Magisterial District
15-4-04
Chester County · Kennett Square
Matthew Seavey
Presiding Magisterial District Judge
7
Municipalities
1
Police Department
Fri
Criminal Day
Municipalities Served by This Court
Borough of Avondale, Borough of West Grove, Franklin Township, London Britain Township, London Grove Township, New Garden Township, West Marlborough Township
Police Departments in This District
- Southern Chester County Regional Police Department
Franklin Township, London Britain Township, London Grove Township, and West Marlborough Township are patrolled by the Pennsylvania State Police (Troop J) rather than a municipal department.
About This Court
Magisterial District Court 15-4-04 is one of sixteen magisterial district courts in Chester County. Judge Matthew Seavey presides. It serves 7 municipalities, listed above. Criminal proceedings are heard on Fridays. If you were charged by an officer in one of those municipalities, this is almost certainly where your case begins.
Magisterial district courts handle the earliest stages of nearly every criminal case in Chester County. After an arrest, a preliminary arraignment sets bail and gives you your next court date — Chester County's district judges rotate through an on-call night schedule, so this can happen outside normal business hours.
The preliminary hearing comes next, and it is not a trial. Nobody is found guilty or not guilty here. The Commonwealth only has to show there is enough evidence for the case to move forward. Cases held for court go to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas at the Justice Center, 201 West Market Street in West Chester. Summary offenses and most traffic citations are decided at this court and go no further.
One Chester County detail worth knowing early: the District Attorney's published ARD instructions direct DUI defendants to apply for the program at the preliminary hearing, and admission requires waiving that hearing and all pretrial motions. That makes a first appearance at this court more consequential than many people expect.
Before Your Court Date
Every magisterial district court runs a little differently.
Parking, which entrance to use, how early to arrive, how a given courtroom handles its list — those questions deserve a real answer rather than a guess. Call this court directly at 610-455-1175, or call Yakubu Law at 484-944-0834 to talk through your case.
Common Questions
Which municipalities does Magisterial District Court 15-4-04 cover? +
Borough of Avondale, Borough of West Grove, Franklin Township, London Britain Township, London Grove Township, New Garden Township, West Marlborough Township.
Which police departments file cases at Court 15-4-04? +
Cases at this court most often come from the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department.
Is a preliminary hearing a trial? +
No. No one is found guilty or not guilty at a preliminary hearing. The Commonwealth only has to show there is enough evidence for the case to move forward to the Court of Common Pleas.
Where does my case go if it is held for court? +
Cases held for court move to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Summary offenses and most traffic citations are decided at the magisterial district court and go no further.
Other Chester County Courts
D.C. 15-1-01
West Chester
D.C. 15-1-02
West Chester
D.C. 15-1-03
Coatesville
D.C. 15-1-04
West Chester
D.C. 15-2-01
Phoenixville
D.C. 15-2-03
West Chester
D.C. 15-2-07
Exton
D.C. 15-3-01
Pottstown
D.C. 15-3-04
Kennett Square
D.C. 15-3-05
Oxford
D.C. 15-3-06
Honey Brook
D.C. 15-3-07
Parkesburg
D.C. 15-4-01
Wayne
D.C. 15-4-02
Downingtown
D.C. 15-4-03
Exton
Have a hearing at this court? Speak directly with the attorney beforehand.
Call 484-944-0834