Delaware County 32-1-36 Magisterial District Court

Now that you are facing a day in a Delaware County Magisterial District Court, it is likely that you regret running a stop sign, shoplifting clothing, drinking underage, loitering, or sending harassing text messages. You may feel that the best way to put this all behind you is to simply plead guilty and just move on.

There are many reasons why it is critical for an individual to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by their side in the days that they prepare for their traffic or criminal case. We know that you feel anxious. We will answer your questions and help you prepare a defense that will give you the best chance in getting the charges against you dropped or lessened.

We have experienced lawyers working with us at Amato Sanita Law Offices. They understand Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Courts and have defended hundreds of clients. After examining your case, one of our lawyers will be able to work up the best defense strategy to really help you move on with your life. Representing yourself in court or simply pleading guilty can have serious ramifications that not only will affect you now but also in the future.

Learn More about District Courts in Delaware County

Individuals who have never been in court often feel quite nervous about what to expect. The first thing that you should know is that Magisterial District Courts are not like the courts that you see on television. A magistrate will preside over your case. If you have received a notification from Court 32-1-36, Judge David R. Griffin will preside over your traffic or non-traffic citation. You may also have received this notification for a non-jury trial, bench warrant, preliminary arraignment, or preliminary hearing. There will be no jury to hear your case. The magistrate is the one who is responsible for judging it.

You will need to appear in the court located in Linwood. There are actually 33 different Magisterial District Courts that are spread out through Delaware County. The court in Linwood handles Trainer Borough, Marcus Hook Borough, Upper Chichester Townships 1, 2, and 5, and Lower Chichester Township election districts.

The vast majority of individuals who are summoned to appear in Magisterial District Courts have charges relating to summary offences. These minor offences include things like disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, harassment, drinking alcohol under the legal drinking age, and traffic citations. Individuals who steal items from a retail store that are valued under 0 and are first-time offenders will also have their cases considered in these courts.

Don’t Go into a Linwood Courtroom Alone

If you have been charged with a minor offence, like shoplifting clothing or underage drinking, and it is your first offence, you may feel tempted to plead guilty to the charge with the idea that you will just pay a fine and then be able to move on with your life. It is good for you to understand that things are usually not this simple.

The ramifications for committing even summary offenses can lead to major headaches later on and can cause you overwhelming anxiety right now. For example, some individuals who have committed summary offenses are ordered to stay in jail for almost three months. Just think about what spending three months in jail would mean for your family, employment, and other aspects of your life. Think of how your reputation would be damaged. Think of what carrying a criminal record for the rest of your life would mean for your future.

Our lawyers at Amato Sanita Law Offices have experience in Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts in Delaware County. They thoroughly understand the justice system and the laws that apply to summary offences. Here is an example of what one of our attorneys could do for you. If you are facing a charge for driving with a suspended license, one of our attorneys may build a defense based on the fact that you were not properly notified of the suspension or that you were driving because of an emergency.