovery & Paperwork — Missing videos, chain-of-custody, late filings, or speedy-trial problems.
  • Negotiation & Alternatives — ARD, conditional pleas, or treatment-based resolutions where eligible.

Why Choose Fienman Defense in Haverford Township

  • Local Insight — Regular appearances in Delaware County courts; familiarity with local procedures and tendencies.
  • DUI & Trial Skill — Training in NHTSA testing and ARIDE/DRE defense; fluent with technical evidence.
  • Client-First Access — 24/7 consultations, prompt updates, and a clear action plan after your first call.
  • Proven Results — From ARD for first-timers to charge reductions in complex cases (no guarantees).

Related Guides & Internal Resources

FAQs: Criminal Defense in Haverford Township (Delco)

Can I Avoid Jail for a First Offense in Haverford?

Yes—depending on your record and the charge. Options can include ARD for certain first-time, non-violent offenses, probation, community service, or treatment conditions. We’ll evaluate eligibility and push for the least restrictive outcome.

Where Will My First Court Date Be?

Most cases begin in the Magisterial District Court serving your Haverford address. Felonies and cases “held for court” move to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media.

What Should I Say to Haverford Police During a Stop?

Provide license, registration, and insurance. Politely say, “I choose to remain silent and I’d like a lawyer.” You do not have to answer questions about coming from a bar or whether you’ve been drinking.

How Is Bail Set in Delaware County?

Bail is typically set at the district court early in the process. For serious charges, bail can be addressed in the Court of Common Pleas. We argue for release on recognizance or reduced bail with conditions tailored to your situation.

Can I Expunge or Seal My Record After a Case in Haverford?

You may qualify for expungement after dismissal/withdrawal, completion of ARD, or for certain summary offenses after a waiting period. Record sealing (Clean Slate/limited access) may apply to many non-violent misdemeanors. Petitions are filed in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

Will My Lawyer Appear for Me at Every Hearing?

In many misdemeanor cases, counsel can appear for certain proceedings; rules vary by court and charge. We’ll confirm when your presence is required and keep you prepared.

We Represent People Throughout Haverford Township

Haverford Township includes Havertown and several distinct neighborhoods. Cases often originate in these areas and proceed to the appropriate district court or to Media if held for court:

  • Havertown
  • Brookline
  • Manoa
  • Oakmont
  • Llanerch
  • Chatham Park
  • Kirklyn
  • West Gate Hills
  • Beechwood
  • Coopertown
  • Haverford (Main Line area; borders Lower Merion & Radnor)
  • Portions of Ardmore & Bryn Mawr within Township lines

If you live in any Haverford Township community and are facing charges, call (610) 828-3338 for a free consultation with a local defense lawyer.

Delaware County Criminal Defense

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