District Justices
in Millcreek Township

The following is information you may need to know if you should need to go before a District Justice.

Millcreek has two Justices, Paul Manzi covering the Township west of Pittsburgh Ave. and Susan Strohmeyer covering the Township east of Pittsburg Ave.

Susan Strohmeyer

9333 Tate Road
Suite 109
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 451-6511
(814) 451-7417 - Fax

G. Paul Manzi

3608 West 26th Street
Suite 104
Erie, PA 16506-2035
Telephone: (814) 451-6518
Fax: (814) 451-6519

COURT CASES

CRIMINAL

Traffic

Traffic cases are summary offenses initiated by a traffic citation issued by a law inforcement officer, handed to the defendant (when possible), and then filed in the court.

Non Traffic

Non-traffic criminal cases are summary offenses initiated by a law inforcement officer. Non-traffic citations are issued for violations of State criminal statutes and municipal ordinances.

Private Criminal Complaint

A complaint can be filed privately by anyone other then law inforcement. While filed in Magisterial District Court, it may need approval by the District Attorney.

CIVIL

Civil/Small Claims

Civil claims seeking a monetary judgement not to exceed $12,000.00 can be filed in the magisterial district court. Defendants are entitled to file a cross-complaint to be heard at the same time.

Landlord/Tenant

A Landlord seeking possession of a property, and/or rent and damages not to exceed $12,000.00 can file the cases in the district court

COURT PROCEEDINGS

THE JUDGE

A Magisterial District Judge cannot provide any guidance to a plaintiff or defendant in a case. The Judge's role is to maintain a neutral and detached position.
It is the responsibility of each litigant to present to the court the information to be considered in rendering a fair decision. The standard for judgement in criminal cases is "beyond a reasonable doubt," and in civil cases, the standard is the "preponderance of the evidence."

PLAINTIFF/AFFIANT

When presenting a case in court, the affiant(criminal) or plaintiff(civil) always proceeds first. This is done my means of testimony, presenting evidence and/or witnesses. Witnesses are subject to cross-examination by the Defendant. All parties are subject to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.

DEFENDANT

When presenting a case in court, the defendant always proceeds second. This is done by means of testimony, presenting evidence and/or witnesses. Witnesses are subject to cross-examination by the Plaintiff/Affiant. All parties are subject to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.

BE PREPARED

RESPONDING TO A CITATION

Defendants 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.

RESPONDING TO A CIVIL COMPLAINT

Carefully read and follow all instructions that come from the court, and respond with your intent to defend or cross-complaint within the time frame permitted.

ATTORNEY SERVICES

If you are a plaintiff or a defendant in any of these cases before a magisterial district court, it is not required that you be represented bye an attorney. However, if you feel it is your best interest to be represented, you may hire an attorney. If you need assistance, you can call the Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service toll free at 1-800-692-7375, or check your local Bar Association or yellow pages.

COURTROOM DEMEANOR