Call Attorney Marni Jo Snyder 24 Hours / 7 Days:

215.515.3360
Marni Jo Snyder Marni Jo Snyder
  • Text
  • Email
  • Directions
  • Home
  • About
    • Firm Overview
    • Attorney Marni Jo Snyder
    • Attorney Brianna Shaw
    • Client Reviews
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense Lawyer
      • Assault Defense Lawyer
      • Drug Possession Defense Lawyer
      • DUI Defense Lawyer
      • Felony Conviction Defense Lawyer
      • Gun Charge Defense Lawyer
      • Homicide Defense Lawyer
      • Probation Violation Defense Attorney
      • Rape Defense Lawyer
      • Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
    • Philadelphia Election Law Lawyer
  • Resources
    • Case Results
    • FAQs
    • News & Press
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
    • Expert Witness
  • Contact Us
  • Free Consultation
215.515.3360
  1. Home
  2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  3. How Do You Read a PA Docket Sheet?

How Do You Read a PA Docket Sheet?

How Do You Read a PA Docket Sheet?

Reading a docket sheet in Pennsylvania is always easier if you understand legal language and formatting. If you cannot read a docket sheet yourself, then you may have a criminal defense attorney help you understand your docket sheet.

What Are Docket Sheets?

Docket sheets outline the most important details of a criminal case. Docket sheets generally contain:

  • The name of the defendant
  • The name of the defendant’s attorney(s)
  • The court that the case has been filed in
  • The filing date for the case
  • Any documents filed as part of the case
  • The offense the defendant is facing
  • Other facts relevant to the case

Docket sheets are summaries of the case, though they do not contain every detail from a case. Docket sheets are available through The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. The Clerk’s Office in a specific jurisdiction generally maintain docket sheets (and databases).

When Are Docket Sheets Used?

Docket sheets are used in most court proceedings. They can be used in civil cases and criminal cases. Docket sheets are formatted in a way that all parties to a case can interpret. However, the formatting may confuse someone who does not have experience reading or interpreting docket sheets.

Are Docket Sheets Difficult to Read?

They certainly can be. While you may be able to understand parts of a docket sheet, the organization and volume of information may be highly confusing. 

Specific courts and regions may have unique ways of formatting docket sheets. Numerical codes, punctuation, words, and other aspects of a docket sheet may not have obvious meaning if you’re unfamiliar with these documents.

You could take the time to research docket sheets in Pennsylvania. Even then, you may remain confused (despite spending significant time on research). The easiest way to understand docket sheets and other case-related matters may be to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.

For a free legal consultation, call 215.515.3360

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help You Understand a Docket Sheet?

A criminal defense attorney will know how to read a docket sheet. They will understand abbreviations (like “cr”, or “criminal”) and numerical sequences that are present on your case’s docket sheet. Just as importantly, a criminal defense attorney can defend you from pending criminal allegations.

What Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Do If You’re Facing Criminal Charges?

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, an attorney who handles criminal defense cases could be a lifeline for you.

Your criminal defense attorney can:

  • Help you with a docket sheet: As you now know, a criminal defense attorney is the most logical resource if you want to understand docket sheets.
  • Determine the nature of your case: Your criminal defense lawyer will listen to you, learning about the nature of the charges against you. They will also listen carefully to your side of the situation.
  • Investigate your case: Most criminal defense attorneys don’t simply rely on law enforcement’s investigations. They conduct investigations of their own. Your attorney may speak with witnesses, gather evidence, and complete a thorough investigation of your case.
  • Interpret the evidence: Evidence tells a story. The story that evidence in your case tells could determine how we approach your defense.
  • Recommend a legal strategy: Our attorneys provide honest advice to our clients. We will evaluate all available information and recommend a defense strategy. Ultimately, though, you will help determine the target outcome for your defense.
  • Seek a plea agreement (when appropriate): When it is appropriate and the client consents, we seek a plea agreement that minimizes harm to the person facing criminal charges.
  • Fight to dismiss cases at trial: When we go to trial, we seek the dismissal of criminal charges. We will go head-to-head with the prosecutors in your case.
  • Defend your rights: Defending a client’s rights is the main priority for our team. We’ll protect you from prosecutors and any other party that may try to take advantage of you.  

Now is not the time to fight alone. The state of Pennsylvania will not hesitate to impose serious legal consequences. If you don’t take your defense seriously, then your future could be changed forever—and not in a positive way.

Our team stands by ready to help. All you have to do is call.

Call Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC. Today for a Free Consultation

Attorney M.J. Snyder fights for those accused of criminal offenses in Pennsylvania. Snyder has a background as a public defender, which provided her firsthand experience with the state’s criminal justice system. She and her team will work hard to secure a dismissal or reduction of the charges pending against you.

Call Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC. today for a FREE consultation regarding your case. We’ll explain our firm’s credentials and how we can help you. Don’t wait to call.

What Our Clients Say
A Zealous Advocate

Marni Jo Snyder was my criminal defense lawyer. She successfully presented my case and won. Due to her zealous advocacy I was rightfully found not guilty. She was dependable and trustworthy. I always received very timely responses from her in correspondence. Marni Jo Snyder is down-to-earth and is always approachable. I would suggest anyone seeking a criminal defense attorney to contact her.

—Gina A.

FAQ Categories
  • Assault Defense
  • Cannabis Law
  • FAQs: Criminal Defense
  • Rape Defense
  • Sexual Assault
Named To Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Avvo's Highest Rating Of 'Superb'
9.3Marni Jo Snyder
Popular Updates
  • Security Electronic Tagging5 Things to Know About House Arrest in Pennsylvania
  • Guide to Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges in PennsylvaniaGuide to Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges in Pennsylvania
  • Original 1Ways Police Can Lie to You
Contact Information
Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC
1500 Walnut, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Map Directions

Call 24/7: 215.515.3360

Email: info@snyderlawyer.com

Fax: 215-376-6981


Tap To Send Text Message

Legal Notice

This website is for general informational purposes only. The act of sending an e-mail to the Firm or any attorney at the Firm, or submitting a form response or other materials through the website, will not create an attorney-client relationship. The only way to create an attorney-client relationship with the Firm is through a written agreement.Read More

  • Comprehensive Case Review
  • Legal Resources
  • FAQs
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact Us

© Copyright 2025 Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC | All Rights Reserved. | Site Map

Free Case Evaluation

Receive a phone call from attorney Marni Jo Snyder for a free initial consultation.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.