The district courts in Pennsylvania can be found throughout the state. There are usually multiple district courts in each county, because each district court (or magisterial court) is intended to serve certain voting districts or wards within the county. Delaware County is no exception.
Pennsylvania districts courts handle summary criminal offenses, traffic offenses, municipal code violations, small claims under $12,000 in value, and landlord tenant disputes. This means that all of the proceedings involving these cases will be heard in your local district court, if you have been arrested or received a citation for any of these offenses.
It is very important to take these proceedings seriously. Each district court is presided over by one elected judge, who determines whether you are guilty or innocent, and what sentence or penalty to impose if you are found guilty. Before your court date, contact our offices and get in touch with an experienced lawyer who can assist you with your case.
Chester District Courts
District Court 32-1-22 is one of several districts courts that serve different areas of Chester, Pennsylvania in Delaware County. Specifically, District Court 32-1-22 serves Wards 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the City of Chester. The court is located at 160 East Seventh Street in Chester. The phone number for the court is 610-874-1790, and the fax number for the court is 610-874-7864.
This district court is presided over by the Honorable Judge Spencer B. Seaton, Jr. In Judge Seaton’s court, you will be facing charges that fall within the categories of cases that are handled in district courts. The most common kinds of summary criminal offenses that are handled in district court include criminal mischief charges, harassment, disorderly conduct, loitering, shoplifting, underage drinking, and some DUI or DWI cases. Common traffic offenses heard in district court include driving with a suspended license, failure to yield, running stop signs or red lights, and speeding.
After you have received a citation or have been arrested for any of these offenses, you will be notified or summoned to appear in Chester district court. At your assigned court date, you will be facing one or more proceedings, such as an arraignment, a preliminary criminal hearing, a traffic hearing, or even a non-jury trial in some cases. These proceedings will be when Judge Seaton decides whether you are guilty or innocent, and what penalty you will have to face.
However, you have the right to present a defense to the judge to show that you deserve to have a lessened sentence or penalty, or even to have the charges against you entirely dismissed. This means it is very important to go into your hearing calm and confident, so that you can present the strongest defense possible.
Your experienced attorney will be invaluable during this process, because our lawyers have handled hundreds of cases in Pennsylvania district courts and know exactly how the hearings work. We will help you develop a strong defense so that you will not have to face the burdensome penalties of a traffic violation or summary offense. Get in touch with us right away so that you will have time to work with your lawyer before your court date.