Acting Fast in Abington Matters if You’re Charged
Most Abington criminal charges start with the Abington Township Police Department, headquartered at 1166 Old York Rd. From there, cases usually move to Magisterial District Court 38-1-04, located at 117 Old York Rd, Jenkintown. The district court judge decides whether your case moves forward to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown for more serious charges.
If you’re booked, you may be transported to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Eagleville. Bail decisions are often made quickly at the district court level, so having a defense attorney involved immediately can affect whether you wait at home or behind bars while your case proceeds.
Call 610) 828-3338 today for a free consultation with a local Abington criminal defense lawyer.
Criminal Charges in Abington Township
Criminal cases in Abington range from summary offenses like shoplifting at Willow Grove Park Mall or underage drinking near Penn State Abington, to misdemeanors such as first-time DUIs or simple assault, and serious felonies like aggravated assault or drug distribution. Minor cases are heard in Jenkintown’s Magisterial District Court, while felonies proceed to Norristown.
Enforcement in Abington is proactive and highly visible. Police frequently run DUI patrols along Route 611, Susquehanna Road, and Easton Road, aggressively prosecute retail theft tied to the mall, and monitor student activity near Penn State Abington.
Cases Our Abington Defense Lawyers Handle
- DUI & Traffic Offenses – Frequent patrols on Old York Rd, Route 309, and the Turnpike Extension. We challenge stops, testing, and fight license suspensions.
- Drug Charges – From campus possession cases near Penn State Abington to felony distribution investigated by the Montgomery County Drug Task Force.
- Assault & Domestic Violence – Disputes at home or altercations near bars along Old York Rd often lead to charges and protective orders.
- Theft Crimes – Shoplifting at Willow Grove Park Mall and employee theft from local businesses are prosecuted aggressively.
- Fraud & White-Collar Crimes – Identity theft, embezzlement, and SNAP fraud cases, often prosecuted in Norristown or in coordination with federal agencies.
- Firearms & Weapons Offenses – Illegal possession, carrying without a license, or use during a crime can trigger mandatory sentences.
- Sex Crimes – Allegations of sexual assault, child pornography, or indecent exposure can mean long prison terms and lifetime registration.
- Juvenile Cases – Underage drinking, vaping, or theft in Abington schools. We work to protect young clients’ records.
- Professional License Defense – Doctors at Jefferson Abington Hospital, nurses, pharmacists, and CDL drivers face both criminal charges and professional discipline.
The Criminal Process in Abington: Step by Step
- Arrest & Booking – Taken into custody by Abington PD, processed locally or sent to Eagleville. Bail often set at the district court.
- Preliminary Hearing – Held in Jenkintown. A judge decides if there’s enough evidence to move forward.
- Arraignment & Pre-Trial – If bound over, the case moves to Norristown for arraignment. Motions and ARD requests may follow.
- Trial & Sentencing – Serious cases tried in the Court of Common Pleas. Sentencing follows Pennsylvania guidelines.
Where Are Abington Criminal Cases Heard?
- Magisterial District Court – 117 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046
- Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas – 2 E Airy St, Norristown, PA 19401
- Montgomery County Correctional Facility – 60 Eagleville Rd, Eagleville, PA 19403
Penalties of a Criminal Conviction in Abington
| Offense | Potential Penalties | Local Context |
| DUI (1st) | Fines up to $5,000, 12-month suspension | Frequent checkpoints on 611 & 309 |
| Drug Possession | Probation → prison | Common near Penn State Abington |
| Retail Theft | Summary → felony | Often tied to Willow Grove Mall |
| Assault | Up to 10 years for aggravated | Often linked to domestic disputes |
| Firearms | Mandatory sentences for felonies | Strict enforcement in Norristown |
| Juvenile Offenses | Counseling, probation, detention | Common in Abington schools |
| Fraud | Restitution, probation, or prison | SNAP fraud prosecuted federally |
Beyond Jail & Fines – The Collateral Damage
- Employment Barriers – Background checks at Jefferson Abington Hospital and Willow Grove employers limit opportunities.
- Housing Challenges – Convictions make it harder to rent locally.
- Professional Licensing Risks – Doctors, nurses, CDL drivers risk suspension by boards.
- Immigration Consequences – Non-citizens may face deportation or visa issues.
- Custody Issues – Records can be used in Montgomery County custody disputes.
- Financial Strain – Court costs, restitution, and lost income add pressure.
- Reputation Damage – Abington is close-knit; a conviction carries lasting stigma.
Our Record in Abington
Why Choose Fienman Defense for Criminal Cases in Abington Township
- Deep Local Experience – Regularly in Jenkintown and Norristown courts.
- Specialized DUI Training – Certified in NHTSA Sobriety Testing, ARIDE, and DRE defense.
- Proven Results – From ARD for DUIs to reduced felonies at Willow Grove Mall.
- Trusted by Clients – “Mike answered any and all questions I had…” – Daniel D.
- Always Available – We offer 24/7 consults because arrests don’t wait.
At Fienman Defense, we don’t let prosecutors push our clients around simply because they’ve been accused. We fight every case to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Call 610) 828-3338 today for a free consultation with an Abington Township criminal defense lawyer who knows how to secure the best possible outcome in your case.
FAQs: Criminal Defense in Abington Township, PA
Can I Avoid Jail for a First Offense in Abington?
Yes. Options like Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), probation, or treatment courts are sometimes available for first-time, non-violent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge and your record.
When Should I Call an Abington Defense Lawyer?
How Do I Ask for a Lawyer If I’m Arrested in Abington?
What Should I Say to the Police If I’m Pulled Over in Abington?
Can I Call Someone After Being Arrested in Abington?
Where Will I Be Taken After an Arrest in Abington Township?
How Do I Post Bail in Abington Township?
Can I Expunge or Seal My Record in Abington Township?
We Represent People Throughout Abington Township
Abington Township comprises seventeen distinct communities, each with its own neighborhood character. While these areas are unofficial subdivisions, they shape how residents identify themselves and where criminal cases often begin. At Fienman Defense, we represent people from every corner of Abington Township when charges arise:
The communities of Abington Township include:
- Abington
- Ardsley (partly in Upper Dublin)
- Crestmont
- Elkins Park (also in Cheltenham)
- Fitzwatertown
- Fox Chase (extends into Philadelphia)
- Glenside (also in Cheltenham)
- Hollywood
- Huntingdon Valley (shared with Lower & Upper Moreland)
- Jenkintown (Abington’s Jenkintown neighborhood borders the independent borough of Jenkintown)
- McKinley
- Meadowbrook
- Noble
- North Hills (also in Springfield & Upper Dublin)
- Roslyn
- Roychester
- Rydal
- Willow Grove (extends into Upper Dublin & Upper Moreland)
Because these communities often overlap with neighboring townships, cases can be heard in Jenkintown Magisterial District Court or transferred to Norristown. Regardless of where your case begins, we know how to navigate Abington’s local courts, prosecutors, and enforcement.
If you live in any of Abington Township’s communities and are facing criminal charges, call 610) 828-3338 for a free consultation with a local Abington Township defense lawyer.