Delaware County Courts – Criminal Defense Overview
Understanding how the Delaware County court system works is critical if you are facing criminal charges or violations. Every criminal case in Delaware County follows a defined path through specific courts depending on the type and severity of the offense.
Attorney William Burrows, affiliated with SKA Law Group LLC, regularly represents clients throughout the Delaware County court system. His familiarity with local procedures, prosecutors, and judges allows him to navigate cases efficiently from preliminary proceedings through trial and sentencing.
This page provides an overview of the Delaware County Courts, including the Court of Common Pleas and the Magisterial District Courts (MDJs) where most criminal cases begin.
Overview of the Delaware County Court System
Criminal cases in Delaware County are generally handled in two primary court levels:
Magisterial District Courts – Handle preliminary arraignments, bail hearings, summary offenses, violations, and preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony cases.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Handles felony and misdemeanor trials, motions, sentencing, probation matters, and serious violations.
The court that hears your case depends on the charge, procedural stage, and whether the matter involves a new offense or a violation of an existing court order.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Division
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas is the primary trial court for serious criminal matters. Felony and misdemeanor cases are transferred to this court after preliminary hearings are completed at the magisterial district level.
Criminal Charges Handled in the Court of Common Pleas
The Court of Common Pleas hears all major criminal charges, including some of the charges mentioned below
- Assault charges
- Drug charges
- DUI charges
- Firearms and dangerous weapons charges
- Fraud and forgery charges
- Harassment and disorderly conduct charges
- Homicide-related charges
- Kidnapping and unlawful restraint charges
- Property crimes
- Sexual offenses
These cases may involve pretrial motions, evidentiary hearings, bench trials, jury trials, and sentencing proceedings.
Violations Handled by the Court of Common Pleas
The Court of Common Pleas also handles serious violations, including:
- Probation violations
- Parole violations
- PFA violations
- Technical violations
- Certain direct violations involving court orders
Violations heard in this court can result in incarceration, extended supervision, or additional penalties.
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts (MDJs)
Most criminal cases in Delaware County begin in a Magisterial District Court (MDJ). These courts handle:
- Preliminary arraignments
- Bail determinations
- Preliminary hearings for misdemeanors and felonies
- Summary offenses
- Certain violations and PFA-related matters
What happens at the MDJ level can significantly affect the outcome of a case later in the Court of Common Pleas.
Criminal Charges Handled in Magisterial District Courts
At the MDJ level, courts handle:
- Summary offenses
- Preliminary proceedings for assault charges
- Preliminary proceedings for drug charges
- Initial hearings for DUI charges
- Preliminary hearings for firearms offenses
- Early proceedings for property crimes
- Initial processing of harassment and disorderly conduct charges
Felony and misdemeanor cases are typically held over for trial in the Court of Common Pleas after the preliminary hearing stage.
Violations Handled in Magisterial District Courts
Magisterial District Courts also hear certain violations, including:
- Direct violations
- Some technical violations
- Initial hearings for PFA violations
- Summary probation-related matters
Delaware County Magisterial District Court Locations
Attorney William Burrows represents clients before all Magisterial District Courts in Delaware County, including:
- MDJ 32-1-20
- MDJ 32-1-21
- MDJ 32-1-22
- MDJ 32-1-28
- MDJ 32-1-30
- MDJ 32-1-32
- MDJ 32-1-33
- MDJ 32-1-34
- MDJ 32-1-36
- MDJ 32-2-37
- MDJ 32-2-38
- MDJ 32-2-39
- MDJ 32-2-40
- MDJ 32-2-42
- MDJ 32-2-43
- MDJ 32-2-44
- MDJ 32-2-46
- MDJ 32-2-47
- MDJ 32-2-48
- MDJ 32-2-49
- MDJ 32-2-51
- MDJ 32-2-52
- MDJ 32-2-53
- MDJ 32-2-54
Each MDJ page provides court-specific information, procedures, and guidance for defendants appearing in that district.
Why Court Experience Matters in Delaware County Criminal Cases
Every court operates differently. Judges, prosecutors, and procedures vary by district and courthouse. Attorney William Burrows’ experience practicing throughout Delaware County Courts allows him to:
- Anticipate prosecutorial strategies
- Prepare clients for MDJ and Common Pleas hearings
- Identify procedural errors early
- Position cases for dismissal, reduction, or trial success
This court-level knowledge is especially important in cases involving repeat offenses, violations, and serious felony charges.
Speak With a Delaware County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If your case is scheduled in a Magisterial District Court or the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, early representation can make a critical difference.
Attorney William Burrows and SKA Law Group LLC provide experienced criminal defense representation throughout every level of the Delaware County court system.