William Burrows Delaware County Criminal Lawyer

Delaware County Magisterial District Courts

About Attorney William Burrows Esq.

Attorney William Burrows offers a distinct advantage rooted in his experience on the prosecutorial side of the courtroom.

Clients trust Attorney William Burrows for his straightforward communication, calculated defense strategies, and extensive courtroom experience.

Having worked closely with the Commonwealth, he understands how criminal cases are investigated and argued.

Burrows is a earned his law degree from Villanova University and previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia.

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Charges William Burrows Defends

Overview: Delaware County Magisterial District Courts

The Magisterial District Courts (MDJs) are the first point of contact for most criminal cases in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. If you have been arrested, issued a citation, or accused of violating a court order, your case will likely begin in one of these courts.

Attorney William Burrows regularly represents clients in Magisterial District Courts throughout Delaware County. Early representation at this level is critical, as decisions made here—particularly regarding bail and preliminary hearings—can significantly affect the outcome of a case.

Role of Magisterial District Courts in Delaware County

Magisterial District Courts serve as the gateway to the Delaware County criminal justice system. These courts handle initial criminal proceedings and determine whether cases move forward to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

MDJs in Delaware County have jurisdiction over:

Preliminary arraignments
Bail determinations
Preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony cases
Summary offenses
Certain violations and PFA-related matters

Learn more about Delaware County Courts

Criminal Charges Handled in Magisterial District Courts

While Magisterial District Courts do not conduct felony trials, they play a vital role in cases involving serious charges. At this level, the court determines whether the Commonwealth has sufficient evidence to proceed.

Charges commonly addressed in Delaware County Magisterial District Courts include:

Assault charges, including initial hearings for misdemeanor and felony assault
Drug charges, including possession and intent-related offenses
DUI charges, including preliminary proceedings and bail determinations
Firearms and dangerous weapons charges, at the preliminary hearing stage
Harassment and disorderly conduct charges, including summary and misdemeanor cases
Property crimes, such as theft and retail theft
Initial proceedings for kidnapping and unlawful restraint charges
Preliminary matters involving sexual offenses

These cases may be resolved at the MDJ level if they are summary offenses or forwarded to the Court of Common Pleas after a preliminary hearing.

Violations Handled in Magisterial District Courts

Certain violations are also addressed at the Magisterial District Court level, particularly in the early stages.

Violations That May Be Heard in MDJs Include:

Direct violations of court orders
Some technical violations, depending on the circumstances
Initial hearings related to PFA violations
Summary-level probation-related matters

More serious or contested violations are typically transferred to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

What Happens at a Magisterial District Court Hearing

Proceedings in Magisterial District Courts may include:

Preliminary arraignment and formal reading of charges
Setting or modification of bail
Preliminary hearings to determine probable cause
Summary trials for lower-level offenses
Issuance of court orders or conditions

The outcome of an MDJ hearing can influence bail status, case strategy, and whether charges are reduced or dismissed.

Why Early Representation in MDJ Matters

Many people underestimate the importance of Magisterial District Court proceedings. However, mistakes made at this stage—such as statements to police or failure to challenge weak evidence—can follow a case into higher courts.

Attorney William Burrows’ experience appearing in Delaware County MDJs allows him to:

Argue for reasonable bail or release
Challenge probable cause at preliminary hearings
Preserve issues for trial
Position cases for dismissal, reduction, or favorable resolution

This early advocacy is often a decisive factor in how a case proceeds.

Transition From MDJ to Court of Common Pleas

If a case involves misdemeanor or felony charges and is held for court after a preliminary hearing, it is transferred to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas for formal prosecution.

Delaware County Criminal Defense at Every Court Level

Attorney William Burrows provides continuous representation from Magisterial District Courts through the Court of Common Pleas. This continuity ensures consistency in defense strategy and informed decision-making at every step.

If your case is scheduled before a Magisterial District Judge, early legal guidance can protect your rights and influence the course of your case.