What Does A Magisterial District Judge Do?

Magisterial District Courts are the first level of judicial authority in Pennsylvania and is the court where most people experience the judicial system for the first time. Magisterial District Judges handle all traffic cases, minor criminal cases, and civil cases involving amounts up to $12,000.

Magisterial District Judges also conduct preliminary arraignments, set bail and conduct preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases to determine if the cases should be dismissed or transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings.  Magisterial District Judges also review and approve criminal search warrants and criminal arrest warrants for probable cause prior to issuance, administrative warrants and other civil orders.  by the 

District Court 15-2-03 is located at the Chester County Government Services Center at 601 Westtown Road, West Chester PA. This covers all of West Goshen Township, most of Westtown Township and all of Thornbury Township. 

Magisterial District Judges are elected to six year terms and must run for re election. Good judges are important and necessary to help ensure that Chester County remains a safe place. Andy Rongaus has the legal and courtroom experience to step into the job on day one. Andy has spent a lifetime protecting our community and will continue to do so when elected as our Magisterial District Judge.