Pottstown District Courthouse
County of Montgomery Magisterial District Court 38-1-12
1 Security Plaza, Suite 102
Pottstown, PA 19464
(Pottstown Borough)
Phone Numbers: 610-326-9274, 610-326-8297

This court serves Township of Lower Pottsgrove and part of Borough of Pottstown

Montgomery County Attorneys For Criminal & Civil Cases

The Best Law Firm serving Pottstown

Pottstown Attorney For District Court 38-1-12

There are 30 magisterial district courts operating throughout Montgomery County and more than 500 throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you’re facing a criminal, family law, or civil claims case, a Pottstown attorney for district court 38-1-12 can help you navigate it with as little strife as possible. District courts represent the lowest level of the five-part PA court system, but arguably the most important level. It is in district courts that Montgomery County residents have a chance to defend their rights and engage in the legal process.

What are Montgomery County district courts responsible for?

District courts are responsible for processing family, civil, and criminal law cases. This encompasses all common charges that may be brought against someone, whether it be a criminal charge like burglary, a civil claim like suing for property damages, or a family case like a divorce. Magisterial district courts are also responsible for traffic-related cases such as license suspension along with minor summary offenses such as loitering.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, it is likely you’ll face a preliminary hearing in a nearby district court. A preliminary hearing is like a micro-trial that is held to make sure the charges against the defendant are substantial enough to warrant a trial. Under the counsel of a Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer, you may waive a preliminary hearing and move toward your trial more quickly. This may or may not be the correct decision depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. A Pottstown attorney for district court 38-1-12 can help you decide whether to waive or attend a hearing.

If you or a loved one is in the middle of a family issue that requires legal intervention, you can get the ball rolling through a district court. District courts process a wide variety of family law paperwork including divorce, child custody, alimony, protection from abuse, and restraining orders. Family lawyers encounter the same types of cases day in and day out, so they can instruct you on what steps you need to take and in what order. In the midst of a family dispute, you can also expect to attend one or several mediation sessions. In these sessions, both parties, their lawyers, and a mediator will be present to discuss the terms of the case and hopefully come to an agreement. If this cannot be achieved, your case will be pushed to trial.

In Montgomery County, a civil claim such as a personal injury, property damage, or tenant/landlord dispute may be settled in small claims court if the amount of the claim is no more than $12,000. If the amount surpasses this, it may be pushed to the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Regardless of which court would hear your case, your attorney will do everything in their power to negotiate a fair settlement before a court date becomes necessary. It is in the interest of both parties to avoid court and the additional legal fees that come with it.

How to Prepare for Court in Montgomery County

Your court preparations will depend on the type of case you are in. For example, criminal case preparation may involve gathering evidence that shows the defendant’s innocence, or evidence that shows their actions were accidental and the crime was unintended. In a personal injury case, preparation will center around gathering medical information and thoroughly documenting the injury. In a family law case, preparations may include gathering financial information or evidence that shows a parent’s competence. In any case, a Pottstown attorney for district court 38-1-12 will know how to strengthen your case.

1. Practice speaking – Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, you may be required to speak in court. In personal injury cases, the plaintiff will be asked to speak first, while in criminal cases the prosecution speaks first. In any case, it’s important to know what you are going to say. If you are uncertain of what questions you will be asked or what information to prepare, ask your lawyer how to strengthen your statement.
2. Write everything down – Especially in more complex cases, important information may be given to you at any time. This may include key evidence, important dates, instructions for e-filing papers, or something else entirely. Don’t rely on memory alone. Store all critical information in one place. Montgomery County’s Prothonotary Office offers an electronic filing system for all civil paperwork.
3. Don’t incriminate yourself – Emotions can run high during any legal case, and you may say things you regret in the presence of the other party’s lawyer or during court. It’s crucial to remember that anything you say can be taken out of context and misconstrued as evidence of your guilt. Allow a Montgomery County attorney to handle most of the communication and only speak when you are calm and can articulate what you really want to say.
4. Label your paperwork – If you find yourself accumulating various documents leading up to your court date, create a simple labeling system so you can quickly flip through and find what you’re looking for during court. Keep your papers in a file or binder so they are ready the day you need them.
5. Gather witnesses – If witnesses are relevant to the outcome of your case, make sure their stories can validate key points. The best witnesses are unbiased, have no personal connection to the case, and may even have professional expertise that strengthens their testimony. This is common in personal injury cases when medical professionals are asked to testify. In criminal cases, strangers may be asked to testify if they happened to witness the event in question.

To learn more about court procedures, visit Montgomery County’s court procedures page.

It’s understandable to be pensive if you expect to face a court case in the next several weeks or months. Having the right team on your side can make all the difference and provide peace of mind. If you are seeking a Pottstown attorney for district court 38-1-12, Applebaum & Associates is a law firm that can help. With 50 years of experience, our team of legal experts are well-versed in criminal and civil law in Montgomery County. Get in touch to schedule a free legal consultation at one of our offices.