Because Justice is for All

LEGAL SERVICESNEIGHBORHOOD

JUSTICE FORDOMESTIC VIOLENCE

VICTIMS

CriminalJustice Information

for DomesticViolence Survivors

Domestic ViolenceCriminal Cases

A criminal case begins when acrime is committed. The criminalprocess is different than the civilprocess involved with obtaining aProtection from Abuse (PFA) or othercivil protection order. Civil protectionorders are issued in cases involving“domestic violence.” The PFA andthe criminal process are two differentprocesses despite being based uponthe same facts and allegations.

Physical assault

Sexual assault

Threats to harm

Harassment

Stalking

Trespass or vandalism

A crime can be classified as

“domestic violence” if it involves:

What Happens After a Crime isCommited?

Once the police investigate and chargesare filed, the Defendant will be arrested orordered to appear at an arraignmenthearing.The Defendant will be told the chargesagainst him or her.A Preliminary Hearing will be scheduled,usually in a Magisterial District Office. TheVictim of the Crime should receive noticeof this hearing. This hearing justdetermines if there is evidence to supportthe charges being brought against thedefendant.The case will either be "held over fortrial" or "bound over" to the Court ofCommon Pleas, Dismissed, or a GuiltyPlea will be accepted.A bond may be set by the judge. Bond (orbail) is the amount of money a Defendantmust pay in order to guarantee that theywill return to court and answer thecharges against them. If this amount isnot or cannot be paid, the Defendant willremain in jail. Sometimes, Defendants arereleased on their own Recognizance. Thismeans that the judge trusts the Defendantto return to court without paying anymoney.

What Happens After a Crime isCommited?

Usually No Contact with the victim is acondition of any bond. No contact meansno contact. If this condition is broken, thevictim should immediately report theviolation to the District Attorney's office orlaw enforcement. A Bond RevocationHearing may be scheduled by the DistrictAttorney. If a violation is proven, theDefendant will remain in jail until theresolution of the caseIf the case is bound over for trial, aFormal Arraignment is scheduled. Thevictim does not need to appear at thisstage in the proceedings. The Defendantis just formally presented the chargesagainst them at this phase.Pretrial Conferences are the next step.Preliminary matters are discussed andpossible settlements/plea deals areexplored during this time before the trialtakes place.The trial can occur before a Judge or aJury. At the conclusion of the trial, theDefendant will be found Guilty or NotGuilty. If found guilty, a sentence or apenalty will be imposed.

Important Numbersfor Beaver County

Victim's RightsReferral to other victim service programsVictim Impact Statement assistanceEmergency Financial Assistance accessVictim's CompensationEmergency Justice-related assistance ofservicesChild Care assistanceTransportation AssistanceInterpreter Services

Inmate Locator/Jail Release (PA SAVIN)866-972-7284www.vinelink.com

Beaver County District Attorney724-773-8550districtattorney@beavercountypa.gov

Beaver County Victim/Witness Assistance ProjectSteve Jurich, Director724-773-8570sjurich@beavercountypa.gov

Angel Pollock, Victim Advocate724-773-8573

Beaver County Adult Probation and Parole724-773-8600

If you need any of the following services orinformation, contact your VOCA attorney atNeighborhood Legal Services:

How to Get HelpVisit our website and apply online at

www.nlsa.usand choose "Get Legal Help"

or call

1-866-761-6572NLS provides interpreters and translation services.

All services are confidential

Allegheny County Office928 PENN AVENUE | PITTSBURGH, PA 15222-3757

Beaver County OfficeSTONE POINT LANDING, SUITE 204A

500 MARKET STREET | BRIDGEWATER, PA 15009-2998Butler County Office

HOLLY POINTE BUILDING, SUITE C PLAZA LEVEL220 S. MAIN STREET | BUTLER, PA 16001

Lawrence County OfficeTEMPLE BUILDING, SUITE 329

125 EAST NORTH STREETNEW CASTLE, PA 16101-3751

Funded, in part, by the Commonwealth and through a contract with the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The official registrationand financial information of Neighborhood Legal Services Association may be obtainedfrom the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania, 1-

800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Federal Regulations applyingto NLS require that we notify all donors that no funds can be expended by NLS for any

activity prohibited under P.L. 104-134 or otherwise prohibited by 45 C.F.R.§ 1600 et seq