This may be the first time that you have received a notice or a summons to appear in your local district court in Pennsylvania. If it is, then you should understand how the Pennsylvania court system works, the kinds of offenses that are typically heard in district court, and the best way to handle your proceeding before you go in for your court date.
The district courts in Pennsylvania are also called the magisterial courts. There is one judge that presides over each district court. Note that there may be many different district courts in each county, and even one borough or township may have multiple district courts. Therefore, it is important to take careful note of which voting district you live in, as that will determine which district court to report to.
Although the kinds of offenses that are handled in district court are generally relatively minor, they can still result in fairly harsh sentences or penalties. It is in your best interest to take your court summons very seriously and to prepare for it with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Pottstown District Courts
Pottstown is one of the areas in Montgomery County that has more than one district court serving its different boroughs and townships, depending on which voting district you are in. District Court 38-1-11 specifically serves Pottstown Borough (voting districts 2-1, 2-2, 3, and 4) as well as Upper Pottsgrove Township and West Pottsgrove Township. This district court is presided over by the Honorable Judge Scott T. Palladino. The address of the court is 1 Security Plaza, Suite 101 in Pottstown. The phone number is 610-326-9271, and the fax number is 610-326-4179.
In Judge Palladino’s courtroom, you may be facing charges of any number of traffic violations or summary criminal offenses. These offenses generally include: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, underage drinking, loitering, harassment, shoplifting or petty theft, disorderly conduct, running a stop light or sign, or driving with a suspended license.
When you receive your notice or summons in the mail, you will likely be called to attend a traffic hearing, a preliminary criminal hearing, an arraignment, or a non-jury trial where the judge decides the verdict and the sentence. Although these offenses may seem relatively minor, they can still carry steep sentences or penalties, whether it is a fine of several hundred dollars or even several weeks in jail. These outcomes can place a significant burden on you and your loved ones, which is why you should take your hearing seriously and work with an attorney to develop a strong defense. Such a defense will help convince Judge Palladino to reduce your sentence or penalties, or even to drop your charges altogether.
Experienced Pennsylvania District Court Attorneys
If you call our offices right away upon receiving your notice or summons, we will put you in touch with an attorney who has handled hundreds of cases like yours in the Pottstown district courts. Our experienced lawyers will keep you informed throughout the process and will help you prepare a strong defense. Your attorney will work with you on your defense so that you feel confident and prepared before your court date. Be sure to call right away so that you have plenty of time prior to your hearing to prepare.