Delaware County 32-2-38 Magisterial District Court

If you live in Aston Township or Upper Chichester Township and have received a summary offense citation, there’s a good chance your case will be heard at the Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-2-38. This court also hears cases for traffic citations and the preliminary arraignments and hearings for other misdemeanor and felony offenses. Other issues this court handles include the following matters in Delaware County:

• Civil disputes of up to $12,000
• Breach of contract matters
• Non-jury trials
• Bench warrants and more

Summary Offenses in Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-2-38

A summary offense is a low-level misdemeanor for items that typically don’t go much farther than the magisterial district courts. You’ll need to consider that these cases are misdemeanors and, if convicted, carry up to 90 days in jail, fees, and fines. For repeat offenses, you could face up to 180 days in jail plus fees, fines, and more. Just a few examples of summary offenses that are commonly heard in Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-2-38 include:

• Disorderly conduct
• Under $150 retail theft (shoplifting)
• Harassment
• Loitering
• Municipal code ordinance violations and others

The Magisterial District Court in Delaware County’s Role in the Criminal Justice System

Magisterial district courts operate everywhere in Pennsylvania except for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. A consolidated court that hears both civil and criminal cases that are considered relatively minor, the court is overseen by a magisterial court district judge. The current judge for the Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-2-38 is Diane Holefelder. Magisterial court district judges can decide cases that appear before them and also perform marriages and administer oaths. They’re able to hand cases over to the court of common pleas if it’s warranted for more serious misdemeanor and felony matters, and they can also set bail for these cases. Although somewhat of a limited jurisdictional court, it plays a rather important and significant role in the criminal justice system. Magisterial district court judges are elected and serve a six-year term. Most have educational attainment and career experience that qualifies them automatically for the position. Those that come from non-lawyer backgrounds can meet alternative requirements to take on the role.

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Is Legal Representation Necessary in Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-2-38?

Legal representation is never an absolute requirement for any criminal case. However, taking anything aside from a simple traffic citation should be regarded as risky. A highly skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney through Amato Sanita Law Offices will dramatically increase your chances of a more favorable outcome. The legal system in Pennsylvania is complex, and self-represented litigants are expected to know and follow the same policies, procedures just as much as an attorney would. The prosecution doesn’t take into account any special considerations if you simply choose to decline representation or take the initiative to seek it on your own when making their recommendation to the magisterial district court judge.

Amato Sanita Law Offices Offers You a Kinder and More Practical Solution

Amato Sanita Law Offices has been helping clients in Delaware County and elsewhere in the Philadelphia area for many years. With over 25 years of experience among our staff, you’ll have representation that’ll fight for your freedom and defend your rights. Our award-winning team can consult with you to determine the best strategy to have your charges reduces or even dismissed. We’ll take the time to gather and prepare evidence, speak with witnesses, and keep you informed on what to expect. Our many testimonials throughout the years on websites that we’re featured on such as Avvo, and on our website, offer you an insight on our high-quality legal representation. Don’t risk your future and give Amato Sanita Law Offices a call at 267-214-1797 for your free case consultation, today.