Guide to Lackawanna County Magisterial District Courts

Magisterial District Courts are often the first point of contact with Pennsylvania’s court system. In Lackawanna County, these courts handle traffic tickets, summary criminal matters, landlord-tenant disputes, smaller civil claims, preliminary arraignments, bail, warrants, and early-stage criminal proceedings. Knowing which office to contact—and where a criminal preliminary hearing will be held—can help you avoid missed hearings and unnecessary confusion.

Lackawanna County currently has 10 Magisterial District Judge offices, along with Central Court for criminal preliminary hearings. Court locations and schedules can change, so always review your court notice and confirm the location with the court before appearing.

What Do Magisterial District Judges Handle?

 

Magisterial District Judges, often called MDJs or magistrates, handle several types of cases under Pennsylvania law. Their jurisdiction includes summary offenses, such as traffic citations and disorderly conduct; landlord-tenant matters; and many civil claims seeking up to $12,000, excluding interest and costs. They also issue warrants, conduct preliminary arraignments, set bail in eligible cases, and serve as committing magistrates in criminal proceedings. § 1515. Jurisdiction and venue.

In criminal cases, an MDJ may conduct a preliminary hearing to determine whether the Commonwealth has established a prima facie case to move the charges forward to the Court of Common Pleas. The judge does not decide guilt or innocence at a preliminary hearing. That process focuses on whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed.

For certain matters, an MDJ may also resolve the case at the district-court level, including summary offenses, eligible DUI matters, and limited third-degree misdemeanor cases when statutory requirements are met. § 1515. Jurisdiction and venue.

Lackawanna County Central Court

 

Lackawanna County uses a Central Court system for criminal preliminary hearings. The county’s magisterial district judges preside there on a rotating basis, so the judge assigned to a preliminary hearing may not be the judge whose name appears on the original charging paperwork. MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE REESTABLISHMENT PROGRAM

Lackawanna County Central Court / Criminal Justice Center
1360 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509

Central Court handles criminal preliminary hearings and related early criminal proceedings. It is separate from the individual Magisterial District Judge offices that serve particular geographic districts for matters such as citations, civil disputes, landlord-tenant cases, and local filings. If you have a criminal case, carefully check your hearing notice because it may direct you to Central Court even if the alleged incident occurred elsewhere in Lackawanna County.

Lackawanna County Magisterial District Judge Offices

 

The following list identifies the 10 current Lackawanna County Magisterial District Judge offices and their published addresses:

• Magisterial District 45-1-01 — Honorable George E. Seig
  1 Maxson Drive
  Old Forge, PA 18518
• Magisterial District 45-1-02 — Honorable Alyce M. Farrell
  130 North Washington Avenue, First Floor
  Scranton, PA 18503
• Magisterial District 45-1-03 — Honorable Joanne P. Corbett
  1629 Pittston Avenue, First Floor
  Scranton, PA 18505
• Magisterial District 45-1-05 — Honorable Sean E. Gallagher
  1600 Farr Street
  Scranton, PA 18504
• Magisterial District 45-1-06 — Honorable Paul J. Ware
  2012 West Pine Street
  Dunmore, PA 18512
• Magisterial District 45-1-08 — Honorable Christopher J. Szewczyk
  Lackawanna County Public Services Building
  901 Enterprise Street, Second Floor
  Dickson City, PA 18519
• Magisterial District 45-3-01 — Honorable Paul Keeler
  104 Shady Lane Road
  P.O. Box 427
  Chinchilla, PA 18410
• Magisterial District 45-3-02 — Honorable Kipp E. Adcock
  113 North Main Street
  Moscow, PA 18444
• Magisterial District 45-3-03 — Honorable Sean P. McGraw
  38 North Main Street
  Carbondale, PA 18407
• Magisterial District 45-3-04 — Honorable Laura M. Turlip
  Archbald Borough Building
  400 Church Street, Second Floor
  Archbald, PA 18403

The names and addresses above are published by the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. Magisterial District Judges

Traffic, Summary Offenses, and Civil Cases

 

If you receive a traffic citation, non-traffic citation, or summons for a summary offense, the filing is commonly handled through the appropriate Magisterial District Court. These courts also handle many landlord-tenant cases, including possession actions and disputes over unpaid rent, as well as smaller civil cases involving contracts, property damage, unpaid invoices, and other monetary claims within the court’s jurisdiction.

Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System makes docket information available for many Magisterial District Court civil, criminal, traffic, non-traffic, and landlord-tenant matters. A docket search can help confirm a case number, hearing date, case status, or court location, but it should not replace careful review of official court notices. Court case information

Criminal Cases Begin at the District Court Level

 

For many misdemeanor and felony charges, the district court stage includes the preliminary arraignment, bail determination, preliminary hearing, and other early proceedings. These hearings can have a major impact on a criminal case. Bail conditions may affect where a person can live, whether they can travel, possess firearms, contact an alleged victim, or use alcohol or controlled substances.

A preliminary hearing also gives a defense lawyer an opportunity to evaluate the allegations, hear evidence, question witnesses, identify weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case, and preserve important testimony. In Lackawanna County, criminal preliminary hearings are generally handled through Central Court rather than at the individual district offices. MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE REESTABLISHMENT PROGRAM

What to Bring and How to Prepare

 

Bring your court notice, photo identification, case number, and any documents relevant to your hearing. Arrive early enough to clear security and find the correct courtroom. Do not contact witnesses, alleged victims, or co-defendants if your bail conditions prohibit it. If you are represented by counsel, follow your lawyer’s instructions about where and when to appear.

Missing a hearing can lead to serious consequences, including a bench warrant, additional fees, a default judgment in some civil matters, or license consequences in traffic cases. If you cannot attend because of an emergency, contact the court immediately and speak with a lawyer about your options.  While you do not necessarily need an attorney for all Magistrate proceedings, it is advisable to consult with an experienced litigator such as those at Francis Law.  We have appeared for 100's of clients at various magistrates in Lackwanna County and across Pennsylvania.

FAQ

 

What is the difference between a Magisterial District Court and Central Court?

Individual Magisterial District Courts serve local geographic districts and handle matters such as citations, civil claims, landlord-tenant cases, and local filings. Lackawanna County Central Court handles criminal preliminary hearings with district judges assigned on a rotating basis.

Where do DUI preliminary hearings take place in Lackawanna County?

DUI and other criminal preliminary hearings are generally handled through Lackawanna County Central Court at the Criminal Justice Center, 1360 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.

Can a magistrate decide a civil case?

Yes. Magisterial District Judges can hear qualifying civil claims up to $12,000, excluding interest and costs, as well as landlord-tenant disputes.

Can a magistrate send a felony case to trial?

An MDJ does not conduct the felony trial. At a preliminary hearing, the judge decides whether sufficient evidence exists for the charges to proceed to the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas.

What should I do if I am charged with a crime in Lackawanna County?

Review your paperwork immediately, do not miss a hearing, comply with all bail conditions, and speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.