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An aerial shot of the Berks County Courthouse and surrounding buildings in Reading, PA.

Preliminary Arraignment

A preliminary arraignment is the first step in the criminal procedure process in Pennsylvania. When you’ve been charged with a crime, the preliminary arraignment is the first hearing that you’ll be notified of by the Magisterial District…
An aerial shot of the Pagoda with Reading in the background

What is the difference between a preliminary hearing and a preliminary arraignment?

When the government charges you with a crime in Pennsylvania, your first two hearings are the Preliminary Arraignment and the Preliminary Hearing. Both of these occur at the Magisterial District Court. What is the difference between these…