If this is the first time you have been summoned to district court in Pennsylvania, you may be unsure about what to do or even how the system works. In Pennsylvania, district courts (which are also called magisterial courts) are the first courts to hear certain kinds of cases: summary criminal offenses, traffic violations, municipal code violations, landlord tenant disputes, and small claims under $12,000. There are often several district courts in each county, and each district court serves the residents of a certain number of voting districts.

The kinds of cases that go before district courts in Pennsylvania generally include: DUIs or DWIs, running stop signs or red lights, loitering, underage drinking, harassment, speeding, disorderly conduct, driving with a suspended license, or petty theft and shoplifting. If you are charged with one of these offenses, you will most likely be summoned or sent a notice to attend a proceeding in district court. Usually, those proceedings are traffic hearings or preliminary criminal hearings, arraignments, or even non-jury trials in certain situations.

Although these are often classified as “minor” offenses, the penalties you may face are anything but minor if you are convicted in district court. You should work with an experienced lawyer to prepare a strong defense before your court date, so that you will not face the expensive fines or even jail time that may come from a conviction.

Oreland District Court

District Court 38-1-08 is located in Oreland, Pennsylvania and serves the residents of Springfield Township. The Honorable Judge Katherine E. McGill presides over this district court, whose address is at 1316 Bruce Road in Oreland. If you need to contact the court, the phone number is 215-572-7845, and the fax number is 215-572-7891.

In Judge McGill’s courtroom, you will have to demonstrate to the judge either that you were innocent of the charges against you, or that you deserve to have your penalties or your sentence reduced. Even a summary criminal offense like harassment or loitering can land you in jail and/or having to pay an expensive fine. If you are convicted of a traffic offense, you may face losing your license as well. Any of these punishments can be a heavy burden on you and your family, which is why it is in your best interests to contact an experienced attorney who has handled cases in the Oreland district court before and can help you prepare a strong defense to present to Judge McGill.

Call Our Offices Right Away

If you have received a summons to Oreland district court, by calling our office, you will be put in touch with an experienced lawyer who is familiar with cases just like yours in Pennsylvania district courts. Our attorneys will work with you on your unique case and will help you convince Judge McGill to reduce your sentence or even to drop your charges altogether. The sooner you get in touch with one of our attorneys, the more time you will have to work with them to work on your defense and be confident and prepared for your court date.