No, Court employees are not permitted to give legal advice on any topic. Please consult a private attorney or, if you are unable to afford your own attorney, contact:
- The York County Bar Association at 717-854-8755, or use their lawyer referral program
- The York County Bar Association's Modest Means Program
- Mid Penn Legal Services at 717-848-3605
- In criminal matters, the York County Public Defender's Office at 717-771-9217 or view their website for more information
You have 10 days after receiving a citation from an officer or summons from the Court to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Failure to respond will result in the issuance of an Arrest Warrant. (Please see the reverse side of your citation.)
For information on points assigned by PennDOT for traffic violations, see The Pennsylvania Point System.
If you are attending or participating in Court, proper attire is recommended and respectful conduct is expected.
When presenting a case in court, the Affiant (Criminal) or Plaintiff (Civil) always proceeds first. This is done by means of testimony, presenting evidence and/or witnesses. The Defendant always proceeds second and may present testimony, evidence and/or witnesses. Witness testimony is subject to cross examination by the opposing party. All parties are subject to the PA Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure as well as the PA Rules of Evidence.
It is the obligation of the Affiant or Plaintiff to prove their case (the burden in Criminal cases is beyond a reasonable doubt, and in Civil cases by a preponderance of evidence.)
Your success depends on doing your homework! It is important to bring all relevant documentation and persons with knowledge to testify to prove or defend your case.
Carefully read and follow all the instructions sent to you from the Court. Please respond in writing if you intend to defend. If you wish to file a counter-claim, you must do so within the time frames permitted. For legal questions, please consult a private attorney or, if you are unable to afford your own attorney, contact:
- The York County Bar Association at 717-854-8755, or use their lawyer referral program
- The York County Bar Association's Modest Means Program
It is not required that you be represented by an attorney. However, if you are facing imprisonment for a summary offense or if you are accused of a Misdemeanor or Felony OR if you feel it is in your best interest to be represented, you should obtain or at the very least consult an attorney.
All continuance requests are subject to approval at the discretion of the Court. Continuance requests must be in writing and must state the reason for the continuance request. All continuances must be received at least two (2) business days prior to the Trial or Hearing.
Click on the link below to view the County of York holiday schedule for the current year.
When a holiday falls on a Saturday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be observed the following Monday (unless defined otherwise by bargaining unit agreement or operations of a department).
