Trial Division

The largest division in the office, the staff of the Trial Division is responsible for reviewing, charging, preparing and prosecuting most crimes committed by adults, ranging from summary offenses to homicide.

CHARGING
Staffed at all times, the Assistant District Attorneys determine which charges to lodge against alleged offenders within hours of arrest. They also review and approve arrest warrants and search warrants, and staff Arraignment Court.

FAMILY VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
Staffed by experienced Assistant District Attorneys who prosecute sexual assaults of adult victims, sexual and physical assaults against children, and violent felony crimes committed within a family or household. Most cases are prosecuted vertically, with the same prosecutor in the case from arrest to sentencing.

FELONY WAIVER

Staffed by Assistant District Attorneys with several years experience who prosecute felony cases before judges sitting without juries. This unit utilizes community prosecution, with cases from a specific section of the City scheduled in one courtroom. The unit also prosecutes all cases of illegal gun possession in Gun Court.

HOMICIDE
Staffed by the most experienced trial Assistant District Attorneys who vertically prosecute all murder, manslaughter and vehicular homicide cases.

MAJOR TRIALS

Staffed by experienced Assistant District Attorneys who prosecute major felony cases, including gun-point robbery, nonfatal shooting and other assault, arson and drug delivery.

MOTIONS/COMMUNITY COURT

Assistant District Attorneys litigate all appeals from the Municipal Court and Traffic Court to the Court of Common Pleas. They also prosecute summary and misdemeanor offenders in Community Court, quickly and comprehensively addressing quality of life offenses.

MUNICIPAL COURT

Assistant District Attorneys prosecute felony preliminary hearings and misdemeanor trials. The unit prosecutes about 65,000 cases each year - 30,000 preliminary hearings and 35,000 misdemeanor trials.

Staffed by veteran Assistant District Attorneys, each assigned to a specific section of the City, to work closely with the community and vertically prosecute the City's most chronic offenders.

VICTIM/WITNESS SERVICES

Victim/witness coordinators assist witnesses and victims throughout the criminal proceedings: notifying them of upcoming hearings, arranging transportation to court, providing support and guidance, and addressing issues of intimidation and harassment. The unit also assists crime victims with the filing of claims with the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Compensation Board.