Delaware County Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Defense Representation
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas is the primary trial court for serious criminal cases in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges—or certain violations—your case will almost certainly be heard in this court after preliminary proceedings conclude at the Magisterial District Court level.
Attorney William Burrows, affiliated with SKA Law Group LLC, regularly represents clients before the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. With former prosecutorial experience and extensive courtroom practice, Attorney Burrows understands how cases move through this court and how to defend clients effectively at every stage.
Overview of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas has jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal cases
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Jury and bench trials
- Pretrial motions and evidentiary hearings
- Sentencing proceedings
- Appeals from Magisterial District Courts
- Serious violations of court orders, probation, and parole
This court is part of Pennsylvania’s unified judicial system and serves as the central forum for resolving complex criminal matters in Delaware County.
Learn more about the Delaware County Courts
How Criminal Cases Reach the Court of Common Pleas
Most criminal cases begin with an arrest and an initial appearance in a Magisterial District Court. After a preliminary hearing, cases involving misdemeanor or felony charges are held for court and transferred to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Once a case reaches this level, it may involve:
- Formal arraignment
- Discovery and pretrial litigation
- Motions to suppress evidence
- Trial preparation
- Jury or bench trial
- Sentencing or negotiated resolution
Effective representation at this stage is critical, as outcomes in the Court of Common Pleas often determine a person’s long-term freedom and criminal record.
Criminal Charges Handled in the Court of Common Pleas
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas hears all serious criminal offenses prosecuted by the Commonwealth. Attorney William Burrows defends clients charged under the following criminal charges:
- Assault charges, including aggravated assault
- Drug charges, such as possession with intent to deliver
- DUI charges, including felony and repeat DUI cases
- Firearms and dangerous weapons charges
- Fraud and forgery charges
- Harassment and disorderly conduct charges (misdemeanor-level cases)
- Homicide-related charges
- Kidnapping and unlawful restraint charges
- Property crimes, including burglary and robbery
- Sexual offenses, including felony sexual assault allegations
Each of these charges carries specific legal elements and potential penalties that require careful analysis and strategic defense planning.
👉 Learn more about these Criminal Charges
Violations Handled by the Court of Common Pleas
In addition to new criminal charges, the Court of Common Pleas also hears serious violation matters. These cases often place a person’s liberty at immediate risk and require prompt legal action.
Common Violations Heard in This Court Include:
- Probation violations, including alleged new offenses or noncompliance
- Parole violations, which may result in recommitment
- PFA violations, involving alleged violations of Protection From Abuse orders
- Technical violations, such as failure to follow supervision conditions
- Certain direct violations involving court-ordered requirements
Violations may result in incarceration, extended supervision, or additional sentencing.
Criminal Proceedings in the Court of Common Pleas
Criminal cases in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas may involve:
- Pretrial conferences and status hearings
- Suppression hearings challenging police conduct
- Motions addressing evidence, statements, or identification procedures
- Jury trials or bench trials before a judge
- Sentencing hearings following conviction or plea
Attorney William Burrows prepares every case with the expectation that it may proceed to trial, even when resolution through negotiation is possible.
Why Experience in the Court of Common Pleas Matters
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas operates under formal rules of criminal procedure, local court rules, and established courtroom practices. Judges, prosecutors, and staff expect cases to be handled with precision and professionalism.
Attorney Burrows’ experience practicing in this court allows him to:
- Anticipate prosecutorial strategies
- Identify procedural and evidentiary weaknesses
- Advocate effectively in motions and hearings
- Guide clients through complex trial and sentencing processes
This level of preparation is especially important in felony cases and violation proceedings where the stakes are highest.
Delaware County Criminal Defense Representation
Attorney William Burrows provide dedicated criminal defense representation for individuals whose cases are pending in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
If your case has been transferred to this court, or if you are facing sentencing or a violation hearing, understanding your rights and legal options is critical.

