Adult criminal cases start with a preliminary hearing in the Magisterial District Court where the crime allegedly occurred. There are twenty-six Magisterial District Courts in Delaware County. The Pre-Trial Unit handles the preliminary hearings in all criminal cases where the public defender is appointed in the Magisterial District Court. Pre-Trial Unit staff begin the process of defending the client by conducting interviews, starting investigations, preparing arguments, conducting needs assessments, exploring diversionary opportunities, and providing social service referrals when appropriate. If a case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas after a preliminary hearing in the Magisterial District Court, and the case is not assigned to the Major Felony Unit, the pre-trial attorney will transfer the case to an Assistant Public Defender in the Adult Trial Unit.
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SUMMONS
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| PRELIMINARY ARRAIGNMENT | PRELIMINARY HEARING |
|---|---|
1. Bail is set | Determine presence of |
| POSITIVE DETERMINATION Case is held for court in the Court of Common Pleas | NEGATIVE DETERMINATION Case is dismissed, withdrawn or diverted |
| Pre-Trial Unit Chief |
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| Taylor Dunn dunnt@co.delaware.pa.us 610-891-6006 |
