Delaware County 32-1-32 Magisterial District Court

Having a court date for a legal matter is bound to make anyone feel anxious. If you or someone you care about is scheduled to appear in a Delaware County Magisterial District Court, you probably feel confused and anxious because you don’t know what will happen. One of the best things you can do under these circumstances is contact an attorney that’s experienced and can answer any questions you have.

The guidance and direction of a qualified professional is necessary when you have been charged with a criminal offense or a traffic violation. The Law Offices of Amato Sanita have provided trusted and effective counsel to clients with cases in Pennsylvania’s Magisterial Courts for years.

A notice to appear in Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-1-32 should be taken seriously. This court is presided over by Magisterial District Judge Andrea B. Puppio and located in Springfield, which is a suburb of Philadelphia. A summons received from this court may be regarding a preliminary arraignment, preliminary hearing, traffic citation, non-jury trial, or bench warrant.

The Magisterial District Court covers the following voting districts for Morton Borough and Springfield Township: 2-2, 3, 4 and 7. Since there is more than one court in Springfield, you must verify the location to ensure you know exactly where to appear for your court date.

As a minor court, the Magisterial District Court in Springfield handles citations that are both traffic and non-traffic in nature. The Delaware County Magisterial District Courts is also responsible for handing civil cases (up to $12,000) and landlord/tenant disputes, as well as preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings for criminal cases. Judges within Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Courts also perform marriages and administer oaths.

Magisterial District Courts – Delaware County, Pennsylvania

The types of cases handled by Delaware County Magisterial District Courts are classified as summary offenses, which are the least serious type of offense in Pennsylvania. Offenses that fall under this category include harassment, criminal mischief, underage drinking, disorderly conduct, first offense retail theft (under $150), and driving with a suspended license.

Located throughout Delaware County are 33 Magisterial District Courts. These courts are where criminal cases are initiated. Preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings are the first phases of misdemeanor and felony cases. The phase after preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings is the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

The court system can be difficult to navigate without the help of an attorney. In fact, an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney can prepare a defense that may help significantly during your case. Although summary offenses are viewed as minor charges, they can lead to major problems with serious consequences. A summary offense can result in a maximum fine of $300 and up to 90 days in jail. In the event that you have a prior conviction, the punishment could be 180 days in jail.

The Critical Importance of Having a Delaware County Criminal Defense Lawyer in a Springfield Courtroom

If you are under the impression that you can handle the case on your own, it’s worth reconsidering. You may decide to plead guilty when that isn’t the best strategy, depending on the circumstances. An experienced attorney can examine the facts and help you make decisions based on the details of the case and the impact it will have on your future. Thoughtful consideration is necessary to determine the best strategy.

In addition to the possibility of going to jail, punishment for a summary offense can also affect your career by causing you to lose your job and have a criminal record. It is a burden that can be difficult to carry. A defense attorney that is knowledgeable and familiar with Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts can provide effective counsel and guidance. With the proper representation, there is a chance of obtaining a far better outcome, such as having the charges against you dropped.