What if you are unhappy with the PA District Judge’s decision?
If you have followed the steps for representing yourself in Pennsylvania court that I posted here and here but disagree with how the District Justice finds in your claim, you can file an appeal with the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the District Justice's decision. You will then be given the option of moving the matter either to arbitration or what is called the general docket. The general docket means that you are seeking to have your case heard by a Jury and/or Judge in the Court of Common Pleas of your county. This is a much more formal process and will require you to pay close attention to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. At this point, I recommend that you seek legal counsel before proceeding "pro se".
Arbitration, on the other hand, is a process that is more formal than the District Justice level but less formal than appearing in front of a judge or jury. It is not uncommon for people to represent themselves in arbitration. Allegheny county allows matters where the amount in contest is less than $25,000.00 to be heard by an arbitration panel. Every county in Pennsylvania differs as to the amount in contest that can be handled by arbitration. Make sure you check the local rules or contact your county's clerk of courts. In arbitration your case will be heard by a panel of three arbitrators (local attorneys assigned at random) instead of a judge and jury. The panel will typically render a decision shortly after you present your case.
It is always your right to represent yourself at any level of court. However, just because you can represent yourself doesn't necessarily mean that you should. If your case is at all complicated or you get to the level of the Court of Common Pleas you should seriously consider seeking the counsel of an attorney versed in the law of your claim. Share this post :
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