Summary Appeals

Procedure
Follow these instructions to file a summary appeal of traffic offenses, truancy, summary ordinances and summary crime code violations.

Not accepted for filing:

• All Civil Cases, including Landlord – Tenant disputes
• License suspensions, registration suspension, etc.
• These are filed with the Civil/Family Division of Court Records which is located on the First Floor of the City-County Building.

Filing Instructions

File in person.

Deadline
Within 30 calendar days of the decision.

Hours for Filing
Weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Location
The Department of Court Records, Criminal Division
Room 114, Allegheny County Courthouse
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-350-5329

Cost
$94.00, non-refundable filing fee, paid by money order or cash.

• No Personal Checks Will Be Accepted.
• Please note: Anyone who is without financial the resources to pay these costs may, by completing an “In Forma Pauperis Petition” in Room 114, request the court to waive the fees. Bring proof of income, such as Social Security, Disability, Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment, Public Assistance, proof of being a full time high school or college student.

You will need the Magisterial District Judge’s name and address and the name and address of the Police Officer or Affiant who filed the original charges. Additionally, have in your possession, all other information pertinent to the case, including date of citation, citation number, date of conviction, violation and section number.

Types of Summary Appeals

1. All Traffic Tickets (if traffic ticket results in driver’s license suspension, a separate appeal must be filed in the Civil/Family Division)
2. Truancy
3. All Summary ordinances (for example: Housing Court, Health Department, and Wage Tax Violations)
4. All Summary Crime Code Violations including:
   • Harassment
   • Defiant Trespass
   • Underage Drinking
   • Disorderly Conduct
   • Obstructing Traffic
   • Bad Checks
   • Dog Law Violations
   • Retail Theft