When you receive a summons or notice to appear in your local district court, you might be understandably nervous and anxious about what you need to do. It can certainly be upsetting to have to appear in court after you have already been arrested or received a citation, and you may think it is easier to simply plead guilty and get the process over with.

However, convictions in district court can come with steep penalties that you may not be able to easily handle. The fines that are imposed can be hundreds of dollars that your family may not have. And you may be required to spend time behind bars. A prison sentence for a summary criminal offense can be up to 90 days if it is your first conviction, and it can go as high as 180 days for a repeat offense.

But if you reach out to an experienced attorney, you will have the best legal representation available. Our lawyers have dealt with numerous district court cases throughout the state of Pennsylvania, and we will be able to help you prepare a strong defense to present to the judge. This is your best chance at having the steep penalties reduced, or even having your case dismissed entirely. As soon as you receive your notice to appear in court, call our offices to ensure that you have plenty of time to work with your lawyer before your day in court arrives.

Newton Square District Court

There are thirty two different district courts in Delaware County, with some district courts serving multiple townships or boroughs, and others serving only particular wards or precincts of townships or boroughs. Under the Pennsylvania court system, district courts handle traffic offenses, summary criminal offenses, municipal code violations, small civil claims with values below $12,000, and landlord tenant disputes.

The most common kinds of traffic violations handled in district courts are offenses like speeding, ignoring stop lights or red lights, failure to yield, or driving without a valid license. Summary criminal offenses that are usually dealt with in district courts are the types of “criminal mischief” cases like harassment, loitering, underage drinking, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting.

In Newton Square, the local court is District Court 32-2-43. The address of the court is 4655 West Chester Pike in Newton Square, and the district court serves both Newton Township and the following areas of Radnor Township: Ward 2 (precinct 2) and Wards 4, 5 and 7. The Honorable Judge Leon Hunter, III presides over the proceedings in this district court, whether they are arraignments, traffic hearings, preliminary criminal hearings, and non-jury trials. If you have questions about your proceedings, call 610-356-2997 or send a fax to 610-356-0692.

Because our attorneys know how much is at stake if you are convicted in your district court proceeding, we are ready and able to work with you as soon as you reach out to us. Let our extensive experience help you throughout the entire process, and help you and your family avoid the difficult penalties and sentences that accompany convictions in district court. The best legal assistance available is only a phone call away, so do not hesitate to reach out after you have been arrested or received your citation.