What should I do when I think charges might be filed against me?

A: When you receive these papers (or think that you might face criminal charges), you should meet with a lawyer immediately. You want to begin to prepare for the preliminary hearing as soon as possible. The government, often including the local police, Pennsylvania State Police, their detectives, or other law enforcement, have completed either most or all of their investigation already. You and your lawyer will need to make the most of the time you have to prepare your defense, discuss and plan your courses of action, and work to defend your freedom.