In Allegheny County, if you are convicted of a summary offense such as harassment, disorderly conduct, retail theft, defiant trespassing, or underage drinking, then you should seriously consider filing a summary appeal.

If you file a summary appeal within 30 days of the conviction, you will be given a new trial – known by attorneys as a trial de novo – in the Court of Common Pleas.

There often is no transcript of the original summary trial conducted before your local magistrate. Thus, a summary appeal provides a second opportunity to have the charges against you dismissed.

At Spivak Law Firm, we handle summary trials, summary appeals, and expungements of criminal records. To schedule a free consultation, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.