John B. Pike, Esquire

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John B. Pike, Esquire A Full Service Law Firm in Northeastern PA
Pike Law focuses on Car Accidents, Criminal Defense (DUI, Attorney John B. John B.

Pike has been representing clients in Kingston, PA and throughout the surrounding Northeastern Pennsylvania area for over 30 years. Pike, Attorney at Law offers legal services across a broad range of practice areas, with a particular focus in Car Accident, Criminal Law and Social Security Disability cases.

10/16/2026

Charged With Theft in Luzerne County? Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you're facing theft charges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, choosing a criminal defense attorney involves more than simply comparing legal fees.

Before hiring a lawyer, consider asking these five questions:
1. Experience: How long have you practiced criminal defense law?
2. Trial Experience: Are you prepared to take my case to trial if necessary?
3. Evidence: How will you evaluate the allegations, witness statements, and evidence against me?
4. Preliminary Hearing: What is your strategy for challenging the Commonwealth's evidence?
5. Representation: Who will actually prepare my defense and represent me in court?

Whether you're charged with retail theft, theft by unlawful taking, or receiving stolen property, your attorney should carefully evaluate the facts and explain your legal options.

Experience matters when your future is at stake.

For more than 35 years, I have defended individuals facing criminal charges throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, from preliminary hearings through jury trials.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney Kingston, PA
Serving Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre & Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/15/2026

Arrested for Theft in Luzerne County? What Happens Next?

If you're charged with theft in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, understanding the criminal justice process is important.

Whether the allegation involves retail theft, theft by unlawful taking, or receiving stolen property, most misdemeanor and felony cases follow a similar process.

1. Preliminary Arraignment: A Magisterial District Judge advises you of the charges and addresses bail when applicable.
2. Preliminary Hearing: The Commonwealth must present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case. This is not a trial, but it can be an important opportunity to evaluate the prosecution's evidence.
3. Formal Arraignment and Discovery: If the charges are held for court, the case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas, where the defense reviews discovery and evaluates potential legal challenges.
4. Pretrial Proceedings: The case may be resolved through negotiations, diversionary programs, or proceed toward trial.

An experienced criminal defense attorney should begin evaluating the evidence early rather than waiting until trial approaches.

For more than 35 years, I have represented individuals facing criminal charges throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, PA
Serving Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre & Northeastern Pennsylvania

Theft Charges in Luzerne County: Why Experience MattersImprovise. Adapt. Overcome.Those three words reflect lessons I le...
10/14/2026

Theft Charges in Luzerne County: Why Experience Matters

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

Those three words reflect lessons I learned during my service as a U.S. Army Judge Advocate. They also apply to defending individuals accused of crimes.

When defending someone charged with theft in Pennsylvania, preparation is essential. But so is the ability to adapt as a case develops.

Witness testimony may change. New evidence may emerge. The Commonwealth's theory of prosecution may be challenged.
An experienced criminal defense attorney must be prepared to evaluate the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and adjust the defense strategy when necessary.

Whether the charge involves retail theft, theft by unlawful taking, or receiving stolen property, every case deserves careful preparation and an individualized defense.

For more than 35 years, I have represented individuals facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, from preliminary hearings through jury trials.

Experience matters. Preparation matters. Adaptability matters.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, PA
Serving Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre & Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/13/2026

Charged With Theft in Pennsylvania? Can You Go to Jail?

One of the first questions people ask after being charged with theft is, "Am I going to jail?"
The answer depends on several factors.
Under Pennsylvania law, theft offenses can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The value of the property, the nature of the alleged offense, and a defendant's criminal history can all affect the potential consequences.

Theft charges may include:
• Theft by unlawful taking
• Retail theft or shoplifting
• Theft by deception
• Receiving stolen property
• Theft of services

But being charged with theft does not mean you will be convicted.
The Commonwealth must establish the elements of the offense, including the required criminal intent. An experienced criminal defense attorney should carefully examine the evidence, identify potential defenses, and evaluate available options.
For more than 35 years, I have represented individuals facing criminal charges throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, PA
Serving Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre & Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/09/2026

Charged With Strangulation? What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you are facing a strangulation charge in Pennsylvania, choosing an attorney should involve more than simply asking, “How much do you charge?”

Strangulation can be a serious criminal offense, including a felony depending on the circumstances. Before hiring an attorney, consider asking some important questions:
How much criminal defense experience do you have?
Serious criminal charges should be handled by an attorney who regularly practices criminal law.

Do you have actual trial experience?

Not every case goes to trial, but your attorney should be prepared to try the case if that becomes necessary.
How will you evaluate the evidence?

Strangulation cases may involve conflicting statements, photographs, medical records, 911 calls, body-camera footage, text messages, and witness testimony. Each piece of evidence should be examined rather than simply accepting the allegations in the criminal complaint.

What is your strategy for the preliminary hearing?
The preliminary hearing can be an important opportunity to hear testimony, evaluate witnesses, preserve testimony, and challenge whether the Commonwealth has established a prima facie case.
Who will actually handle my case?

You should know who will appear with you in court and who will be responsible for preparing your defense.

Choosing a criminal defense attorney is an important decision. Ask questions, understand how the attorney approaches serious criminal cases, and make sure you are comfortable with the representation you will receive.

For more than 35 years, I have represented people facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, from preliminary hearings through jury trials.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, PA
Serving Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre, and Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/08/2026

Strangulation Charges: Why Experience Matters When Reviewing the Evidence

A strangulation charge in Pennsylvania is serious. But a serious accusation still has to be proven with evidence.

These cases often arise from domestic disputes where two people may give very different accounts of what happened. There may be no independent eyewitness, and Pennsylvania law does not require the Commonwealth to prove that the alleged victim suffered a physical injury.

That makes a careful review of the evidence especially important.
An experienced criminal defense attorney should look beyond the criminal complaint and examine the entire case. That can include photographs, medical records, 911 recordings, police body-camera footage, text messages, witness statements, prior statements, and the timing of the allegations.

Details matter.

Does the physical evidence support what was reported? Are the statements consistent? Did the account change over time? Are there witnesses or communications that provide additional context? What did officers actually observe when they arrived?
Experience also matters in determining what issues should be challenged at the preliminary hearing, what additional evidence should be obtained through discovery, and whether pretrial motions may be appropriate.

Being charged is not the same as being convicted. Every strangulation case should be evaluated based on its own facts and evidence.

For more than 35 years, I have represented individuals facing serious criminal charges in Pennsylvania courts.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, PA
Serving Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/06/2026

Strangulation Charges in Luzerne County, PA: What Happens After an Arrest?

Being arrested for strangulation in Luzerne County can immediately put you into the criminal court system facing a potentially serious charge.

Under Pennsylvania law, strangulation generally involves knowingly or intentionally impeding another person’s breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or by blocking the nose and mouth. Importantly, visible physical injury is not required for a prosecution.

After an arrest in Luzerne County, the accused will typically appear before a Magisterial District Judge for a preliminary arraignment, where bail may be addressed. The case will then proceed to a preliminary hearing, where the Commonwealth must present sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case before the charges can move forward to the Court of Common Pleas.

Strangulation allegations frequently arise from domestic disputes, where the individuals involved may give very different accounts of what occurred. A careful defense investigation may include reviewing:
• Police reports and witness statements
• Body-camera footage and 911 recordings
• Photographs and medical records
• Statements made by the accused and alleged victim
• The timing and circumstances surrounding the allegation

The early stages of a strangulation case can be important.
Evidence should be reviewed carefully before decisions are made about how the case should proceed.

If you have been charged with strangulation in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, or elsewhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about the allegations and your options.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, Pennsylvania
Serving Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/05/2026

Is Strangulation a Felony in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania treats strangulation as a serious criminal offense.

Under Pennsylvania law, a person may be charged with strangulation if they knowingly or intentionally impede another person’s breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or by blocking the person’s nose and mouth.

One important point: the Commonwealth does not necessarily have to prove that the alleged victim suffered a visible physical injury. That means the absence of bruising, marks, or other obvious injuries does not automatically prevent a strangulation charge from being filed.

Depending on the circumstances, strangulation can be graded as a misdemeanor or a felony. Factors such as the relationship between the individuals, whether there is an active Protection From Abuse order, and whether an instrument was allegedly used can affect the grading of the offense.

Because these cases frequently arise from domestic disputes, what happened may be disputed. Statements made to police, photographs, medical records, 911 calls, body-camera footage, witness accounts, and the timeline of events can all become important evidence.

If you are charged with strangulation in Pennsylvania, the fact that charges were filed does not mean the allegations have been proven. The Commonwealth still has the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, PA
Serving Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/02/2026

Choosing a Lawyer for a PFA Hearing in Luzerne County

If you have been served with a Protection From Abuse order, choosing an attorney should involve more than simply asking, “How much do you charge?”

Ask about courtroom experience.

A final PFA hearing can involve testimony, cross-examination, credibility disputes, text messages, photographs, police reports, and other evidence. Your lawyer may have to make decisions quickly as testimony unfolds in the courtroom.

Ask whether the attorney actually handles PFA hearings and understands the potential consequences of a final order, including restrictions on contact, residence, and fi****ms. If there are related or potential criminal allegations, your attorney should also understand how what happens in the PFA proceeding could affect the criminal case.

Most importantly, your lawyer should take the time to learn the facts before telling you how the case should be handled. Every PFA case is different, and a strategy should be based on the allegations and evidence, not assumptions made during a five-minute conversation.

I have practiced law for more than 35 years and regularly represent clients in PFA and criminal proceedings in Luzerne County and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

If you are looking for a PFA defense lawyer in Luzerne County, ask questions and make sure the attorney you hire is prepared to handle the case in the courtroom.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, Pennsylvania
Serving Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania

10/01/2026

What Happens at a Final PFA Hearing in Pennsylvania?

If you have been served with a temporary Protection From Abuse order, the next major step is usually the final PFA hearing.

At the hearing, both sides have an opportunity to present their case. The person who filed the PFA may testify about the alleged abuse and present witnesses or other evidence. The defendant has the right to respond to those allegations, present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine the other side’s witnesses.

Unlike a criminal case, the person seeking the PFA does not have to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard is preponderance of the evidence, which generally means showing that the alleged abuse more likely than not occurred.

The judge may dismiss the petition or enter a final PFA order. A final order can remain in effect for up to three years and can include restrictions on contact, residence, and fi****ms.

This is why preparation before the hearing is important. Text messages, photographs, witnesses, prior communications, police reports, and inconsistencies in the allegations may all become relevant.

If you have a PFA hearing in Luzerne County, do not wait until the day of court to begin preparing your defense.

Law Office of John B. Pike
Criminal Defense Attorney | Kingston, Pennsylvania
Serving Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania

Address

400 Third Avenue
Kingston, PA
18704

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5am
Tuesday 9am - 5am
Wednesday 9am - 5am
Thursday 9am - 5am
Friday 9am - 5am

Telephone

+15702887780

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