Magisterial District Courts are the first level of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System. They are presided over by Magisterial District Judges (MDJs) who are elected by the voters in each respective district. There are four magisterial districts in Clarion County.

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

Almost all criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors) begin in the Magisterial District Courts, which issue search warrants, arrest warrants, and summonses.

MDJs set bail, preside over preliminary arraignments, and preliminary hearings. It is during preliminary hearings where MDJs decide if there is enough information to forward a case to the Clarion County Court of Common Pleas for trial. MDJs can accept guilty pleas and impose sentence for certain misdemeanors.

MDJs also preside over summary trials for minor violations under the crimes code, traffic violations, violations of borough, city, and township ordinances, violations of game law, fish, and dog laws. Magisterial District Judges also handle emergency Protection from Abuse orders and perform weddings.

CIVIL JURISDICTION

The jurisdiction of Magisterial District Judges (MDJs) cover suits involving up to $12,000 in civil matters, such as suits for breach of contract and actions of trespass, in which matters they have the authority to hear the cases and render judgements. MDJs also have jurisdiction over landlord and tenant cases.

All rulings by Magisterial District Judges are subject to appeal to the Clarion County Court of Common Pleas.

• Order Realigning Magisterial Districts, March 4, 2013
• Amended Order Realigning Magisterial Districts, Sept 3, 2013

To search criminal dockets, non-traffic citations, traffic citations and civil suites, visit Magisterial District Courts Docket Sheets.

MAKE A PAYMENT ONLINE

To make court ordered payments, the PAePay option allows the public to securely pay fines, costs, and restitution to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Common Pleas and Magisterial District courts.

PAePay: Fines, Costs & Restitution