Mercer County Court System
FAQs: Court Administration
FAQs
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| Q. | What should I do if I received (or was served) papers that I am being sued? |
| A. | If you have an attorney, please contact him or her. If you do not have an attorney, you may want to contact the Mercer County Bar Association at 724 342-3111 or Northwest Pa. Legal Services at 724 346-6112. These offices may be able to help you find an attorney. |
| Q. | Where can I pay fines and costs due in a criminal case? |
| A. | You may pay fines and costs at the Office of the Clerk of Courts, located on the first floor of the courthouse. If you are referring to a traffic ticket, your should pay that at the Magisterial District Judge's office in the district where the citation originated. |
| Q. | I received a paper telling me to appear in court, but I lost that paper. What should I do? |
| A. | First, contact your attorney (if you have one). If you do not have an attorney, you can call Court Administration, but please have as much information as possible with you. A case number or any other information will help us to help you. |
| Q. | Who should I contact upon receiving a subpoena as a witness in a case? |
| A. | Please note which office issued the paper, then contact that office. |
| Q. | Can I represent myself in court if I do not have or want an attorney? |
| A. | You may represent yourself in court, if you choose. Please note that if you do represent yourself, it may place you at a disadvantage if the other side is represented by an attorney. The law and court procedures are fairly complex and generally not understood as well by people who are not trained in the law. |
| Q. | Can I come in and discuss my case with a judge? |
| A. | No. A judge must hear all sides in a case. Just as you would not want the other side in your case discussing matters with a judge without you being there, the same applies to you. However, if you receive notice to appear in court and you do not show up, the court may proceed without you. There is also the possibility you may be held in contempt for failure to appear. |
| Q. | Can I get legal advice from the court offices (like Court Administration)? |
| A. | Court staff cannot give legal advice. We will try to help you find the right office to answer your questions, but only attorneys can give legal advice. |
| Q. | Where can I do legal research? |
| A. | The Law Library, located in the lower level of the Mercer Courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Law Librarian can help you find material, but cannot research for you or give legal advice. |