Delaware County, like other counties in Pennsylvania, has multiple district courts within its boundaries that are designed to serve particular voting districts. Each district court is presided over by one elected judge, also called a magisterial judge. These courts handle specific types of cases. In general, these cases include summary criminal offenses, traffic violations, municipal code violations, small claims, and landlord tenant suits.

If you have been charged with a traffic violation or a summary criminal offense, you were probably arrested or received a citation. Then, you probably received a notice or summons to appear in district court for an arraignment, a preliminary criminal hearing, a traffic hearing, or a non-jury trial.

Before your court date, contact our offices to get in touch with an experienced attorney who can assist you with your case. This will ensure you are prepared and confident in your hearing.

Chester District Courts

Chester, Pennsylvania is served by several district courts. District Court 32-1-21 specifically serves residents of City of Chester, Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. This court is presided over by the Honorable Judge Dawn L. Vann. The address of the court is at 160 East Seventh Street in Chester, and you can call the court at 610-874-7180 or send a fax to 610-874-7864.

If you go before Judge Vann in district court, you are most likely facing a traffic violation charge or a charge of a summary criminal offense. These charges can include basic traffic tickets, such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield, or driving with a suspended license. They can also include minor criminal offenses like underage drinking, loitering, disorderly conduct, harassment, or even shoplifting. Some DUI cases are also handled in district court.

It is true that these offenses are considered “minor” by the court system. However, you should be aware that the punishments for these kinds of offenses can be extremely high. A single summary offense can result in a fine of up to $300, and even up to 90 days in jail for your first offense. A second offense may increase your time in jail up to 180 days.

These penalties are steep and can often place a difficult burden on you and your loved ones. However, you have the opportunity in court to present a defense before Judge Vann. This defense can help convince the judge to reduce your penalty or sentence, or even to simply dismiss the charges against you.

Preparing For Your Court Date

The best way to make sure that your defense is strong and well prepared is to work with an experienced attorney on your defense. Our attorneys are very familiar with the Delaware district courts and will know how to best prepare for your hearing, as well as how to show Judge Vann that you do not deserve the full extent of the penalty for your charge.

If you contact us as soon as possible, it will give you and your attorney more time to prepare before your court date, so reach out to us today to begin working on your defense. We will work with you every step of the way.