Magisterial District
32-2-54
Delaware County · Springfield
James Merkins
Presiding Magisterial District Judge
12
Municipalities
2
Police Departments
Municipalities Served by This Court
Springfield Township (Ward 1 Precinct 3, Ward 6), Upper Darby Township (Ward 1 Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9; Ward 3 Precincts 1, 3, 5, 11)
Police Departments in This District
- Springfield Township Police Department
- Upper Darby Township Police Department
Per the county's current directory, this district is temporarily consolidated with Court 32-2-43, and hearings are held at Court 32-2-52. Confirm where your hearing is scheduled before travelling.
About This Court
Magisterial District Court 32-2-54 is one of twenty-six magisterial district courts in Delaware County. Judge James Merkins presides. It serves 12 municipalities, listed above. 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 Delaware County. After an arrest, a preliminary arraignment sets bail and gives you your next court date. The county also operates a central MDJ Arraignment Room in Media, at 600 North Jackson Street, where preliminary arraignments are held.
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 Delaware County Court of Common Pleas at 201 West Front Street in Media. Summary offenses and most traffic citations are decided at this court and go no further.
One Delaware County detail worth knowing early: the county's own ARD application states that no application will be considered unless the applicant is represented by an attorney, and it is due at least fourteen days before formal arraignment. The window opens early in the case and does not stay open long.
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 610-690-7668, or call Yakubu Law at 484-944-0834 to talk through your case.
Common Questions
Which municipalities does Magisterial District Court 32-2-54 cover? +
Springfield Township (Ward 1 Precinct 3, Ward 6), Upper Darby Township (Ward 1 Precincts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9; Ward 3 Precincts 1, 3, 5, 11).
Which police departments file cases at Court 32-2-54? +
Cases at this court most often come from the Springfield Township Police Department, Upper Darby Township 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 Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, Delaware County Courthouse, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063. Summary offenses and most traffic citations are decided at the magisterial district court and go no further.
Other Delaware County Courts
D.C. 32-1-20
Chester
D.C. 32-1-21
Chester
D.C. 32-1-22
Chester
D.C. 32-1-23
Collingdale
D.C. 32-1-27
Broomall
D.C. 32-1-28
Media
D.C. 32-1-30
Folsom
D.C. 32-1-32
Springfield
D.C. 32-1-33
Upper Darby
D.C. 32-1-34
Upper Darby
D.C. 32-1-36
Linwood
D.C. 32-2-37
Darby
D.C. 32-2-38
Aston
D.C. 32-2-39
Brookhaven
D.C. 32-2-40
Glenolden
D.C. 32-2-42
Glenolden
D.C. 32-2-43
Newtown Square
D.C. 32-2-44
Prospect Park
D.C. 32-2-46
Media
D.C. 32-2-47
Lansdowne
D.C. 32-2-48
Lima
D.C. 32-2-49
Glen Mills
D.C. 32-2-51
Upper Darby
D.C. 32-2-52
Secane
D.C. 32-2-53
Havertown
Have a hearing at this court? Speak directly with the attorney beforehand.
Call 484-944-0834