Levittown District Courthouse
Bucks County Magisterial District Court 07-01-08
2661 Trenton Rd
Levittown, PA 19056
Phone: 215-946-5450
Fax: 215-946-5459

This court serves Middletown Township Lower 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12; and Middletown Township Upper 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9

Bucks County Lawyers For Criminal, Family, & Civil Law

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Levittown Attorney For District Court 07-01-08

There are 18 magisterial district courts scattered throughout Bucks County. Though small in comparison to institutions like the Supreme Court, these minor courts are the workhorses that power most criminal, civil, and family law cases in each township in Pennsylvania. A Levittown attorney for district court 07-01-08 can help you make sense of the legal process and take important actions at each step in your court case.

What is the role of district courts in Pennsylvania?

District courts serve as the entryway to the judicial system. There are 5 levels of the PA court system, and district courts make up the first level. Minor offenses like speeding tickets all the way to serious felony charges like burglary typically begin in a local district court and progress from there if necessary. Many cases are transferred to Bucks County’s Court of Common Pleas once a district court has made its initial ruling. From there, common pleas court makes the final judgement on these cases.

In a criminal case, this means a district court must have enough evidence to reason that a crime was likely committed. If evidence is questionable, charges may be dropped or dismissed. Statistically, this is unlikely to occur as most prosecutors have substantial evidence and probable cause. However, if you are innocent and the charges against you are unsubstantiated, a criminal defense attorney can often prove that the allegations are completely false.

In a family law case, initial paperwork must be filed to begin the process. Common examples include divorce papers, child support or child custody paperwork, temporary restraining orders, and protection from abuse orders. The court office responsible for processing paperwork will work with you and your attorney as your case progresses. Family cases also involve mediation so that each party has a chance to settle the dispute before a trial becomes necessary. Family law attorneys and mediators help each party get the dispute settled as quickly and painlessly as possible, though this will depend on the circumstances and the cooperation of each party.

In a personal injury or civil case, you will work with an attorney to gather evidence, figure out how much you are owed, and file an official civil claim against the responsible party. District courts in Pennsylvania handle claims of under $12,000 in damages. Larger settlements may need to be completed in your county’s court of common pleas.

How to Prepare for Court in Bucks County

How you prepare for court will depend on the type of case you are facing. A Levittown attorney for district court 07-01-08 will help you understand what to expect and remind you about important upcoming dates in your case.

1. Keep notes – It’s easy to assume that you’ll remember important information as it is being told to you. But it’s better not to take the risk. There are plenty of pieces of information you’ll learn as your case progresses, including your court date, necessary forms, or website addresses to submit forms.
2. Organize everything in one file or binder – It’s best to show up with all of your case information organized in one easily accessible file. When the judge addresses a certain topic in your case, you can access your documents quickly and calmly.
3. Follow the court’s rules when filing paperwork – Before attempting to file paperwork, make sure that you are filing at the correct time and through the correct submission avenue. Many of Bucks County’s civil and family forms are available on their website. The Prothonotary is responsible for processing various types of documents in the Pennsylvania court system.
4. Confirm the attendance of all witnesses – The last thing you want before a court date is to think you have strong witness testimonies when you don’t. Even if there were several witnesses in your case, their presence means nothing if they don’t show up for court. Check in and make sure they are ready to testify and have the correct date, time, and location.
5. Ask what to bring – It’s best not to make assumptions about what you’ll need to bring to court. Ask your attorney what you will be expected to bring and present, such as ID cards, particular evidence, or other documents.
6. Obey the law – While it may sound obvious, those who are arriving at their court case may be distracted and stressed. As you enter the court premises, drive safely and obey traffic signs, be courteous, and pay attention to what is being asked of you before and during the court case.
7. Do not lie or suppress information – People often destroy their court cases by telling what they believe is a little white lie. Or they may omit information thinking it’s no big deal. Even if it does not pertain to the main narrative of your case, this doesn’t mean it should be glossed over. Judges are sensitive to any form of deceit, and even innocent mix-ups can cast doubt on your side of the story.
8. Arrive early – Courts can be crowded, confusing, and stressful places, especially if you are running late. Arriving early will give you plenty of time to do everything you need to do, and it will provide a buffer in case anything takes longer than expected.

Magisterial district courts process criminal, family, and civil cases throughout each county. Bucks County district courts see roughly 130,000 cases per year including 10,000 criminal cases. If you need to make a request, find additional information, or contact a specific department, visit Bucks County’s How Do I… section of the website.

If you are seeking a Levittown attorney for district court 07-01-08 who can defend your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and provide sound legal advice, Applebaum & Associates is here to help. With 50 years of experience in criminal, family, and personal injury law, our law firm provides consistent service and support when you need it most. Get in touch today to schedule a free legal consultation at one of our conveniently-located offices in Bensalem/Philadelphia, Doylestown, Allentown, or Quakertown.