Allentown District Courthouse
Lehigh County Magisterial District Court 31-2-02
3404 Hamilton Blvd
Allentown, PA 18103
Phone: 610-434-2070
Fax: 610-434-0215

This court serves North Whitehall Township and South Whitehall Township

Lehigh County Lawyers For Criminal, Family, & Civil Law

The Best Law Firm serving Allentown

Allentown Attorney for District Court 31-2-02

With well over 300,000 residents, Lehigh County district courts process thousands of criminal and civil cases each year. This means that if you are involved in a legal action of any kind, you will likely find yourself at a magisterial district court in the near future. If you are unfamiliar with the legal process, the following information will help you gain control over the outcome of your case.

If a legal issue is weighing on your peace of mind, the sooner you deal with it the better. A Allentown attorney for district court 31-2-02 can assist you in making sure you have the best strategy to win.

What is the difference between magisterial court and common pleas court?

There is one Court of Common Pleas and several magisterial district courts in most Pennsylvania counties. Lehigh is home to 14 magisterial district courts and the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown. Together, these courts uphold the litigation process in each county and do most of the legwork to bring cases to a close.

District courts represent the first tier of the Pennsylvania judicial system and handle the most common cases in criminal and civil law. The most notable difference between the two is that common pleas courts hear civil cases in which the settlement amount in question is more than $12,000. District courts tend to be less expensive and claims are processed faster with standard paperwork provided. Larger claims must be filed through the Court of Common Pleas and the process may differ for some claims.

Summary offenses and misdemeanors are handled by district courts while felony cases will typically involve an initial hearing at a district court followed by a trial at the Court of Common Pleas.

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with a Crime in Lehigh County

If you’ve been arrested or anticipate being hit with criminal charges, the first thing to do is contact a Allentown attorney for district court 31-2-02. You’ll want someone on your team from early on to guide the outcome of the case in the best possible direction. Early on, criminal cases include both a preliminary hearing and an arraignment before the official trial. Depending on the details of your case, you’ll need to decide how you’ll handle these hearings with the help of a criminal defense lawyer.

It’s important to get clear on how you will defend yourself in court. Working with your lawyer, you’ll get clear on exactly what happened on the day you were charged with a crime. Sticking to your story of what took place will show the judge or jury that your memory is accurate and you are telling the truth.

Even if the charges against you can’t be dropped, you can work out a plea bargain with the help of a Lehigh County lawyer. If you were charged with multiple crimes, your lawyer can help you negotiate to have the more serious charges dropped in exchange for pleading guilty to the lesser ones.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in an Accident in Lehigh County

If you were injured in an accident in Lehigh County that wasn’t your fault, the first thing to do is document that the accident occurred. This is necessary regardless of the type of accident – Whether it was a slip and fall, a car accident, a dog bite, or any other injury, save any evidence to show that the incident occurred.

Together, you and your personal injury attorney will organize evidence, get in touch with witnesses, and do whatever is necessary to demonstrate who was truly at fault for your injury. During this time, injured parties should refrain from any activity or behavior that would jeopardize their case. For example, missing doctors appointments or failing to file necessary paperwork with the court can give the impression that you are not taking your case seriously.

A Allentown attorney for district court 31-2-02 will help you determine what evidence is needed in your unique case and get the negotiations started with the other party involved.

What to Do About Divorce or Child Custody in Lehigh County

Processing hundreds of divorces and family cases each year, Lehigh district courts are set up to handle civil cases in the most streamlined way possible. With that said, the cooperation of you and the other party involved is a critical factor that will determine how easily your case is resolved. Even if the other party is not cooperative, you can still begin the process of filing for divorce, child custody, or protection from abuse by working directly with a district court.

A Allentown attorney for district court 31-2-02 can explain the process of e-filing paperwork with the Lehigh County Prothonotary’s office, which is in charge of most civil matters. You must determine whether to file a no-fault or at-fault divorce, which are both possible in the state of Pennsylvania. You’ll also need to consider whether alimony or child support payments will be an element of your divorce and how to navigate these issues calmly and fairly.

If you anticipate a complex case, start organizing all of your information right away. For example, if child custody is a point of contention, a child support lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and let you know what evidence you need to gather to show your competence as a parent. Remaining calm and avoiding conflict can make all the difference in how quickly and affordably your family case comes to a close.

If you have yet to partner up with a Lehigh County lawyer, Applebaum & Associates can guide you through the litigation process toward the outcome you desire. Whether you are facing criminal charges, a difficult family situation, or a troubling injury, our legal experts have your back. Michael Applebaum’s 50 years of experience in the court system means he has handled countless cases just like yours. Contact one of our offices to set up a free legal consultation today.