Montgomery County 38-1-21 Magisterial District Court

If you are personally preparing for your day in Montgomery County Magisterial District Court or if you are helping someone you love prepare for their court date, you probably have a number of questions. It is understandable that you feel confused and anxious about what will come next.

When you face a criminal offense or a traffic offense, you want to have an experienced attorney at your side who can answer any questions you have and provide you with the guidance you need. Amato Sanita Law Offices has experience handling cases in Pennsylvania’s Magisterial Courts. We have helped numerous clients by providing them with the caring yet aggressive defense they deserve.

If you are reading this, it may be because you have already received notification to appear at Montgomery County Magisterial District Court (38–1–21) located in Blue Bell. It is also possible that you have received a traffic citation, preliminary hearing, preliminary arraignment, a non-jury trial, or a bench warrant to appear in this court. If any of these things are true, the judge you will appear before is Magisterial District Judge, Robert M. Sobeck.

Election districts covered by this court include:

• Lower Gwynedd Township
• Whitpain Township
• Gwynedd Township

Blue Bell’s Magisterial District Court is a minor court that handles traffic and non-traffic citations. It is also responsible for preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings for criminal cases. Civil disputes that have claims that do not surpass $12,000 and landlord/tenant disputes will be handled in this court.

What Happens at Magisterial District Courts in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania?

All summary offenses, the least serious offense level in Pennsylvania, are decided at Montgomery County Magisterial District Courts. The magisterial judges presiding over the 30 Magisterial District Courts in Montgomery County have the authority to perform marriages and administer oaths.

Criminal cases including misdemeanors and felonies begin in these courts with preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings. These cases proceed to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

If you are charged with a criminal offense or a traffic offense in Montgomery County, you may be able to increase the likelihood of the success your case by availing yourself of experienced defense attorneys. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are a number of defenses that an attorney can use to help you.

It would be shortsighted to think that minor offenses, like summary offenses, do not require the assistance of an attorney. These offenses can create life-altering problems for you and those you love. If it’s your first offense, there is a chance that you could face up to 90 days in jail and pay up to $300 as a fine. If you have previous convictions, the punishment could go up to 180 days in jail.

Benefit from Having a Lawyer by Your Side in a Blue Bell Courtroom

It’s tempting to want to plead guilty to a summary offense thinking that this will allow you to put the whole experience in the past. You might even think that you are familiar enough with the law so that you can defend yourself. Not only can this type of thinking land you in jail, but it may potentially disrupt your life to the point where you lose your employment and are saddled with a criminal record that can affect you for decades to come.

It is imperative that you get the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. You want someone who is able to defend you against summary offense charges with the goal of helping you get the most positive outcome possible.

There are clear benefits to having a lawyer on your side who is familiar with Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts. They may be able to provide you with sound advice. Based on the circumstances, there may be a chance that they can get the charges against you lessened or completely dismissed.

For example, if you are being charged with driving with a suspended license, your attorney may be able to investigate the circumstances to prove that you were driving because of an emergency or that you were not properly notified that your license was suspended.