Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania
I have been accused of assult by a women I don't even know. It is her word against mine. I went to a Justice of the Peace for my hearing and JP pushed it on to a trial case. If there is no evidence other than her word against mine should't it have stopped with the JP? How could they say it would be proven beyond a shadow of a doubt?
1 Answer from Attorneys
The JP (actually MDJ--Magisterial District Judge) does not determine that it will be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. That's not his/her role. An MDJ decides whether, based on the evidence provided by the COMMONWEALTH alone, whether there is any evidence that the crime was committed, and any evidence that you were involved in that crime. That's a determination of whether there was a prima facie case.
Her testimony is enough.
And, her testimony could be enough to convict you beyond a reasonable doubt too, if the jury believes her. It's a matter of credibility, and juries get to determine who they believe.
You should hire an attorney asap. Feel free to email.
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