A Notice of Appeal from Summary Conviction must be filed in the Clerk of Courts Office within this 30‑day period. A non‑refundable filing fee is required at the time the appeal is submitted.

If the defendant is found not guilty at the Summary Appeal hearing and no costs are imposed, any collateral previously paid to the Magisterial District Court will be refunded. If the citation is amended or the defendant remains guilty, all applicable fines, fees, and costs required by law, local rule, or Administrative Order of Court must be paid. Any money paid to the Magisterial District Court will be credited to the case.

Fee Waiver (In Forma Pauperis)

If you cannot afford the Summary Appeal filing fee, you may request a waiver by submitting an In Forma Pauperis Petition. The Court of Common Pleas will review the petition to determine financial eligibility.
If the petition is denied and you wish to proceed with the appeal, the filing fee must be paid.

Appealing Multiple Citations

More than one citation may be included on the same appeal form if all citations were issued by the same officer during the same incident.

After Filing the Appeal

When the appeal is filed, a Summary Appeal docket number (SA) will be assigned. The District Attorney’s Office will notify you of your hearing date approximately two weeks before the hearing.

Information Needed for the Notice of Appeal

• Issuing Authority Docket Number(s)
• Citation Number(s)
• Magisterial District Court Number
• Name and address of the affiant (police officer)

This information is available on your citation or may be obtained by contacting the appropriate Magisterial District Court.

Nunc Pro Tunc (Late Filing Requests)

If the 30‑day filing period has passed, you may file a Nunc Pro Tunc Petition asking the Court for permission to file an appeal after the deadline. If the judge grants the petition, you may then file the Summary Appeal.
A filing fee is required for the Nunc Pro Tunc Petition in addition to the regular Summary Appeal filing fee.
The Clerk of Courts Office does not provide Nunc Pro Tunc forms. Please seek legal assistance.
See the Fee Schedule for applicable fees.

If your citation has resulted in a driver’s license suspension, you may request a delay of the suspension, revocation, or disqualification while your appeal is pending.

To do so:
• Request a certified copy of your Notice of Appeal from the Clerk of Courts Office when you file. See the Fee Schedule for applicable fees.
• Complete a Request for Delay form.
• Mail both documents to PennDOT, Correspondence Unit, PO Box 68618, Harrisburg, PA 17106.

Note: If you are appealing only the license suspension—not the underlying citation—contact the Prothonotary’s Office.