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The Chester County court system is comprised of various courts, each handling specific matters. If you’re facing criminal charges, understanding which court you’ll appear in is crucial. This resource page aims to guide you through the Pennsylvania court system. We are here to help you.
The Skinner Law Firm is ready to help you navigate the legal process with confidence. Call (610) 436-1410 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation.
The Pennsylvania court system has many layers, which can be overwhelming at first glance. There are magisterial district courts and a common pleas court in West Chester, which you may encounter when facing criminal charges.
Your charges will determine where your case is heard. The Skinner Law Firm attorneys understand that this may be confusing, and we’re ready to help you understand the court systems, their jurisdiction, and the legal process.
Magisterial District Courts are the first level of court in Pennsylvania’s judicial system. They are presided over by magisterial district judges.
These courts handle minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and civil cases involving small amounts of money, typically disputes involving less than $12,000.
Magisterial district courts also conduct preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony cases to determine if there is enough evidence to forward the case to the Court of Common Pleas.
These courts are less formal than higher courts, and judges often make decisions immediately. For individuals in Chester County, attending proceedings in one of these courts is often the first experience they have with the judicial system.
Magisterial District Courts play a critical role in the community by resolving less severe matters quickly and locally. There are 17 different magisterial courts in Chester County.
A common example in the Magisterial District Courts could involve a Chester County resident who receives a citation for a traffic offense. If they were cited for speeding or running a red light, the magisterial court would handle the matter.
The matter could be resolved with fines or other penalties without the need of a long trial.
Another example might be a small claims case where a local landlord is trying to recover unpaid rent from a tenant. The amount in dispute is below $12,000, and the magisterial judge can quickly decide the case based on the evidence presented.
If you’re notified to appear in a magisterial district court in or around West Chester, your case could be elevated to the Court of Common Pleas.
District Court 15-1-01 (West Chester)
Judge Marc J. Lieberman
201 West Market Street
Suite 1307
West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-431-4814
Fax: 610-455-1169
Criminal Proceedings: Friday
District Court 15-1-02 (West Chester)
Judge Mackenzie W. Smith
1572 Paoli Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-455-1100
Fax: 610-455-1105
Criminal Proceedings: Monday
District Court 15-1-03 (Coatesville)
Judge Gregory Hines
One City Hall Place
Suite 200
Coatesville, PA 19320-3446
Phone: 610-455-1155
Fax: 610-455-1139
Criminal Proceedings: Wednesday
District Court 15-1-04 (West Chester)
Judge Marian T. Vito
21 West Market Street
Suite 100
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-344-6622
Fax: 610-455-1186
Criminal Proceedings: Tuesday
District Court 15-2-01 (Phoenixville)
Judge James C. Kovaleski
347 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone: 610-455-1125
Fax: 610-455-1109
Criminal Proceedings: Tuesday
District Court 15-2-03 (West Chester)
Judge Martin G. Goch
Government Services Center
601 Westtown Road
Suite 110
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-436-5757
Fax: 610-455-1187
Criminal Proceedings: Wednesday
District Court 15-2-07 (Exton)
Judge N. Paige Simmons
75 East Uwchlan Avenue
Suite 110
Exton, PA 19341
Phone: 610-455-1140
Fax: 610-455-1136
Criminal Proceedings: Monday
District Court 15-3-01 (Pottstown)
Judge John Hipple
1101 Ridge Road
Suite B
Pottstown, PA 19465
Phone: 610-455-1120
Fax: 610-455-1108
Criminal Proceedings: Thursday
District Court 15-3-04 (Kennett Square)
Judge Albert Iacocca
916 West Cypress Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: 610-455-1170
Fax: 610-455-1166
Criminal Proceedings: Wednesday
District Court 15-3-05 (Oxford)
Judge Scott A. Massey
305 South Third Street
Oxford, PA 19363
Phone: 610-455-1160
Fax: 610-455-1165
Criminal Proceedings: Tuesday
District Court 15-3-06 (Honey Brook)
Judge J. Timothy Arndt III
4824 Horseshoe Pike
Honey Brook, PA 19344
Phone: 610-455-1110
Fax: 610-455-1106
Criminal Proceedings: Monday
District Court 15-3-07 (Parkesburg)
Judge Nancy A. Gill
315 First Avenue
Building 3
Parkesburg, PA 19365
Phone: 610-455-1115
Fax: 610-455-1107
Criminal Proceedings: Thursday
District Court 15-4-01 (Wayne)
Judge Lauren Holt
950 West Valley Road
Suite 3100
Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 610-455-1130
Fax: 610-455-1135
Criminal Proceedings: Thursday
District Court 15-4-02 (Downingtown)
Judge Ann Feldman
231 Boot Road
Downingtown, PA 19335
Phone: 610-455-1145
Fax: 610-455-1137
Criminal Proceedings: Wednesday
District Court 15-4-03 (Exton)
Judge Erin Bruno
748 Springdale Drive
Suite 110
Exton, PA 19341
Phone: 610-455-1150
Fax: 610-455-1168
Criminal Proceedings: Friday
District Court 15-4-04 (Kennett Square)
Judge Matthew Seavey
914 West Cypress Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: 610-455-1175
Fax: 610-455-1167
Criminal Proceedings: Friday
The Court of Common Pleas is the primary judicial entity in Chester County and is part of Pennsylvania’s system of state trial courts.
This court handles all major civil and criminal cases. It has broad jurisdiction that includes the authority to decide both felony and significant civil cases, along with family and probate matters.
The Court of Common Pleas also hears appeals from decisions made at the Magisterial District Court level.
Each county in Pennsylvania, including Chester County, has its own Court of Common Pleas, which is segmented into several divisions such as criminal, civil, family, and orphans (probate).
This is where most of the trials and hearings pertinent to residents will occur, and understanding the scope and function of this court can provide significant advantages in preparing for legal proceedings.
If you’ve been charged with a criminal charge, this is where the bulk of your case will be handled if it’s moved beyond the magisterial court.
Say you’ve been charged with felony aggravated assault in Chester County. Your case will be tried in the Court of Common pleas.
Pre-trial matters, like your arraignment or other hearings, will all be handled at the courthouse with your lawyer, a prosecutor, and a judge. You may have a trial, if necessary.
This court would have the authority to hear all the evidence, determine the facts of the case, and decide on the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
The common pleas court also handles family law cases.
Chester County Justice Center
201 W. Market St, Suite 1400
West Chester, PA 19380
The Superior Court of Pennsylvania is one of two statewide intermediate appellate courts.
This court primarily handles appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas and is responsible for reviewing decisions and correcting errors that may have occurred at the trial level.
With no original jurisdiction to hear cases, the Superior Court focuses solely on appeals, ensuring that the law was applied correctly and consistently.
The judges here examine the record of the proceedings from the lower court and may hear oral arguments from attorneys before making their decisions, which can affirm, reverse, or modify the lower court’s ruling.
Following the conviction in the Court of Common Pleas, the defendant can appeal their verdict to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
The appeal is based on a claim that the trial judge improperly excluded defense evidence which, if admitted, could have influenced the jury’s decision toward a different outcome.
If you were convicted for aggravated assault, your appeal would ask the appellate court to search for any legal errors which could overturn the conviction. Your argument would focus on evidentiary rulings.
This appellate court would then determine whether to uphold the conviction, reverse it, or remand the case back to the Court of Common Pleas for a new trial based on their findings.
Superior Court – Eastern District
1515 Market St.
Suite 1414
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Call a lawyer. This should be one of your first steps after being notified about a Magisterial District Court appearance.
Show your attorney the notice, and note the date, time, and location of your hearing. Review any criminal charges, then work on collecting evidence to support your case.
Make sure you wear appropriate clothing to your hearing: wear business casual clothes.
Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest. This means the police can arrest you to bring you to court. It’s important to contact the court as soon as possible if you miss a hearing to reschedule.
Yes, plea bargains are possible in Magisterial District Court. This means you might be able to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced fine or other penalty. Your attorney can advise you on the benefits of a plea bargain, and help you negotiate the best outcome possible.
Yes, the Pennsylvania Court System website (https://www.pacourts.us/) has information about Magisterial District Courts, including their jurisdiction and procedures.
It’s possible to handle your case on your own or work with a public defender. These options can leave you facing the full extent of the law.
Public defenders work hard, but they often don’t have the time or resources to devote themselves to your case. If you’re working on your case alone, there’s a chance you can overlook or misunderstand your charges, exacerbating your circumstances.
Hiring a private criminal defense lawyer allows you to work with someone with experience in the West Chester court system who can give your case the full attention you deserve.
Your attorney can explain your legal options, help you navigate the court process, represent you in court, and fight for your best possible outcome.
As you navigate the complexities of Chester County’s court system, the importance of experienced legal representation cannot be overstated.
Whether you’re facing charges in the Magisterial District Courts or the Court of Common Pleas, Attorney Mike Skinner has the local knowledge to advocate effectively on your behalf.
With years of experience defending clients throughout West Chester and Chester County, Attorney Skinner is dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes. His skills as a former prosecutor give him an edge in understanding the nuances of each court’s procedures and expectations.
For a defense you can trust, contact Attorney Mike Skinner to discuss your case today. Call (610) 436-1410 or use the online form to request a free consultation.