How Are Summary Offenses Enforced?
Most summary crimes are enforced by a citation issued by a police officer to the person who is charged with committing the offense. Normally, the citation is handed to the person charged by a police officer who has observed the incident. If no officer was present, or if, for any valid reason, the officer decides not to issue the citation at the scene, a citation/ summons may be sent by mail.

In certain circumstances, a police officer may arrest someone, take him/her into custody and then before a magisterial district judge (formerly called a district justice). In that case, a hearing can be requested. The hearing may be held immediately or at a later time, for which the magisterial district judge may require security to guarantee that person’s appearance. A citation will still be prepared and given to that person.

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1. How much does it cost for a wedding at the MDJ office?
2. Can a Magisterial District Judge and/or staff provide legal assistance or guidance?
3. What are the requirements for bringing suit before a Magisterial District Judge?
4. Should I go to District Court or Common Pleas Court?
5. Who can represent me in a Magisterial District Court?
6. Can the Magisterial District Judge order my property be returned?
7. To which District Court should I go?
8. How should I start a law suit?
9. How is the other party notified?
10. Do I need to appear if the Defendant has not entered a defense?
11. Can I get a continuance of the trial?
12. What should I do before the trial?
13. What happens at the trial?
14. What happens after the decision?
15. How do I proceed if no appeal is filed?
16. How can I locate an attorney?
17. How do I fill out a civil complaint?
18. Where do you file?
19. What do you include in the claim?
20. Traffic and Non Traffic Citations
21. How Are Summary Offenses Enforced?
22. What Is A Citation?
23. What If Some Of The Information In The Citation Is Wrong?
24. What If I Do Not Respond To A Citation?
25. What If I Request A Hearing?
26. What If I Fail To Appear At The Hearing?
27. Can I Appeal?
28. For More Information