Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division
1339 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-638-1040

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Philadelphia Attorney for Municipal Court Civil Division

Each county in Pennsylvania has a set of magisterial district courts with the exception of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. These metropolitan areas have municipal courts instead. Working with a Philadelphia attorney for Municipal Court Civil Division will ensure you have the highest chance of winning your case.

If you have been involved in any of the following situations in Philadelphia, your case will likely be handled by Philadelphia Municipal Court:

• You violated a traffic law (e.g. speeding, driving without a license, running a traffic light)
• You were charged with a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony crime
• You are going through a divorce, child custody dispute, or other family issue
• You were injured in a car accident, slip & fall, or by other means and want to file a claim

Never underestimate the value of partnering with a Philadelphia law firm. A legal team will help you have the best chance of winning your case whether or not it goes to trial. In addition, local attorneys will have a better understanding of how municipal court works and will help you avoid any missteps throughout the duration of your case.

What does Philadelphia Municipal Court do?

Much like the magisterial district courts that are dispersed throughout most counties in Pennsylvania, municipal court hears criminal, civil, and traffic cases. With 27 voter-elected judges, Philadelphia Municipal Court is part of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.

Municipal Court Civil Division
1339 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

This municipal court division may take on small civil cases if the settlement amount disputed is $12,000 or less. For real estate and school tax cases, the cap is $15,000, and for landlord/tenant cases, there is no financial cap. This division may also handle family law issues including divorces, child support and child custody, alimony, restraining orders, and protection from abuse.

Municipal Court Criminal Division
1301 Filbert Street, Room 208 The Stout Center for Criminal Justice Philadelphia, PA 19107

This municipal court division may take on criminal cases in which the maximum possible sentence is 5 years in prison. This includes most criminal offenses. This court is responsible for processing misdemeanor charges in the city and holding preliminary hearings for felony charges, which will then be transferred to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas for the final sentencing.

Municipal Court Traffic Division
800 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123

This municipal court division takes on all traffic-related cases. If you were given a speeding ticket or a moving violation of any kind, you can choose to plead guilty and pay your ticket or plead not guilty and request a hearing. At the hearing, you will be given an opportunity to contest the traffic charge against you if you can prove that it was unlawful. The traffic division also offers payment plans which can be managed online.

How to Prepare for Court

Getting ready for a court hearing or trial can induce anxiety and uncertainty, especially if it is your first time engaging with the legal system. It’s important to remember that preparation goes a long way. No matter how difficult your case may seem, you can strategically fight for the best outcome. Doing so successfully means you’ll need to hire the right Philadelphia attorney for Municipal Court Civil Division to help you navigate the trickier aspects of your case.

1. Hire an attorney – Different attorneys will have different areas of expertise. When choosing an attorney, be sure that they are highly experienced in the area of law that is relevant to your case. Also make sure they are accustomed to working in Philadelphia Municipal Court.
2. Know the facts – Get crystal clear on the factors surrounding your case so when your court date comes, you are confident and self-assured. For example, if facing criminal charges, know what elements you will use in your defense. Be sure to tell your side of the story the same way every time without wavering or forgetting key details. This will help establish your credibility and create positive rapport with the judge or jury.
3. Stay organized – Much of what hurts an individual’s legal case is disorganization. In the eyes of a judge, disorganization may serve as a reason to disbelieve you or question your claims. After all, they don’t know you personally. Fortunately, this is easily remedied by investing adequate time in your case – especially as your court date approaches.
4. Follow the rules – Whether you are in a mediation session, at an arraignment, or present in any other setting regarding your case, be professional. You may be uncertain about what type of conduct is appropriate or when it is your turn to speak. A Philadelphia attorney for Municipal Court Civil Division can let you know what to expect and how to approach these situations.
5. Stay out of trouble – Leading up to any trial, it’s important to maintain appropriate conduct. During a criminal case, the last thing you need is more charges against you. In a child custody case, you don’t want to be involved in anything that would cause a judge to question your ability to parent your children. And in a civil case, any behavior that puts your claims into question is not a good idea.
6. Arrive early – Whether you are headed to a mediation for a civil case, a pre-trial hearing for a criminal case, or any other legal meeting, arrive early. Arriving early is critical not only for making a good impression, but also to buffer yourself against any unexpected delays.

If you have yet to reach out for legal advice, hiring a Philadelphia attorney for Municipal Court Civil Division should be your next move. Michael Applebaum is an attorney with 50 years of experience in criminal, civil, and traffic cases. Having worked in the Philadelphia court system for decades, he has represented hundreds of clients with strong legal defense and will do the same for you. No case is too big or too small. Get in touch with Applebaum & Associates today and schedule a free legal consultation to get started.