What to Do If You Receive a Court Summons in Pennsylvania
Receiving a court summons can be stressful, especially if you are unsure what it means or how to respond. Many Pennsylvanians mistake a summons for an arrest warrant or assume it can be ignored, but taking the right steps early can make all the difference in protecting your rights.
In this guide, our attorneys explain what a summons is, what happens if you don’t respond, and how to handle the process the right way.
What Is a Court Summons?
A court summons is an official notice from the court requiring you to appear at a specific time and place. It may be related to a criminal charge, a traffic offense, a civil lawsuit, or a summary citation.
Receiving a summons means you are being notified about legal action involving you. It does not automatically mean you are being arrested, but it does require a response.
In Pennsylvania, failing to respond to a summons can result in a bench warrant, additional charges, or loss of certain rights, even for minor offenses.
Types of Court Summons in Pennsylvania
Criminal Summons: Sent when you are charged with a misdemeanor or summary offense but not taken into custody.
Civil Summons: Issued in cases like debt collection, landlord-tenant disputes, or personal injury lawsuits.
Traffic or Summary Summons: Common for driving offenses or citations requiring a court appearance.
Each type has different deadlines and procedures, so reading every page of the notice carefully is essential.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After Receiving a Summons
1. Read the Entire Document Carefully
The first step is to read the summons completely. It will list the case number, type of charge or complaint, and your required appearance date. Look for any instructions about responding in writing or appearing in person.
2. Mark Your Appearance Date Immediately
Missing your scheduled court date can lead to a warrant for your arrest or a default judgment against you. Add the date to your calendar, notify your employer if necessary, and make arrangements to appear.
3. Do Not Ignore It
Even if you believe the case is a mistake, never ignore a summons. The court will continue the process with or without your participation, and that can make your situation much harder to fix later.
4. Contact a Pennsylvania Defense Attorney Right Away
An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the summons, explain your legal options, and help you prepare for court. In many cases, your lawyer can contact the court on your behalf, request continuances, or begin resolving the issue before your appearance date.
5. Gather Any Supporting Documents
If your summons is related to a specific event or claim, organize all records that might help your case. This could include photos, receipts, police reports, or witness statements.
6. Do Not Contact the Other Party Directly
If your summons involves another person or business, avoid direct contact. Let your attorney handle all communication to prevent misunderstandings that could harm your case.
What Happens If You Ignore a Summons
Failing to respond or appear can have serious consequences. In Pennsylvania, ignoring a criminal or traffic summons may result in:
A bench warrant for your arrest
Additional charges for failure to appear
Suspended driving privileges (for traffic-related cases)
Default judgment in civil cases
Once a warrant is issued, law enforcement may arrest you at home, work, or during a traffic stop. It is always easier to handle the situation before it reaches that stage.
How an Attorney Can Help
A local defense attorney can:
Review your summons and determine the best legal response
Contact the court or prosecutor’s office on your behalf
Negotiate reduced penalties or dismissal where possible
Represent you at all hearings and ensure deadlines are met
Even a minor citation can have lasting consequences if ignored. Working with an attorney early helps protect your record and reduces stress throughout the process.
Need Help With a Court Summons in Pennsylvania?
If you’ve received a court summons, don’t wait until the hearing date to act. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more options you have to resolve your case effectively.
At Sutton & Lovette Law Office, our experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys help clients throughout Cambria County and surrounding areas respond to court summonses, citations, and criminal charges with confidence.
Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the legal guidance you need before your court date.
