Delaware County Courts | MDJ 32-1-21

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.

Charges William Burrows Defends

Magisterial District Court 32-1-21 Overview

Magisterial District Court: MDJ 32-1-21 is a lower court within the Delaware County judicial system that handles the earliest and most time-sensitive stages of criminal cases originating in the City of Chester. This court conducts preliminary criminal proceedings that often determine whether a case advances to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

Appearances before MDJ 32-1-21 commonly involve bail decisions, preliminary hearings, and summary offense matters. Early defense representation at this stage can significantly influence the direction and outcome of a criminal case.

Delaware County Courts Overview


Municipalities and Areas Served by MDJ 32-1-21

According to official Delaware County Magisterial District Court jurisdiction records, MDJ 32-1-21 serves the following areas:

  • City of Chester
    • Ward 3
    • Ward 4
    • Ward 5
    • Ward 6 (Precinct 1)
    • Ward 7

All criminal charges arising within these wards are initially processed through MDJ 32-1-21 before potentially being transferred to higher court.

Chester City Criminal Defense


Types of Criminal Cases Handled in MDJ 32-1-21

MDJ 32-1-21 has jurisdiction over a wide range of criminal matters, including:

  • Preliminary arraignments following arrest
  • Bail and bond determinations
  • Preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony charges
  • Summary offense hearings
  • Traffic offenses and DUI-related proceedings

Felony charges and cases held for court after a preliminary hearing are transferred to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas for further prosecution.

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas


Criminal Charges Commonly Addressed in MDJ 32-1-21

Because MDJ 32-1-21 serves densely populated areas of Chester, the court frequently handles cases involving:

Delaware County Criminal Charges


How Cases Move From MDJ 32-1-21 to the Court of Common Pleas

MDJ 32-1-21 does not conduct felony trials. Instead, the court determines whether the Commonwealth has presented sufficient evidence to move a case forward.

If a case is held for court after a preliminary hearing, it is transferred to:

Learn More About the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas

This transition marks a critical phase in the criminal process, where charges are formally prosecuted and long-term consequences are determined.


Importance of Defense Representation at MDJ 32-1-21

Proceedings at MDJ 32-1-21 often determine:

  • Whether a defendant is released or held on bail
  • Whether charges are reduced, withdrawn, or amended
  • Whether a case proceeds to felony court

Attorney William Burrows, affiliated with SKA Law Group LLC, represents clients at the MDJ level to protect their rights and position cases strategically from the outset.

About Attorney William Burrows


Related Delaware County Criminal Defense Resources