Arrested in Chester County? Here’s Your Local Court Guide

Whether this is your first time or you have been arrested before, facing the Chester County Court system can be overwhelming. You should have access to the information you need, so you move through the process as easy as possible.

The best way to get the answers, clarity, and support you need after an arrest is to speak with an experienced, local defense attorney. In the meantime, we hope you find this general guide to the Chester County Courts helpful.

Chester County: Common Pleas vs. District Courts

The Chester County Court of Common Pleas is a general jurisdiction trial court. There are 13 judges and three senior judges. They have original jurisdiction over any case not exclusively assigned to another court and appellate jurisdiction over minor courts except for Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Municipal Court, and Pittsburgh Municipal Court.

Major civil and criminal cases are heard in the Court of Common Pleas since it is the official trial court for the area, but it also hears a wide variety of cases, including:

• Divorce
• Custody disputes
• Adoptions
• Child support issues
• Lawsuits involving property or money
• Juvenile criminal proceedings

The Chester County Court of Common Pleas is also responsible for supervising pretrial, probation, parole services, domestic relations, bail agencies, and juvenile probation. It is located at:

Chester County Courthouse
201 W. Market St.
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6000

Chester County District Courts, on the other hand, are part of a larger, statewide judicial Pennsylvania court system. Magisterial District Judges are usually the first level of Pennsylvania’s judiciary that you encounter after an arrest in Chester County. They are responsible for whether serious criminal charges should be escalated to the Court of Common Pleas and handle bail arraignments and preliminary hearings.

Magisterial District Courts handle cases involving:

• Preliminary criminal hearings for misdemeanor and felony charges
• Civil lawsuits not exceeding $12,000
• Landlord/tenant lawsuits not exceeding $12,000
• Traffic and non-traffic summary cases
• Hearings relative to Protection From Abuse orders
• Issuing warrants
• Hosting marriages
• Setting bail in cases except for murder and manslaughter

There are multiple district court locations across Chester County, Pennsylvania:

District Court 15-1-02
1572 Paoli Pike
West Chester, PA 19382
610-455-1100

District Court 15-1-03
One City Hall Pl., Suite 200
Coatesville, PA 19320-3446
610-455-1155

District Court 15-1-04
21 West Market St., Suite 100
West Chester, PA 19382
610-344-6622

District Court 15-1-05
Highland Corporate Center
615 Sands Ct.
Coatesville, PA 19320
610-380-3325

District Court 15-2-01
347 Bridge St.
Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-455-1125

District Court 15-2-03
Government Services Center
601 Westtown Rd., Suite 110
West Chester, PA 19382
610-436-5757

District Court 15-2-07
75 East Uwchlan Ave., Suite 110
Exton, PA 19341
610-455-1140

District Court 15-3-01
1101 Ridge Rd., Suite B
Pottstown, PA 19465
610-455-1120

District Court 15-3-04
916 West Cypress St.
Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-455-1170

District Court 15-3-05
305 South Third St.
Oxford, PA 19363
610-455-1160

District Court 15-3-06
4824 Horseshoe Pike
Honey Brook, PA 19344
610-273-3726

District Court 15-3-07
315 First Ave.
Building 3
Parkesburg, PA 19365
610-455-1115

District Court 15-4-01
500 Chesterbrook Blvd., Suite B3
Wayne, PA 19087
610-647-6533

District Court 15-4-02
231 Boot Rd.
Downingtown, PA 19355
610-455-1145

District Court 15-4-03
Whiteland Business Park
748 Springdale Dr., Suite 110
Exton, PA 19341
610-455-1150

District Court 15-4-04
914 West Cypress Street
Kennett Sq., PA 19348
610-455-1175

District Justice Administration
Justice Center
201 West Market St., Suite 4100
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6173

Things To Know About Going To Chester County Courts

The Chester County Court of Common Pleas follows their local rules of court. The rules you will be expected to follow will vary depending on the case. These rules include how documents and information can be filed, handling motions and hearings, administrative information, and more.

As the judicial system is statewide, Chester County District Courts follow the Pennsylvania Rules of Court when it comes to:

• Rules of Judicial Administration
• Rules of Civil Procedure
• Rules of Evidence
• Rules of Criminal Procedure
• Rules of Professional Conduct

When To Arrive & What To Wear To Court

Appearing in a Chester County Court after an arrest can be stressful, and local rules and procedures can vary depending on location. If you have business in a Chester County courthouse, it’s best to arrive a little early. This lets you get comfortable with your surroundings and a chance to discuss things with your attorney.

When it comes to deciding on what you wear, use good judgment and dress conservatively. Simple business attire that is comfortable and not extreme in style is appropriate. This helps maintain the dignity of the court. Blue jeans, shorts, tank tops, and tee shirts are not suitable.

Always Contact a West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you’ve been arrested in Chester County or the surrounding cities, you will likely find yourself in a Chester County Court. To defend yourself properly and handle matters in the best possible way usually requires the services of an experienced lawyer.

Their insight and local knowledge will help you navigate the system, avoid mistakes, and generally resolve matters more favorably than if you were on your own.

Contact Skinner Law Firm today. Schedule your free initial consultation at 610-436-1410 or complete our contact form. We will reach out ASAP to you to learn more about the details of your arrest.