Harassment and Disorderly Conduct Charges in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Harassment and disorderly conduct charges are common in Delaware County and often arise from domestic disputes, neighborhood conflicts, public disturbances, or online communications. While these offenses are frequently graded as summary offenses or misdemeanors, they can still result in jail time, fines, protection orders, and a permanent criminal record if not handled properly.
Attorney William Burrows defends individuals charged with harassment and disorderly conduct throughout Delaware County, representing clients in Magisterial District Courts and, when applicable, the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
See all Criminal Charges – Delaware County
Common Harassment and Disorderly Conduct Charges
Pennsylvania law defines harassment and disorderly conduct broadly, allowing prosecutors to pursue charges based on a wide range of alleged behaviors.
Harassment
Harassment charges may be filed when a person is accused of:
- Engaging in repeated unwanted communication
- Making threats or offensive physical contact
- Following or surveilling another person
- Sending electronic or written communications intended to alarm or annoy
Harassment offenses are often graded as summary offenses, though certain conduct may elevate the charge to a misdemeanor.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct involves behavior alleged to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, such as:
- Fighting or threatening behavior
- Excessive noise
- Use of obscene language or gestures
- Disruptive behavior in public spaces
Disorderly conduct may be charged as a summary offense or misdemeanor, depending on intent and circumstances.
How These Charges Are Handled in Delaware County Courts
Magisterial District Courts
Most harassment and disorderly conduct cases are handled at the Magisterial District Court level, which oversees:
- Summary offense hearings
- Preliminary arraignments
- Bail decisions (when applicable)
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Many of these cases are resolved at the district court level without proceeding to higher courts.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
If harassment or disorderly conduct charges are graded as misdemeanors—or if they are connected to other criminal allegations—they may proceed to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, where the court handles:
- Formal arraignments
- Pretrial motions
- Trial or negotiated plea resolutions
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Harassment and Disorderly Conduct Charges by Location
These charges are prosecuted in the Magisterial District Court assigned to the municipality where the alleged incident occurred.
If you are facing harassment or disorderly conduct charges in any of the following areas, your case will begin in the appropriate district court:
- Aldan, Folcroft, and Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Aston, Chester, and Upper Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Brookhaven, Parkside, Rose Valley, and Upland Criminal Defense
- Chester City Criminal Defense
- Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Collingdale, Glenolden, and Norwood Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Colwyn, Darby, and Sharon Hill Borough Criminal Defense
- East Lansdowne Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Haverford and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Lansdowne and Yeadon Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Marple and Newtown Criminal Defense
- Media and Swarthmore Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Tinicum Township Criminal Defense
- Radnor Township Criminal Defense
- Springfield Township Criminal Defense
- Upper and Lower Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Upper Providence Township Criminal Defense
Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town
Relationship to PFA and Violation Proceedings
Harassment allegations frequently overlap with Protection From Abuse (PFA) matters, especially in domestic or family-related disputes. A harassment charge may result in:
- Temporary or final PFA orders
- PFA violations for prohibited contact
- Additional criminal penalties
Additionally, harassment and disorderly conduct charges can trigger violation proceedings if the accused is already under supervision.
Delaware County Violation Types:
- PFA Violations in Delaware County
- Probation Violations in Delaware County
- Parole Violations in Delaware County
- Technical Violations in Delaware County
- All Violation Types
PFA violations and probation matters are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas.
Potential Penalties for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct
Penalties depend on grading and prior history and may include:
- Summary convictions with fines
- Jail time for misdemeanor offenses
- Probation
- No-contact orders or PFAs
- Permanent criminal record
Even summary convictions can have lasting consequences on employment and personal reputation.
Defense Strategies for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct Charges
Effective defenses may involve:
- Challenging intent to harass or disrupt
- Disputing witness credibility
- Contextualizing communications or conduct
- Asserting constitutional free speech protections
- Seeking dismissal or reduction of charges
Attorney William Burrows approaches these cases with a strategic understanding of local court practices, prosecutors, and evidentiary standards throughout Delaware County.