Pre-Trial Unit

Adult criminal cases start with a preliminary hearing in the Magisterial District Court where the crime allegedly occurred. There are twenty-six Magisterial District Courts in Delaware County. The Pre-Trial Unit handles the preliminary hearings in all criminal cases where the public defender is appointed in the Magisterial District Court. Pre-Trial Unit staff begin the process of defending the client by conducting interviews, starting investigations, preparing arguments, conducting needs assessments, exploring diversionary opportunities, and providing social service referrals when appropriate. If a case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas after a preliminary hearing in the Magisterial District Court, and the case is not assigned to the Major Felony Unit, the pre-trial attorney will transfer the case to an Assistant Public Defender in the Adult Trial Unit.