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 32-1-34 is assigned Upper Darby Township Ward 3 (Precincts 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10), Ward 4 (Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10), Ward 5 (Precinct 3) and Ward 7 (Precincts 2, 4, 8 and 10).
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 32-1-34 is the only Delaware County district court whose territory is entirely inside Upper Darby. It shares Barclay Square with 32-1-33 and 32-2-51, but each court hears only its own precincts.
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.