Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
If you are caught shoplifting, underage drinking or running a stop sign, then you may find yourself in a Delaware County Magisterial District Court. You may be worried about what is ahead of you. That is why it is important for you to hire an attorney. Your lawyer will be able to represent you and answer any questions that you have.
Qualified attorneys have handled hundreds of cases that are similar to yours. They provide legal service to clients in a caring manner. You will receive a notification if you have to appear in a Delaware County Magisterial District Court. You may get a summons for a preliminary hearing, preliminary arraignment, traffic citation or a bench warrant. You may also get a summons for a non-jury trial.
There are several Magisterial District Courts in Delaware County. That is why it is important for you to look at your paperwork in order to ensure that you appear in the right court. A Magisterial District Court is a minor court. They are responsible for taking care of both traffic and non-traffic citations.
They can handle both preliminary hearings and preliminary arraignments. Landlord/tenant disputes, criminal cases and civil cases that have damage claims up to $12,000 are some examples of cases that may be handled in a Delaware County Magisterial District Court.
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Pennslyvania’s least serious offenses are handled in a Magisterial District Court. Disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal mischief, driving with a suspended license and underage drinking are the other cases that are often handled in a district court. If a person is caught shoplifting and the loss is less than $150, then they may have to appear in a Magisterial District court.
Magisterial judges preside over these cases. Criminal cases will begin in a Magisterial District Court. A person will then have to appear in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
If you are facing a criminal offense or a traffic offense, then you will need the help of an experienced attorney. There are many ways that an attorney can help you. The case will determine the defenses that the attorney uses.
It is important to note that even if you are facing a minor offense, you may have major problems. You can face up to 90 days in jail if you are charged with a summary offense. You may also have to pay a $300 fine. The punishment can be harsher if you have a prior conviction on your record. You may spend up to 180 days in your jail.
Why You Need An Attorney By Your Side in Court
You may be tempted to plead guilty of the charges that you are facing. You just want to get the case over with so that you can move on with your life. However, your future depends on the outcome of the case.
You may end up in jail. The charge could also end up on your record, which can disrupt your life. It may be harder for you to go to school or get a job if you have a conviction on your record.
That is why it is important for you to retain an attorney. Your lawyer will try their best to make sure that your case has a positive outcome. They will be able to give you good advice. You may be able to get your charges dismissed. Even if you cannot get the charges dismissed, you may be able to get them lessened.
There are many defenses that can be used. For example, you are facing a disorderly conduct charge. Your attorney can use video surveillance and witnesses to prove that you are not guilty.