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Magisterial District Court 32-1-20 | Chester, Pennsylvania
Magisterial District Court 32-1-20 serves Wards 1 and 2, Ward 6 Precinct 2 and Ward 7 Precincts 1, 3 and 4 of the City of Chester in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It handles early criminal proceedings such as preliminary arraignments, many initial bail decisions and preliminary hearings.
Chester City is split among three district courts that share 529 Penn Street. This guide explains what 32-1-20 does, how to confirm a case is really assigned here, and how Center City Bail Bonds can help once bail is set.
529 Penn Street, Chester, PA 19013Court: 610-876-2151Office hours: Mon to Fri, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Official information for Magisterial District Court 32-1-20. Court office hours are the county's; Center City Bail Bonds answers calls 24/7 and is a separate, private company.
Court
Magisterial District Court 32-1-20
Judge: Wilden H. Davis
Judicial District
32nd Judicial District
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Court Address
529 Penn Street
Chester, PA 19013
Office Hours
Mon to Fri, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Excluding holidays. Published general hours for Delaware County district courts; after-hours proceedings are handled separately.
Communities Served
Chester City
Per the county MDJ directory
Shared building: Magisterial District Courts 32-1-20, 32-1-21 and 32-1-22 all use 529 Penn Street, Chester, but each has its own district number, ward assignments, docket and phone line. Check the district number on your notice.
Listed in the Delaware County MDJ court directory (checked October 2026). Judge assignments can change; the court named on official paperwork controls. County MDJ Directory(opens in a new tab)
Two different phone numbers. The court line (610-876-2151) reaches court staff. Center City Bail Bonds ((215) 870-8197) is a private company answering 24/7.
Official sources:Delaware County MDJ Court List(opens in a new tab)Magisterial District Court Hours(opens in a new tab)Pennsylvania MDJ Directory(opens in a new tab)
Magisterial District Courts are the first level of Pennsylvania's court system. In Delaware County they sit within the 32nd Judicial District, and each is assigned specific municipalities, wards or precincts. District Court 32-1-20 is assigned Chester City Wards 1 and 2, Ward 6 Precinct 2, and Ward 7 Precincts 1, 3 and 4.
In criminal matters, a Magisterial District Judge may handle preliminary arraignments, set initial bail when acting as the bail authority, issue certain warrants and hold preliminary hearings. District courts also hear summary, traffic and some civil matters, but this guide focuses on criminal cases and bail.
Court 32-1-20 does not cover all of Chester. Its territory is a defined set of wards and precincts, so a case's assignment depends on where the alleged offense occurred. The county's reestablishment order also lists certain administrative assignments for this district; those are separate from criminal bail and are not covered here.
When a case is held for court after a preliminary hearing, it moves to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media for formal arraignment, motions, pleas, trial and sentencing.
529 Penn Street
Typical criminal responsibilities
201 West Front Street
Typical criminal responsibilities
Not the same courthouse. District Court 32-1-20 is at 529 Penn Street, Chester, PA 19013. The Delaware County Courthouse is at 201 West Front Street. See the Delaware County Courthouse Bail Bonds Guide for the Court of Common Pleas.
Official sources:Magisterial District Courts (Delaware County)(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 540(opens in a new tab)
After an arrest or criminal complaint, a Magisterial District Judge or another authorized issuing authority may act as the bail authority, reviewing the available information and setting lawful monetary or nonmonetary release conditions. A private bail bond company never sets the amount or the conditions.
Because three courts share one Chester building, families sometimes call the wrong office. Before asking about bail, confirm that the paperwork names 32-1-20; the judge and staff of 32-1-21 or 32-1-22 cannot answer questions about a 32-1-20 case.
The initial bail order shapes what happens next: whether release is possible, what must be posted or agreed to, and which conditions apply while the case is pending. If conditions cannot be met, the person may remain in custody.
Private Company
Where a lawful bail bond is available, Center City Bail Bonds can help with the bond process and point you to the right official office. We are not part of the court, we cannot change a bail order, and we cannot guarantee that a bond will be accepted or that anyone will be released.
The preliminary arraignment is usually the first court proceeding after an arrest. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 540, the issuing authority gives the defendant a copy of the complaint, explains important rights including the right to counsel, and addresses bail. A preliminary hearing date and place are typically set.
A preliminary arraignment for a case from these Chester wards may be handled by an on-call issuing authority or by two-way video, so it does not always take place at 529 Penn Street during office hours. The preliminary hearing is then normally scheduled before the assigned district court.
A preliminary arraignment is not a trial and is not the formal arraignment held later in the Court of Common Pleas. No single court date fits every case; the official court notice controls the scheduled appearance.
The defendant receives a copy of the criminal complaint and is told what is alleged.
Important rights are explained, including the right to a lawyer and how to apply for appointed counsel.
The issuing authority addresses bail and sets release conditions when acting as the bail authority.
A date and place for the preliminary hearing are usually set, unless the rules provide otherwise.
Court paperwork and notices are provided. Keep them; they state the court, date and conditions.
The person may be released or detained depending on the bail order, any holds and other circumstances.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 540 (Preliminary Arraignment)(opens in a new tab)
Pennsylvania Rule 523 lists the information a bail authority considers when deciding release conditions. Rule 524 describes the types of release, Rule 527 covers nonmonetary conditions and Rule 528 covers monetary conditions and deposits. Each decision is made case by case; there is no fixed amount for a DUI, drug or assault charge.
Release based on the defendant's written agreement to appear and follow the court's conditions, with no money posted.
Conditions permitted by Rule 527, such as reporting, travel limits or no-contact orders, set by the court.
A monetary bail requirement under Rule 528. The order may allow a percentage deposit or require the full amount.
Unsecured or nominal bail and other arrangements permitted by Rule 524. Eligibility depends on the order and the law.
Three different numbers: the full court-ordered bail amount, a court-authorized deposit (if the order allows one), and a private bail bond's own terms. A 10% deposit option does not mean a bail bond company charges 10%. Not every defendant is eligible for every type of release.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 523(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 524(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 527(opens in a new tab)Pa.R.Crim.P. 528(opens in a new tab)
A simplified eight-step view. Every case is different, and no step has a guaranteed timeline.
A law enforcement agency may begin criminal proceedings by arrest or complaint. The process depends on the allegations and circumstances.
Identification, processing and custody decisions may take place. Where and how long this happens varies.
An appropriate issuing authority explains the charges and addresses bail when authorized.
The court may set lawful monetary or nonmonetary release requirements.
Where permitted, the defendant or family may use approved posting or bonding procedures.
Release depends on meeting the conditions and resolving any holds or detainers.
The case may go to a preliminary hearing unless it is waived or another authorized procedure applies.
If the case is held for court, later proceedings take place in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Keep in mind. Not every arrest follows every step in this order, not everyone is held at George W. Hill, and not every case goes to trial. No one can promise a release time.
A preliminary hearing is an early proceeding where the Commonwealth must show a prima facie case: enough evidence that a crime was committed and that the defendant probably committed it. It is not a trial, and guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is not decided here.
Under Pennsylvania Rule 542, the Commonwealth presents evidence and the defendant, through counsel if represented, may cross-examine witnesses, present evidence and object. Hearings may be continued for reasons the rules allow, and a defendant may waive the hearing with appropriate advice.
If charges in a 32-1-20 case are held for court, the case moves from Chester to the Court of Common Pleas in Media. A preliminary hearing does not automatically end or change bail; existing conditions generally stay in place unless a court changes them.
If a prima facie case is shown, some or all charges are held for court and the case moves to the Court of Common Pleas.
Where the Commonwealth does not meet its burden on a charge, that charge may be dismissed or the defendant discharged.
The hearing may be rescheduled for reasons the rules allow. The new date appears on an updated notice.
Waivers, withdrawn or amended charges, and other outcomes permitted by law can also occur.
These are common results, not the only ones, and none is guaranteed.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 542 (Preliminary Hearing)(opens in a new tab)
Criminal complaints for many kinds of offenses begin before Magisterial District Courts. Whether a case involves District Court 32-1-20 depends on where the alleged offense occurred, how it was assigned and its stage. No charge carries a standard bail amount.
DUI cases range from first offenses to graded charges. Release may be on nonmonetary or monetary conditions depending on the facts, any prior record and the bail authority's order.
DUI Bail Bonds GuideAlleged drug offenses vary by charge, quantity alleged and case stage. The bail authority applies the Rule 523 factors rather than a schedule.
Drug Charge Bail Bonds GuideWhen violence is alleged, safety is part of the bail decision. Conditions such as no contact with a named person may be ordered.
Assault Bail Bonds GuideDomestic cases rest on underlying offenses such as simple assault. A separate Protection From Abuse order or protective conditions may also apply and must be followed.
Domestic Violence Bail Bonds GuideMore serious charges often move from the district court to the Court of Common Pleas after a preliminary hearing. Bail is still decided individually.
Felony Bail Bonds GuideAn outstanding warrant, missed court date or probation detainer is separate from bail on a new charge and can keep someone in custody after bail is posted.
Warrant Bail Bonds GuideA charge is an allegation, not a finding of guilt. Holds or detainers can prevent release even after bail on a new charge is met.
Bail amounts are decided case by case. Monetary conditions are not imposed in every case, and when they are, the bail order states what is required. Some orders permit a percentage cash deposit under Rule 528, often up to 10%; others require the full amount or allow a professional bail bond.
A court-authorized deposit is not the same as a bail bond company's terms. A professional bond has its own written, lawful costs and conditions. Refunds and fees on court deposits follow the court's procedures, and holds or detainers can still affect release.
The calculator shows a possible 10% court-authorized deposit for illustration only. It is not a Center City Bail Bonds price, a quote or a guaranteed premium.
Full Monetary Bail
$10,000.00
Example 10% Court Deposit
$1,000.00
Illustration Only. Requires Court Authorization.
This calculator provides an example only. The court determines bail and whether a percentage deposit is allowed. It does not estimate bail bond company fees, guarantee release, or represent a payment quote. Contact Center City Bail Bonds to discuss your situation.
Get Bail Help NowOnly the bail authority sets bail. The amount, if any, is on the bail order.
Rule 528 lets the bail authority allow a percentage deposit in some cases. Check the order.
Where allowed, a licensed surety posts the bond under its own written, lawful terms.
Deposit refunds and administrative fees are handled by the Office of Judicial Support at 610-891-5693.
Official sources:Pa.R.Crim.P. 528 (Monetary Conditions)(opens in a new tab)
These options are not interchangeable. Which one applies depends on the bail order, the case stage and the time of day.
Official Option 1
Pennsylvania rules let an issuing authority accept qualifying bail at certain stages of a case. Office hours, case stage, assignment and the bail order all matter, so call for current instructions before you go.
Official Option 2
The county directs bail payment and refund questions to the Office of Judicial Support in the Government Center. This office is separate from the district court.
Official Option 3
PAePay Bail accepts some bail payments online. Eligibility depends on the case. It is separate from paying fines or court costs online.
Official Option 4
The county describes after-hours bail arrangements at George W. Hill for some cases. Contact facility records staff and confirm eligibility before you travel; not every arrangement is accepted at all hours.
Option 5 · Private Company
Where a lawful bail bond is available for the case, Center City Bail Bonds can help with the process. We are a private company, not a government office. We cannot change a judicial order or release anyone without official processing.
District Court 32-1-20 is a court office. George W. Hill is the county correctional facility. They have different jobs and are in different places: the court issues orders, and the jail holds people and processes eligible releases.
Not every arrest leads to commitment at George W. Hill. Someone may also have other court orders or holds, and paying bail does not guarantee immediate release.
529 Penn Street, Chester
Responsibilities
500 Cheyney Road, Thornton
Responsibilities
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System runs a public case search covering district court dockets. A docket may show charges, hearing dates and case status. Not every detail is public or updated right away, and the official court notice and current order control required appearances and conditions. Center City Bail Bonds does not operate this system.
District Court 32-1-20 is at 529 Penn Street in Chester, a building shared with two other district courts. It is a separate location from the Delaware County Courthouse at 201 West Front Street in Media, from George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton and from Center City Bail Bonds' Philadelphia office. Inside the building, look for the office matching 32-1-20.
529 Penn Street, Chester, PA 19013
Mon to Fri, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. The office is not open 24/7.
529 Penn Street is in downtown Chester. Use metered street spaces or public lots only as posted signs allow; parking rules, fees and time limits can change. Free or reserved court parking is not promised. Allow extra time to find the correct district court office inside the shared building.
The county directory assigns Chester City Wards 1 and 2, Ward 6 Precinct 2, and Ward 7 Precincts 1, 3 and 4 to District Court 32-1-20. Courthouse proximity does not decide district assignment; the court named on official paperwork controls.
Served Municipality
Wards 1 and 2; Ward 6, Precinct 2; Ward 7, Precincts 1, 3 and 4
District Court 32-1-20 serves only these Chester City wards and precincts. Other parts of the city are assigned to District Courts 32-1-21 and 32-1-22 in the same building. Chester City is not Chester Township, which has its own court (32-2-38), and it is not Chester County.
Bring the notice showing the correct court, date and time.
Bring suitable identification where it is required.
Keep the docket number and the defendant's details on hand.
Bring bail orders, receipts or confirmations when they apply.
Have your attorney's contact details ready if represented.
Confirm the address (529 Penn Street), parking and hearing location.
Exact requirements depend on the proceeding and the court's instructions. This checklist is general guidance, not a list of mandatory paperwork.
Answers about District Court 32-1-20, bail, hearings, payments and custody.
The county directory assigns Chester City Wards 1 and 2, Ward 6 Precinct 2, and Ward 7 Precincts 1, 3 and 4 to District Court 32-1-20. Ward 6 Precinct 1 and Ward 7 Precinct 2 belong to 32-1-21, and Wards 10 and 11 belong to 32-1-22.
The county lists District Court 32-1-20 at 529 Penn Street, Chester, PA 19013, phone 610-876-2151. Hours are generally 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, excluding holidays.
Yes. All three Chester City district courts are listed at 529 Penn Street. They are still separate courts, each with its own judge, wards, docket and phone number.
No. Court 32-1-20 handles only its assigned wards and precincts. Cases from other parts of Chester go to 32-1-21 or 32-1-22, and an after-hours first appearance may be handled by an on-call judge.
Read the district number printed on the criminal complaint, bail paperwork or hearing notice, or search the Pennsylvania UJS Portal by name or docket number; the docket shows the court. You can also call the court. A Chester street address or ZIP code alone does not establish which district has the case.
Yes. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, but arrests happen at all hours. Delaware County uses an on-call issuing authority and video proceedings so a preliminary arraignment and initial bail decision can occur after hours, which means the first bail decision in a 32-1-20 case may not happen at 529 Penn Street.
No. Chester City and Chester Township are separate municipalities in Delaware County with different district courts. Chester Township is served by District Court 32-2-38. Neither is Chester County, which is a different county.
Delaware County publishes general district court hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. After-hours preliminary arraignments go through the county's on-call system, not this office. Call 610-876-2151 to confirm current hours before visiting.
A Magisterial District Judge may set initial bail when acting as the bail authority at a preliminary arraignment. For some arrests an on-call issuing authority sets bail instead. Later changes may be decided by the district court or the Court of Common Pleas, depending on the stage of the case.
Under Rule 540, the defendant receives a copy of the complaint, is told about important rights such as the right to a lawyer, and bail is addressed. A preliminary hearing date is usually set. It is not a trial, and no decision about guilt is made.
The bail authority weighs the Rule 523 factors, such as the nature of the alleged offense, family and community ties, finances, prior record and history of appearing in court, and then chooses a type of release under Rule 524. There is no fixed amount for any charge.
Pennsylvania rules allow an issuing authority to accept qualifying bail at certain stages of a case. Whether you can pay at this office depends on the case stage, the bail order and office hours. Call 610-876-2151 for current payment instructions before going.
Some bail can be paid through Pennsylvania's PAePay Bail service. Not every case or bail type is eligible, and PAePay bail is separate from paying fines or court costs online. Check the case and accepted payment method first.
If the conditions cannot be met, the person may remain in custody, often at George W. Hill Correctional Facility. A lawyer may ask the court to review bail. Center City Bail Bonds can explain whether a professional bond is an option for the order.
No. George W. Hill is the county jail at 500 Cheyney Road, Thornton, PA 19373, phone 610-361-3200. District Court 32-1-20 is a court office in Chester. The court issues orders; the jail holds people and processes releases.
Under Rule 542 the judge decides whether the Commonwealth showed a prima facie case. Charges may be held for court, dismissed in whole or part, or the hearing may be continued. Held charges move to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media, and bail generally stays in place unless a court changes it.
Bail orders, preliminary hearings, custody information and release arrangements can be confusing. Center City Bail Bonds provides private bail bond assistance and helps you find the right next step.
We are a private company in Philadelphia. We have no office in Media and are not part of any district court or county office.
Center City Bail Bonds
1238 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
24/7 bail assistance
