If you have been charged with a summary criminal offense or a traffic offense, you will need to be prepared to attend a hearing about your case in district court. The district courts in Pennsylvania are also called magisterial courts, and they can be found throughout the state, often with several in each county. The district courts in the state handle certain kinds of cases from designated townships or boroughs, and some townships or boroughs may even be served by multiple district courts. In addition to traffic violations and summary offenses, district courts also hear municipal code violations, landlord tenant disputes, and small civil claims.

These common types of offenses can include more specific offenses, which is likely what you have been charged with if you are facing a hearing, an arraignment, or a non-jury trial in district court. Traffic offenses that you may have been cited for often include running a stop sign or red light, failing to yield, driving with a suspended license, or speeding. Summary criminal offenses in Pennsylvania include criminal mischief charges, harassment, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, loitering, and underage drinking. After your arrest or your citation, you will be notified as to when you will be expected to appear in district court. As soon as you have this information, do not wait to get in touch with us.

Glenolden District Court

The district court that is located at 21 Bartram Avenue in Glenolden, Pennsylvania (in Delaware County) serves the entirety of Darby Township, so District Court 32-2-40 is where you will report to if you live in or were arrested or received your citation in Darby Township. If you do have questions about your proceeding, the phone number is 610-583-6646, and the fax number is 610-583-1197. The Honorable Judge Steven A. Sandone, Esquire presides over District Court 32-2-40 and handles all of the proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, and non-jury trials.

Judge Sandone will be the one who ultimately determines whether you are guilty or innocent. And if you are found guilty and convicted in district court, you will be facing fairly steep penalties for offenses that seem relatively insignificant. These penalties can put a real burden on you and your loved ones. You may be ordered to pay a fine, even as high as $300, for a simple traffic violation. And for a summary criminal offense, you could even be ordered to spend time in jail. Your first offense could mean as many as 90 days in prison, but a repeat offense can mean as many as 180 days in jail.

It may seem like a hopeless situation, but it is actually quite manageable if you have the assistance of an experienced district court attorney to assist you. Your attorney will work closely with you to ensure that you have a strong, powerful defense to present to Judge Sandone. This is your absolute best chance to convince the judge that you should have your penalties reduced, or even have your charges dismissed, so you will not have to handle the heavy burden a conviction can place on you.

Our lawyers have handled hundreds of cases like yours in district courts throughout Delaware County and throughout the state. Our experience can help you through your district court proceeding.