Bucks County Courts — What to Expect When You’re Charged

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Overview of the Bucks County Courts System

The Bucks County courts system operates within Pennsylvania’s 7th Judicial District and follows the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. Criminal cases typically begin in a Magisterial District Court, and more serious or appealed matters advance to the Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown.

At SKA Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers routinely appear before both levels of Bucks County courts and understand the procedural differences that can affect your case’s trajectory

Whether you’ve received a summons for a preliminary hearing or you’re preparing for a trial at the county level, understanding how these courts function—and what to expect—can make a major difference in your legal outcome.

Magisterial District Courts (MDJs)

Bucks County is divided into 18 Magisterial District Courts, each covering a specific geographic area such as Bensalem and overseen by an elected Magisterial District Judge (MDJ). These courts handle the first stage of most criminal cases, including preliminary hearings for felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses.

Each district court covers a specific region—such as Bristol, Bensalem, Levittown, Doylestown, and Quakertown—and serves as the first opportunity for your attorney to challenge the evidence against you.

If you received a citation, arrest notice, or summons, your case will typically begin here. Our team frequently appears before district judges across all Bucks County jurisdictions, including:

List of Magisterial District Courts in Bucks County

  1. District Court 07-1-01 – Bensalem, PA
  2. District Court 07-1-02 – Bristol, PA
  3. District Court 07-1-03 – Bristol, PA
  4. District Court 07-1-04 – Levittown, PA
  5. District Court 07-1-07 – Penndel, PA
  6. District Court 07-1-08 – Levittown, PA
  7. District Court 07-1-09 – Warminster, PA
  8. District Court 07-1-10 – Fallsington, PA
  9. District Court 07-1-11 – Morrisville, PA
  10. District Court 07-1-12 – Bensalem, PA
  11. District Court 07-2-01 – Richboro, PA
  12. District Court 07-2-02 – Warrington, PA
  13. District Court 07-2-05 – Quakertown, PA
  14. District Court 07-2-07 – Newtown, PA
  15. District Court 07-2-08 – New Britain, PA
  16. District Court 07-3-01 – Doylestown, PA
  17. District Court 07-3-02 – Jamison, PA
  18. District Court 07-3-03 – Ottsville, PA

Early representation in these courts often determines whether your case proceeds to trial or is dismissed entirely.

➡️ View all Bucks County District Courts & Find Yours

Court of Common Pleas

The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, located in Doylestown, serves as the county’s trial-level court for serious criminal offenses, including domestic violence, drug distribution, and white-collar crimes.

This court hears:

  • Jury and bench trials for felonies and complex misdemeanors
  • Appeals from Magisterial District Courts
  • Probation and parole violations
  • Post-conviction and expungement petitions

Because proceedings in this court are more formal and rule-driven, preparation and procedural precision are crucial.

Our attorneys — Michael Kotik, Esq. and Amato Sanita, Esq. — regularly defend clients at the Bucks County Justice Center, applying decades of trial experience to protect your rights before local judges and prosecutors.

➡️ Learn More About the Court of Common Pleas

What to Expect in Bucks County Courts

Whether you’re appearing before a District Judge or facing trial in the Common Pleas Court, here’s what to know:

  • Be on time. Arriving late can result in a bench warrant or additional charges.
  • Dress appropriately. Respect the court setting with business or professional attire.
  • Do not speak to anyone about your case. Anything you say—especially to police or court personnel—can be used against you.
  • Know your rights. You have the right to an attorney and to remain silent.
  • Expect multiple appearances. Especially in felony matters, you may have multiple pre-trial hearings before trial is scheduled.
  • Bring your attorney. Legal representation can dramatically influence the outcome of your case.

Every appearance—from a preliminary hearing at a district court to sentencing at the Court of Common Pleas—follows a structured process.

At SKA Law Group, we guide clients through every phase:

  1. Preliminary Hearing: Held in your local MDJ court. Determines if the case should proceed.
  2. Arraignment: Formal charges are read; plea entered.
  3. Pre-Trial Motions: Filed to suppress evidence or challenge procedure.
  4. Trial: Conducted before a judge or jury in the Court of Common Pleas.
  5. Sentencing/Appeals: Managed post-conviction, with opportunities for reconsideration or expungement.

When Legal Guidance Is Essential

The stakes in Bucks County criminal cases are high—convictions can carry jail time, fines, license suspensions, and permanent records.

The criminal defense lawyers at SKA Law Group have successfully defended clients in:

Because we regularly appear in both District Courts and the Court of Common Pleas, we know which strategies resonate with judges and prosecutors in Bucks County.

📞 If you’ve received a court summons, contact us immediately for a free consultation to review your case and next court date.