Pursuant to the Rules of Procedure, any matter for which a citation is filed at the district justice level may be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas for a hearing de novo. These cases generally involve traffic violations, minor criminal matters, violations of municipal ordinances, and other minor offenses for which a fine and/or imprisonment may be imposed. Within sixty to ninety days from the time that an appeal is filed from the District Justice to the Court of Common Pleas, a hearing will be scheduled and held to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant on the offenses charged. In 2007, there were 321 appeals filed. The onset of technology in both the District Justices’ offices and Courts has enabled these matters to be heard promptly and dispositions rendered in a timely fashion.

Court Divisions & Operations