Preliminary Hearings Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
Not Guilty Murder Case
Not Guilty Rape case
Charges Dropped Embezzlement
Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
Charges Dropped Embezzlement
Not Guilty Double Homicide
Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Assault
Not Guilty Child Pornography
Not Guilty College student rape case
Acquittal Impeachment Trial
Not Guilty DUI
Charges Dropped Arson
Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Theft

Pennsylvania Preliminary Hearing Lawyer

Preliminary Hearing Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Testing Prosecutorial Evidence Early Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Being arrested and charged with a crime can be a scary and overwhelming experience. The whole experience is made even worse by the fact that the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania can be quite complex. Once you get into the system, you will have to go through multiple phases before your trial. One of the most critical pre-trial phases is the preliminary hearing. This hearing is an essential step in which the court will decide whether to go forward with your case. It is therefore important to understand your rights and be prepared for your pre-trial hearing to ensure your rights are protected. An experienced Pennsylvania preliminary hearing attorney from our law firm can help.

Preliminary hearings are a critical step in the criminal justice process. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is experienced in defending the rights of those charged with crimes in Pennsylvania. We have successfully represented clients charged with crimes in thousands of hearings. We have been able to get the charges of many of our clients dismissed at the initial stages of the proceedings and secure their freedom while protecting their future. We will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced preliminary hearing defense lawyer in Philadelphia, PA. We will review your case and provide you with guidance on your rights and options.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

- Ninel B.
They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.
They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

- Sewall M. Jr.
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB
They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.

What is a Preliminary Hearing?

A preliminary hearing is an important step in the criminal justice process in Pennsylvania. In this stage, the prosecution is allowed to present the evidence they have gathered against you. The hearing is designed to determine whether there is enough evidence against you to justify having you stand trial. While the preliminary hearing may resemble a trial in various aspects, it will not result in a determination of whether you are guilty or not for committing the crime. The goal of this phase is to ensure that the evidentiary standards in your case are upheld by the court.

The Burden of Proof

In a preliminary hearing, the burden of providing evidence to support the case against you lies on the prosecution. It is, therefore, the prosecution’s responsibility to meet the evidentiary standard of the hearing in order for you to be officially charged and brought to trial. If the prosecution fails to meet the burden of proof, your case will be dismissed.

The preliminary trial is a great opportunity to protect your name and freedom. Work with an experienced Pennsylvania preliminary hearing attorney. We will use our cross-examination skills to poke holes in the case presented by the prosecution. We will move to have your case dismissed and the charges against you dismissed. We will work to protect your rights.

Probable Cause in Preliminary Hearings

The prosecution is required by law to provide evidence that would lead a reasonable person to believe that you as the defendant committed the crime for which you are being accused. The prosecution can therefore present testimony as well as evidence that barely proves the elements of the crime. The evidentiary standard in a preliminary hearing is very low. If the prosecution can meet the standard, then your case will advance to the Court of Common Pleas.

The experienced team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin will work to protect your rights and your freedom. We will examine the prosecution’s case and poke holes in it. We will work to get the best possible outcome.

Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin to Consult with an Experienced Pennsylvania Preliminary Hearing Attorney

Are you facing a preliminary hearing? This can be a scary and even overwhelming experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to face your hearing alone. Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin to consult with an experienced preliminary hearing defense lawyer in Philadelphia, PA. We are available to answer your questions, address your concerns and help you understand your rights and the options available to you. Work with an experienced Pennsylvania preliminary hearing attorney from our law firm and get the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Our experienced legal team will go above and beyond to secure a favorable outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take that first step to protect your rights.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preliminary Hearings in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Preliminary hearings in Pennsylvania are scheduled to be heard within the county and municipality where the alleged crime occurred. Thus various factors will affect where your preliminary trial will take place. For example, the location where your arrest took place as well as the police department from which the arresting officers were from will all play a role in determining where your preliminary hearing will take place.
The attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin have experience defending clients throughout Pennsylvania. We are familiar with the court systems in various parts of the state. You can rely on us to work to get the best outcome in your case.
Contact us today to work with a Pennsylvania preliminary hearing attorney.
Yes. The preliminary hearing is an important part of the criminal justice process in Pennsylvania. It is important not to take it for granted. You must be adequately prepared for the hearing to ensure that your rights are protected. While these hearings do not result in a determination of guilt or innocence, they still play an important role in your case. They are used to determine whether the prosecution has a valid case against you and whether the case should move forward to trial. You must understand your rights. Working with an experienced preliminary hearing defense lawyer in Philadelphia, PA will help to improve the outcome of your case. Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin to consult with an experienced attorney and ensure that your rights are protected.
A preliminary hearing allows the court to determine whether the prosecution has enough evidence to move your case forward to trial. It does not decide guilt or innocence. Instead, it tests whether probable cause exists to believe that you committed the offense. If the prosecution cannot meet this threshold, your charges may be dismissed at this early stage.
No. You are not required to testify or present evidence. In fact, most defendants do not testify because anything said under oath can be used later at trial. Your attorney will advise you on the best strategy, which typically includes challenging the prosecution’s evidence through cross-examination rather than offering your own testimony.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie

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Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

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