Municipal Court - Criminal Division

The Municipal Court’s Criminal Division deals with misdemeanor and felony charges for adults with a sentence of up to 5 years of incarceration. The Criminal Division also deals with non-traffic summary charges for adults and juveniles. Learn about the differences between these case types below.

You can also find the same information by searching for recently filed cases or for upcoming court dates.

Summary Cases

Summary charges are mainly quality of life issues that impact communities. Some examples include riding a train without paying for a ticket (theft of services), damaging property (criminal mischief), and underage drinking. If you have a non-traffic summary charge, you will have a hearing where a trial commissioner explains your options. If you have a summary charge that involves a traffic violation, please contact the Traffic Division.

Misdemeanor Cases

A misdemeanor is more serious than a summary charge but less serious than a felony. Misdemeanors may include stealing property (thefts), driving under the influence (DUI), assault, and drug offenses. If you have a misdemeanor charge, you will have a preliminary arraignment. Misdemeanor sentences usually involve a jail term less than one year, probation, or participation in a diversion program or Problem Solving Court. Learn more about the criminal process, diversion programs, and Problem Solving Courts.

Felony Cases

Felonies are the most serious type of criminal charge. Felonies often involve violence with severe physical harm (or threats) to someone else. Felonies can also include non-violent actions such as dealing drugs and fraud (fraudulent schemes). If you have a felony charge, you will have a preliminary arraignment. Felony cases have preliminary hearings in Municipal Court and may be moved to the Common Pleas Court. Felony sentences may involve a prison term of at least one year, probation, or participation in a diversion program or Problem Solving Court. Learn more about the criminal process, diversion programs, and Problem Solving Courts.