What is a Summary Trial?
A Summary Trial is held for Summary offenses such as:
A Summary Trial takes place in a court-room before the local Magisterial District Judge.
Who attends a Summary Trial?
Yes, witnesses are permitted to testify to what they observed. Both Defense and Commonwealth may call witnesses to testify.
What is the Procedure for a Summary Trial?
A Summary Trial begins with all parties expected to testify being sworn to tell the truth.
The Commonwealth presents their case first. They must prove each element of the offense that the Defendant allegedly committed. They may call witnesses to testify to what they observed.
The Defense then presents their case offering any defenses, explanations, and testimony that they may have. Like the Commonwealth, they may also call witnesses to testify as to what they observed.
Once all concluding argument is heard, the District Judge will announce a decision and the Summary Trial is concluded.
Can Summary Trial decisions be appealed?
Yes, an appeal must be done within thirty (30) days from the date of the District Judge's original decision. In most counties, this is done at the County Clerk of Court's Office or Department of Court Records. You will be required to pay an appeal fee.
A Summary Trial is held for Summary offenses such as:
- Traffic Violations
- Speeding / Inspection Violations / Failure to Signal
- Public Drunkenness
- Underage Drinking
- Disorderly Conduct
A Summary Trial takes place in a court-room before the local Magisterial District Judge.
Who attends a Summary Trial?
- District Judge
- Defendant & Defendant's Attorney
- Commonwealth
- Police Officer
- District Attorney (occasionally)
- Witnesses
Yes, witnesses are permitted to testify to what they observed. Both Defense and Commonwealth may call witnesses to testify.
What is the Procedure for a Summary Trial?
A Summary Trial begins with all parties expected to testify being sworn to tell the truth.
The Commonwealth presents their case first. They must prove each element of the offense that the Defendant allegedly committed. They may call witnesses to testify to what they observed.
The Defense then presents their case offering any defenses, explanations, and testimony that they may have. Like the Commonwealth, they may also call witnesses to testify as to what they observed.
Once all concluding argument is heard, the District Judge will announce a decision and the Summary Trial is concluded.
Can Summary Trial decisions be appealed?
Yes, an appeal must be done within thirty (30) days from the date of the District Judge's original decision. In most counties, this is done at the County Clerk of Court's Office or Department of Court Records. You will be required to pay an appeal fee.
Are summary trials open to the public and are they typically held at the local courthouse?
ReplyDeleteSummary Trials are held in District Courts before District Judges. Usually within which ever jurisdiction the alleged incident occurred or the charges were filed.
DeleteFeel free to contact our office for more information.
412.391.7999-telephone
Aimee@lawyerpaletta.com
Or gotlawyer.paletta@gmail.com for an immediate response.
Do you have to attend summary trials?
ReplyDelete