Delaware County 32-1-29 Magisterial District Court

Nobody really wants to be summoned to court, but it happens. If you are facing a misdemeanor or felony charge in Delaware County, or you have received a traffic citation, chances are that you will get a notification to appear in Magisterial District Court. This could provoke feelings of anxiety and worry, particularly as the date of your appearance draws closer. You will probably come up with many questions that you would like to ask, which is why you will want to contact our office for a free consultation right away.

You will want an attorney to be with you at all hearings. It is important to fight the charges against you, and that includes traffic citations and seemingly minor summary offenses. The consequences of being found guilty in Magisterial District Court will last a lot longer than the fine you have to pay or the prison sentence you might be given. It stays on your record forever if you are an adult, so this can make employment opportunities scarce in the future. It can also adversely impact your personal relationships. Suffice it to say, you will want a professional criminal defense lawyer fighting for you to make sure this does not happen if at all possible.

Being Summoned to 32-1-29 Magisterial District Court

Many different types of cases are actually heard in this court that is located in Wayne. First of all, any traffic citation that is issued within the boundaries of this court will result in your receiving a summons to appear. You may also be asked to appear in front of the court for a preliminary hearing or arraignment if you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor. This court also receives bench warrant appearances and conducts non-jury trials to be held in front of Magisterial District Judge John C. Tuten, Jr.

You should be aware that this particular Magisterial District Court is located in Wayne at 230 Sugartown Road in Suite 20. You will find that the court consists of the election district that covers Wards 1, 2, 3, and 6 in Radnor Township. This is also the court that will hear and settle disputes between landlords and tenants. It also deals with most types of civil claims where the report dollar amount is less than $12,000.

Summary Offenses and More

One of the primary functions of the Magisterial District Court is to hear most summary offenses that have been filed within the region. While this might be the least serious level of offense in Pennsylvania, such charges should still be considered serious. They can include any of the following:

• Acts of criminal mischief
• Allegations of disorderly conduct
• Underage drinking
• Reports of harassing behavior
• Certain levels of shoplifting offenses

If you are convicted of any of these crimes, the fine alone can be quite significant. Some charges also carry jail time. This can adversely impact your current employment situation, and it will make it difficult to find a job upon your release. For these reasons alone, you need a lawyer.

The Magisterial District Court 32-1-29 also takes a look at all traffic and non-traffic citations issued in Wayne. This means that if you get pulled over for running a red light, chances are good that you will be summoned to appear in front of the judge. Remember that even these types of charges can be serious because of the consequences involved long after you pay the fine. You will have points added to your driving record. Over time, this can result in higher insurance premiums and the possible loss of driving license if you accumulate too many tickets.

You Need a Lawyer

You really need to contact our office as soon as you receive a notice to appear in the Magisterial District Court. We will work you with you to develop a defense strategy. You do not have to go through this alone.