Pennsylvania has several different kinds of courts, and the most common kind are district courts (also referred to as magisterial courts). Each district court, which is presided over by an elected judge, represents certain wards, townships, or boroughs within the various counties of Pennsylvania. Delaware County, like other counties in the state, has numerous district courts within the county as a result.
District courts handle certain kinds of cases: specifically, they handle traffic offenses, summary criminal offenses, landlord tenant disputes, small claims of less than $12,000, and municipal code violations. Common examples of traffic offenses handled in district court include driving with a suspended license, failing to yield, running stop signs or red lights, certain DUI or DWI cases, and speeding. Examples of summary criminal offenses handled in district court include drinking underage, shoplifting, harassment, loitering, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct.
It is important that you take your hearing in district court seriously, because if you are convicted of any of these offenses, you could be facing serious penalties. If you have received a citation, or have been arrested, for one of these offenses, then you need to contact an experienced lawyer to help you with your proceeding and develop a strong defense.
Upper Darby District Courts
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania is covered by several district courts that each represent specific wards within the township. District Court 32-1-34 represents the following wards of Upper Darby: Ward 1 (Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 8), Ward 4 (Precincts 1 and 4), and Ward 3 (Precincts 2, 4 and 6 through 10). The address of this court is Barclay Square Building at 1550 Garrett Road in Upper Darby, and you can reach the court by phone at 610-626-6900 or by fax at 610-622-2751. The Honorable Judge Robert J. Radano, Esquire presides over this district court.
Depending on the charges against you and at what point you are in the process, you will be summoned to appear in district court for a traffic hearing, a preliminary criminal hearing, an arraignment, or a non-jury trial. Judge Radano will determine in these proceedings whether you are innocent or guilty, and what your punishment will be if you are found guilty. A conviction could mean that you will face up to ninety days in jail (or even up to 180 days if you are a repeat offender), and you and your family may also be responsible for paying fines of up to $300.
Call Our Offices Right Away
To convince Judge Radano to reduce these penalties, or even to dismiss the charges against you, you need to work with your attorney to develop a strong defense. If you contact our offices as soon as you have been assigned your court date, this will ensure that your attorney has plenty of time to work with you so that you can feel confident going in.
Our attorneys have handled cases just like yours in district courts throughout the state, especially in Delaware County. This means we are familiar with the process and with the judges that will hear your case. Let our extensive experience help you through your proceeding in district court.